(2) Linda Wilson and Linda Gunderson enjoyed a day of fellowship with the women who serve in Prague fulltime.
(3) Enjoying a laugh during our talk on setting healthy boundaries in ministry.
On June 8-12 we offered a training called Mobilization for Multiplication (M-4-M) to Eastern Europeans church planters and leaders. We had a rich and wonderful time. Besides the trainers, 24 people came for all or part of the training. Most came from the Czech Republic but two came from Romania and one from Hungary. This was the first time the training was offered in Europe but it was very well received and we are invited back to do a second installment together. This type of partnering is so encouraging and will make the training better adapted to European realities. We learned that because of repeated invasions (Hapsburg, Nazi, Stalin), there is a fundamental distrust of leaders with a vision, a reticence to stand out, and an aversion to 5-year plans.
The two days before and two days following M-4M were devoted to team meetings. It was a special treat to have our wives along for the first time. Unfortunately two team members and their wives (from Asia and Africa) could not make it this time. A couple from Josiah Venture came from Poland to lead us in a discussion of how to find and develop emerging leaders. Twelve of us, Czechs and Americans, worked together to identify principles and best practices. We also did some peer coaching and discussed church planting internships that bring together local church planters with Americans for a year of ministry and learning.
(Gene with guys from Romania)
The women got together for a day of fellowship and mutual edification. They are super at asking questions, encouraging and coaching. It was such a blessing having them with us. One man said: “If you come back you have to bring your wives again. There are often conferences for the men but this is good for the couples.” God blessed the talk Linda and I gave on setting boundaries for a healthier marriage, family and life and my teaching sessions. We had some great interaction.
We usually train church planters. This time we had leaders from four European youth discipleship ministries involved, as well as pastors and church planters! Tomas Grulich (center of above picture), a church planting leader from the Czech Brethren and director of Tyrannus Hall ministry spoke for the group when he said: “These principles apply to Europe and to the Czech context in particular,” and invited us to return to help them teach the 3-day workshop to others next year. He added: “I want to know how to continue in church planting for all of the Czech Republic… Is there a place for me as a worker in this new program?”
Mark from Hungary shared: “I appreciated the fact that all the practices are from Scripture. They are God’s plan and this brings a sense of assurance.” Our team bonded as we worked together. We are praying about continuing this pattern of helping each other launch the training all over the world! We also spoke into each other’s lives through peer coaching.
(we had some laughs too!)
We enjoyed the city. We learned about Jan Huss, the Nazi occupation and the persecution under communism. Ritch (with 17 years in Prague) was a great guide, bridge and facilitator. That was an added blessing and now we understand our Czech brothers and sisters so much better. Linda and I had some good time together as a couple in this spectacular and romantic city.
1. Please pray for God’s word to bear fruit in discipleship reproduction for each person who was there.
2. Please pray for Ritch, Tomas and Gene as they plan follow-up. Ptray especially for Tomas to understand God’s leading for broader ministry in the Czech Rep.
3. Please pray for Gene as he prepares for Multiplying Church Globally, our annual Cross-Cultural Church Planting School June 28 to July 1.
This verse describes our experience: “And God is able to make ALL grace Abound to you, so that in ALL things, at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will ABOUND in every good work.”.2 Corinthians 9:8
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