Deuteronomy 32:3
I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
I want to start off by saying that my God is so good and his greatness never ceases to amaze me. Just over a week ago I returned from my 10th trip to Slovakia. I know people are prone to say things like this, but I really do believe this to be the best summer I have had to date. The Lord was really working in Slovakia, specifically in Velky krtis and in the team he built to serve there. I have never experienced a team who served so well together and genuinely got along like a family as this team did. There were only 10 of us from the states this year. By far the smallest team we have ever had, but God used what He had none the less. Also I have never experienced a group of students so open, excepting and willing to participate. A new harvest is rising up in Velky Krtis and I have a great feeling about it.
Our theme this year was Prison Break. We spent two weeks explaining to the students they’re unknowingly imprisoned and there is a way to be set free. Jesus.
The team and our translators ~ Scavenger hunt champions ~ Roman and I
1 Corinthians 9:23
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
My first week in Velky Krtis we held English Camps in the local school. We had only 8 classes this year with students raging from 5 years to 30 years. Our English classes are essential for us reaching out to the community in Velky Krtis. Most students can’t get into a good university without passing an intense English exam. This week provides them a chance to practice their English with a native speaker. Native speakers are not available in Velky Krtis so these camps are priceless to some.
Students coloring away~ Afternoon crafts~ Big smiles
Job 8:7
Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.
During the classes my brother Noah and I were running around town buying supplies for the Agapehouse teahouse and planning the activities for that evening. The Agapehouse is the lower level of the church that was converted into a teahouse used for outreach. It is a safe place in the community for students to hang out, ask questions and experience the love of Christ free from judgment. It is also literally the only establishment open in the evenings in Velky Krtis that does not sell alcohol. This is where my ministry focus will be when I move to Velky Krtis full-time, so this week was especially good for my heart.
Over the week we had a game night, photo scavenge hunt night, a garden concert and (the most fun in my opinion) 50’s Hop night.
I also had the wonderful privilege to meet and invite Peter Hrubo, Laura Truotman and Mike Sullivan from Josiah Venture to the teahouse. I have never met any of these guys in person, but we have shared many a email over the last year. It was awesome to sit with them and hear about their ministries and their hearts for Slovakia. I’m really excited to be a part of Josiah Venture and I can’t wait to get to know them better.
Keeping order behind the counter~ Chello, Steve and Joe’s Garden Concert~ Good times at Agapehouse
Psalm 50:2
From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
The 2nd week we went up to the mountains to stay at Rackova Dolina. Quite possibly the most beautiful spot God has ever created. This camp is much like a youth camp in the states. We have morning programs were we sing worship songs (all in English) and have a short bible story and a Slovak shared their testimony (it was a big deal to have Slovak sharing). Then it is off to workshops. This year we offered hiking, music, sports, English discussion, crafts and a breathing and stretching workshop (mine) After workshops it was team competitions and then one on one time (but because of our team being so small it was one on five) were students get a chance to know the Americans better and again practice their English. After free time we would have dinner then the evening program were an American shared their testimony and we had small group discussions. The evenings were wrapped up with a special program (karaoke, night game, camp fire, and movie) then board games and hangout in the dining hall. Slovaks are not a culture of alter calls or spontaneous decisions… so it was not surprising that no one claimed to make a decision at camp, but there were several students who voiced curiosity or interest. In my small group a young man (who had been ministered to a long time previously) shared that he was a believer and gave his testimony to his piers. Also young girl ask if someone would go with her to buy a bible after we returned from camp. Big steps in this culture and worthy of praise, believe me.
Joey and I during the morning program~ Evening Program dancing and singing~ Chello and I drinking Kofola in the creek
Proverbs 8:31
Rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
The day after we left the camp we had a marvelous celebration! My brother Noah was married to a beautiful young woman named Lussy. They have known each other for a little over five years and Noah has had a crush on her since he met her. I have known Lussy for a while but really got to know her this summer. She is so sweet, loves the Lord and loves my brother dearly. I’m so excited about my new sister!
There were over 300 people at the ceremony (I’m pretty sure it was the largest amount of people in the church ever) and over 70 guests at the reception. The wedding started (for us) around 3:30 in the afternoon on Sunday with pictures. 4:30 ceremony started and the reception went until 4:00am Monday morning. We drank ate and danced non-stop for about 10 hours. I’m told this was a tame Slovak wedding… I can’t imagine a real Slovak wedding when my brother’s almost killed me.
Noah and I on his last night of freedom~ It’s official!!!!~ Yes, like a champ I caught the flowers again
The Love birds!~ Quite the spread~ Joey, Roman and I dancing the night away!
Philemon 1:4
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.
So a special thanks to SBC, Flood House Church and the Grace staff whose selfless donations help this trip happen. Also a HUGE thanks to all those who prayed for us while we were there. I could not have done this trip without you and I thank God for each and every one of you. You have blessed me deeply and had a hand in the Lord’s great work in Slovakia. So thank you, thank you, a million times thank you! But remember… the work is not done yet!
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer
Prayer requests…
1) That as I move forward with Josiah Venture and my new life in Velky Krtis God will guide my steps and I will let him.
2) I’m going to be kicking off my fundraising for fulltime ministry in Velky Krtis ASAP. I need $2,580.00 pledged monthly to live in Velky Krtis. I also need to raise a one time amount of $11,460.00 to get all my training out of the way and get all my legal documents in order. It seems like a BIG task but my God is BIG and He can handle it… I, on the other hand, will need prayer. My hope is to move by the end of the year.
3) My dear friend Vero got the news after camp that she has ovarian cysts that are causing her a lot of pain, her mother has cancer and her father is having an affair. She is trying to cling to God’s hope right now but is struggling. She also doesn’t have a mentor/big sister in the church to talk to or pray with and it is wearing her down. My heart is breaking for her for and she could really use your prayers.
4) Allena who is the young girl who asked someone to help her buy a bible. She comes from a broken home and an abusive father. So please pray that God will not only give her physical protection, but that He keeps tugging at her heart.
God Bless,
Megs
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