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2010-08-02 issue:

EMM prayer team visits Czech Republic

Members seek input from Czech Brethren church leaders, build relationships.

by Kristina Charles

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A pioneering prayer team returned from a week in the Czech Republic with new relationships and a clearer vision for the future.

The team of eight, sent out by Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) on June 11, explored the country and met with leaders of the Czech Brethren church to consider long-term EMM involvement in the area.

The prayer team at a bell tower overlooking a city they visited in the south of the Czech Republic in June. From front: Maria Bowman, Todd Bowman, Richard Buckwalter and Stacy Nofziger. Photo by Beth Gibbs.

Upon arrival, the group was struck by the spiritual barrenness left from the country’s difficult history.

On his first prayer walk in Prague, Jim Dombach, EMM’s area representative to Europe and a member of the team, noticed a painted message on a doorway which read, "God why?"

"As we walked around there and observed things, there was a lot of emptiness," Dombach said.

Until 20 years ago, the Central European country was under a Soviet government that strongly discouraged any religious belief.

Approximately 60 percent of the people identified themselves as atheists, agnostics or nonbelievers on the 2001 census. Despite this, the team felt they should also be aware of “deep wells” of historical Christian belief and community within the country.

An actual well within the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague served as a reminder. The chapel was built in 1391 and shortly thereafter entertained the preaching of John Hus, the Czech reformer and martyr. The well and the chapel’s history impressed Maria Bowman, a member of the team, with the realization that "Jesus has been here, Jesus is here, and Jesus will be here."

Early on, the team met with leaders of the Czech Brethren to seek their input and partnership for a long-term EMM presence in the country. This denomination is one of  the largest and oldest evangelical Christian communities within the Czech Republic.

Bowman said that the Brethren leaders, though in need of more pastors and workers, harbor bold plans for their nation and a strong desire to grow their church.

"I firmly believe we will be further ahead [in our outreach] if we work with the national church," Dombach said.

Several members of the prayer team acknowledged the danger of arrogance or insensitivity as EMM looks to enter the Czech Republic. The Czech people will be understandably wary of the motives of outside forces entering their country, according to team member Beth Gibbs. "For those who go there, it will be important to find out what it was like to live in [the Soviet] era," she said.

Despite past abuses against the Czech Brethren from outsiders, the EMM team felt that they were able to build a strong relationship with the church leaders.

"Initially they may have viewed us as intruders, but now [they] see us as partners," Dombach said. He sees many opportunities for service within the Czech Republic.

There is a strong desire for English teachers and many opportunities among the street kids, prostitutes, Roma population and other marginalized people groups.

Two short-term EMM workers recently returned from the Czech Republic, and two more will go at the beginning of next year.

After their encouraging visit, the prayer team members expect to see more collaboration between EMM and the Czech church in the future.

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