On July 20th, 2011, there was a multitude of angels in heaven rejoicing over the spiritual birth of a new daughter of God!

During our first discussion group, we asked everyone what their hopes or expectations were of camp. Many said, "I want to learn better English," or, "I came to meet Americans." Aneta's response was quite different: "I'm here because I want to find God."

As we stayed up late in our discussion group flipping through Scripture and answering questions, it was so obvious to both Ryan and I that the Lord had a firm grip on this young girl. We knew He would complete the work He had started and draw her to Himself.

And on July 20th, 2011, this lost sheep was found. Her eyes were opened to the glory of Jesus Christ and her own need for a Savior. Let us all rejoice for our new sister in Christ!!

Luke 15:3-7

So [Jesus] told them this parable:

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Aneta has an incredible story of God's faithfulness amidst much pain and struggle. I can't wait for you to hear the whole story in heaven one day! But really, her story is just beginning. Aneta needs much prayer as she begins her walk with the Lord. Being a Christian in the Czech Republic is not a popular thing, and she will likely face opposition from her family and friends. There will be times where she will no doubt feel alone. May she find her comfort and satisfaction in Him alone!

Would you pray with me for this newborn child? 

An unexpected highlight during our second camp with the CB church in Poděbrady was getting to teach an English class with Ryan! We were both very wary of the whole English aspect of camp, but for this camp there was a shortage of teachers and we jumped right in!

And what an incredible experience it turned out to be. Tomáš, Martin 1, Martin 2, Michael, Aneta and Mája were great students. Plus Ryan and I totally feed off each other and have a lot of fun in the process of teaching!

Each morning we spent three hours teaching vocabulary, playing games, and helping the students be more comfortable conversing in the English language. Czech young people learn a lot of grammar in school, but aren't as confident in actually speaking. That's why English Camp is so great!

But a huge highlight for me was our evening discussion group. After listening to stories about different people "colliding" with Jesus, the whole camp would break back up into their English classes and spend an hour talking about the stories and wrestling with issues such as grace, forgiveness, peer pressure, and decisions about Christ. Several nights our discussion time went far beyond the normal time - up to three hours! It was a special time of sharing our lives with each other and proclaiming the gospel.

I really came to love these guys by the end of the week! It was awesome to see God move so powerfully within each one of the students in my class, whether believer of unbeliever. Soon I'll tell you more about how God moved in their hearts!