- 2 Cor. 5:9

July 1999

Dearest friends and prayer partners

Our greeting is upgraded from dear to dearest. We have a good reason for this change. Personal contact brought many of you much closer. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Let's recap some special events.

God's protection

As we traveled we had some close calls. In Oklahoma we watched the dark clouds and heavy rain as a tornado moved in. In Houston we were caught in another storm. A friend took us to Galveston, but we did not make it. At one moment the car started hydroplaning, and we did 3600 on the freeway! Providentially, we were not hurt, and no other vehicle was involved. The car was slightly damaged as the tail hit the center divider. The lesson for us: If it rains big (in Texas all is big), it is better to get off the road and wait.

Denver: A reunion with Joseph Korbel, an author of the book In My Enemy Camp.

We agonized with people in Littleton over the shooting in the Columbine high school. We were just driving in when the whole tragic event took place. Our meetings with several churches in Denver had to be postponed.

We do believe that the Lord is present in every event. It is sad that it had to come to such tragedy before everyone realized that prayer is needed even in schools and that it is instrumental in healing and understanding that our lives are in His hands.

Good times

Gene and Kay Woodward of Houston and Cecil and Sharon Bradshaw of Piano encouraged us most to go to mission field while we lived in Indonesia. The Woodwards took us for a wonderful, nostalgic drive through the MidWest and the South. That area of the U.S. is the part we know the least. Spring is a most beautiful time. We enjoyed the beauty of East Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. In Branson we went from one show to another. Since we have a journalist accreditation pass in Czech Republic, we could get tickets for most of the shows free. It was great to see wholesome, family entertainment. Several entertainers spoke openly about God as they shared their life experiences with the audience. Among highlights were a musical, "The Promise," in Branson, Missouri, and "The Passion Play" in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Tucson: Marie and her hospitality made Arizona our second home.

We saw places where our friends grew up and went to school, even the hamburger place where they first met in Fort Smith. We visited Little Rock and the Capitol with Bill Clinton's office. Late,, on we ended on the street where Hillary Clinton's mother lives.

Our hearts were touched many times. We loved to be with all of you. We could share, laugh, pray, dream and plan together. It is incredible how many great friends we have. We are happy that we could be useful as well.

As we look back we realize that our experience was a bit unreal. We were always with Christian friends or church people. It felt like being in heaven's waiting room. The difference between a country with some Godly influence and a godless one is real.

Our thanks go to Bob and Bobbie in Tucson. This extraordinary couple built a computer for us from spare parts stored in their van. It contains a zillion computer parts. They build all kinds of generic machines. Because of their professional service, we were able to be connected to e-mail. We received over 400 messages.

Houston and Dallas: Visiting the Woodwards and the Bradshaws

Finally we must thank Bill and Melissa - hospitality and care! Even sailing was included. Bill takes handicapped people and retarded children sailing. Missionaries are included. Thanks! Our two-week vacation in Florida with Pavel's brother and his wife was another highlight. Ivan said, "We can be brothers again." They had not been together like this for many years. We had a lot of fun. We reserved a minivan and split the cost with Pavel's brother. However, the rental company upgraded our vacation to a Cadillac ride. Three years ago, Pavel got in Denver a red sports car for $11 a day. Another almost embarrassing upgrade. He had to explain in every church that this was not his car and that it cost only $11. It's possible only in America.

America is still a great place to live. We praise the Lord for every open home, friendship, kindness, hospitality and each opportunity to share our ministry and lives with you.

Back in reality

We arrived to Prague on Monday, the last day of May, ready to meet the HCJB tour group later in the afternoon. Their bus trip from Poland took longer than expected. Because of that we postponed our meeting and presentation till Wednesday morning.

The meeting took an unexpected turn. Right after breakfast, as we were ready to begin, one of the tour guests came down from his hotel room to announce that his passport, credit card and money was gone. Apparently he stepped into the bathroom in his room, but did not lock the door. Someone followed him and stole his money belt.

In less than 48 hours after our arrival, we were reminded to be on guard again. Our ministry presentation was cut short by this incident. We were presented a portable SONY minidisk recorder, nice supply of minidisks, microphone, more CDs and tracts in the Czech and Polish languages, and some funds for more office equipment.

New Mexico: the 11th HCJB transmitter along the US - Mexico border

We answered a few questions, introduced our .web page person Vladimir, and before we had a chance to thank the group and individuals for their generosity and contribution to our ministry, we had to take off for the U.S. Embassy.

Our joy was numbed by our effort to help Mr. Reed. This was not our first rescue operation. The whole action took two hours - from the hotel, through a traffic jam to the U.S. embassy, the issuing of a new passport and then to the airport. Mr. Reed wrote:

Truly you folks proved to be the Good Samaritan to us. You unselfishly gave of your time and expertise so that I could be on the plane when it left. May the Lord richly bless you for your selfless generosity.

We were happy that Mr. Reed could continue with the HCJB group to London. Since we could not say thank you to all of you, we are expressing our appreciation via this letter and the HCJB headquarters.

Back home

We found everything as we left. Not even a grain of dust moved by itself. At the present time we are partly functional. In each apartment we have about three light bulbs and many wires in the walls and on the ceiling. We sleep on the floor, and for cooking we use two electrical burners. The kitchen cabinets and sink are stacked and waiting for installation. Please do not feel sorry for us. These are truly nice apartments. They just require a finishing touch.

Ft. Lauderdale: A reunion after nine years with Jerry Newcombe in James Kennedy's church.

We have done some searching for the office furniture and fixtures. We have to go to many different places. It is time consuming and very often incomplete shopping. In spite of all the circumstances, we are making some purchases. I am amazed how many times we have walked away from the store because the salesperson doesn't want to be bothered by customers. Some of them surely have no initiative to help, sell, serve, inform or help us to buy what we came for. No wonder we see no joy and a sinking economy. It would be nice to see some smiles again. While we were in Miami, we stopped in a grocery store. A Cuban cashier was singing as she punched in our payment-all in the rhythm of samba: "I am happy, I am so happy ... I am going home." That's a difference.

Well, as you can see, we are back in reality. We are happy to be where we are and we love the ministry. We have the best job in the world. What can be more excellent than introducing our countryman to the Lord Jesus Christ in order that He is (first) glorified and they may be (second) happy deep inside. Yet it was different in America. We would like to bring at least a bit of U.S. atmosphere here.

Our ministry

First of all we have to prepare the Czech and Slovak Journals for printing. In about one month we would like to resume our broadcasting schedule. Since we moved we aren't able to tune in the station from Pilsen. We truly miss it.

In HIS Sovereign Grace,

Return to Prayer Letters Home Page.