Hey y'all!! (Nobody here understands y'all, it feels good to use it again;) )
We are halfway done with week 2 of camp here in Czech Republic. As my dad said, this camp in Semily has been vastly different then the previous camp in Oldrichov. Last week we really bonded with the kids, and while we have bonded with the kids here the biggest thing for me has been the community with the leaders. We are like a crazy international family :) there are 9 Americans, 2 Russians, 6 Czechs, 1 Israeli-Palestinian, 1 American missionary kid living in Czech. It's been so fun to get to know everyone and hear their stories. We decided to do our own "World Version" of How Great is Our God tomorrow night with the 7 languages represented among us (English, Czech, Russian, Spanish, ASL, Arabic, Dutch).
I am so thankful to be here with all of these wonderful people. I'm realizing how we're really all brothers and sisters in Christ and how sweet the fellowship of fellow believers is. It's also making me thankful I live in the age of the internet so I can stay connected with all of them!! This trip wouldn't have been the same without them and I'm so thankful for new friendships!
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live togetherin unity! Psalm 133:1
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Half Way Through Week 2 of Camp
A new week and a new camp. Last week we had about 40 campers and about 14 leaders. This week we have 20 campers and about 20 leaders. And as different as that sounds, the camps are definitely different.
Last week was a 3 day camp with the focus being English, crafts and camp songs. This week is a 5 day camp with the main focus being the performance of a musical. For those reading from Grace church, the kids are doing a modified version of "No Phibbin", which the kids choir did last Christmas. The theme of the camps has been Christmas in August.
While this trip hasn't been overtly evangelistic, we have been able to talk about and share Jesus via the Christmas story.
We have been blessed to serve with some great Christian folks from around the world. We have 2 newly married couples, Malorie (Colorado) and Nash (Israel) and then Ondre amd Pavlina (Czech Republic). We also have Tomas and Jana (to be married later this year) from the Czech Republic, Lena and Eysa, 2 young ladies from Russia. It's been awesome to serve and even more so to pray with people from around the world. Hearing people pray in their own language is AWESOME! Our God knows no language.
We really appreciate your prayers as the trip winds down. A few members are dealing with a long lasting cold, others are tired and others have concerns at home. Spiritual warfare is alive and real but we serve a God who is bigger and conquers!
(I wrote this on my phone so I apologize for grammar mistakes! )
Last week was a 3 day camp with the focus being English, crafts and camp songs. This week is a 5 day camp with the main focus being the performance of a musical. For those reading from Grace church, the kids are doing a modified version of "No Phibbin", which the kids choir did last Christmas. The theme of the camps has been Christmas in August.
While this trip hasn't been overtly evangelistic, we have been able to talk about and share Jesus via the Christmas story.
We have been blessed to serve with some great Christian folks from around the world. We have 2 newly married couples, Malorie (Colorado) and Nash (Israel) and then Ondre amd Pavlina (Czech Republic). We also have Tomas and Jana (to be married later this year) from the Czech Republic, Lena and Eysa, 2 young ladies from Russia. It's been awesome to serve and even more so to pray with people from around the world. Hearing people pray in their own language is AWESOME! Our God knows no language.
We really appreciate your prayers as the trip winds down. A few members are dealing with a long lasting cold, others are tired and others have concerns at home. Spiritual warfare is alive and real but we serve a God who is bigger and conquers!
(I wrote this on my phone so I apologize for grammar mistakes! )
Friday, August 14, 2015
Thoughts on Week One
Here are some random thoughts, musings and pics from our first week here.
Favorite line I've heard many times: Don't worry, I have it under control (even if the person isn't quite sure how to accomplish the task)
Love seeing the team work together in areas that aren't in their wheelhouse, in the name of getting the mission done. And it's done with enthusiasm and laughter.
We were struggling for a nickname for Alicia and Alex but that was fixed on Thursday. As Laura was helping Alex and Alicia stretch, it was quite apparent that one of these ladies wasn't quite flexible (looking at you Alex). During the camp, we had these 2 rubber chickens that we used as rats for the camp group that was most enthusiastic, one is a soft rubber squishy chicken named "stretch" and the other is a harder rubber chicken named "stiff". It was deemed that Alicia is stretch to Alex's stiff!
