SPOTLIGHT Central Europe

Warsaw Theological Seminary Dedicated

Sherry and I just returned from Warsaw, Poland where we attended the dedication of the Warsaw Theological Seminary. Attending the dedication were a large deligation of Assemblies of God World Missions leaders, missionaries and Assemblies of God Pastors.

The project began 10 years ago in a empty field adjacent to the another building that housed the seminary. Today the addition adds on not only classrooms but also a dormitory, caffateria and a large chapel. The photo was taken during the dedication cermony in the chapel.

The building would not have been completed without the the leadership  of Assemblies of God Missioanries to Poland Richard & Lori McLane and Builder's Internerational who organized teams and finances for the construction of the seminary.

 

7 Dead After Shooting in Slovak Capital

7 Dead After Shooting in Slovak Capital

VOA Report: Authorities in Slovakia say seven people are dead after a gunman opened fire in the streets of Bratislava.  Another 14 people were wounded.  Click here for full VOA article

I have been in contact with our missionaries in Bratislava, John & Daralena Bean. They and their family are safe, but are deeply saddened by this tragedy. They request prayer for the families of those who passed away and for those who are wounded. Please also pray for Slovakia and especially for the city of Bratislava.

Central Europe's Newest Team Members

It's always a joy to welcome new missionaries to Central Europe. Pictured here with me are some of the new missionaries and missionary associates who will be serving in Central Europe. There is a great team developing in Central Europe. These are exciting times!

Our Visit to Szczecin Poland

Szczecin Poland is a fascinating city. Once a thriving center of Europe's shipping industry, its people remain warm, friendly, and hard working. Though the city is in a time of transition it seems that there is a bright future ahead.

Part of that bright future are Assemblies of God Missionaries Dennis and Diane Holcomb (Photo on right) who are giving of themselves to helping others. On the day we visited with them we attended a meeting of local pastors and their wives. The meeting was organized by Dennis and Diane who have been working hard to build strong relationships with and among the pastors of that region. They are both well accepted and loved by the pastors, their wives and the people of their community.

A Look to the Past: In 1979 Sherry visited Szczecin as a college student. She stayed with a family there in the city. When I told the gathering of pastors that Sherry had been there in 1979, one of the women smiled and said that she remembered Sherry staying at her family house. Another women said that she too remembered Sherry being there and how exciting it was to have an "American" visit their home. It seems that Sherry was the first American they had ever met. The women gave us the address of the apartment where her parents lived. We went to the address and took a photo in the front of the building. See the photo above.

New A/G Missionary Family in Slovakia

It's always a joy to welcome new missionaries to Central Europe. Last week we officially introduced our newest missionary, John Bean and his family, to the the general assembly of pastors of the Apostolic Church of Slovakia.

John and his family are presently the only Assemblies of God Missionaries to Slovakia. You can find out more about them by visiting their website at: http://www.beans2slovakia.com.

Pictured in the photo are: (Right to Left) Bishop Jan Lacho: Bishop of the Apostolic Church of Slovakia, Missionary John Bean, Jim Sabella and Jan Liba: Assistant Bishop Apostolic Church of Slovakia

The Roma Community in Slovakia Praying for a Church

I just returned from Slovakia where some missionary colleagues, church leaders and I visited two Roma communities.

One housing project we visited housed 7000 people. Some of the apartments have 30-40 people living in three rooms. They often have no heat and no running water.

Absolutely unbelievable living conditions.

God has called two pastors from the Roma community and placed them as spiritual leaders in their community.

One is just being to build a church the other is just about finished. We are praying that we will be able to assist them in these projects to reach one of Europe's unreached people groups.

Czech National Radio Interview: The Czech Study Bible

I was among a group of 5 who were interviewed by the Czech National Radio about the completion of the Czech Study Bible. Here is the link to the article and streaming audio on the Czech Radio website. You will find the streaming audio link at the bottom of the web article.

Czech Study Bible Released

Very seldom in life do you get to be a part of something that has never been done before. Just two days ago I had that opportunity as I took part in the dedication of the Czech Study Bible. This Bible, with notes and commentary from a Pentecostal perspective, is the first of it's kind in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Study Bible is a culmination of 10+ years of work in partnership with Life Publishers International, Assemblies of God World Missions Europe and the Apostolic Church of the Czech Republic.

The ceremony was held at the Prague headquarters of the Czech International Bible Society. Representatives from Life Publishers, International Bible Societies, the Apostolic Church of the Czech Republic and the major evangelical denominations in the Czech Republic were present for the dedication. Each was presented with a first edition of the Study Bible.

I was honored to be a part of the start of this project 10 years ago and was honored to be there at the completion and dedication of this new study bible.

Assemblies of God World Missions Central Europe is also partnering with Life Publishers International to produce this study bible in both the German and Polish languages.

Pictured right to left: Jim Sabella, Larry Art: Life Publishers International and Bishop Martin Moldan: Bishop of the Apostolic Church of the Czech Republic.

20 Years Ago Today the Berlin Wall Fell--The Voice of Freedom Ringing in Central Europe

    20 years ago today the Berlin wall fell bringing East and West together for the first time in 50 years. No one thought the the Communist regime would topple so quickly, but in a matter of days, 50 years of government oppression came to an end for those behind the wall. Freedom began to ring in Central Europe

    That day also made it possible for us to be here in Prague (former Czechoslovakia) and our other missionary colleagues to be in Berlin, other parts of East Germany, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. We our honored to be here at this time in history.

    The voice for human rights and freedom still rings in Central Europe and a voice proclaiming freedom through Jesus Christ rings as well (John 8:36). Please pray with us for Central Europe.

Here is an interesting report from Tom Brokaw who was in Berlin when the wall fell.

Teen Challenge Czech Republic Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary

    This weekend Teen Challenge in the Czech Republic is celebrating their 15th year anniversary. Yesterday evening A/G Missionary Chris Oakley and I attended the opening session held in Prague. Representatives from Europe and the United States were there to share in the celebration.
    Pictured with me is Teen Challenge Czech Republic Founder and Director Peter Minister. I was honored to have the opportunity to address the gathering. Celebration continues through this weekend at the Teen Challenge Center in Poštovice, Czech Republic.