Phil's Place

Overjoyed Indeed.

2009-01-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

My group didn't get very far in our Conversation Club Conversation. On the other hand, it was a jaw-dropping hour of watching God work. We barely touched the first question. "When is a time you have been overjoyed?"

I knew that the other 3 in my group were Christians, which is a strangely wonderful since there aren't tons of Christians in the city...and 3 of them were at my table. We got no further than the first question on our topic sheet before one of them started sharing about some mission trips she'd been on. Each time she serves somewhere for Christ, she is 'overjoyed', she said. How cool, and what a great witness, to have another in the group to share about mission trips! At that point, I sort of let the others find out on their own that they were all Christians desiring to follow God. The rest of the hour just turned into mostly the 3 of them totally encouraging one another. I found that it's difficult for each of them to even share about Christ with their families, as most of their family members think it's crazy and that they are in a sect. They were able to help each other and share ways that the Lord has comforted them. We also talked a lot about evangelism and how that works here and how it can be so hard to share Christ with friends who will think you're crazy. It was really neat to see how each of them are working through these things and how they are relying on God and the Word for help and guidance in sharing Christ with friends. It was great to be a part of such Christian encouragement! We even ended our time with prayer (which doesn't usually happen at a regular conversation club) and as soon as I mentioned praying together, all three of them just got so excited. Just to be united with other Christians and know they aren't alone. Wow. I even got a little teary during the prayer time, just to that God IS working here, even though things take a little longer in this environment. It was so invigorating to be involved in a conversation about serving God with people who want to do that with all their heart. You can see it in their eyes. They are overjoyed.

A Christmas Greeting

2008-12-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas Shopping - Modern and Medieval

2008-12-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas shopping here in Czech Republic is both really similar and totally different than in the USA. Don't worry, there are plenty of malls where you can find anything and everything you need, and of course, all that you don't need as well. They are all well-equipped with big food courts, lots of stores, ATM machines, and big Christmas trees and snow men! Oh yeah, and just as many people as you'd find in American malls. Some of my friends claim that they don't really like shopping at the big malls, but there are definitely a lot of Czechs who do like it.

But if the crowds INSIDE get you down, there's always the outdoor Christmas shopping! In the outdoor Christmas market in the main square in town. I don't know how long this market has been a tradition, but it must be a long time. Here you can find some actual hand-crafts, some claimed-to-be hand-crafts (that probably aren't), and some random little shops with purses, pillows and other things that have nothing to do with being a hand-craft. And then there's the unique Christmas market food! You can try a bramborak (potato pancake), langosh- my new favorite - (a big piece of fried dough with garlic, cheese, and ketchup on it), klobasa (sausage), or a trdlnik (an amazingly delicious hollow cylinder of fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar)! And of course, everything there is totally greasy! There also a stage set up to watch some traditional dances.

So, please don't think that this country is a stranger to the modern mall or that the modern mall is the only way to shop here. I must say we've got the best of both worlds for Christmas shopping!

End of Summer, Beginning of Fall...

2008-08-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Euro-Conference and more!
Each year, we get together with others serving in Europe and have a great time of worship, sharing, and teaching for a week. This is always a great time. And this year we were in Germany...my first time there! After that, our team spent an extra day in the area just enjoying spending time together - at LegoLand and a really cool castle!

Testimony Night

LegoLand

A not-so-crazy roller coaster

Castle Neuschwanstein, Germany
(Walt Disney took his idea for the Disney castle from this one!)

Me, with a nice German hat

Me, with a dark, forboding castle...or just stormclouds

Kids' Day!

2008-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

One of our big events at Majak this summer was our Kids' Day. It's been awhile since we've had a time for the community to come and see what Majak is all about. We had lots of families come during the day and some good connections were made!

Camp!

2008-08-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

We just finished with our English/Sports Camp and it was really a great time! In fact, of the 5 Czech camps that I've been a part of, I think there was more of an openness about spiritual things at this one than the others. Each day, I taught a beginner English class, did some fun/crazy team games (I can tell those good stories later), and I led worship for our evening rallies (when I had a voice to sing with!). I was also able to share my testimony with the group of over 80 campers and tell about God's leading in my life. It just seemed like there were so many who had some really good, spiritually-seeking questions. I'm looking forward to connecting with a lot of these campers in the next few weeks! Here are a few pictures I have, but there'll be more to come as I grab them from other people's cameras! :)

My English Class

A funny skit from my English class

Honza and me

2 Phils and 2 Peters

At the after-camp worship service/cookout at Majak

me, what can i say

what's left after the cookout

Hillsong/Matt Redman

2008-07-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, our church had the awesome opportunity to go to a Matt Redman/Hillsong London worship "concert" in a town a couple hours from Brno in Czech Republic. It was a very cool experience for our youth group to be a part of (and me, too, 'cause it was just cool!). There was some great worship music...although most of it was in English, of course (but they did sing a bit of one song in Czech)...but even better than that was the chance to see how many other Christians and churches there are here, represented at the concert. I went away reminded that God, indeed, is at work in this country! I pray that we'd continue to love as Jesus loved and share His amazing love with all we see.

The Billa Card

2008-05-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

I know I should be blogging about something a little more substantial after NOT blogging for so long, but I had to share. Today, I worked up the courage to turn in my application for a discount card at our local grocery store, Billa. I know it sounds stupid, but I'd been wondering for so long why some people had this special card in line at the grocery store, and why the nice "Billa ladies" (the store workers) always asked about it but never really told me how I could get one. They also realized my limited Czech and I think they just wanted to scoot me out of the store as quickly as possible.
Well, one day, months ago, I finally worked up the courage and vocabulary to ask how I could get a card. Laughingly, the nice Billa lady, Sona, explained and gave me an application. In the weeks before this, she had begun to realize that I STILL didn't have a Billa card, even though she continued to ask me each time I came through her line.
All that to say...today was my day. I waited until Sona was working the cash register and didn't have much of a line and proudly handed her my application and said something in Czech about how I finally brought it in. And she handed me my Billa Club Card. I have NEVER been so proud of a card I've gotten. And now I know that Billa is 'Víc než nakupování,' as it says on the card. (More than Shopping!)

