Part of the Plan Blog Post Archive
Our team of volunteers went to the Czech Republic over the summer of 2023 and these are their thoughts leading up to, during, and after the trip.
Days 1-2 (July 10-11)
The engine of the bus we are in quietly whines as we are gently rocked back and forth by the towering vehicle’s suspension. An abundance of red upholstered seats have allowed our team to spread out through the double-decked interior. The extra space is a welcome change to the tight quarters on our airplane flights, and the relative quiet is a stark contrast to the drone of jet engines and the clamor of airport waiting areas. For many of us, the draw of sleep was inescapable. Drowsing heads bob peacefully with the rhythm of the bus. Those that are still awake are engaged in quite conversation to pass the time.
Day 0 – July 9
Tomorrow morning at 3:30 am we begin a 28 hour journey that will eventually bring us to the camp facilities in Malenovice, Czech Republic where we will spend the better part of the next two weeks. Some of the team members are in their final stages of packing, but for most of us, the work is done. We have trained, we have planned, we prepared activities and lessons, and now our main task is to rest and wait.
Puzzle Building?
Jigsaw puzzles are one of those things that people seem to either love or hate. For some there is the thrill of connecting pieces, one by one, until the last one falls into place. For others, it feels like mindless tedium, staring at endless tiny bits of cardboard. I admit that I fall into the first camp more than the second, but there have been some puzzles that really tested my resolve. In the end, even the hardest ones have gotten finished with perseverance and teamwork from other puzzlers.
So why am I talking about jigsaw puzzles in a blog for missions trips? Good question. The reason is that I see a strong similarity between mission trip planning and jigsaw puzzle building. Let me try to explain.
What Compels Us?
In the short (or long) 21 years of my life I have had the privilege of being a part of awesome works of the Lord. It took no convincing for me to jump on board when Pastor Doug mentioned we intended to go back to Czechia this summer. Now less than 2 weeks out I find myself so amazingly excited and curious about what this trip will bring.
Unity in Prayer
Two of the biggest things that I have been thinking about as I prepare for this upcoming trip is the unity of the Church and the power of prayer. It amazes me how our shared faith brings together people from all around the world. Let me see if I can explain.
About one month ago, I had a really bad migraine headache. I had been resting on my bed in the dark to ease some of the pain but when I attempted to move my legs to get up, I found that they wouldn’t respond. I could wiggle my toes and move my ankles, but the rest of my leg muscles were completely ignoring me. I couldn’t believe it at first, and actually laughed that my legs had become so useless.
A Tale of Two Ministries
There is no doubt about it. The final push for Vacation Bible School is upon us. The worship center is decorated to look like an undersea fantasy, hallways are covered with new artwork, and perhaps the biggest transformations are in the Crossways and iron men rooms where you feel like you are transported to a completely different world altogether. I love the creativity of all the volunteers who continue to tirelessly work toward the success of this ministry. This is our largest outreach of the year. We want to do it well. Our hope: God uses all the creativity and the craziness to introduce Christ to children who have never heard the gospel before.
Making Tents?
Outside the rain is gently falling. From my hotel room, I hear the rush of cars and buses on the streets of Prague and the occasional chatter of another guest heading for the elevator. This is a quiet time. My only company now is the subtle whirring of the mini fridge sitting next to me. The solitude has given me time to think, reflect, and pray. Before I get into that, let me address the question that might be in your mind: “what am I doing in Prague?”
Growth
Preparing to go the Czech Republic this summer has been a big deal for me. It will be a new experience, like nothing I have ever done before. I am not the most talkative person, I am not a very outgoing person, and honestly the thought of this trip sometimes terrifies me. However, over the past few months, this area of talking with others and placing God’s will above my will and over my feelings has been a huge area of growth.
Competent?
With graduating high school this year and a plethora of other new, exciting, and even scary events happening, I feel incredibly blessed to have the chance to steward my young adult years in a way that will Lord willing produce good fruit in my own life and in the lives of others. I don’t know about you, but I tend to think…a lot. I believe that I am more an internal processor as opposed to an external processor — someone who thinks out loud. And in the past couple of weeks preceding the trip, something that I have been internally processing is my feeling of incompetency.
Preparation
“Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:14-15
When we visited the Czech Republic last winter, it was like a fairy tale! Fresh snow glistened everywhere, decorations where up, and carols where being sung. The magic of Christmas in this largely atheist country was still unmistakable. I had never been to the Czech Republic before. It all was new and exciting! But the most memorable thing of all wasn’t the snow…