The six and a half weeks we spent in Prague were truly eye opening. We learned much, were challenged often, and had a hard time saying goodbye to the friends we made. It’s hard to believe our time in Czech Republic has come and gone. It’s a bit strange being back in the States, but we are quickly finding our way once more. Indianapolis for two nights, then we were into the car and off to Boone, North Carolina, for two more spent with Quinn’s family. From Boone, our next stop was Asheville, North Carolina. We arrived in Asheville on Sunday afternoon, and we’ll be here for the next seven weeks! We are looking forward to exploring the area and seeing what the Lord has for us here.

This summer has been characterized by movement. We’re not sure where our path will end or what obstacles and joys we’ll face along the way, but the trail is here, and we’re journeying upon it.

We spent the past weekend sharing stories and catching up with Quinn’s family, hiking on The Balds of Roan Mountain, enjoying the official start of summer.

The Appalachians are incredible this time of year. We’re renting a house in Asheville for the duration of our stay so please feel free to stop in for a night, weekend, or week. Rent’s on us. Really.

Thanks again for all of your support and prayers as we worked in Prague. We really cannot express how grateful we are. The Lord impacted our hearts in ways we can’t describe with words. Surely, our lives have been changed forever. Thank you for your consistent encouragement and love. 

We are having a fantastic time in Prague! The longer we’re here, the more we learn, the more we are challenged. Thank you for your dedication to prayer for us as we work and serve here in Prague. We are so blessed to be here and happy for the opportunity to spread the love of Jesus wherever we go. Thank you for everything. This experience wouldn’t have been possible without your support and loving care. Thank you.

{All images taken with Nikon d-90, 18-105mm glass. Click to enlarge}

As time passes, the more profound the need for “gospel carriers” becomes. There’s a sense of abandonment in Europe—like the church packed her big bags and left this continent to fend for itself, long ago. Yes, there are missionaries and churches working extremely hard here in Prague and other Euro cities, but despite strong wills their numbers are few.

It seems Christians decided decades ago that Europe wasn’t worth it anymore; that their efforts could be better used elsewhere. Europe got lost somewhere amidst the immediate lure of Africa and Asia, and cities such as Prague were soon overlooked and under-served. Africa and Asia are full of people to love, serve and share Jesus with, and those who are passionately called to go should go, but who from the next generation will serve in Europe? Who will answer the call to live amongst people mostly forgotten by the Christian church?

The question sits heavily upon my heart as I ponder the people of Prague who were left with a traditional and painful view of the church, their hearts scathed by holy wars, abusive leadership and a gross misplacement of wealth. Czech Republic’s Roman Catholic Church is a state, and many people have been hurt and discouraged by her ways. Today, painful memories full of hurt and struggle are uncovered and re-realized by those who have no other understanding of the church except for their past recollections.

The people of Prague are searching for love and all you can give them is tradition. The people of Prague are searching for life, and all you can give them is sedentary, hapless ceremony. Your buildings are strewn across the country side, filled with gold and silver, adorned with statues and bronzed images, yet your pews are empty and your priests wait at the doors in silence. The people of Prague want the truth, and all you can give them is ecclesiastical theology. The people of Prague are desperate for fellowship and community, and all you can offer them is a spirit of independence. The people of Prague are searching for peace to calm their restless minds and ease their wondering hearts, and all you can give them is more rules to live up to, more laws to abide by. The people of Prague are searching.

Following Christ is not about rules and regulations. It’s about a loving relationship between imperfect men and a perfect, caring God through his son, Jesus Christ. Our response to this relationship dictates how we act. It is because of His love that we are spurned to love others–not to hate or rule over them or take advantage of them–but to love them. The whole foundation of true Christianity is to love God and love our neighbors as our own selves. The priests, bishops, and pope himself are as imperfect a group as the rest of us, and their flaws and imperfections will be brought to light just as ours will be. Everyone is in desperate need of grace and mercy. As leaders,  if we can’t admit to and take responsibility for our mistakes than we are not worth following. Many people in Europe, I believe, feel the same way. They are tired of following leaders who won’t own up to their mistakes and show themselves human and humble before the masses.