Visa: In Process

2008-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

A big "PRAISE THE LORD" for His help with my Visa situation! The original Visa must be applied for out of the country, at the Czech Embassy. Which means a trip to Vienna, Austria, about 2 hours away. This also means that it's important to have all the needed documents ready before the big day. There was one document from the city (my work permit) that the office said would be impossible to get in time for the Embassy trip. This was also around the time that I sent out a big note to everyone asking them to pray, pray, pray! Well, God hears and listens. I received this impossible-to-get paper about 12 hours before I left for Vienna.

Wow. God is good.

So, I made the trip to Vienna on the 3AM bus, and got there at about 5:15. Before even Starbucks was open. That's early.
The actual time IN the Embassy was so easy it was almost scary. I had heard many horror stories of missionaries having a hard time there, having to completely fill out the application again, and having to make an extra trip back because their paperwork was wrong. I had none of that. In fact, it was all done in about 20 minutes.
So, I thank you for your prayers. And I praise the Lord.

A good day.

2008-01-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

Not just good, but my favorite. My favorite day is Tuesday. There are about 2 hours on Tuesday that make this day so great. This is the day we have our Conversation Club, where we get together and talk about a certain topic, in English, for an hour. This week was not only our highest attendance, but also a fun reunion of many friends we haven't seen in a few weeks.

This Tuesday's topic was fun to talk about and we got into a few interesting discussions (this happens every week, and I love it!!!), but, for me, the coolest part is the community that is forming in the group. People that have been coming for even just a few weeks take such ownership of it and do all they can to make new "conversers" feel at ease as they speak their English. They also are developing some real, true friendships with others in the group.

The smile and excitement on my friend Jirka's face as he came in after being gone for a couple weeks is still burned into my head. People love coming to this evening. Why? I'm still trying to figure that out. I know that they love to practice English and that we Americans are nice. But it's way, way more than that. That's the amazing part. We teachers are just running to keep up with how God is working in such subtle, but HUGE, ways in this group. We don't know of anything extra-amazing that we're doing to make it what it is. We're just hosting. The Lord is running the show. That's very clear. It's been 24 hours since Conversation Club ended and I still get a big smile on my face just thinking about it.

I don't know if all that rambling makes sense to you or not. I hope it does, but I think it's something you just have to experience. And I hope, wherever you are, that you are experiencing it. We can just feel God's presence as we begin each Conversation Club. It's sort of indescribable. But, I wanted to try to describe it.

Party at Phil's Place

2008-01-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

We had our second annual "friend party." I guess it really doesn't have a name. For the second year in a row, a few of us single missionaries just invited a few of our close friends to my place and we just hung out together and then sang Christmas carols together. This year we had 25 there! It was great to just take the opportunity to clearly express how much they truly mean to us. We met many of these people at camps, classes or other random places around, but now they are more than just acquaintances, they are our friends. It was a really meaningful time for me! Here are some pictures...

The whole, big group

My Christmas Tree
Me, teaching the importance of Skyline Chili Dip!
Christmas Carol Time!

Some crazy faces...

And good apple pie
The happy hosts

It's A Wonderful Life

2007-12-23T15:25:00.001-08:00

I'm a sucker for this movie. I have been ever since my mom made me watch it one Christmas when I was younger. Now I HAVE to watch it every year. I just finished watching it and I got to thinking about the "gift" that George Bailey was given - to see what things would be like if he'd never been born. It made me wonder what my "world" would be like if I had never been a part of it. And, ya know, I think it would be different. I hope so. There are many, many times, that life is tough and feels a little futile. What I am a part of here in Czech Republic is not quick work and it is easy to become discouraged. But, as I thought about it, I realize there really are many here who are different because I have been a part of their lives. As a follower of Christ, I really pray that this difference is due to the fact that God is working in my life and therefore, through my life and into other's lives. So, I dare you to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" this year and just think about your own life. Think about those in your world who are different because of your influence in their lives...and pray for them. And, enjoy the adventures of George and Bailey and Clarence the angel.

Conversation Club

2007-12-19T02:01:00.000-08:00

My favorite time of the week is Tuesday evening. This is when we have our Conversation Club. The setup is completely simple. We provide coffee and a paper with a few questions dealing with a certain topic and everyone just talks. The draw, of course, for this is that they are speaking in English. Some of our past topics have been things like family, truth, and 'would you rather...' questions. Good, but not brain surgery. But, I tell you what, the Lord meets with us each Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM. It is simply amazing. Each week throughout the semester, we've had no less than 14 Czechs come and talk with us. The funny thing is that only a couple of these Czechs are Christians. But we can feel, really feel, God's presence there each week. Last night was our last conversation club until after Christmas, which was sad. The theme for last night was "Christmas." We were blessed to have Pastor Phil Nettleton come last night and lead a group. He was even able to end his group's time in prayer. This is very unusual for nearly anyone who comes. But this is the amazing thing. People are learning more about God through this informal conversation time. We are seeing people opening themselves up to us and softening their hearts to God. Each week, as we teachers wash the coffee cups afterward, we just stand around, in awe, and talk about the unbelievable ways we saw God work in the conversations. How people made comments and asked questions about things that only God could coordinate in our conversation time. Sometimes we talk about it through tears, both of happiness and amazement and of sadness for those of our friends here who don't know Jesus personally, but are so close. We can clearly see that people are coming and enjoying this time not only because they can come and enjoy English conversation, but because they can come and have interesting, intelligent conversations about topics. Please pray for these friends.

McDonald's in Czech

2007-11-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

I just had some McDonald's for lunch today and I thought I'd share about my experience. First of all, I had received a coupon to use there, which was my motivation for going. Instead of being a normal value meal (or menu, as we call it here) coupon, it was for a double cheeseburger, a small drink, and of course, a pack of Mentos. They actually forgot to give me my Mentos and I didn't ask for them.