This trip is definitely NOT an overtly in your face, preaching at churches, handing out tracts, neighborhood evangelism like some trips are. This has been a "Preach the gospel and if needed use your words" type of trip. It's been fun to let our actions speak volumes and when an opportunity arises; we tell people about our relationship with Jesus.
On Wednesday night we had the much anticipated international volleyball match. Czech Republic vs Texas. Apparently our memo was lost in the mail, as we learned that this match was happening AFTER we arrived in country, but the Czechs were practicing for a long time to prepare. Sooooo it was only correct and polite of us to allow them the dignity of beating us...multiple times! We hear that the results will go into the villages history books :)
I mention this as a testimony to what God has done through this team: one host family said their guests "inspired them", our Czech leader, Jana (pronounced Yana) was incredibly moved by the Texas team's work and encouragement, many of the children were crying at the end of camp wanting it not to end. God was loving on these kids and adults and I'm so grateful that we get to be a part of it all!
Favorite line I've heard many times: Don't worry, I have it under control (even if the person isn't quite sure how to accomplish the task)
Love seeing the team work together in areas that aren't in their wheelhouse, in the name of getting the mission done. And it's done with enthusiasm and laughter.
We were struggling for a nickname for Alicia and Alex but that was fixed on Thursday. As Laura was helping Alex and Alicia stretch, it was quite apparent that one of these ladies wasn't quite flexible (looking at you Alex). During the camp, we had these 2 rubber chickens that we used as rats for the camp group that was most enthusiastic, one is a soft rubber squishy chicken named "stretch" and the other is a harder rubber chicken named "stiff". It was deemed that Alicia is stretch to Alex's stiff!
This trip is definitely NOT an overtly in your face, preaching at churches, handing out tracts, neighborhood evangelism like some trips are. This has been a "Preach the gospel and if needed use your words" type of trip. It's been fun to let our actions speak volumes and when an opportunity arises; we tell people about our relationship with Jesus.
On Wednesday night we had the much anticipated international volleyball match. Czech Republic vs Texas. Apparently our memo was lost in the mail, as we learned that this match was happening AFTER we arrived in country, but the Czechs were practicing for a long time to prepare. Sooooo it was only correct and polite of us to allow them the dignity of beating us...multiple times! We hear that the results will go into the villages history books :)
I mention this as a testimony to what God has done through this team: one host family said their guests "inspired them", our Czech leader, Jana (pronounced Yana) was incredibly moved by the Texas team's work and encouragement, many of the children were crying at the end of camp wanting it not to end. God was loving on these kids and adults and I'm so grateful that we get to be a part of it all!
Natural water slide and swimming pool.
Chad handing out certificates to his group
Laura handing out certificates to her group
Alicia handing out certificates to her group
Alicia got stung by a bee and one of her girls was taken care of her
A knucklehead and 5 of the boys from his group
Just 2 grown men talking to rubber chickens
Alex and Laura playing games
Skit!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Host home
Lanka and Jorkin (sp?) were amazing. Their house was an add-on to an existing house built in the 1780's. One of the original outside walls still exists. Most Czech homes (the majority!) do not have A/C. Ours was no exception... We slept with the windows open, except the skylight. They warned us that the cat might jump on our heads in the middle of the night. The food was Czech, but not traditional. Our hosts lead a very healthy lifestyle. Traditional Czech food is high in carbs - bread, dumplings, sauces. However, we did have homemade jam, jam filled cake, and bred with jam for each breakfast. Did I mention that they didn't have A/C?
The first camp
Camp setup went well. The place really looked like it was Christmas Eve. The first day, the kids were unsure of us Americans. We were being silly and singing with motions. As the day went on, they began to warm up to us. Eventually, they sing and doing the motions with us. Even the teen-aged boys!!
Camp In The Eyes Of The Music Guy
"Be flexible" they said...
Three days ago, I didn't have a clue of what God was going to do between then and now. At the time, I was frustrated, unprepared, nervous, and clueless. My co-music-leader Moriah was taken away and moved somewhere else, and I was left to do music all on my own. Not long after, I blew the stereo system that I brought, so I didn't have a way to play the music. Instead, I was going to have to share the guitar amplifier (that we used to amplify the mic) with the mp3 player in order to play the music. I was completely unprepared. Not only that, but my housing assignment was changed, and many other things went into destroying all of my confidence for the camp (that was starting the next day). I was scared.