This week we made two trips to the country side. After venturing outside of Prague’s city limits, we have a completely different appreciation for the country and culture as a whole. The land is beautiful. Flowing hills, green pastures, ancient castles, jagged canyons full of boulder fields, and dense forests patterning the landscape make Czech Republic one of the most outstanding places we have ever lived. Two of our favorite destinations are Cesky Raj, (Czech/Bohemian Paradise) a rock climber’s dream world, and Cesky Krumlov, an ancient city with a beautiful castle, monastery and gardens.

Our students are extremely kind and generous. They amaze us with their patience and willingness to serve. We’ve been taken out to dinner for Chinese food with Ken Lee about three times now. Our constant source of information and happiness is our friend Vera. Annetta and Hana always make our day brighter. Maria and her husband Steven have brought us great joy and taken us to places around Czech we never would have been able to go without them. Our missionary friends, Frank and Marian, have encouraged us and taught us so many things about the people here and what it means to be a missionary in Prague. Christian, Jessica, Jackie, Scott and Kevin, have all been inspiring as they work to further the gospel despite trying circumstances.

Everywhere we go we meet people who are more than willing to go out of their way to help and listen to us. I’ve learned that sometimes all you need to say is, “God loves you.” If we can communicate nothing else, at least we can tell them that Jesus loves them. Many times it’s the extent of our conversations with people due to our limited Czech vocabulary, yet often they’re the best conversations we have all day.

I’ve been very encouraged by our Tuesday night Bible study at the Language Center. We studied through the book of 1 John and have now moved on to the book of James. Our students, Cyril, Maria and Tomas are wonderful, and their longing to learn more is inspiring. They have a true thirst for the Word, and I am grateful for their friendship and fellowship.

We finished our Sunday night Bible study this past weekend. The group was composed of us and three older ladies. We studied through the book of Ruth which turned out to be a very good choice for this group. They really got into the study and seemed to enjoy learning about the life of this woman who was so resilient in her obedience and love for her mother-in-law and God. Redemption is something I believe they were able to truly grasp and find peace in.

This past weekend, we went to a Czech music festival called, Mezi Ploty. It was good fun, and we finally got to listen to some live, Czech music. Most of it was actually quite entertaining, and one band, The Yellow Dog, actually did a fairly decent cover of The Rolling Stones, Satisfaction. It was a great day spent with friends, learning more about Czech culture, food and people.

The World Cup starts this Friday, and we’re extremely excited for the games to say the least. We look forward to cheering on the USA as they plow over the Brits from the motherland. We see more and more English jerseys popping up amongst us as the games get closer, but we think the USA has a chance to at least advance out of the first round. But, if history is any indicator, my prediction is dead wrong. Hopefully we’ll at least score more than one goal this time around. Quinn is predicting Spain as the winner; I’m going with the Netherlands.

It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since I sat in a pub in southern China watching France and Italy roll through the field in 2006. I expect the atmosphere will be a bit different here. I’m looking forward to catching a glimpse of that European soccer, I mean futbol, spirit. Not to put a damper on the games, but South Africa is still a country in deep turmoil. Thousands of impoverished people will be displaced from their make-shift homes this month in order to cleanse the way for tourists and a government who want little to do with them.

Love is not dead in Prague. There are missionaries here who have come to share the love of Christ with people who have yet to hear it. They need your prayers for persistence in the midst of harsh and trying circumstances. They need you to remember them and continue to strive for them in prayer and support as they take the gospel of Jesus to one of the hardest, least reached areas on the planet. They go not to condemn but to give hope. They go not to abuse but to help. They go not to steal but to feed the hungry. They go not to deprave but to shelter the cold. They go not to enforce their ways but to lovingly offer hope. Pray for Prague. Pray for Europe.

We {Love} You.

This past Friday, two gentlemen started their journey with the Lord! We were talking with them as they passed, waiting for their trams to arrive, when we started discussing Jesus and the gospel. Both men had been searching for a long time and were obviously ready to start walking with the Lord. It was an incredible night. This is the account of one of those stories from the streets of Prague. Praise the Lord!

