Auschwitz - Birkeneau

26 November, 2014
Michael Yee

I read Ephesians 6:16-18 to prepare for today’s trip to Auschwitz-Birkeneau.  All of us were going to experience a gamut of emotions and I prayed that we had the strength to withstand the heaviness of this day. I prayed that each of us are convicted that the Lord redeems – that good can come out pain and the worst in this world. This place is a juxtaposition of the cathedral in Prague. Evil is but an echo but the enemy still lingers around the corners ready to grip our hearts and minds. That’s why this place can be so painful for those who visit.

I braced myself as I walked towards the main gate. 'Birkenau' means 'birch forest,' and without having context of what occurred here, it is quite beautiful and not what you expect. In my mind I allowed the veil to fold away. On top of the rusted railway tracks I see the cars pulling in and the black smoke of souls rising out of the chimneys. I could feel the void of hope and joy. There is a lawful evil taking place as human identities were methodically replaced by a number.  There is an unseen and lost presence when you enter the camp when you walk amongst where over a million died.

How suiting that the sky was gray and the damp chill hindered my ability to warm my hands. The ground was muddy and the standing water was drowning the grass. As I stared at the stairs leading downwards to the underground gas chamber, the ruins were steadily replaced by an entrance to an undressing room. I could hear classical music to make the prisoners feel at ease as they were lead inside. There is a man shouting that that after a shower there would be a warm meal. The undressing room was almost directly below a brick building that contained a furnace room. At right angle to the undressing room was the gas chamber. To hide the gas chambers from an aerial view, the gas chamber’s three-foot high roofs were covered with dirt and planted with grass. The reinforced concrete roof was six inches thick, with four holes, in a zig-zag pattern, where the Zyklon-B gas pellets were poured into the room.

I am thankful for Lauren, Paul, Martin, and Colson. Their companionship pulled me back from the edge of losing myself in a tidal wave of despair. I was straddling a dangerous place I’ve been before. That place was filled with an unbearable guilt for humanity. I could hear whispers revealing the deliberate planning that went into the purpose of each building and the operations that made this place history's most productive factory of death. 

In the adjacent field known as “Mexico” there was a doe slowly walking through the tall grass. Something stirred in me as I watched her – oblivious to the land just outside the barbed wire fence. She brought me back to the present and reminded me of His redemption and resurrection. It gave me strength to continue moving forward – one step at a time. The birch trees are beautiful…

As we turned the final corner, there were men on rickety ladders maintaining the siding of a reconstructed barrack and another crew casually pouring fresh asphalt into one of countless potholes. This was the anti-Disney Land.  I understand their role. I understand the need to replicate and restore what many would prefer to forget. And forgetting is what the Enemy wants. We are visual creatures hardwired for imagery. It helps us to remember. That’s why we buy souvenirs at concerts and at the end of vacations. It’s why we take photographs of our loved ones at birthdays and of the sunsets in faraway lands we visit. It’s why we take communion and break the break and drink the wine to taste the extent of Jesus' sacrifice as a reminder of His undeserving grace.

As I collected myself after leaving Auschwitz-Birkeneau I realized I was half scraping and half stomping my shoes on the curb trying to get the dirt off. It was like I was unconsciously trying to wipe my hands clean. How quickly I forget His grace. I took one last glance behind me before I lowered the veil. I observed a multitude of generations walking the stone paths with arms interlinked silently saying “never again”.

Auschwitz

 Work Makes You Free

 Suitcases were confiscated upon entry

Starvation

 after the war, some of soldiers tried to destroy the gas chambers

Schooling in Czech

25 November 2014
Michael Yee

I knew that Czech schools partner with many organizations to teach English. New Hope Church partners with Josiah Ventures (click here), and sends a high school group every summer to teach English in camps. But I didn’t know what drew the students to participate.

So I asked this when we met with Brad, who is a missionary with a church in Vsetin. He answered this in two parts. First, many Czech  English teachers, do not speak English. This is because they had to switch from teaching Russian to English after the Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved in 1993. As a result students are often proficient in English from a reading and grammar perspective, but not in conversational English.

Second, students take an exam in the 8^th grade (age 15) that places them on a track for a secondary school that specializes in preparing getting into either a vocational school or what we would call college in the United States (research at a university, engineering, nursing business, etc.). Basically a student’s grades determine which secondary school he/she can attend. A requirement for completing secondary school is an examination which is required by all universities and colleges. This examination includes an English oral exam taken in front of a panel that lasts about half an hour.  For more information on the Czech school system, click here.

In retrospect, I put a lot of my self-worth into academics. Looking back, this has been a slippery slope. From a Christian perspective I look to Exodus 32:7-8. My studies and grades used to be my idol, my golden calf. It was even more slippery that I was rewarded very well putting my energy and self worth into my studies. I am in awe at the idea of a Czech student in 8th grade aspiring to pursue a profession at such an early point.  God tells us our worth is not really of the “self”. Rather it is worth given to us by God and we are valued in a way that can’t be measured because of the price He made through the death of His son on the cross to make us worthy. I pray that if there is an opportunity to encourage the high school students with this, that I can convey this message.