I always get thrown off a bit at McDonald's. It's an American place where I feel like I should feel comfortable, especially with language things. After all, you can go in and order a "hamburger" or "cheeseburger." That's where culture shock comes in here. If I would, however, order a "hamburger" with my typical American accent, I will only succeed in getting blank, scared, or ever annoyed looks from the nice McDonald's workers. What the cash register people want me to say is the word "hamburger" with an incredible number of rolling r's and oddly pronounced vowel sounds. I have learned to form my mouth to do those things in order to get my greasy burger, but it's tough. After I had finished ordering and was waiting for my food to be ready, I listened to the guy at the register next to me. I knew he was ordering McDonald's food and I vaguely recognized that they were the same words as in English, but it was amazing how fast he was spitting those words out, and with an entirely European accent. Almost unrecognizable. But that's one of the neat things of living here. I'm not only learning Czech language, but also how to say some American words with a good, ol' Czech accent!

English Teachers' Retreat

2007-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

One of my main responsibilities here in Brno is director of the English program at Majak. We've got a great team of teachers this semester: Sabrina Hadsell, Marian Graham, Alicia Robertson, Kristy Baysinger, and me. Before we started the semester we took a little retreat to get away and plan for our English semester. Our planning was not only for logistical issues, but a lot of it was spiritual preparation and praying for our students, many of whom we hadn't even met yet. It was a great...and very important...time for our team. It just always amazes me to see how God can take a group of otherwise strangers and bring them together to work for His glory.

And, yes, we had just a little bit of fun too. Our retreat location was the little town of Telc, a couple hours from Brno. We stayed right in the center of town and it happened to be right during the time of a Medieval Festival. Let me tell you, a medieval festival IN Europe is amazing. Enjoy the pictures!

Majak English Teachers: Kristy, Marian, Phil, Alicia, Sabrina

Telc from a church tower

Telc!

Telc from our penzion window

Medieval Festival at Telc

Telc - I love it!

Me, trying my hand at shooting a medieval, high tech bow and arrow

Drinking Kofola, Czech's own special beverage. It's basically Coke and black licorice...sound good?!

Recap...

2007-11-04T06:20:00.000-08:00

The bad blogger is back. It's just sick that the last time I blogged was in the summer. So much has happened since then. But then, I seem to say that every time I blog. I am even afraid to make a new commitment to blog more, but I'm going to try. So, anyway, I'm going to do a little pictorial recap of the last few months to give you an idea of what's been happening with me here in Czech.

First, I had a great flatmate for the summer, Traver Butcher! He was here for 4 months and in October went back across the ocean. I miss him, and I find that I'm talking to myself a little more at home now.
Traver and me at some castle ruins that we visited at English Camp

No summer is complete without a few trips to Prague. We even made one of them in the middle of the night.
In July, we had to say goodbye to our great friends, the McNett's. We miss them a lot here in Czech, but God is already doing great things through them in Michigan!

ENGLISH CAMP - PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN

There were pirates everywhere!
The best camp team ever - The Deadly Deck Swabbers

Many of you have heard my exciting camp game stories. This year I just added to the collection of these stories. This picture shows one game where our team had to build a raft of entirely natural materials, put "a fire" on it, have four people swim it across the lake (that was me!) without getting their hair or flesh singed off, take it onto the land on the other side, and cook an egg in a pan on the fire. The first team to hard boil the egg was the winner. Somehow, that was us!

THE ROMAN HOLIDAY

A few of us took a week off and took an 18 hour bus ride to Rome, Italy. This is us at the Colosseum.
Some of the forum ruins
A weird picture taken at the Spanish steps, still in Rome.
A strange highlight for us Protestants was seeing the Pope. We got tickets to a Pope "viewing" and were blessed by him in a number of languages.
And of course, some good, ole Italian gelato!!!

WORK WEEK: THE TRILOGY

In September, in order to bring our ministry center up to fire code, we had a work week. This week turned into 3 weeks where we dry walled all the ceilings in the English department, then mudded, sanded, painted and repainted and then steam-cleaned all the carpets. It was a long week, but we've got some nice looking ceilings now!

Some of our handiwork!

The Rafting Trip!

2007-08-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

During July, I went with our youth group and a few others on a week long rafting trip. There were 20 of us all together. We left on a midnight train and arrived at our starting point about 8 hours later. We rafted 4 full days and took a couple days off to see castles in Czech Republic. Another great part of our trip was just being together at the camp sites each night. It's amazing how well you can get to know others just by spending time together for a week!

A few from our group, floating down the river...

Taking a rest at the side of the river...

Me...

Castle Karlstejn, one of the most famous in Czech Republic...

Our group, very tired at the end of the trip...

Phil's Birthday!

2007-07-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm 30!!!!!!!!! Some of the missionaries gave me a fun party and they all brought 30 of various random things to me as gifts. So, now I have 30 plastic spoons, coffee beans, kleenexes, matches, straws, and more. Very practical! And fun!!! Here are a few highlights from the little extravaganza!

My new apartment-mate, Traver and me and my 30 coffee beans

Sabrina and the 30 prayer cards of herself

Alicia and my 30 kleenexes

Jason and Kerensa and my 30 beverages, including, tea, coffee, and Kool-Aid

And, of course, the cake! Here's me killing it.

Where I am...

2007-06-19T13:59:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd add a couple pictures of Brno and some of the surrounding area. Enjoy!

HERE'S BRNO!!!

Beatiful Brno from the top of Castle Spilberk

In the "Geographical Center of Europe" in the Cabbage Market in Brno
(also where Napoleon commanded his troops, which we are demonstrating!)

The nice, but hazy, skyline of Brno from my balcony

Schodova Ulice (Stairway Street), just next to where I live

From the top of Schodova, looking into Luzanky Park

AND NOW TO PRAGUE, CAPITAL OF CZECH REPUBLIC,
ABOUT 3 HOURS FROM BRNO

Looking at Prague Castle from the Charles Bridge

St. Vitas Cathedral, in Prague

MAC Banquet

2007-06-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pictures from the banquet that Majak hosted for the 3 sports teams we sponsor. There is a beach volleyball team, a floorball team, and hockeyball team. You may not have heard of the last two, but they both have some similarities to hockey and are pretty fun to watch. The other guy in this picture is Michal, my language helper and one of my good friends. He is on the floorball team and gave a speech at the banquet and here he's holding his trophy!