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? –Psalm 27:1

With my right hand I gripped the old man’s shoulder as he stood in front of me, eyes scanning my face for signs of worry, signs that I wasn’t really who I said I was–some reason to pack up and walk away as quickly as possible, never to be seen or heard from again. In passing, he had overheard our conversation and asked us to tell him more. The man was seeking something, in dire need of some news which he believed we had to offer. I could feel the warmth of his left arm come and go between the thickly knitted threads of his coarse, wool sweater. Heat moved out, cold moved in, over and over like a dying vehicle burning through fuel, unable to conserve energy. The man’s arm, hardly noticeable within the confines of his heavy sweater, was weak and weathered from another lonely day spent wandering. I could squeeze the weariness from him; weariness typical of those trudging through the thick of life with no hope, joy or time to go round again. He had the look of a man who had long since given up on finding peace, praying for death because death defined his current understanding of life. His face was sullen yet longing, downcast yet searching, dejected yet not ready to cease breathing.

His shoulder trembled slightly as I held to it. A frayed, winter hat camouflaged his parted, gray hair, concealing the wrinkly outline of his forehead and ears. As I held my stance and braced against his shoulder, tears started trailing down his cheeks, seeking shelter amongst the thick, grainy whiskers composing his burly, brown beard. He asked us for a clean tissue, and we quickly retrieved a few from the packs slung over our shoulders. The man was broken before us. Amidst tears and trembling, he appeared a blurred, shadowy picture of a soul crying out for sight. The moment was heavy upon his frame; weighty from the pressure and pain of an entire lifetime come into focus. Feeling his shoulder droop in my hand, pressing in and shrinking downward, I felt as though the man’s whole world was collapsing in my grasp, slowly crumbling before my eyes. His soul appeared in an instant and then it was gone, only glimpses leaking from weary eyes and tired, shaking sobs. The man’s life seemed as though it was supported by our hands upon him, my wife’s hand upon his back and my friend’s on his side. With every tear the cracks in his heart deepened till what we saw of the man before us was nothing more than a crumbling heart, tired from the journey, longing for someone to help show him a way apart from his own dying path.

We’d been sitting with another man, a homeless gentleman with a crooked nose and fake leg that could be screwed on and off. The leg, which was currently off, was displaced somewhere amongst disheveled belongings beside him like a glove that could be worn or not worn depending on the forecast. We sat talking with this gentleman—an experienced street sojourner—about Catholicism, Buddhism, Islam, and the rest of the world’s religions. We shared our stories of how Jesus had changed our lives, but the man wasn’t interested in what we had to say. We told him that we too hated religion and had come not to share more rules and regulations but love and relationship. Yet his heart was hard, and he would not receive it. Disinterested yet warm to talk with, we sat and spoke until another man with a thick wool sweater and coarse, brown beard came up to our group, inquiring as to what we had to say concerning God and Jesus.

He wished to know more so we jumped to our feet, quickly saying goodbye to the man with the one good leg. He replied happily and kissed my wife’s hand goodbye. She laughed and smiled at him in return as we began speaking with the new man, just now coming into reach. We were happy to tell him what we knew. As we shared the story of Jesus his heart leaped in front of us like a prisoner whose heavy chains had just now been released. I gripped the man’s shoulder, and he prayed to God for help and forgiveness. He prayed for salvation and for a relationship with Jesus. The tears wouldn’t stop. They flowed down his cheeks and splattered the cold, cobble-stoned sidewalk we stood on. People—tourists from all over the world, speaking more languages than I could ever hope to count—passed us on every side, quickly moving to their destinations, laughing and shopping and photographing. Yet we hardly noticed them. Everything around us faded away like a movie nearing the climax when everything the protagonist had hoped to be real actually turned out to be so, and nothing else mattered to him except for that final confirmation of truth. I prayed for the man. I held on tightly to his shoulder and prayed for his life, thankful to God for his love for us and his grace in our time of need. We prayed for the man as a member of our own family and extended our love to him as such. The man stood upright, departing from his slouch, and looked me square in the eye. He grasped my forearm as it rested easily on his shoulder and said thank you in his native tongue. His eyes matched the deep green color of the scarf he wore round his neck, and I knew, upon gazing into them, there was something different about this man who now stood before me. Trails from remnant tears still plodded down his cheeks like rain drop streaks on a new, leather jacket.  And for the first time I saw the old man for who he was—a brother, friend, and new companion to one day meet again. He thanked each of us, turned slowly and walked away with the crowds of others moving with and around him as he proceeded forward.

