If you’ve been around me for any length of time you’ve heard me talk about the Czech Republic. My love for the country and the people there is hard to explain. Yet when I am there I feel as much at home as when I’m sitting in my own living room.
The amazing thing is how God connected my heart to that country. I was on vacation with two friends in 2000. When I was in Prague, walking the cobblestone streets and driving down the two-lane highways, I felt a connect with that country I didn’t understand. Years later God brought a Czech woman into our church and other Czech friends into our lives. Then, two years ago, we were blessed to have a Czech exchange student with us for a year. My love for that area grew. We also went on two mission trips to share the love of Jesus with Czech nationals at an English camp, but still I have a hard time. It’s not enough. It doesn’t seem like I’m giving enough, doing enough.
In a country of 10 million people, less than 1% are Christians. I remember the overwhelming feeling as I walked down the streets of Prague. “Almost everyone I see at this moment needs Christ. Most have never even heard about Jesus. They may have heard his name, but they do not understand His love a sacrifice.” The Czech celebrate the Infant Jesus as the bringing of gifts during Christmas, but it’s just a tradition–just like we think of Jolly Saint Nick.
It brings tears to my eyes even now considering all those who need to hear the Good News. Who do not have the hope in an eternity with God.
I don’t know what God decided to connect my heart to the Czech Republic. I can barely speak ten Czech words … and they are mispronounced. Still, my heart is with them and I pray. I pray for more workers. I pray more people will go there to share their love and God’s love. I pray for more Christian books, Christian radio, Christian media. I pray for the missionaries who are there, giving their daily devotion and energy to share Christ.
It is hard to have a heart for something–someplace–and not know what to do with it. Right now, I encourage others to go on mission trips. I hope to go back soon, too, after Alyssa’s adoption is finalized and we can get her a passport.
Most of all I pray.
Right now I’m praying and supporting the current Czech Mission team for our church (www.mosaicchurch.net). One of my missionary friends called me and asked if I could help put together a team to take the place of another group who dropped out. Word spread around church, and now seven amazing people are going, including my daughter, Leslie. She’s the only one who’s been to the Czech Republic before. They’ll be gone June 8-20.
Won’t you pray with me?
–Pray for the team as they prepare their hearts and curriculum
–Pray for them as they raise money
–Pray for God to prepare the hearts of the Czech people who will be hearing the Good News of Jesus.
Maybe that’s what it’s all about. I can’t do everything alone, but maybe I can connect others to follow God in having a heart for this unreached area.
Maybe, because you’re reading this, God wants you to be involved, too.
Thank you for sharing this, Tricia. I so often forget that there are so many without Christ. Such a small percent there! Praying for the Czech people and the team.