Me, Michal, and his girlfriend

After the banquet, some of the players tried volleyball in suits

And this is just me, making coffee at our coffee shop at Majak... Coffee = Happy Phil

IWU Ministry Team

2007-05-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hi faithful blog readers! This time I want to write to you about the great team of students from Indiana Wesleyan University who came to minister in Czech Republic They were mainly involved in teaching different parts of an intensive English course during the two weeks they were here. Each student chose an area of expertise and taught it to our students. They did an amazing job at building on relationships that we had already started with our students. Besides the English course ministry, many of them were also involved in sports and music ministries, sharing in local schools, helping out with work around Majak, and just being a blessing to the missionaries here! I hope you enjoy the pictures!

The IWU team

We ended our intensive course with a big party for all the students to thank our visiting teachers

This is one of our students, Martin, eating his first Jell-O egg!

We even had time to find a few LOST fans and watch a bit!

An April Hike

2007-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

In April, some of our English students invited the English teachers on a little spring hike. Little did we know that the hike would not just be a quick, quiet walk through the woods, but a long hike over steep, rocky hills around the city of Brno. But, as you can see from the pictures, we had a great time! I'm so glad we've had so many chances like this one to get to know our students better.

After the hike, we went back to Petr's house for supper. This is me sitting by a chart of Thai fish. Interesting.

Valentine's Party

2007-04-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

We had a fun, and rather different, Valentine's Day party for English students. Instead of having a "program," we decided to just have a fun spaghetti supper and give the students time to chat. It was my favorite English gathering so far! It really proved to be a wonderful time to get to know the students better and even begin a few spiritual conversations! And the students loved the extra time to practice their English with some native speakers!

Bad blogger!!!

2007-03-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad blogger...again! I can't believe that the last thing I posted on here was from Thanksgiving! In my defense, though, I had computer problems for a couple of months. So I have lots to tell. I'll try to post quite a few pictures, though, and let them do the talking. Enjoy!!! Here's a few now and I'll post more later.

This is our missionary team picture for Christmas 2006. It's such a blessing having this wonderful family here in Brno.

This is from the Christmas party I had at my home at Christmas. A couple of the missionaries invited many of our friends for fun, food, and games. This is my friend Marek and his girlfriend.
These are my fiends Ivo and Lukas at the Christmas party. Many of you have heard me talk about Ivo! He is a great guy and I pray that God will draw him to Himself.

Thanksgiving!

2006-12-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

We were recently able to share with our English students about our American Thanksgiving holiday. This is special and interesting to many of them since they neither celebrate it nor know much about it. We sang some holiday songs, played a Thanksgiving trivia game and many of them ate their very first piece of American apple crisp! The best part of the evening was when Andy, one of our teachers and missionaries, shared his testimony with the crowd of over 50 people. Many of these students seem very receptive to the Gospel and are beginning to ask some great questions about faith. I can't wait to see how God grows the seeds that He has planted!

Students and teachers at Thanksgiving party

Students at Thanksgiving party

Technical Difficulties

2006-12-05T01:51:00.000-08:00

Some of you might have realized that I am having some trouble getting my most recent prayer letter out to you. I am still working on this and hope to have it out to you soon! Things are going very well here in Czech and I thank you greatly for your prayers and support!

Bonfire!

2006-11-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

I'm back! I've got a lot of things to share on this blog from the last month or two, so I'll work post just a little at a time. Now, I want to tell you about the bonfire we had for our English students in October. Each month, we try to have a big get-together for all the English students. This is a chance for them to interact with other English speakers and practice their English and for them to hear about what we Americans are doing here and ultimately, about God. It's also gives the Americans a great opportunity to get to know our students on a more personal basis. We had around 35 there and sang some fun songs around the bonfire. We also roasted some of the best spekacky (typical Czech sausage for bonfires) I've had in this country! Then Sabrina Hadsell gave a short testimony of what God has done in her life. She did a great job of inviting the students to look into who Jesus really is and to learn more about Him. I know God used this time to work in the lives of these students.

I'll post about our Thanksgiving party next week!!!

Two students roasting Spekacky by the fire

2006-11-18T04:26:00.000-08:00

Sabrina sharing her testimony, Vladimir translating

2006-11-18T04:23:00.000-08:00

Campers roasting Spekacky

English Classes

2006-10-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the first week of English classes here at Majak Ministry Center is finished and the second is about to begin! And, it's been great!

Since I will be focusing mainly on language learning for the first 6 months-1 year that I'm here, I do not have a heavy load of English courses. I am teaching the Introduction English class two nights a week. This class is for students who have very little, if any, English langauge training. I love this class...it is such a fun challenge for me! We've already learned the alphabet, numbers, and how to introduce ourselves. I've also gotten a chance to practice my (not-so-great) Czech with them, since that don't understand much of the English that I speak.

I have 7 students in this class and I know that God brought them here for a reason. Please pray with me that I will take opportunities to share the love of Christ with them in a variety of ways, throughout the semester.

In Brno...

2006-09-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

Well, folks, I made it! In my thinking, it took a really, really long time of fund raising to get to the Czech Republic...but I realize that it's been all in God's perfect timing. I'm not just saying that. I really believe that He brought me here on September 14 for a reason.

Part of the reason for believing this is God has shown Himself in such amazing and clear ways in the days leading up to my departure. I saw Him work so miraculously in big and small, would-be stressful things such as plane tickets, departure dates, getting the right Vonage phone system to use in CZ, signing power of attorney on short notice and my ultimate favorite...God rescued all my files from my dead hard drive and put them back in my computer. My hard drive had gone bad and the computer people could not retrieve any of my files (music, pictures, Word documents, and missionary support spreadsheets). They installed a new hard drive and gave me the old, dead one back. I went home NOT expecting to see any of my files on the computer and lo and behold, they all were. Every last one of them. Tell me my God doesn't love me incredibly, to care about things like that!

In Brno...

2006-09-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's time!