An Update.

Let me begin by saying that the Lord is doing some incredible things here in Prague. We have had quite the adventure thus far, and we are anticipating more of the same over the next three weeks. There is much to say, too much for one blog post, but I’ll attempt cover some of the basics and fill in more as our time progresses. It’s been exceedingly challenging processing and recording all that we are learning. Every day is such a gift and such an adventure; I struggle to collect my thoughts and comprise my memories. The movement here in Prague is on its way thanks to the strong commitments of people such as George and Cindy Swain from Ohio, Frank and Marian from Germany, Pastor Jason from Idaho, Terry Brown from South Carolina, Jackie Moseley from Louisiana, and the support from all of you back in the States and elsewhere abroad. We are happy to be a part of what’s happening here in Prague. {click on pictures to expand}

The Sun!

We’ve been praying for the sun to reveal itself as the days graced by its presence have been few and far between. Our first three weeks in Prague were cold and wet, and Quinn spent more than her fair share of evenings channeling Ben Harper’s, She’s Only Happy in the Sun. I was about to join in when thankfully, this past Sunday, the rain clouds went on break; the skies turned bright blue, and we ventured outside without jackets or sweaters for the first time in many days. I remind you, it is summer in Eastern Europe. It’s funny how weather can be such a distraction for the mind, many times used as an unjustified excuse for not moving or acting poorly. We’re attempting to work through whatever weather comes our way.

The Neighborhood.

Not surprisingly, the weather impacted more lives than just our own. Overall, the people in our neighborhood seem livelier, and a few of them smile and wave as we stroll by. We managed to get yelled at only a few times this week–once by an older gentleman whose playground we were apparently not supposed to be on and once by a train conductor who mistakenly believed our tickets didn’t cover our trip. Thankfully, both of those “misunderstandings” were quickly cleared up with a sincere “pardon” and a little bit of help from a fellow train rider who spoke some English. The Lord always provides–even for the so called little things. It’s not uncommon to get yelled at in Prague. George and Cindy say, “If you’re not getting yelled at, you’re not doing anything.” I tend to agree with their philosophy.

25.

Quinn is officially twenty-five years of age. Our student friends here in Prague think it’s a bit strange we got married so young, but this strangeness gives us great opportunity to share more about our lives, our marriage and our faith. We thought we had gotten married young until we met another missionary couple from Idaho, Christian and Jessica Sprague, who got married at the ages of 19 and 20; quit their jobs and school; and moved to Prague to work for the church. There are a lot of crazy Christ-followers here–even from Idaho!

A Vonderful, Vienna, Birthday.

We went to Vienna, Austria, for two nights to celebrate Quinn’s 25th birthday. We stayed in a hostel with several other people (how romantic) including a couple from Buenos Aires, a girl from Australia, a dude from Slovakia, an old man with an excessive snoring problem from Italy, and a couple of college students from Berlin. What more could you ask for? The hostel served a complimentary breakfast, a must have for any solid hostel experience. Vienna is nice and only about five hours (by bus) from Prague. So it was a good mini-trip that didn’t pull us away for too long. Vienna truly is a beautiful city, packed full of history and intrigue, much like Prague.

Ministry.

Our Prague friends are doing quite well. They are in the midst of taking their finals and handing in their theses. I actually got to help one of my friends write the English summary of his thesis on global, economic stock bubbles. It was interesting, and I was glad for the chance to help and write. Every day we get to share the gospel, teach English, hang out, meet new people, and eat lots of Czech dumplings (so good). The Lord is providing everything we need along the way.

