Reflections of Growth

by Jess Lindgren
 
Words don’t easily express my thankfulness and joy in returning to Czech last week. For the last 8 years, ministry in Czech has been a huge part of my life. Whether it was leading English camps in the summer, living in Czech for 6.5 months or Skyping Czech students often, the Lord has continued to stir in my heart for this country and these people. He has also used my experiences in Czech to really shape me into who I am today as well – and I am so thankful for that.

I’ve had the unique perspective of “growing up” with many of the Kostel Jinak core members. We met as high school students – me, as a nervous American coming to “teach” English; them, teaching me much more. Many of them were not believers when we first met. Yet, through the years, I have seen the Lord change and transform hearts and lives. It brings tears to my eyes to think back on what He has done. Not just in the hearts of my dear Czech friends, but in my own heart as well.

Spending this last week in Sumperk provided opportunities for our team to connect with Kostel Jinak on a deeper level – to hear their hearts, their stories of what God is doing, to see a glimpse of their lives. We were able to spend a morning in the local high school – connecting with students, inviting them to  an afternoon English conversation time, a concert and English camp this summer. We also spent a morning individually walking around Sumperk and praying – for both the believers and unbelievers in this city. I had the joy of meeting several different girls for coffee and also reconnecting with several students from English camp this summer- so many good conversations. Our week in Sumperk with Kostel Jinak was purposeful in many ways, but I think the mutual encouragement felt by experiencing the family of Christ (that surpasses culture, language, and an ocean) was the most powerful.

I’m filled with thankfulness as I think about our brothers and sisters in Sumperk – and what the Lord is doing in this city. We have much to learn from Kostel Jinak, and I’m so thankful for that. I’m thankful for opportunities to return each summer to lead English camps, and to be on mission together. I’m thankful for continued relationships, year after year. I’m thankful for renewed perspective in returning to Minnesota. The partnership that NHC has with Kostel Jinak is continuing to bear fruit – and we give glory to God for what only He can do! He is at work in the Czech Republic and He is at work in New Hope – changing and transforming hearts to know Him, follow Him, and trust Him more. Thank you, Lord!

throughout the years...