Then camp happened. It wasn't professional, but we weren't here to perform. It wasn't stress-free, but I wasn't promised that it would be easy. I ended up changing just about everything that I had originally prepared, and went in a new and different direction than I had envisioned.
But God had it all prepared before I even had a clue. In the midst of my unpreparedness, God knew exactly what He was doing. In three short days, He turned a seemingly uninteractive group of kids into and a group of kids singing all the words to songs not even in their native language, while doing the motions.
The relationships that were built over these three short days drew tears. It is amazing how easy it is to grow so attached to the kids. I will definitely miss them. I am absolutely amazed at how three short days can be so impactful.
Three days ago, I didn't have a clue of what God was going to do between then and now. At the time, I was frustrated, unprepared, nervous, and clueless. My co-music-leader Moriah was taken away and moved somewhere else, and I was left to do music all on my own. Not long after, I blew the stereo system that I brought, so I didn't have a way to play the music. Instead, I was going to have to share the guitar amplifier (that we used to amplify the mic) with the mp3 player in order to play the music. I was completely unprepared. Not only that, but my housing assignment was changed, and many other things went into destroying all of my confidence for the camp (that was starting the next day). I was scared.
Then camp happened. It wasn't professional, but we weren't here to perform. It wasn't stress-free, but I wasn't promised that it would be easy. I ended up changing just about everything that I had originally prepared, and went in a new and different direction than I had envisioned.
But God had it all prepared before I even had a clue. In the midst of my unpreparedness, God knew exactly what He was doing. In three short days, He turned a seemingly uninteractive group of kids into and a group of kids singing all the words to songs not even in their native language, while doing the motions.
The relationships that were built over these three short days drew tears. It is amazing how easy it is to grow so attached to the kids. I will definitely miss them. I am absolutely amazed at how three short days can be so impactful.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Pics and Lot's of Love!
Finally got back on the world wide interweb! Looks like folks have posted some great updates, so I'm going to just post some love and then some pics.
If you don't know how much of a Rockstar Moriah and Matt are, please understand this: Moriah and Matt are the picture of Rock Stardom.
Moriah got handed the project of actually teaching English. After some much needed internal freaking out, she knocked it out of the ballpark.
Matt has been on stage, having equipment fail, changing directions and some kids who aren't really engaged at times...Matt has been up there doing his thing, laughing, having fun with it all.
I am VERY proud of both of them. Our team motto is be flexible and these 2 were the definition today!
It's been awesome to see Alicia get more comfortable and nothing on this trip has made me smile more than hearing her belly laugh. I didn't know Alicia before this trip but I'm grateful I'm getting to know her now.
Chad and Laura are the perfect "adults" for this trip. From traveling pharmacy (Laura) to chicken man (Chad)....this trip wouldn't be quite right without their excitement, demeanor and temperment.
And what can I say....nothing brings a dad more pride and joy then seeing your kid serve with excitement and joy despite exhaustion.
Ok....enoughof the ooey gooey love fest...here are some pics
If you don't know how much of a Rockstar Moriah and Matt are, please understand this: Moriah and Matt are the picture of Rock Stardom.
Moriah got handed the project of actually teaching English. After some much needed internal freaking out, she knocked it out of the ballpark.
Matt has been on stage, having equipment fail, changing directions and some kids who aren't really engaged at times...Matt has been up there doing his thing, laughing, having fun with it all.
I am VERY proud of both of them. Our team motto is be flexible and these 2 were the definition today!
It's been awesome to see Alicia get more comfortable and nothing on this trip has made me smile more than hearing her belly laugh. I didn't know Alicia before this trip but I'm grateful I'm getting to know her now.
Chad and Laura are the perfect "adults" for this trip. From traveling pharmacy (Laura) to chicken man (Chad)....this trip wouldn't be quite right without their excitement, demeanor and temperment.
And what can I say....nothing brings a dad more pride and joy then seeing your kid serve with excitement and joy despite exhaustion.
Ok....enoughof the ooey gooey love fest...here are some pics
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Americans vs Czechs
Wow.. What an exciting few days we've had so far!
