Days 2-3 – 2012 ABCRM Czech Republic Mission Trip

On Saturday September 1 morning, our ABC-IM missionary host Pieter Kalkman showed the mission team historical sights not far from Konstantinovy Lazne.  The included the remains of the Krasikov Castle on Swan Mountain that was constructed in 1287, and served as the center of power in Bohemia for over 200 years.  After the castle was destroyed by fire in 1644, the only structures left standing today are the castle’s now-abandoned Catholic church and one of the fortress walls.  From the top of this wall, team members enjoyed the spectacular views of the green valleys and scenic small Czech villages below.

After the mission team also visited the small historical village of Utersky Potok in the morning, team members held a Crafts Fair at the Konstantinovy Lazne Baptist Church (that temporarily uses the local community center for meetings and services) in the afternoon that included ten children, their parents, and other members of the church.  Thanks to the crafts=coordination efforts of mission team member Clara Kong, the children enjoyed making “lion head frames” for photos taken of each child by Kerry and printed with his laptop and Pieter’s printer, laminated crosses, and bracelets and necklaces of stringed beads.  Both the children and adults of the church had a wonderful time during the Crafts Fair!

On Sunday, September 2, the mission team attended the morning service sat the Konstantinovy Lazne Baptist Church, with translation to English provided to us by Southern Baptist missionary Larry Lewis (who lives with his family in nearby Pilsen).  Kerry gave greetings to the congregation from ABC churches in America, and let them know how happy our mission team was to be in the Czech Republic to help their church.  Both Pastor Jerry and his wife Lydia are wonderful Christians who are doing a wonderful job of spreading the words of Christ in this country having less than 1 percent Christians. 

In the afternoon, our mission team visited another historical castle in the city of Bocov with members of the Konstantinovy Lazne Baptist Church, and toured the castle’s museum that contains restored relics of the Catholic Church dating back to medieval times.  Next, the combined group went to the beautiful city of Marienbad that has many mineral springs known for their therapeutic effect.  With the sun shining brightly on a mild Sunday afternoon, walking along the promenade in the center of the spa area with a concert band playing classical music nearby, beautiful flowers everywhere, and many fountains was a fantastic experience!

Tomorrow Monday, our mission team starts helping to build the walls of the new Konstantinovy Lazne Church for the next three and a half days with members of the church.  We’re looking forward to it!