2006-09-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Dear prayer partners!

The time is HERE for me to leave for the Czech Republic! God has really moved this part of the process along quickly! I found out today that my flight will be leaving Wednesday Sept. 13! That's less than a week away! WOW! It's also exactly the time I wanted to try to arrive in Czech! God has answered my prayers in amazing ways! I've been walking around in amazement since I found out when I was leaving! I would appreciate your prayers as I wrap things up here in Evansville, say goodbyes, and prepare to leave for Czech! I look forward to keeping in touch!

Weekend full of memories...

2006-08-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I got to visit one of my former "homes." It was one of those times where I was flooded with memories. I shared at Bryant Wesleyan Church in on Sunday morning and evening. This is the place I lived from 5 years old to my first year in college. This is pretty unusual for a pastor's kid, like me. I realized that these friends literally saw me grow up and have a nice amount of juice on me. It was great to see people who were my Sunday School teachers and friends and friend's parents and share with them about where God is leading me. One of my Sunday School teachers even said last weekend that she feels a sense of pride when I come and talk about missions because she has had a big part in my life. So many of them have!

Since then, I've lived in lots of other places, in the states and far away. But being in Bryant, IN last weekend, which is sort of in the middle of nowhere, made me proud again about growing up there and, I guess, the roots that I have there. The words of the song "Boondocks" (by my new favorite group, "Little Big Town") ran through my head a lot over the weekend.

"It's where I learned about livin', it's where I learned about love
It's where I learned about workin' hard and havin' a little was just enough
It's where I learned about Jesus and knowin' where I stand
You can take it or leave it, this is me, this is who I am."

It sounds kind of dorky and sentinmental, but I am so glad that I grew up there and learned the things I did from the wonderful people in Bryant.

"I tell no one any story but his own."

2006-07-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been listening to "The Chronicles of Narnia" on CD as I travel around and I just finished "The Horse and His Boy." In this chronicle, Shasta is running far away to the north - to Narnia. On this journey, he has all kinds of exciting, scary, and painful adventures. The coolest part of this story for me - and what hit me in the car as I was listening - is when Shasta finds out that it has been Aslan the Lion who has been with him every step of the way.

"I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you."

"Then it was you who wounded Aravis?"
"It was I."
"But what for?"
"Child," said the Voice, "I am telling you your own story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own."

I think this impacted me so much because it's easy to see God in the good and happy things in our lives. The things that turned out right. But what is so important for us to understand is that God is also there in the times that hurt. That hurt like crazy and we don't understand why. I look at my life and I see so many things that didn't turn out the way that I had planned. I am just now, though, beginning to see how God was so IN those things. And as Aslan told Shasta, we are in a story. I am in a story. This great, amazing drama that is unfolding God's story. And while I may only be told my part and no one else's, I am in His story. How amazing that I am in it.

Commisssioning

2006-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just a note to let you know that I am being commissioned by my sending district, the Greater Ohio District this Sunday evening at 6:30. I have gotten to know many of the Wesleyan churches in this district over the last year or so, and I look forward to spending this time with them. So, if you are in the area on Sunday evening, it is at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It'd be great to see some of you there that night!

Here I am again...

2006-07-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but I'm glad you are here now, reading this page! Lots of things have happened since I last wrote. I've been to churches nearly every weekend this summer and it's honestly been fun meeting new people. It's kind of strange going into someone's home and church that I've never met, but it's amazing to come out calling those people friends. So, if you are one of those people, thank you.

A highlight for me was being at the South Carolina District Conference. The change of scenery was great and it was good to meet so many pastors in one place! An especially cool thing is that that district is beginning a partnership with the Czech Republic, so hopefully I'll be getting to know many of those churches better.

My support level at this point: Right now I think in percentages of my support and what effect that has to how close I am to returning to Czech! On paper, I am at 67% of my faith promise goal. However, at least three other churches are for sure going to be supporting me financially, which will put me at about 81% of my goal. This means that I have about $12,000 more to raise in faith promises! That's awesome! It makes my goal of leaving in September look even more like a reality! The following picture is one of the big reasons I can't wait to get back to Czech. It's of one of my best friends from Czech, Ivo with his girlfriend. I can't wait to get back and continue with the friendships that God has given me there.

Friends...

2006-05-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, as I was spending time with God, I was praying for my friends in Czech. Some of the ones I prayed for are already Christians, but many weren't. I felt God's power in such a strong way during that time of prayer. As I prayed, it felt as though God was reconfirming again in my life and in my heart the purpose and passion He has given me for Czech. I can't wait to get back to Czech and reconnect with these friends I've already made and make some new friends there. I can't wait to share with them about the most important thing in my life...my relationship with Christ. But, the exciting thing is that I don't have to be there for God to work in their lives. In fact, He already is.

It's been awhile...

2006-05-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since my last post. The last one is from my California trip and it's already been a month since then! I've been busy just about every weekend sharing with churches about Czech. The first picture here is from my visit to Milan Wesleyan. I stayed with the Pastor Brown and his wife and I found out that they are former missionaries to Peru, which was a fun connection.

The next picture is of the Pastor Bye and his family from Corydon Wesleyan. I had such an awesome time with them and I met so many great people there. I'm excited about these new people joining my team!

The California Trip!

2006-05-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

You can see pictures below of some of the sights I was able to see in California. The trip was a lot more than that though! To me, here in the midwest, California is sort of a whole different planet! It was really cool to see what God is doing there and even what is happening in the Wesleyan Church, in northern California, at least. I shared at Antioch Wesleyan (in the outskirts of San Francisco), Riverside Wesleyan (Sacramento), a young adult group from Arcade Wesleyan (also, Sacramento) and Wesleyan Evangelical Church in Stockton, CA (south of Sacramento. I was also able to visit with some other pastors in the area and share with them about what is happening in Czech! Throughout the week, I was able to get a few new prayer and financial partners and I am looking forward to continuing these relationships.