When we first came to Czech, Mona took us to a place where Germany, Czech Republic, and Poland all connect at one place. But to be able to say you've been in all 3 countries at once, you had to walk into the middle of a river. So Matt, Alicia, Alex, and I all rolled up our pant legs and waded into the middle. Alex and Alicia slipped in and got soaked. Let's just say it was a very cold ride home.
My favorite part of this trip so far has been meeting new people and getting to know their story and where they come from.
My least favorite part of this trip is remembering to say "I need to use the toilet" instead of saying "I need to use the restroom".
The thing that surprised me the most is that teenage boys who don't know that much English listen to me and follow instructions!
Our team motto is "Be flexible". I've had to work on being flexible. While we were in America, the plan was Matt and I do music together as a station. On Monday, Mona told me she would like me in the English class. This morning, Mona told me the lady I would be helping would not be there today, so I taught the English class.. ALL BY MYSELF. I'm amazed at how much English I know!! I was really nervous at first, and I had many people praying for me throughout the day. Overall, I think it went very well.
I really appreciate all your prayers, and I can't wait to see how God uses me these next few days and next week!!
Ahh, Americans vs Czechs. Wednesday night, the Czechs and us Americans are going head to head in a volleyball game. The Czechs have been practicing every night, and us Americans just heard about it today. So cheer us on tomorrow at 7pm local time (noon y'all's time). Man, I miss saying y'all.
When we first came to Czech, Mona took us to a place where Germany, Czech Republic, and Poland all connect at one place. But to be able to say you've been in all 3 countries at once, you had to walk into the middle of a river. So Matt, Alicia, Alex, and I all rolled up our pant legs and waded into the middle. Alex and Alicia slipped in and got soaked. Let's just say it was a very cold ride home.
My favorite part of this trip so far has been meeting new people and getting to know their story and where they come from.
My least favorite part of this trip is remembering to say "I need to use the toilet" instead of saying "I need to use the restroom".
The thing that surprised me the most is that teenage boys who don't know that much English listen to me and follow instructions!
Our team motto is "Be flexible". I've had to work on being flexible. While we were in America, the plan was Matt and I do music together as a station. On Monday, Mona told me she would like me in the English class. This morning, Mona told me the lady I would be helping would not be there today, so I taught the English class.. ALL BY MYSELF. I'm amazed at how much English I know!! I was really nervous at first, and I had many people praying for me throughout the day. Overall, I think it went very well.
I really appreciate all your prayers, and I can't wait to see how God uses me these next few days and next week!!
Ahh, Americans vs Czechs. Wednesday night, the Czechs and us Americans are going head to head in a volleyball game. The Czechs have been practicing every night, and us Americans just heard about it today. So cheer us on tomorrow at 7pm local time (noon y'all's time). Man, I miss saying y'all.
Camp day 1 - Czech!
What an extremely busy day! There were over 40 children in attendance from ages 9 - 17 years old. The day went without many issues - no injuries or lost children. But the camp is still young!
We enjoyed music time with Matt leading us. It was great to see the kids sing Big House, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Baby Shark. Even the teen-aged boys were singing! Good times.
Our camp mascots are two rubber chickens named Stretch and Stiff. They get to hang out with the group that sings the loudest in the morning.
Day 2 tomorrow! Pray for unity of the team, endurance, and continued blessings for the kids.
Oh, and if anyone has a spare air conditioner you can send, we would appreciate it!!!!
We enjoyed music time with Matt leading us. It was great to see the kids sing Big House, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Baby Shark. Even the teen-aged boys were singing! Good times.
Our camp mascots are two rubber chickens named Stretch and Stiff. They get to hang out with the group that sings the loudest in the morning.
Day 2 tomorrow! Pray for unity of the team, endurance, and continued blessings for the kids.
Oh, and if anyone has a spare air conditioner you can send, we would appreciate it!!!!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
London
We are on the ground safe and sound. Navigating the airport has been somewhat challenging due to the language barrier. What is a 'lift'? What is a '£'? I think I just paid $10 for a bottle of 'flat water'.
Two more hours until the next flight.
Two more hours until the next flight.
Flying Part 2
We made it to Hethrow airport in London. It was a long ride, a couple small bumps but all in all uneventful and for most of us, unrestful. It's currently 8am local time and we'll get on the 2 hour flight to Prague at 950am.
Everyone did awesome...including our resident 1st time flyer (Moriah)!
