Day 1 – 2012 ABCRM Czech Republic Mission Trip

The 2012 ABCRM Czech Republic mission team arrived safely in Prague on Thursday, August 30 to begin its 11-day visit to primarily help in the reconstruction of the Konstantinovy Lazne Baptist Church about two hours northwest of Prague, as well as to lead a Crafts Fair at the church for kids between 4-15 on Saturday, September 1.  Also, the team will also be doing various activities with “Teen Challenge” Roma kids in Prague on Friday, September 7 who come from very poor homes.  The mission team is composed of Meghan Doak, Brian Stewart, and David White (all from FBC/Delta); Joe and Clara Kong (FBC/Pasadena); and team-leader Kerry Hassler (FBC/Boulder).  The ABC-IM missionary hosts for the team are Pieter and Nora Kalkman, who are based in Prague to help coordinate missions activities with European Baptist Federation (EBF) churches on over 50 countries.

Today Friday, August 31, the team started its day at the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) in Prague with breakfast followed by attending the daily 9:00 a.m. IBTS Chapel service.  Then the team started its daily reading/discussions of the ABC-International Ministries short-term missions “Watch for God at Work” guide led by Kerry.  The team then did sight-seeing at a crystal-glass factory near Prague (with amazing glass-blowing artisans), followed by a short visit to the beautiful Prague “Old Town” area.  The team will return to Prague on September 6 to do more extensive sight-seeing in Prague.

Later in the afternoon, the mission team headed to the beautiful small village of Konstantinovy Lazne in Pieter’s van start our stay at the small inn located next to the Baptist Church.  After dinner, the team members prepared for the Crafts Fair we’re leading at the church tomorrow Saturday. 

All of our team members are thankful to be here in this beautiful country of the Czech Republic to serve the Lord!