Together bringing His love to the world.

"and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them." - Acts 18:3 


We arrived in Ostrava on Thursday and stayed through Monday. What a great weekend! It came with its bumps, miscommunications and challenges, but I assure you it was a good experience overall. 
Thursday we were picked up at the train station by Michael (church youth leader), Monika and Davide. These are some stellar people! They were so helpful throughout the entire weekend. Jonathan and Ben stayed with Michael, while Sarah, Chelsie and I stayed with full-time English teachers: Shelly, Chelsea and Ashley. These girls allowed us to stay in their apartment... even though they left for a conference Friday through Sunday! They gave us the keys to the 'flat' and said, "make yourselves at home." This is a concrete example of the attitude of the believers we met this weekend. 
Over and over we were welcomed into the lives of those we encountered and were invited to join in their work. Before this weekend, I had expected to come and serve this body of believers in tangible ways. However, coming out of the weekend I realize that I have been served and so very blessed by them: through their love, hospitality, kindness and encouragement. 
On Sunday we joined their Bible study; Michael began by reading Acts 18:1-4. It is the introduction of Paul's relationship with Aquilla and Priscilla. Through this story, Michael very clearly communicated that we are "Paul" and their body is "Aquilla and Priscilla"; we met them and immediately joined in their work. This touched my heart deeply; it also gave me a better understanding of our relationship as believers. We are all here for the purpose of the gospel, and because we are fellow Christians, there is an immediate unity of love and trust. We come alongside one another, encouraging one another in the faith, and building each other up as we live to advance the gospel. 
"and because [we are Christians], we "stayed with them and worked with them." 

Sunday night Bible study.

Friday: School Visits, Young Life (youth outreach progam that was so well done by the Czechs!), bowling.
Saturday: Camp meeting, Youth Group. 
Sunday: Church, Lunch with a large group of Christain young people, Bible Study. 
Monday: School Visits, traveled back to our base (Cesky Tesin), debriefed the weekend, Jonathan shared his testimony with the team. 


I am so excited to be doing camp with these incredible brothers and sisters. They are so committed to sharing the gospel and to living the gospel. I am even more excited to be a bridge that connects unbelievers and new believers to these amazing children of God. 
Its all because of Jesus we're ALIVE! 


Rejoice in the Lord, Always, 
Esther.