Anne Anne’s Story of Quiet Courage Some stories don’t begin with certainty or confidence—they begin with questions. Anne’s story began that way. Anne is a teenage girl from the Czech Republic, a place rich in history and culture, but where many young people grow up without a personal connection to faith. When she arrived at camp this past summer, she didn’t come with open arms or eager anticipation. She came with doubts—carefully guarded, deeply rooted, and built up over tim

One of the workers repairing organ pipes The first time I met Marian was on a cold morning in Slovakia, the kind where the clouds hang low over the hills and every church spire seems to disappear into them. I had arrived in Zilina, a small town where Michal's family had lived for many, many years. As day began to rise and the sky filled with sunlight, I was excited to met Michal's father who built and restored pipe organs by hand. Marian was soft-spoken, but there was a kind

Milan; his daughter, Daniela; and grandson, Michal. In the background is Milan's map of the Holy Land Last week I had the opportunity to travel with Michal to his home in Slovakia to meet his grandfather, Milan. I came to the Czech Republic with the understanding that the Czech Republic is primarily an atheist country. Overall, many European countries are moving rapidly in that direction, especially those who were under communism. What I didn't realize is that Slovakia is an

Wednesday Night Bible Study in the Dorms In a country where only 12% of the people are practicing, confessing Christians, there's a movement of the Holy Spirit breaking out within college age students. Michal, a 6th year med student, leads the Bible study. Michal and his wife, Katarina, who is in her 5th year of med school, were married in 2024 and live about 20 minutes away via public transportation. They are Slovakian and both are Christians. They grew up in families who ha

The Czech people are truthful. There's no innuendo in their speech or mannerisms. They say what they mean and mean what they say. Straightforward. I like this. There's no guessing game. No trying to figure out the truth. When I am walking the streets of Prague, the people don't make eye contact. Not much interaction. Only when they come face to face with you, like going in and out of the building, will they say, ever so slightly, "Dobrý den," or in English, "Good Day." The yo

When I met with the leadership team for ESUMC, I was told that the church had never offered weekday worship opportunities. I was coming the Sunday before the beginning of Lent and had thought that I would lead an Ash Wednesay service. Ash Wednesday is an important time of worship becuase it prepares our hearts, minds, and bodies for Easter. There was an instant longing in my heart to share Ash Wednesday with a congregation who has never experienced its beauty. What is Ash Wed

Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, is a city steeped in history, culture, and spirituality. As I wander through its cobblestone streets, I find myself drawn to the profound moments that can occur when I open my heart to the Holy Spirit. This blog post explores the transformative experiences that many have encountered in this beautiful city, offering insights and reflections that can inspire your own spiritual journey. The Spiritual Landscape of Prague Pragu