Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day!

Day 4- It has rained every day since we have gotten to camp (actually I believe that it probably has not rained only about 7 full days since we have been here, which is about 5 weeks). There is a creek that runs next to the camp, well usually it is a creek; but now it has transformed into a small river. In fact the water rose so much today that the water has covered over the bridge that crossed over the creek into the camp. This is a little frightening for myself and the Camp leader, seeing that although the bridge is very solid, there is the chance of it being destroyed. There is also the possibility of a student getting to close to the water and falling in, so unfortunately the camp facilitator has roped off the sports field next to the creek.

All this to say that, I had an awesome English Class today! We had the students (among other things) put together a news show for us (Kyle and Me) from the pages of American newspapers. It was very entertain for us and an awesome way for the students to practice their English and improv skills as they played off of each other. I have gotten to talk to a few students about how they feel about the Story of God, and I have gotten some interesting responses. One student in particular is really struggling with what they believe about God. The student is really broken inside on what to believe, I know that this is the Holy Spirit working in their life. Another on the other hand is certain that the Story of God is a good story, but it is not real for them. 

Pray For:

• American Team 
• Czech Team
• Intern Team
• Czech Students

Day 3 Revisited

Tonights discussion was amazing, we dealt with God's destruction of ma ad mercy upon Noah. This is a very tough topic which raises questions like, Did God create evil?, Is God Fair?, Does God make mistakes?, ect. We ended our discussion with a couple unanswered/unaddressed questions, but when discussion ended the students did not leave.We started talking about things like evolution, can God be proven, and why do I personally believe in God; I could give no other answer than my own testimony. I was real and transparent with my group, (Czech's are not normally open with anyone that they just met, much less an entire group of new friends) I let them into my life and past, into my past and m struggles. My testimony was well received and the students said that they really appreciated my openness and ability to put down my defenses to them. I hope that through seeing my real pains in my past that they can see the real God who can heal any pain imaginable, and have an unmistakable encounter with him.

Camp Day 3

It is the middle of the day on Monday July 6th. English class in the morning went very well today.  The students are very outgoing and have no problem talking or rebounding from making mistakes. They are all very excited to talk to native English speakers, so they are willing to put themsleves out there" more than usual for a group of Czechs. I am really excited about my group and the more I get to know them, the more excited I get to teach them. I think they find me funny, and I am able to do or say thinks that make the students laugh at me for the ske of making the group more comfortable with me and each other. I am teaching with Kyle on eof the leaders from the American team from Arizona. He has been so awesome to learn from, as we teach and lead discussion groups together. I have gotten a few opportunities to have one on one conversations with some students, this has lead to me being able to build some awesome relationships and build trust with a couple students. I have spent a significant amount of time praying for the "Story of God" talks, which take place at night. My prayers have been focused on, that the stories will be accepted and engaged by the students. Overall that their minds and hearts would be open and receptive to God's beautiful story of God's love and redemption of mankind. I am also trying to delve more deeply into the Czech culture and language so that I can better integrate with the students. Also when the students are teaching me some Czech phrases or words it gives them an opportunity to laugh at my terrible pronunciation of their language, which I believe just helps them get more comfortable with me.

Pray For:

• English Classes
• Story of God
• Betty, Edit, Honza, Magda, Misa, Peter, and Tomas (my English class)

Camp Beginnings

It is the end of the 2nd day of camp, and so far it has been really, really awesome. The students have been extremely open to the Story of God dialogue style groups that we have set up for teaching during the summer. In my discussion group after the lesson which was the creation story every student talked at least once, which was very encouraging. I think that because we are presenting the Bible in a story format that the students are finding it easier to engage it. The students that I am working with are coming up with awesome life and Biblical questions that I am not sure we ever could of addressed without the story and dialogue set-up. I talked with a few students that weren't really sure what they believed about God and there were a lot of different thoughts going on in their head, I trust that it is the Spirit working and I hope that through this week I am able to help them sort out their own ideas and opinions about God. Please pray for the students who don't know God and that the Holy Spirit wold draw the students to Himself.

Back From Camp

Our Team just completed our first English Camp which was with the church and youth group from Ceske Budejovice. During the week that I was at camp I was unable to access the internet, so I journaled during the week, so these next few posts will be rapid, but know that they are from different days during the week.