June 17, 2005
Church planting in Czech Republic
Last week I had the privilege of interacting with a church planter in western Czech Republic. His name is Zdenek. With his wife Pavla and another Czech couple, he is plowing some pretty tough ground in their city of Stribro (pronounced Shtrrr%^+@*#bro . . . impossible Czech syllables, believe me!).
Czech Republic is one of the most atheistic countries in the world. It's evangelical population is less than one quarter of one percent (<.25%), so when 10 locals (and at least as many children) come to a small rented room on Sundays for worship, it's something to be thankful for. Here's a picture of Zdenek, Pavla, Don Harris (our Czech team leader), Ventse and Martina . . .
Zdenek is a gifted and gracious pastor. He let me participate in Sunday's service by preaching and helping to distribute communion. Don and I also had some mentoring time with Zdenek. In this photo Don and Zdenek are discussing the challenges of being a bi-vocational church planter (Zdenek has a regular job to support his family while also planting a church).
Hopefully I will get to visit with Zdenek one more time this summer and in the fall as well. I'm trusting that my experience in ministry will be of help to Zdenek as his church plant continues to develop.
Please check out our Prayer Wish List to the right, and feel free to write a comment too.
Posted by Lee at June 17, 2005 03:10 PM