A really, really exciting part of the trip, though, for me was seeing many people get excited about GOING to Czech! In so many instances, I feel like God brought me there to specifically share with certain people! The group of young adults I shared with had been looking for a place to minister overseas, but couldn't decide on one. After hearing about Czech, they were so excited to be part of the ministry there on short-term teams. Then, I was able to reconnect with Tomas, the guy who was actually my first connection to California churches. His picture is to the right. He is the youth pastor at Riverside Wesleyan and is also Czech. He was born and grew up in the Czech Republic and then moved to the states. It was so amazing and exciting to talk with him about ministry opportunities in Czech! (It was also nice to eat an authentic Czech meal with him and others from the church in Sacramento before I left!) I can't wait to see how God uses this relationship to bring more Czechs to a saving knowledge of Christ.

It was so clear, so often to me in California, that I was there for a reason. And, as is true each time I go to a new place, I was humbled again by the love and hospitality of people who would normally be strangers, but instead, we are family. The family of God. It's nice to know we've got family everywhere.

More California!

2006-05-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

I never realized how beautiful Sacramento, California is until I was there! There is so much to see and it is a great place to visit!

Sacramento River and Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento

The gardens surrounding the Capitol Building in Sacramento

California's Capitol Building in Sacramento. Of all the U.S. State Capitol Buildings, this one is supposed to look the most like the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Also, this is where Arnold Schwarzenegger's office is!

California Trip...

2006-05-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

I am having an excellent time in California! I shared at Antioch Wesleyan on Sunday and have met a lot of great people. In fact, a man from that church and the pastor were my tour guides for San Francisco on Tuesday. I didn't know I could see so much in just one little day. The pictures on the blog are just a fraction of all that we saw! I was worn out after that, but it was worth it! I'll be sharing with a few more churches toward the end of the week, so please keep praying that it will be a fruitful time! Thanks!

San Francisco!

2006-05-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

San Francisco through the Golden Gate Bridge!

San Francisco skyline!

Pier 39, with a view of the city!

The famous view of San Francisco, used in a lot of movies and TV shows. It doesn't all look like this.

San Francisco!

2006-05-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Under the Golden Gate Bridge!

The Golden Gate Bridge!

Me and the Golden Gate Bridge!

My favorite shot of the Golden Gate Bridge!

San Francisco!

2006-05-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of one of those steep San Francisco streets. Somehow, I never got a picture of a trolley car, but you can imagine it!

San Francisco!

2006-05-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is a view of Alcatraz Island from San Francisco!

California, here I come!

2006-04-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I leave tomorrow for California! I'm very excited!

First, it'll be great to share with new people who live outside of my usual travel area!

Second, it's CALIFORNIA!

I'll drive from the airport to Antioch Wesleyan, outside of San Francisco. After that I'll be sharing with a few churches in Sacramento and then, one in Stockton, south of Sacramento. Lord willing, I'll be speaking at 4 churches altogther and making contacts with a few others! It's been clear that God has been the One putting this trip together and I'm really excited to see how He's going to continue to work it all out! Please continue to pray for traveling mercies and that God would move in people's hearts as they hear about Czech!

Red Robin, Red Robin!

2006-04-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing weekend! I always enjoy the weekends that I travel to Ohio! It's like going back home! I was able to spend some time with friends from West Chester and then traveled north to Clearfork Valley Wesleyan. Then, it worked out for me to go to the evening service at West Chester Wesleyan, which I haven't done for awhile. It was so special to meet new friends and supporters at the first church and have reunions with ones I've known for years at West Chester! Both churches were incredibly generous and I was humbled by seeing God's love work through so many people. It reminded me once again that God is in control of my preparations to go to Czech and I need to trust Him and He'll work it all out. Even if it's taking longer than I had planned.

And finally, to top my weekend off, I got to go with some great friends and eat at my favorite restaurant...Red Robin!

Corydon, Indiana - my very close friend

2006-04-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I spent more time than I'd intended (or wanted) in the little town of Corydon, IN, just west of Louisville, KY. It is one of the very few stops on I-64 between Evansville and Louisville and I know it well. The story starts as I was coming home from sharing at churches in Greenwood, IN and Westport, IN. Just after I started the trip, I heard about the bad storms ripping through northern KY and realized shortly that they were coming my way. So, as the rains came down and winds blew hard, I decided to make my way to Corydon, IN. At first, I stopped at the gas station I always stop at on my trips that direction, but realized that sitting in my car next to other people in other cars in the parking lot (because the gas station had shut down for the storm) was not the safest place to be. The weather guy on the radio said that some of the winds could get up to 80 mph. I did see a few ditches, but I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. Then, I saw a beautiful sign across the street and made a run (or drive, I guess) for it.

WAL-MART!

As is true with all Wal-Marts around the country at any hour of the day, the parking lot was quite full. So, I went in and heard the storm from the safety of the aisles of America's great retailer. After I'd been there about 20-30 minutes, they announced that the danger was over, but still, due to the storm, they were closing down. Later, I found out that this very Wal-Mart that was my refuge had roof damage because of the storm. So, I ran out to my car and made my way to the second half of this adventure.

Yes, we're just halfway done.

The rain had just about stopped but there was talk of more storms in the area. I had just gotten back onto I-64 and then I stopped...along with everyone else who had been hiding in Corydon, IN. Apparently there were power lines down who-know's-how-far-ahead of us and we were stopped in the middle of the interstate for about an hour and a half. It wasn't long before I turned my car off and of course, it was dark and I realized how little there is to do when you are stuck in your car at night on the interstate for long periods of time. Finally, the road was cleared and I finished off what could have been a 3 hour trip in about 5.5 hours.

I guess this is just one more time where God shows us that He is the one in control of the weather and everything around us. That's a good lesson to learn because there are many times when I forget that and I need reminders like this from time to time to learn my lessons. Thanks, God.

On the road agan...

2006-03-23T11:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it's way, way, way past time for me to post something on here. There really isn't too much that is new to say, though. I am still traveling just about every weekend to churches to share about the Czech Republic. I'm getting pretty good responses too. I really enjoy going into smaller churches that sometimes think they don't have much to offer a missionary because they are small, but then end up being a huge encouragement both in prayers and finances. God really does use each of us and wants us to give and to serve Him with what we have - whether it is a lot of a little. I guess that's really been a lesson God has been teaching me over the last few months.

