Missions Update: Czech Republic

English Camp in the Czech Republic celebrated the ten year anniversary of this ministry.  The camp went really well.  Outreach to the Roma gypsies, sharing of the love of Christ and much more filled the camp with amazing God moments. 

The thing I saw was God’s grace working through the camp each day in quiet gentle ways. The relationships that have grown over the years and the new ones, with first timers, offer opportunities for modeling and sharing our faith through love and actions.  I saw a new family welcomed and become one with the group, two young girls made to feel like they were with family.  The young adults that have grown up with the camp reached out and asked the local Roma Gypsy children to join in and made them feel welcome.  Several of the campers that have been coming for years are now taking leadership roles.  A discussion between one of our team and a visitor on what being a Christian was about that occurred one afternoon.  All this and so much more this week showed me that we have been doing something right here and there is value in what we do. Grace is an amazing thing. 
- Mike McAloon

When we boarded the plane to the Czech Republic, Dallas was in turmoil and dealing with an unimaginable tragedy.  Our hearts were heavy as we tried to prepare for the work God had planned for us in Karlovy Vary.  Shortly after landing we heard more news: more officers shot in Baton Rouge, terror attack in Nice, a coup attempt in Turkey.  Everywhere lives were lost and many who read the news were asking, "Where is God in all this madness?"  What I learned on this trip is that I can't spend my time searching for God on CNN or the BBC.  His stories won't hit the five o'clock news.   But in those moments at camp with believers, unbelievers, and wanna-believers, God WAS with us.  I could see him in the smiles and the laughter of the Americans and the Czech campers. I could feel him around us in prayer.  I could hear his gentle urgings to those who were ready to hear about his love and grace.  So while others might be sitting by their televisions despairing about our world, I felt the hope that only our Lord can provide. As Romans8:31 explains: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." 

- Cyndi Anderson

I feel blessed to have been able to journey to the Czech Republic and participate in English camp this year.  This was my first time and it was great to hang out with the campers and build relationships with them.  We played games, laughed a lot, and even ventured on an 11 mile hike and rafting adventure!  It was a lot of fun to experience the camp and see a new country but the real reason for me going is because Jesus said, for us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) 

English camp is very important because it is an avenue for us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who otherwise may have never heard.  As Paul states in his letter to the Romans, “How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15) 

We need to remember that we are to be vessels that God uses to share the message of his love.  “We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)  However, it is only the Holy Spirit that can move an individual to call on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  It was great to have the opportunity to get to know the campers and have discussions of faith with them when they arose.  We also led a series of devotionals that were aimed to present the Gospel in a clear and concise way.  My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives and compel them to trust in Jesus and thus be adopted as children of God. (Romans 8:14-15) 
- Evan Hunt

This past English Camp marked Suncreek's 10th consecutive year of ministry in the Czech Republic and there are countless reasons why that should be celebrated! This mission trip is unlike many others in that the fruits of the ministry are not always immediately evident. This is a long-term mission, a mission that is fueled by energetic fellowship with our dear friends across the ocean. I have had the opportunity to be a part of English Camp for 4 years now, and every year, I find myself in awe of the work our Lord is doing in the lives of everyone who attends camp (including my own). I celebrate the past 10 years of English Camp because in those 10 years,  joy has been abundant, questioning hearts have been shown the truths found in the gospel, lifelong friendships have been nourished, and God’s beautiful love has been ever present. Glory be! 

...we have been doing something right here and there is value in what we do. 

...while others might be sitting by their televisions despairing about our world, I felt the hope that only our Lord can provide.  

We need to remember that we are to be vessels that God uses to share the message of his love.

...joy has been abundant, questioning hearts have been shown the truths found in the gospel...