(Romans 11:33)

November 1999

Dearest friends and prayer partners

The crispy and colorful fall season of THANKSGIVING is here. As in the season, we experience colorful days as well as some frostbite. Our days are as busy as can be, but the Lord provides for our needs and takes care of our schedule. In a missionary letter, we read the following great slogan: Methods change, the message is the same. How true.

We are happy to announce the installation of the Czech HCJB World Radio Internet Ministry. Now we are permanently hooked to the Internet and our high phone bill will settle down. The very first week we were connected to the wireless data transferring-just one day before our departure to Slovakia-we could not get to our data files that now reside on our server. We had just finished the next issue of the magazine, and we needed to print the finalized format for the print shop. Without computer data, we could only stare at the blank screen. It took several phone calls to discover why. Someone had stolen equipment from our Internet provider and without its wireless Internet signal, our UNIX became invisible. This event was reported on the evening news on national TV. Providentially the computer wizards with long hair and earrings came in a couple of hours and made our data files independent of the Internet signal. These guys were so nice and helpful. After asking them what else could get stolen, we immediately ordered safety bars for the balcony door.

Ministry trip:
We were saddened to see how churches we knew from the past had lost their spark and are now full of aged people. The younger generation has left-some to start new churches, others returned back to the world. When a church is led solely by aged elders it becomes a rest home for seniors instead of a day care for His children. We are not saying that the older generation (we are getting there) has nothing to contribute. However, we need to train the new generation to take our place. This is our constant prayer - to promote replacement and new leaders. Elders change, the message's the same is absolutely crucial for the life of the church.

Dub Page and Georgina at Brno's Bible Press Mission

Today, more than ever, people need to hear good, rich messages. As Pavel presented his message in one of the aging church, a retired pastor mentioned how people today want to hear only short messages. We hear that almost everywhere. After the evening presentation several people came and said: "We could listen to you for three hours." Praise the LORD -

Methods change, the message's the same. People come and go, generations are changing, but the need remains.

As we were ministering in Zbraslav, another group of new believers expressed their desire to hear more. They are searching for a pastor teacher. When I hear Pavel teaching and see how people respond, my heart is burdened. What to do first? Radio programs, writing, publishing magazine, teaching, student ministry, Internet ministry? We need more hands to help. There is so much for Christians to be involved in.

How much we appreciate our new home church and the wide variety of people - from new born babes (not only spiritually but actually) to the silver-hair generation. We attend this church about twice a month, and the remaining Sundays we teach somewhere else. The church is presently negotiating with the city to locate a place for worship. At the present time negotiation continues for renting (with an option to buy) a former nursery. 14C is available because of the decreasing number of children. The low birth rate causes the closing of many schools and nurseries. At the present time we meet in the hotel Crystal, and the cost of renting is quite high.

Installations:
The construction fervor in our building is slowing down. Instead of hearing noises inside, we now hear noises outside - the road is being repaired. That's good news before winter. Hopefully we will have a less slippery access into our garage.

Dub Page and Georgina at Trans World Radio

As you know, some time ago we ordered office furniture and a kitchen counter. The installation of both was scheduled at the same time as one of our visitors was scheduled to arrive. Providentially, the Lord was good and rescheduled the office furniture installation after our visitor left. I do not know how many times we carried banana boxes back and forth, up and down. Now have to sort a lot of boxes, files, magazines, books and then, we hope, it will look right. That may take a few more months. We have two sleeping chairs for guests on order and four more cabinets. After many moves in our life, we can plan and place everything more permanently. Some day we will even hang pictures on the walls.

Special friend, special visitor
For three days we had the privilege of enjoying the company of Pastor Sherman Williams' He is an 81-years-young man who had quadruple bypass 18 years ago. He kept up with us better than we did with ourselves. He could make 120 steps without any difficulty. Not only being physically fit but his wisdom, love and care was exemplary. Pavel would like to start even dressing like him.

Letters:
Each time we share our hearts with you there is so much to say. Very seldom do we share letters we receive - actually every year we receive about 2,500 letters. Often we rejoice how powerful and life changing is God's word and printed message.

#1071
Dears, we decided to write to you and ask for a regular mailing of your digest "Battle for the Soul." All my life, until 42, 1 was an adversary of anything godly. In January 1989, 1 was stricken by a severe heart attack. The doctors told my wife that my survival was unlikely. As I was helpless in the hospital, I remembered that there is a God and I called: "God, Lord Jesus, help me." There, at that difficult time, I called to God. To my horror, I realized that I did not know how to pray. I did not remember even the prayer my mother taught me when I was a small boy. ... After the hospitalization I forgot Him once again.

In 1991 my health worsened again. I retained water in my lungs and I could not breathe. At that time my wife came to the hospital with the words: "I have a letter for you." I was surprised, because I was not in touch with anyone who could write a letter to me. I do not know who published this booklet, but I read fervently and my eyes filled with tears. There also was my prayer. And I prayed. I was excited and promised my wife, "if I leave this hospital alive, I will go with you to church." ... I was amazed how well I was received. The fellowship touched my heart. Now I want to know more. The Lord touched me and I am happy.

Jaroslav S., Frýdek-Místek

Youth after our live broadcast in Pilsen

# 1115
Dear Steigers,
one of my friends from Ostrava mailed me a package with Christian literature and there I found two issues of your digest "Battle for the Soul." I read very carefully every word, and it was the most interesting reading. I feel great admiration that you took on your shoulders such an undertaking. It is not an easy task to minister in times that are not in favor of God and truth of His Son, Jesus Christ. ... I would like to ask you to add my name among your regular readers, and if you have any older issues, I would be most grateful....

Roman J., starý Kolín

# 1019
I am from a Catholic family, and about six years ago during a critical event in my life I met my Savior. My life totally changed. I started reading the Bible and now for several years I have been attending a biblical fellowship. My experience influenced my family and some of my friends. I read your digest, "Battle for the Soul," and some other books as well. I am sharing them with my friends. Many thanks for including me on your mailing list and counting me among your regular readers.

Jana S., Brno

#1713
Dear Friends, thank you very much for the audio cassette, "Sovereignty of God." We are convinced that every Christian in this country should have this audio permanently in his possession. To hear the message only once is not enough. If you permit, I would like to make more copies for our friends. We are aware how often people have a wrong perception of God and because of that we have so many misunderstandings in our respective churches and denominations. God bless you and your work. If you ever pass through Strakonice, we would love to meet you.

Jaroslav and Marie, Strakonice

# 1715
Dear Radio Proglas, I really like your 15-minute broadcast with TWR. ... I miss Saturday mornings with Klara.

Jana, Sudkovice

The Latest
Just a few days ago our Arizona friends, expatriated now in Prague, called and asked if we would like to join them for a one-week vacation in southern France at no cost. They have a time share, plus they are going to England for a business trip. It sounded great, but Pavel had several speaking engagements and it looked like we would have to pass on this irresistible offer. Then Pavel suggested that Klara join them anyway and he would fulfill his previous commitments - speaking at the Czech Union of Christian Medical Doctors, then in Litomerice and after that at a youth group in Prague He can use the rest of the "Independence Days" for updating the web site with audio files. Klara is convinced, above all reasonable doubt, that it is a playground for boys anyway Methods change, the message's the same.

Thank you for being faithful and generous toward outreach in the Czech Republic. Again we express our thanks for all your letters, postcards, e-mails including short interesting articles. May the LORD bless you and protect you. Have a nice THANKSGIVING with your family.

In HIS Sovereign Grace,

Return to Prayer Letters Home Page.