A Surprising Weekend in Michigan!

2006-02-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

Of course, I shouldn't be too surprised that I had a wonderful weekend sharing in Michigan - I should never be too surprised at God's blessing in my life! But it's so much fun when there are a few fun surprises along the way! On my way up to MI, I stopped to see my missionary friends Josh and Rachelle (Blake) Neal, who were just married a couple months ago. They are currently raising support to begin the new Wesleyan work in Macedonia. It was great to spend time and catch up with them.

From there, I visited my cousin, Rich Wollan, and his family and shared in his church, Gateway Community, in Clarksville, MI. It was great to be with them and play with their kids, Adelyn and Josiah!

Then, my first surprise came...my friend and roommate from the Czech Republic came to Gateway Community as I shared. It was exciting to hang out with him since we hadn't seen each other since being overseas! Fun!

Then, I drove a short distance to Friendship Wesleyan in Plainwell, MI. They certainly lived up to their name! I'll say it again...I'm just so lucky to be able to visit so many different parts of the body of Christ all over country - and world - and see God's people working together and loving one another! The prayer and financial support that both these churches gave was also a great blessing!

On the way back, I was able to swing down and visit my college roommate and great friend, Andy, in Jackson, MI. Even though it was just for a couple hours, we had a great time catching up over omelettes and coffee. I am really thankful for his friendship!

Thanks again for your prayers as I continue raising support! I'm nearly at 50% of my faith promise goal, so there is more to go, but God is providing! Through you! Thank you!
Check out the pictures below...

2006-02-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here's me with my Aunt Leola and my cousin, Rich, and family! I had a great time speaking at his church and spending time with them.

2006-02-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is my friend me with David Crawford and his wife Kristine. David was my roomate for a year in the Czech Republic!

New Friends at Friendship Wesleyan

2006-02-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple families I met at Friendship Wesleyan Church in Plainwell, MI! I had a great time getting to know them at their evening service!

Rain, wind, sleet, or snow...

2005-12-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

I had a great - but cold - time traveling to churches in the Indiana South District this weekend. I was at the Blue River Wesleyan Church in the morning and Central Wesleyan in Bloomington for the evening service. I was so excited about how many people came out for the services, even though the weather was "frightful" and some roads were difficult to travel on. It was such a huge blessing to me just to see so many people in church, supporting missions overseas!

During prayer time at the evening service, I, again, just started overflowing with thankfulness to God about how fortunate I am to be able to travel to so many different churches all over the country and see the Body of Christ in action. Every time I share at a church, I am reminded again of how it is not me who is doing anything extra special - I'm just following what God wants me to do. God uses those of us who are called to go and those who are called to pray and those who are called to give financially and He does the work in people's hearts and lives. And, oh, what a privelege it is to just be one part of that!

Pictures from Czech

2005-12-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

These were the Majak English Teachers the last semester I taught in Brno. English is a big ministry in the Czech Republic.

Brno Alligators American Football Team
Sports are huge ministries areas in Czech!

This is downtown Brno - the city in which I live - just outside the local KFC!

This is downtown Brno again.

2005-12-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here's the skyline in Prague.

2005-12-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite castles in the Czech Republic...Castle Perstejn!

Praying for friends...

2005-11-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

I have noticed that the longer I am away from the Czech Republic and my friends there, it gets harder to know how to pray for them. I still pray for them, that God would work in their lives and draw them closer to Him, but since I am away from the events in their lives, it's hard to get more specific. I also sometimes forget that God can and is working in my Czech friends' lives even when I am not around them. His work in their lives is not dependent on me. That's such an awesome feeling - especially when I cannot be near them. And this makes me pray all the more for them. Will you join me?

Eastern New York/New England Missions Conference

2005-10-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

God is good! It was so exciting to be a part of this missions conference. I, along with three other missionary units, traveled around the Eastern New York/New England District and shared about how God led us to the country in which we will serve and gave the congregations an opportunity to partner in that. Each evening (Mon.-Fri.), we were at a church in one of the five zones in the district. All the churches in the zone were invited to the services. Many people attended each of the services and it was a great time to get energized about what God is doing around the world! I love to see how God works in people's lives, leading them to pray more, give more, and go where He leads. I also enjoyed getting to know the other missionaries! We shared a LOT of laughs that week! I really thank God for traveling mercies for all the time I spent on the road and for such an exciting, encouraging, and uplifting week, focusing on what He has called me to!

This is our missionary group that traveled around the state of New York together! We spent a lot of time together and got to know each other pretty well. It's been a while since I've laughed that much! They are very dear to me and I can't wait to see how God uses them in their places of ministry!

More Missions Conference

2005-10-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is the college and careers class at Turnpike Wesleyan I visited. They are some of the awesome people I met on the trip who have a heart for missions!

Schroon Lake, New York

Lake Placid, New York

This is one of the buildings in Lake Placid used in the Winter Olympics. The Olympics were held in Lake Placid two different times.

New York!

2005-10-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

It was so wonderful to stay with the Austin family in Long Lake, New York for a few days before and during the missions conference. I was with them in Czech for two years, while I was a GO-Net Volunteer there. Long Lake is so beautiful! It is right in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains! Here are a couple pictures I took.

2005-10-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is the Austin family, except for Cindy, who's taking the picture! It was wonderful to spend time with them again!

Here's Josiah and me, making weird faces!
Here's Brianna and me.

And this is Ben and me.

2005-10-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is Kyle and Caleb Austin and me after driving two hours home in heavy snow in the middle of October! It was a quick weather change for me!

Syracuse!

2005-10-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

As I said before, I am sad that I forgot to bring in my camera to show you all the wonderful people I met and who opened their homes to me. I did, however, remember in Syracuse, New York. This picture is of the Lamos'. It was Charlotte's birthday, so this is her guitar shaped birthday cake. I really enjoyed getting to know them and the small group that meets in their home each week! They were a lot of fun to stay with and she is a great cook!

Niagara Falls!