The Least of These.

On our bus ride back from Vienna we talked with a young lady from Paris. She was headed to Prague for the night, but when she arrived, discovered she had no place to stay. So we invited her back to our place for the night. It was interesting because it was quite obvious that the Lord allowed us to come in contact at just the right time for reasons we could not have foreseen when we first met. We got to share the gospel with her as well as our guest bedroom. Every day is a new adventure. This night was perfectly in line with our study of Matthew. We had just finished reading chapter 25 regarding taking care of and watching out for the least of these–inviting strangers in need into your care, a powerful lesson for us to learn.

Our Sanctuary.

There’s a forest near our residence, about a mile or so away, and we run through it nearly every day. It’s actually a very nice, expansive park, and it’s wonderful having this area as a type of sanctuary where we can go and run and pray out loud as we exercise and plan out our day together. I think everyone, regardless of where they live, should have a sanctuary. Some place where they can escape distraction and be alone with God. It’s proving to be crucial for us.

Churches Helping Churches.

We are joining efforts with another church from Louisiana called The Refuge. The church is a college campus outreach at LSU, and we are excited to meet them and help in any way possible. I’m not really sure what our role will be in serving with them, but we are going to show up. That’s usually a sufficient first step–show up.

House Church!

The church we host in our house is amazing! They are lovely people. Our conversations are a bit limited, but they are a fun, energetic bunch, and we enjoy sharing life with them. We are studying through 1 Thessalonians on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. We get together, sing hymns in Czech and English, eat bread with cheese, drink tea, pray, read the Bible, talk, and discuss politics.

Zoo!

Quinn and I went to the Prague Zoo a couple of weeks ago. It was fantastic! I felt as though I had been transported to another world. Crazy. They had a brand new baby ape on display which was actually pretty cool to watch roll around and interact with its friends.

Learning.

Sanctification is important. Along the same lines, developing a state of brokenness for those you hope to reach is likewise very important. I believe the two usually coincide. A broken and contrite spirit will lift and guide you through the difficult times and give you reason to continue on even in the face of heavy opposition or trial. Brokenness develops over time, much like sanctification, and, as a Christ follower, if you’re not longing for the Lord and for his people, than you’re probably still getting in the way. It should hurt. You should care so much for the people you interact with every day that it hurts. Get passionate, dig in, and work well. This comes from the Spirit, of course, so pay attention and pray. With time, I believe, this passion will come for all those who seek the Lord.

Pigeons and Bunnies.

A funny thing happened to us this morning.  As we were heading to the metro, we passed by one of our neighbor’s homes.  A cute old man (according to Quinn) came out and suddenly opened up his gate.  Not knowing a lick of English, he motioned with his hands for us to come in.  At first we thought we were going to get reprimanded again for something we had done wrong, until we saw the huge smile on his face as he brought us into his backyard.  That’s where he proudly showed us his nine baby bunnies, several forms of exotic birds in cages, and proceeded to make us stand inside his fully stocked pigeon coop!  He then abruptly showed us out his gate.  That was it.  It was so random and awkward but absolutely began our day on a positive note.  It’s encouraging knowing that people are willing to share with us even though we’re strangers from a strange land. Through his tiny act of kindness, the stage was set for the rest of our beautiful day. Take time to set the stage for others potentially beautiful days because you never know how you’ll impact those around you.

Lunch with Frank and Marian

We had lunch this afternoon with a missionary couple from Germany who have been living and working in Prague for the past 14 years. Their story was quite inspiring, and we were so encouraged by their lives and their joyful dedication to the people here. They have many great stories, and we’re looking forward to getting to know them more. They are dedicated to loving people regardless of time expenditure, circumstances, or outward results. They consider it a great privilege and success to simply be able to share Jesus with others, trusting that God will take care of the rest. They are praying for softened hearts.

On another note, the Czech Republic national hockey team won the World Hockey Championship last week. They defeated mighty Russia, and any time an underdog country can beat up on big, bad Russia, it’s a good thing. Congrats to them.