A Day of Rest

Today was a day of rest. While some of us woke up bright and early to go for hikes or runs, others took the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

Our team met over lunch and enjoyed giant servings of chicken noodle soup, schnitzel and potatoes. We took the opportunity to process observations and experiences that have impacted us so far. Many of us talked about the stories we've heard of great resistance [from families] that fellow Christians have experienced as they've turned to Christ. It has been incredibly special and a rare occasion for our new friends to so easily open up to us these past few days. One of the prayers, before our team left the MSP airport, asked God for vulnerability - both within us and those we'd interact with. God has met this request above and beyond what we could imagine.

We have such a diverse team of individuals with incredibly unique strengths and perspectives. Team members were affirmed in their giftings as we shared stories around lunch. Mike Leslie, for example, has such a joy and realness to him that is able to transcend cultural barriers. Michael Yee has the ability to observe, soak in every moment, be present in mind, yet see beyond the surface. Heather, Lauren, and Jennifer have been asking their Czech friends as many questions as possible. And, as Jess returns for her 8th time, she still has such an openness to be teachable and malleable. 

As we go into the high schools tomorrow to invite students to English conversation time, pray that we will continue to be intentional with even the smallest of interactions. We want to make the most of our time here and use it for furthering His kingdom.
Below are just a few pictures some of our team members have been taking thus far.

Team Insights

A few of our team members have been journaling their experiences. Below is a sampling:

22 November
Michael Yee

This morning Jennifer, Heather, and I briskly walked across Charles Bridge and back up to Prague castle. As we went inside Katedala Sveteho Vita to marvel at the stained glass and interior, it dawned on us what Vasek meant when he said that “people know about church, but it’s about old relics and buildings.” The structures, like Katedala Sveteho Vita are now for tourists. It resembles more of a pulseless wax museum, a snapshot in time. The shell of its former self is sustained by admission fees for the opportunity to walk up to a perch and feed the desire to look at the sights below rather than to look above. Long gone is the collection of heartbeats directed towards God. The only light coming from within are from the flashes of iphones and digital SLR cameras. The soul and community centered on Christ has left these amazing feats of architecture. I now understand the need for people in this country to rethink what the church is. This is the essence of Kostel Jinak, “different church”.

 22 November
On discussing the very real sacrifices that many Czech Christians have made - Christ before families.

(Fusion Member) - "If your families are not accepting of your choice to be a Christian, who is your support system?"

Through tears a strange mix of courage, sadness, and hope, (while glancing around at the room full of fellow Christians) The Reply - "My new family."

23 November
Heather Indelicato

Joining Majak (Lighthouse) and Metro in worship and our new friends from Kostel Jinak in prayer today was a great blessing. It reminded me how incredible God is...He doesn't disregard the differences of language and culture or insist that we leave one behind for another but brings the best in each together to create an amazing collage. Today was only a taste of what heaven will be when we all gather from every tribe, tongue, and nation to sing His praise in an unbelievable harmony.

Arrival

We made it safely - with NO lost luggage and without any incident! As soon as we arrived in Prague, we checked into our hotel and began touring Prague at night. We're visiting the city square again this morning so we can see it in daylight and then we'll be heading off to Sumperk to meet with our hosts and to attend a service at Kostel Jinak.

Open Doors

"Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut."
Revelation 3:8b

This past Sunday, Pastor Paul Schoolmeesters taught a timely message about opportunities and faithfulness to Christ. You can listen to it here. What doors is God opening in your life?

Today, we take the next step toward an open door on our own horizon. We leave for the Czech Republic at 7:30 tonight. Thank you to all our supporters and encouragers! Your investment is far above what we could imagine. You play an important part in all of what lies ahead. Your prayers are coveted. And we are so grateful.

Meet Colson Wabshaw

Hi; my name is Colson. I grew up in a Christian home; my family went to church every Sunday, and I learned about God from an early age. When I was about 6 years old, I prayed to receive Christ in my life. Though I may not have fully understood what a ginormous decision that was at such a young age, I know God was at work within me. I really started to understand and grow in my faith during my eighth grade year.

At this time I had started playing in the worship band for the Junior High youth and I think that is where God really started to work in me and preparing me for the future. God showed me a lot about what it takes to be a leader. And that’s when I really started to believe and grow in my faith in Jesus. All through high school God was working in me.

He also gave me the opportunity to go to the Czech Republic with the high school youth from 10th grade through my senior year. It taught me a lot during those trips - trust, faith, and patience were three main areas where God helped me grow. I’m looking forward to returning to Czech to reconnect with old friends and help connect with more people both here and over there. I love the Kostel community!

FUN FACTS: Ke$ha is cool. Music is my passion. I’m lead guitarist in a local Minneapolis band. Bad drivers annoy me.