2005-10-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Falls were beautiful, even if it was a cloudy and rainy day! And even if it was only on the American side! It was great!

Wonderful People!

2005-10-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have only been on the road now for a few days, but I have met and stayed with some very great people! I keep forgetting to bring my camera in with me - I would like to show you pictures of these new friends! I was first at Creekside Community Church, which meets outside of Columbus, Ohio. There, I stayed with a guy who had also lived in the Czech Republic and we shared lots of great stories and even spoke some Czech!

From there I went to Oakfield Wesleyan, a small church south of Zanesville, Ohio. It was great to worship and share with them, and then to get to know one of the families in the church! We had a meal at their house and then sat around and talked for hours afterward! What a blast!

Tonight I'm staying with the family of one of my college friends (Heather: see picture below) in West Seneca, New York, just outside of Buffalo. We had pizza and real Buffalo wings...FROM BUFFALO!!! They even told me the history of Buffalo wings! It's been fun to get to know them better! It's been so amazing to experience hospitality and love from all these people! I really thank God for these new friends and can't wait to visit again!

Ohio/New York Trip

2005-10-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this time to ask for your prayers as I venture out on a 2 week trip visiting churches. I leave this Saturday to speak at 2 churches around the Columbus area. Then I will drive from there to the Buffalo, NY area and stay with people from a church there. From there, I will spend a day in Syracuse, NY and then move on to my final destination of the Eastern New York/New England District of the Wesleyan Church! I will be there for a week for a missions conference with some other missionaries. Right now I am busy calling churches and asking for a place to stay, but I know it will all work out! I'm looking forward to this adventure coming up! Thanks for you prayers!!!

IWU Homecoming!

2005-10-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is the only picture I took at Homecoming. It was good to see friends I hadn't seen in years! Heather and Hillary (above) and their husbands and I hung out a bunch and talked about fun times in college! Then we ate at the good ol' J&L Restaurant in Marion for breakfast! The rest of the time I just ran around talking with all kinds of other friends and catching up! I love all these friends and I am so thankful that God led me to IWU!

Huge Praise!!!

2005-09-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have to praise the Lord for the great blessing I received this weekend at my "new" home church at North Park Wesleyan. (West Chester and Bryant, you're still my home churches too!) I spoke about what I'll be doing in the Czech Republic and gave the people a chance to respond by becoming a prayer partner or giving financially. Just from the monthly faith promises I received alone equaled over 5% of my total goal! That was huge! Praise God! It is so exciting to be able to see the body of Christ in action in so many different ways in so many different places! Thank you all for your faithfulness, giving, and prayers!

FINISHED!!!

2005-09-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Me with the finished portfolio! At last!!!

FINISHED!!!

2005-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

I finished my portfolio today and I plan to send it out tomorrow! It's gonna feel so good! I'm even done a few days before the deadline! It's been a little frustrating because as I have been proofreading, I kept finding one or two little grammatical errors on certain papers, but still reprinted the whole paper. But it's all worth it! Woohoo! As promised, here's a picture of me with the finished product. It's kind of a tradition with me! I had my picture taken in college with my first portfolio!

Happy Labor Day!

2005-09-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably received my email update recently that gave my fall schedule and how my support raising was coming. If not, I wanted to share a little of it here. The following is my schedule, starting next week.
Sept. 11: Cloverport Wesleyan, Cloverport, KY
Sept. 18: North Park Wesleyan, Evansville, IN
Sept. 25: Miamisburg Wesleyan, OH
Oct. 2: Forest Hills Wesleyan, Evansville, IN
Oct. 9: AM - Community Wesleyan, Newark, OH
PM - Oakfield Wesleyan, Crooksville, OH
Oct. 14-23: Missions Conference - Eastern NY/New England District

I have raised about 28% of the funds that I need to go to the Czech Republic for a four-year term as a career missionary. My goal is to be there by the very beginning of next year. I have quite a ways to go before that can happen, but I believe, in faith, that God can make it happen and I'm excited about seeing how He'll do it! I would love it if you would join in praying for me in this.

You can check on the level of my support by going to praygivego.com and clicking on my name under "Our Missionaries." This will also allow you to make a faith promise gift or become a prayer partner online.
Thanks and have a great Labor Day!

24 Marathon!

2005-09-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited because there is a 24 hour marathon of the TV show '24' on A&E! Many of you know how much I love this show, so I'm quite happy! It's hour 3 right now, so we'll see how long I last. I need to do some work on my portfolio, too! Have a great day, everybody!

My Masters Portfolio!

2005-09-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

My portfolio that I have to do for my masters degree is almost done! I have about 2 weeks more to finish it and I will be sooooo happy when it is done! I have to put include lesson plans, student work, and other things I've done and learned from each of the 10 classes in the program. It probably wouldn't have been so stressful if I wasn't a procrastinator! But sometimes I am! I will definitely be taking a picture of me and my portfolio when it's all done! That's how happy I'll be!

2005-08-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is our group picture from M.T.I.. We are the class of 2005 of Wesleyan Missionaries!

2005-08-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

Lots of learning and discussion at M.T.I.!

2005-08-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

My Napoleon Dynamite Birthday cake. Ice cream cake - my favorite!!!

2005-08-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is my car, after it was decorated for my birthday at M.T.I. I had to drive all over town like this for my birthday scavenger hunt!

Missionary Training Institute

2005-08-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

During the month of June, I attended Missionary Training Institute (M.T.I.) to prepare for overseas ministry in the Czech Republic. It was held in Frankfort, IN. There was a lot of studying and class time involved. For the three weeks, we were in "class" during the day, 5 days a week. Besides this, we had to complete a 16 hour independent learning contract about our country of service, Czech Republic for me. We had a lot of fun there too, and I built friendships with other missionaries that will last into eternity! They even threw me a Napoleon Dynamite themed birthday party, since my birthday was during M.T.I.

My first entry!

2005-08-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have my own blog now. I've joined the club! I'm especially hoping that this will help keep my friends and family informed as I go to Czech soon! It will be a quick and easy way for my prayer partners to see what's happening! Hope to hear from you all soon!