Next stop....Czech Republic.
Everyone did awesome...including our resident 1st time flyer (Moriah)!
Next stop....Czech Republic.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Flying Part One
Skaggszilla
I don't know how to write a blog. Obviously from the "heys" above, the first order of business is selecting the correct font.
Who am I? 52. My hair color is Brown Sugar (so says the bottle). Married to my sweetheart coming up on 30 years. Together, our gene pool has produced 4 offspring. They are lovely. So yeah...wife and mom. I also have a couple of college degrees in the closet. Oh! And for 15 years, I held the discus record at Rutgers University. I day trade. I'm a Girl Scout leader. I like to mow my lawn. For the past 2 years, I have become certified in Revelation Wellness and Holy Yoga to lead classes in fitness and yoga. I like oatmeal.
What do I enjoy doing? I enjoy long walks on the beach and......
What is my undiscovered talent? Well, I think all my talents have been discovered but my goal is to ride my unicycle by the time I'm 55.
What keeps me up at night? Besides caffeine or a good movie, if you are asking what moves me, it is seeing people that society has "othered" and showing them the love of Jesus.
What is God doing in my life? Exactly! That's what I want to know! And then maybe I don't. If God told me 2 years ago that He wanted me to lead group fitness classes, I would have said HAH no...I hate group fitness (honestly, the one aerobics class I went to in the 80s...I think I was in there 7 minutes). He didn't reveal the whole vision to me but gently guided me to take steps that have led me to a ministry where I GET TO pour into women and speak truth about how God made them and on top of THAT....we get to do fellowship. Now He is asking me to step out a little further ... the Czech Republic.
What do I hope for on this trip? So my hope for this trip that I do God's will. I want open eyes, open ears and an open heart to see, hear and know who He is sending me to minister to. My hope is that I am articulate for the Lord, that I have wisdom and seek Him for the right words to say and that my actions, behaviors, speech, temperament all point to God's glory, grace and mercy that I have come to know through Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Time Keeps on Ticking....
It feels like we just started this journey, but really it's been 4 months since we agreed to be the team God will use on this trip. We now look at the calendar and are only 2 days away from leaving. The hustle and bustle of last minute details, packing lists, tying up loose ends at home are in full force. I know I have the sick stomach of nerves and excitement of what will the next 2 weeks look like.
In a weird, twisted kind of way, I know that this trip is going to be one that is a life changer. The amount of frustration, physical ailments and stress this team has endured over the last 4 months, is unlike anything I've ever experienced in all of my times prepping to go overseas. Yet, we continue to plow forward, trusting in the One who provides all good things, knowing that He will be glorified and we will grow through it all.
Those who are on our prayer team, please, please, please continue to pray for (or add to your prayer list) the families of this team. The team is going to miss family and friends but we will have the mission to keep us occupied and focused. Our families are going to be picking up the slack in our absence. A couple of the families are sending off TWO members of the family. It's a stretch for all 5 of the families sending off their loved ones. That all sounds so much more dramatic than it probably is, I mean we aren't being sent on a one way trip to Mars!
I'm very thankful to the Leraas, Sillers, Skaggs, Wright and especially the Wickham families for your blessing on this trip and for the sacrifices you are making to allow this all to happen. Love you all! (especially those cuties in the Wickham house :) )
Monday, August 3, 2015
Randy / Dad / Mr. Wickham / Captain....
Who Am I
I'm Randy - Husband to Emily (my BFF) Dad of 8 kiddos (Alex, Rosie, AJ, Hannah, Caley, JD, Riley and Zeke). Our family journey is one of multiple adoptions from a couple different parts of the world. I was born and raised in Massachusetts (wikked awesome) but have lived in Texas for 8 of the last 10 years.
What do I enjoy doing?
So I was going to write this blurb here about hanging out with my family (100% true) and helping others (95% true)....but reality is, I really just like making people laugh (usually at my own expense) and showing/telling people about the awesome things God has done in my life. There are times we need to be serious but MAN do people take life and themselves waaaaay too serious waaaaay too often.
What is my "undiscovered" talent?
It's undiscovered....meaning "that which has not been discovered"....so yea, If someone discovers it for me, please let me know!!
What keeps me up at night?
