Stepping Into the Gospel

“I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh…” Romans 9:1-3 (NASB2020)
I remember first reading these words, thinking, “What should I get out of this passage?” I was a sophomore in high school in a theology class, and we were tasked to memorize an entire chapter of the book of Romans.

Stepping Into Spiritual Conversations

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
One of the goals of this mission trip is to share the Gospel with the students who come to camp. This normally starts by stepping into a spiritual conversation. Asking the first question is often the most difficult part for me because of the uncertainty of how the other person will react. It requires boldness in an uncomfortable situation.

Stepping into Friendship

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
One of the biggest ways I am seeing God work through our team is making us step out of our comfort zones. As an introvert, I tend to wait for someone else to introduce themselves to me, but God is calling me to step out and take a leap into friendship with the students that I meet. This means introducing myself first and not waiting for others to do the job that God has called me to do.

Camping with Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35 (NIV)
I was nine years old when I first went away to summer church camp. I loved it so much that it was the highlight of my year and every year after through high school. I enjoyed the team competitions in both sports and Bible verse memorizations (I was born competitive!). I enjoyed making friends from outside of my little rural town. It’s been over fifty years…

Why I Do What I Do

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)
I am so excited to be on this mission trip, and as we are preparing, God has been teaching and reminding me lately to remember who it’s all for. Why do I labor and  strive? Why do I dare share the Gospel with a passion like nothing else I’ve seen in this life? Why did I choose to come on this trip? It’s all for Him!

Czech Blog: Overcoming Challenges

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12b-13 (NIV)
What is the hardest part about going on missions overseas? For some people, it’s finding the courage to speak about Christ, for others it’s the logistics of the trip, or maybe it’s overcoming language barriers. I’ve asked myself this question frequently as we are preparing as a team, and one challenge stands out above the rest…

Czech Blog: Preparation

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Today beachballs, sporting equipment, postcards, string, candy, costumes, and a variety of seemingly unrelated other objects occupy a lot of my thoughts.  How much space does a deflated football take?  What is the weight of five reams of paper?  Which candies have the highest melting points yet remain delicious?  Far from theoretical, answers to these questions all are an important part to planning our mission to the Czech Republic.

Czech Blog: The Mission

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matt 9:37b-38
This summer Family Bible Church will be partnering with Josiah Venture to help bring the Gospel to the eastern region of the Czech Republic. Josiah Venture’s vision is to build disciples among the youth in Central and Eastern Europe in such a way that whole societies are transformed. This might seem like a big task. But we serve a big God. Find out who’s going, when we’re going, what we’ll be doing, and how you can help.