Ricany, November 1997

DEAR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS, OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST,

The final quarter of this year is full of beautiful days. As we mentioned in the previous newsletter, the Czech Republic was badly hit by floods. Many people became homeless. The catastrophe came during the time when the government admitted that the privatization was plagued by fraud, foreign capital was leaving the country, investors were giving up, Czech currency was just devalued, and number of banks and travel offices were closing doors while the clients were left hotel less in foreign countries. As president Havel said: "People are in bad mood."

However, the gloomy economical and moral situation positively reflects our ministry. More and more people are seeking spiritual answers to their lives. We add names and addresses to our mailing list each week. For many the magazine and radio broadcasting are the only source of Christian fellowship, biblical teaching and encouragement in an environment where fear, dishonesty and fraud are a way of life. Our ministry presents the Gospel to thousands of unchurched people. It is amazing to experience, in, some cases, how receptive secular people are to biblical principles. We are convinced that Christianity has a lot to offer and is not limited only to sanctuaries or scholars.

Turbulent summer
Our summer was somehow disrupted by the events and break downs of our ministry tools. It usually happens when Pavel travels The printer did not print, Klara's computer shows signs of an uncooperative spirit, and other unexpected repairs replacements and upgrades took place.

Since laws concerning charities, nonprofit organizations and foundations have not yet passed after seven years of preparation, many organizations are left in difficult situations. It is true, we have religious freedom in the Czech Republic, but the unfriendly and suspicious atmosphere toward Christian work is not uncommon. The government bureaucracy is concerned about missing billions of crowns for, its budget as the authorities waste their time by auditing non profit organization, like ours, totaling local annual contributions of about $20,000! No one is investigating or auditing "failing banks, investment funds, insurance companies and other shady businesses. We were audited last year and all our records were found in order. This year we were scrutinized again. The authorities requested the list of all Czech donors, their addresses, and all donations for the years of 1993 through 1996 to find out that average contribution was about $10. Most people don't even claim tax exemption. However, we talk about 4,000 names, addresses and 10,000 contribution entries. Our records and expenses are properly documented and no faults were discovered.

Broadcasting update
Our trip to Poland was once again inspirational, prayerful and encouraging. A great fellowship. A three-day training session was escorted by HCJB World Radio specialists for a partner ministry that has received three broadcast permits for stations located in the beautiful mountainous area of southern Poland near the Czech Republic and Slovak borders. The opening sessions were attended by two members of the Polish Parliament and one senator who have been instrumental in the issuance of the three broadcast permits.

Radio Conference in Wisla, Poland

About two dozen people, including staff and potential staff members, took part in the sessions. A nationwide satellite network is very probable in the years ahead. There is a strong Polish-Czech business lobby in the border zone. Most of the people of the area are bilingual. We are excited about new broadcasting possibilities. Of course there are some international rules and regulations to follow. One existing Czech station named SPRINT that airs from the mountain overseeing Polish Cieszyn offers cooperation.

We praise the Lord for His intervention in an unfortunate accident which happened during the meeting. The six year old son of Henryk Król, the director of the broadcasting network, fell from the balcony where the children were staying during the conference. He was taken to the nearby hospital. His condition was serious and the doctors were prepared for airlifting him to another hospital as we prayed for God's intervention, protection and healing.

Pavel's travel through former Soviet Union was quite inspirational. He visited the same places as some thirty years ago. It is great to explore the Lord's work. A dramatized New Testament in several languages is being produced.

Klara's first high school reunion after 35 years was held in September. About two thirds of students and her home room professor met at the front entrance of the high school. The ninety year old building looks the same, our 70-year old professor looks almost the same, but the students, now 50+, changed a lot. Most of them became teachers and professors, one became psychiatrist, one works in the economy department of railroad transportation, two became accountants and two of us left the country after 1969.

In October we plan to attend a five day long seminar for missionaries in Hungary. On the way we would like to visit some co-workers in Slovakia and Austria.

Prayer and action
During the summer we made several trips and visits to local hospitals. One of our dear friends, Zdenek, was in the 1950's imprisoned during the worst of communist oppression. As a 19-year old employee of a photo studio he was sentenced to 14 years in a labor camp. His crime? A picture was found of an individual who was caught when fleeing over the iron curtain to the West. On the back of the picture was the photo studio stamp. During this time period countless numbers of innocent people were thrown into slave camps. For four years he worked in uranium mines. There he met Joseph Korbel, whose story - In My Enemy Camp - was published in the US and dramatized on the radio. Young Zdenek became a Christian in the prison. Zdenek and Joseph became life long friends. Zdenek said: "Those four years in the prison were my best - I found my Lord there."