Until next time, we {love} you, we’re praying for you, ciao.

Lost within the boundaries of ever expanding grace and love—as a wanderer in a foreign land; a vagabond traversing the crust of the earth, choosing, with grateful heart, to relinquish everything except for what’s true and truly valuable–there is overflowing, resounding, indescribable peace. To explore the notes of a new rhythm; dance without worry; follow a path wherever it leads; let go of ill profit; paint without expectation; surrender unnecessary gain; and to live for the unveiling of the mysterious journey ahead, is solace for the weary heart and comfort for the weakened mind.

The vagabond has not ill-advised debt dripping from his pocket, flat screen TV strapped to his back or lap top computer rolled inside his sleeping bag. There’s no ostentatious mortgage pinned to his pants; luxury car in his pocket; 401k wrapped around his sandals; or Louis Vuitton cell phone pouch hanging amidst his metal pots and extra pairs of hiking boots. He carries upon him what is essential, for all else is simply wasted energy, space, and weight to be carried mile after mile; a burden measured in ounces for the avid, discretionary sojourner. To be tied too tightly to this world and the things it holds forth as important is dangerous and unwise for the one seeking something more than the so called treasures of modern day living and loving. Released grips; open hands containing nothing but what can easily be given away are crucial to the enduring message of what we have come to proclaim. Although unknowing, we are willing, and our course is to move forward, passionately engaging the path while confidently making decisions based upon our belief in the mystery of the unknown, the beauty of the unseen, the expectancy of experiencing the unexpected. Rise tomorrow, we know not if we shall, but if we do we will do so for the sake of more than the petty acquisition of new things. We will rise for the acquisition of new opportunities. Opportunities to share love with those who are blind to it, who cannot perceive it or its potential capabilities within their own lives and circumstances–we rise to show forth love, hopeful the translation is not lost on their blank faces and impassable eyes.

O how they neglect love, yet the chance to share with them ours is what drives us to wake every morn. How we get there, what we see along the way, and who we impact while going are all yet to be determined. Things left to encounter just as they come, for important things such as people, hearts, conversations, and memories are acquisitions which cannot be planned ahead of time or written down on a calendar weeks before they are scheduled to occur.

The schedule is to move, dance, run; throw one’s self to the current, stand strong against it, and steadily move upstream. The schedule is in the moment–enjoying and relishing every breeze, drop of sunshine and wisp of wet, morning dew, thinking of nothing more than reveling in God’s surging creation around us. The schedule calls for seeing people as real and not ignoring them; not treating them like drones or replaceable parts easily moved in and out of lackluster situations, happy to come out with paycheck and annual escape from routine work attire. The schedule involves loving people—taking the time to smile, say hello, make eye contact, share food with, teach, nurture, carry, and serve. The schedule is woven into the journey, and where it leads the adventure of following comes closely behind.

Put aside your expectations and follow the path lit for you today. One delicate step in front of the other, the light shining only to make way for what is directly in front of us, yet onward we prevail, onward we move, further we step into each space as it is given us and behold, another step is lit once more. One small stride at a time, we journey closer to the fringe and closer to freedom. One small step at a time, we share the joy of fellowship, of joining others as they pursue the Giver of true peace, the Master of all those who are faithful. One small step at a time, always moving, always attempting the unexpected and extraordinary for the glory of Another whom we live and strive for in everything we set out to accomplish. One step at a time, the path before us we will follow and rest not until our days come to a close and we abide closely with the One who sent us.

This week was full of classroom sessions and one-on-one meetings with Czech students. We had a wonderful time teaching and learning and spending time with new friends. Most of the students are fluent in at least three or four languages. Most know Czech, English, German and French quite well while some know Mandarin, Spanish or Italian, too. They are an inspiration to us to get moving on our foreign language skills! We truly had a great week as teachers, and we have  come to a greater understanding of just how challenging and tiring teaching can be. For all of you excellent teachers out there, I applaud you. Thanks for being excellent at your art. Here are a few pics of some of our students–a lovely group, indeed. {Click on any photo to enlarge}