Usually Zeke. I tend to think a lot about the fact that Christ dramatically changed my life and there are so many people suffering and with out hope. It took me years to realize the freedom in Jesus and while my brain understands that some people will never want or feel the need for God, that makes my heart hurt.
What is God doing in my life?
Teaching me incredible patience, that spiritual warfare is legit and that I still have a lot of growing up to do....and that's all just through raising teenagers! (No seriously....the teen years are equal parts sunshine and lollipops AND root canals and stubbed toes)
Favorite bible verse?
1st John 3:18 - Dear children, let us not love in words and speech, but with actions and in truth.
What do I hope for on this trip?
I hope people see that a life for Jesus is not a life of rules and "can nots". I hope people see that living for Jesus is filed with laughter, joy, goofiness, hope and most of all: Love.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Who Is Matt?
Well hi guys. In a perfect world, this is me:
However, if you've known me longer than five seconds, you'll find out that my typical state is something more like:
Matt Wright
I am an 18-year old with a huge passion for Jesus, music, and anything downright goofy. I have one older brother who is out of college and has a job in Louisiana. I come from a family of engineers (both parents electrical and my bro is civil), so I'm the odd one out working on my commercial music degree at college (Audio engineering if that counts?). I've lived in Texas my whole life, and I have loved it.
What do you enjoy doing?
Anything music. I love playing instruments, leading worship at church, writing music, and listening to music. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and family. And as the second picture states, goofiness is my expertise.
What is your "undiscovered" talent?
Peeling potatoes by the bagful. There is definitely an art to this, and potato peeling tournaments are the future of sports. (I work at In-N-Out Burger for those who don't know).
What keeps you up at night?
The state of the sex trafficking/porn industry and how our culture seems to accept it. The extreme destruction inside it can't be understated.
What is God doing in your life?
God continues to show me my need for Him, how desperately I need Him on a minutely basis, and how it is Him alone that I need (nothing and nobody else can take His place).
David, the king of Israel, mighty in military strength and lacking nothing, says:
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." -Psalm 20:7
Wow :O
What do you hope for this trip?
I hope that God uses us to reach the kids in the Czech with the gospel. I also hope that God will use the kids in the Czech to teach us something as well. In all, I just pray the Christ is glorified and that we are humbled before Him.
:)
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Meet the team post 2 - Alex
Alex Wickham
College freshman, chocoholic, baby loving, big sister to 7, special needs advocate, dork and a half, Jesus loving, world changer wannabe, Massachusetts-born Texas girl
What do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with friends and family, and doing ministry work- especially pouring into people and leadership/administrative tasks. Hobby wise, I love crafts, books, baking and babysitting :)
What is your "undiscovered" talent?
Hmmm.....people are usually surprised to find out that I love card making and scrapbooking...does that count? :)
What keeps you up at night?
The orphan crisis, especially the plight of special needs orphans worldwide
What is God doing in your life?
Right now, God is teaching me how to live brave. As somebody who deals with multiple anxiety disorders, this is huge for me. I can live my life with the freedom of courage because he has already conquered everything I have to fear. He is greater than my fear and everything that I fear.
"You make me brave- no fear can hinder now the love that made a way" - Bethel
"But he said to me, 'my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" 2 Corinthians 12:9a
What do you hope for this trip?
I hope that God really works in the lives of these kids and radically changes their lives. I also hope that God uses this experience in the lives of all of us on the team and changes us for the better.
College freshman, chocoholic, baby loving, big sister to 7, special needs advocate, dork and a half, Jesus loving, world changer wannabe, Massachusetts-born Texas girl
What do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with friends and family, and doing ministry work- especially pouring into people and leadership/administrative tasks. Hobby wise, I love crafts, books, baking and babysitting :)
What is your "undiscovered" talent?
Hmmm.....people are usually surprised to find out that I love card making and scrapbooking...does that count? :)
What keeps you up at night?
The orphan crisis, especially the plight of special needs orphans worldwide
What is God doing in your life?
Right now, God is teaching me how to live brave. As somebody who deals with multiple anxiety disorders, this is huge for me. I can live my life with the freedom of courage because he has already conquered everything I have to fear. He is greater than my fear and everything that I fear.
"You make me brave- no fear can hinder now the love that made a way" - Bethel
"But he said to me, 'my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" 2 Corinthians 12:9a
What do you hope for this trip?