About two years ago Zdenek was experiencing some health problems and back pain. The doctors could not find any specific problem and the treatment consisted of pain killers and physiotherapy. His condition was deteriorating and finally one of the young doctors remarked: "You look like as if you ran through Chernobyl." This was the clue to the problem related to his work in uranium mines. After surgery on the spine, chemotherapy etc., and hospitalization, surrounded by dying patients, he was sent home. As one of the first patient here he was given new medication, since he was in great pain and all other pain killers made him very sick. The patches kept him relatively comfortable. His wife is the nurse and she took excellent care of him. The pain killing medication ran out and there was no new supply available. This became a moment of prayer and cooperation. Fantastic action filled communication between In Touch Mission in Arizona and doctors in California, dear friends in Colorado, overcame the difficulties and the price sticker shock. Together we provided the medication for the next three months. Of course, this is only a pain killer and Zdenek's condition is deteriorating. It is sad to see a person ravaged by cancer. However, the most depressing sight is the hospital care. A critical situation exists in the health care system. Gloomy hospitals with no privacy for living or dying. It's the ultimate sadness for the patients and their families.

Today Joseph lives in California and is 91 years old, Zdenek is 67. This year they were planning a reunion. Instead, the heavenly reunion will one day join them together again. No more prisons, no more pain and suffering...

Family update
Klara's brother was divorced this summer. Time like this is always a family tragedy, but I would like to share one moment which speaks about forgiveness. The marriage ended as unexpected case of civilized, almost friendly divorce. All was settled within a few minutes of the judges time. Of course our mother was upset and hurt. My brother explained to her what happened and how is his life now. In the letter he said: "When I have free time, I call my former wife and offer her to cut the lawn" Natural reaction is how can you be so dumb? When my mother shared this with me, I just said this is the difference between forgiveness and holding the grudges. My brother, instead of feeling sorry for himself or blaming the other person, does what he feels is right for someone he loved, lost and respects. He can live without negative reactions or sleepless nights. Cheerful heart and forgiveness is totally unnatural without His help. This is the only way how to remain mentally and spiritually clean instead of dwelling on personal hurts.

Klara's mother is lately in steady physical pain. She has been overmedicated for years, consequently it's nearly impossible now to provide any medical relief. She needs to find God's healing for her tormented heart. Forgiveness is the best remedy we can receive from the Father's dispensary.

Pavel's brother is about to publish another book of Biblical illustrations. This time he chose Proverbs. It is quite unique way to see the Word and I think it is one way how to present God's words of wisdom to searching people. At the end of September our families spent a few days in Munich working on computers. Klara had a special project as well. Each time she visits she has several antique dolls to dress. What a pleasure.

Pavel's brother is a well known toy collector and he operates two toy museums. One in Munich and the other in Prague. This is one reason why we visit toy museums during our travels. The London toy museum has one of the most beautiful displays in the world. Our attention was recently captured by the array of table games from the last century. There were the Vices and Virtue games, Matrimony and many educational games. To experience virtual reality of London's Trocadero, the electronic amusement, is another game. What a different childhood then and now! In the Edinburgh toy museum we enjoyed the history of toys and child care.

Ministry needs
As we mentioned in our last report only cost of printing and postage in the past five years increased about ten fold. We send 10,000 magazines in Czech language and 5,000 in Slovak six times annually. This year, so far, the local publishing contributions cover only about half of the expenses. For this reason we decided to become in our tenth year a quarterly publication with more pages.

Our ministry has one paid administrative and counseling correspondence person. Her work and ministry to the people during past two years was flawless and is indispensable. Jindra's sponsor notified us that her support will cease in December, 1997 since they became financially involved in the ministry of another Church.

With all the unexpected and unusual circumstances we feel a financial pinch. Many readers are older people, students and families with children who are facing financial hardship.

In turbulent times we realize there is warfare but we know that facing difficulties is nothing more than a road to His victory! All stumbling blocks with your prayers and help will become stepping stones to greater and better ministry for His glory. Events like this help us to focus if we want to serve HIM or have HIM to serve us. How often we forget that HE already gave us the ultimate gift while we ask for trinkets.

We do appreciate your faithfulness, prayers, words of love and encouragement.

In HIS Sovereign Grace

Return to Prayer Letters Home Page.