Over and Above!

Our last 2 days are really indescribable. On Saturday, Mark Jensen was able to see Hradčany (Prague Castle) for the first time. Walking through the 700 + year-old castle hill and into St. Vitus Cathedral was a time of reminiscing and reflecting for me, and a time of awe and wonder for Mark.
We've posted a bunch of pictures in a web album. Simply click the link near the bottom of the right-side panel. -------------------------------->>>

I was struck by God's amazing grace in my life and the life of my family from 1993 - 1996 when we lived and worked in Czech Republic. I remember Zach and Abi at ages 11 and 9 giving tours of Prague to construction teams who had come to work on our projects in Central Europe. I remembered the times of prayer with missionary colleagues for the people of Czech Republic, and I remembered the ways that God kept our family and used us to enhance and advance his kingdom. For these memories, and for God's work in our lives that is over and above our greatest expectations, I give Him all the praise!

On the way out of the castle grounds, we ran into some old "friends!" As we gave tours through Prague in the 90's, we would often see this small "orchestra" playing just outside a gate. Well, much to my surprise ... and joy! ... they are still playing there today! If you want to hear a little clip of their music, simply click on this link!

In the afternoon, we rode the train to Cesky Tesin and were met by the Ellenwoods. They welcomed us into their home with wonderful hospitality and after some great conversation, we were finally all tired enough to settle in to some very nice accommodations in their guest apartment. What a great day ... but more was in store!

Today, (Sunday) Mel took us to the Josiah Venture retreat center/hotel Malenovice. This former communist hotel is nestled in the Beskydy Mountains in Eastern Czech. It was refurbished primarily to accommodate campers who come evangelistic English camps run by Josiah Venture. The little yellow dot in the beautiful mountain photo is the hotel/ retreat center. (click on the picture to see their website).

There we met Peter, the hotel manager, and he shared with us the plans for building some cabins and other "out-buildings" that would be used to expand the ministry of this facility. At this time, hundreds of students are coming here to learn English, and at the same time, they are exposed to the amazing love of God in Jesus! "JV" has a reputation in Czech of offering one of the highest quality English camps in the entire country! What a joy it would be for people to be raised up and come alongside this already thriving ministry and see their efforts produce even more fruit for God's glory! We are praying that this would become a reality for a number of groups, starting this summer! We left Malenovice very inspired and pumped for the possibilities!

OK, so if that wasn't enough, we drove to the other side of the valley, and up another mountain-side to a retreat house that Josiah Ventures wants to renovate. This place of respite, relaxation and refreshment would provide JV staff a place where they could come and step out of the mainstream of ministry and get the much needed "in-filling" that is so necessary for people in full time ministry. You can click this link to get more information on the Ellenwood's website.

Beskydy Retreat House

Mel shared his vision as to how this place would be used to touch hundreds of lives, through those who would come here and be refreshed. Again, short-term construction teams could play a big part in this renovation! Mark and I were overwhelmed by the potential impact on ministry that this place could have! So, what can we say??? ... Well, what comes to mind is that God is continually at work all around us in some ways that are above and beyond our imagination, and that He wants us to join Him in what he's doing! Would you consider joining Mel and Dave and Mark and others? The opportunities are here!!