I hope that God really works in the lives of these kids and radically changes their lives. I also hope that God uses this experience in the lives of all of us on the team and changes us for the better.
Monday, July 27, 2015
So, who are we...?
As my first official blog ever, I thought it appropriate to introduce myself and tell you a bit about who I am. Chad Leraas
Husband to my dearest bride, Tamara (rock star!). Father of 4 amazing daughters, Mykaela, Moriah, Marissa (that's her in the photo), and Marlee. I wasn't born in Texas, but I have lived here most of my life, so I call myself a Texan.
What do you enjoy doing: I enjoy using my gifts and passions to encourage, excite, motivate people's lives. I love it when I see someone find their niche and really come to life. It's like they glow!
What is your 'undiscovered' talent: I've found that I like being creative in the kitchen. Oh, and I like to sing.
What keeps you up at night: It saddens me to see people so focused on things of this world - material things, pleasures, admiration.
What is God doing in your life: I have struggled with identity issues throughout my life (Who am I? Where do I belong?). God is showing me that I have my identity through Christ, and that nothing I do or don't do can affect that. He has chosen me. The Creator, Sustainer.....chose me!!
Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Isreal: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine". I have my identity in Christ.
What do you hope for on this trip: First and for most, I pray that Christ is glorified with our words and actions. I hope that we can be a blessing to those we come in contact with. New life with Christ is an exciting thing. I hope we can show that. Finally, this will be a fun trip to experience with my #2 daughter, Moriah. I hope for lots of memories with this girl!!
Sunday, July 26, 2015
The team is set and ready to GO!
Here we are! The 2015 Grace EFCA Czech Republic Mission team. This is exactly the perfect team for this trip, ready to serve God, 4D Ministries and all those God brings to us. From left to right we have: Alex, Laura, Mona, Alicia, Randy, Matt, Chad and Moriah.
In less than 2 weeks, we will be leaving on a jet plane with our final destination being the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is the 3rd most atheistic country in the world (Global Index of Religiosity & Atheism) with nearly 30% of the country defining themselves as "Convinced Atheists". What an opportunity we have to love on folks (adults and kids alike) and to preach to gospel....and if given the opportunity we may even use words :). Our actions and attitudes will be our main evangelism tool for this trip, but we trust God will give us many opportunities to verbally share what it is to follow the one true God.
We covet your prayers as we get closer to travel time. So many logistics, so many plans and so many preparations. But, we serve a God who ordains our steps...how cool is that!
Proverbs 16: 1-3
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Welcome to the Grace Church, Czech Republic Mission Team blog! We're very excited to have you along for the ride as we plan out, execute and reflect on the plans God has in store for us. Let's start off by explaining what it is we see God having us do on this 2 week journey to Czech Republic. And while the trip may be happening in Aug (Aug 8-22), lot's will be going on leading up to the trip.
We are blessed to partner with 4D Ministries as they spread the gospel. Our role on this trip will be to assist with 2 English camps. We will be working a lot with the kids, loving on them, playing, talking and sharing Jesus with them. The mission at hand is just that, share Jesus and to be a smiling face, a helping hand and let God do the rest.
Here is a write up from Mona Paulson, our team member and 4D leader on the Czech side of things:
"In the past few years, God miraculously opened doors for me (Mona) to help teach Conversational English in a Czech public school, in Semily. This is a small town two hours north of Prague, which has a low income level, no American or English people living there, and very few people who know about God.
For the first time ever this summer, we will
be holding an English (day) camp in Semily.
For Czechs, it is vitally important that those leading English programs,
be “Native Speakers,” that is that English be their mother tongue. And that is why it is so important that the
Grace team feels God calling them to be part of our team. It will be one of the first time that
children will hear about who Jesus really is, and how to walk with Him. (Czech was rated by the UN as one of the most
“atheistic” nations on earth. There is
Spiritual curiosity, but a lot of misunderstanding of God and the church as
left over from Communist propaganda.) As well, we will do a three day mini-camp
in another small village, working there with a Christian English teacher and
her husband."
So there it, our mission is to show and tell a walk with Jesus is much more than just a religious practice but rather it is a relationship with the creator of everything, allowed through the cleansing blood of Christ.
In some of our next posts, we'll post a bit more about who each team member is and other team happenings.
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