How do you get to church on Sunday morning? Maybe you can walk there. Maybe you pick up a neighbor and get some coffee on the way. When you get there, do you say hello to friends, or maybe introduce yourself to a visitor that is there for the first time? 

We went to church in Prague for the first time this past Sunday. It was an adventure to be sure. We took a bus to get there. After the bus reached the end of its route, we took the subway (called the metro). After three metro stops, we then took a tram (think trolly car). After that, we walked upstairs to the service. 

All visitors were asked to introduce themselves. Tonya and I said hello, and then several other visitors gave introductions. It was crazy how many countries were represented under the same roof. Australia, Scotland, Cambodia, and England were all there. It was like the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. The Church Olympics. We even had someone twirling flags down front during worship. It was certainly different. 

Well, the next time you go to church, think about how you got there, and be grateful. We are so fortunate to have a great public transportation system here in Prague. There are lots of different options to be sure, but they are all very reliable. We are already getting our bearings, but that is another story for another time. 

Have you ever been pushed beyond your limits? How did that feel?

We have been challenged in every way imaginable in the three weeks we have been here. We are so grateful for it though, because it is getting us ready for life in the Czech Republic. It is interesting how you can be grateful for something, and at the same time, hate that it is happening. 

Training has been a challenge and a blessing. Our teammates are wonderful and we have loved getting to know them. Teaching ESL has been very rewarding. It has really stretched both Tonya and me as teachers. Some of the challenges have included: not knowing we are going to teach until about an hour before it is time to have a lesson completed, not knowing what or who we are going to be teaching until the last minute, and just the non-stop 8:00a.m.-10:00pm schedule has been tough. 

As I think of the upcoming year, this Reference from 2 Cor. 4 comes to mind:

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to G0d and not to us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Je$u$, so that the life of Je$u$ may also be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for 

Je$u$’ sake, so that the life of Je$u$ also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 

What a privilege it is to carry the message overseas to those who so desperately need to hear it. 

Please continue to remember us in your prayers.