April 18, 2006

“How can we pray for you,” my friend from Slovakia asked. Although I was not quite ready for his question, and gave a limited response, the question started me thinking. Usually, I write to you about one thing, but this time, I find myself with a list of prayer requests.

In early April, temperatures rose quickly, large quantities of snow melted, and lots of rain fell. This led to widespread flooding here and in neighboring countries like Slovakia. Many had to be evacuated from their homes and are now returning to begin cleanup. Please pray for them, for the Diaconia (service arm of the church), and others providing volunteers and aid.

At his funeral, his pastor Milos Rejchrt recalled that in the book of Revelation, heaven is pictured as a city. He said it was as if God had looked down upon cities—and the architecture and human endeavor that comprise them—and said, “I can appreciate that.”

The Milic of Kromeriz Church, which Jiri Vesely designed, placed the cross atop its tower in January with a special prayer of dedication by its pastor, Tomas Bisek. Mr. Vesely died a few days later, and so will not be present at the dedication of the structure, which is to take place Sunday, October 8.

Although the Milic of Kromeriz Church will be dedicated, the building will not be completed until many more thousands of dollars can be raised. An excellent way to honor this man would be to contribute toward the building project he gave so much of his energy to. You can do that by contributing to the Extra Commitment Opportunity account set up for this purpose, ECO # 051738. Over $20,000 is needed. I earnestly ask your help.

You might also pray for the work of the Reverend Martin Jurco and his congregation in Michalovce, eastern Slovakia. The Jurcos excel at working with children and youth. In the past, U.S. Presbyterians have helped with financial support for their summer camps.

They continue to work with these age groups through Awana clubs and through their work at the local orphanage, where many of the children have mild mental retardation. Nevertheless, when they reach 18, they must leave the orphanage. One 18-year-old, as she was in the process of leaving, was drawn into a group that would have sent her to work as a prostitute in a foreign country. Intervention by church leaders saved her from that fate.

Rev. Jurco, the Michalovce congregation, and concerned citizens would like to open a sheltered home for youth who must leave the orphanage. The city has offered a building, but it needs substantial repairs. The congregation believes that working with these youth is part of its calling, and is currently looking for the means to accomplish this. Please remember their efforts in your prayers.

As you can see, there are many good and important things happening. However, the Presbyterian Church does not have the financial resources to meet all of these important needs. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38). Yes, please pray that. But this is also something that you can practically support. Please generously support Presbyterian mission work with your financial gifts.

With gratitude for your prayers, encouragement, and support,

John & Joyce

P.S. We will be in the United States from May through October to visit Presbyterian congregations and tell about our work. For more information, contact us at the email address on our home page..

Contributions from individuals for the construction of the Milic of Kromeriz Church can be sent to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Individual Remittance Processing, PO BOX 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. Please write the ECO number (ECO # 051738) and the words Czech Church Building on the memo line of your check and put them on your cover letter, too. Please send a copy of the cover letter to: Office for the Middle East and Europe, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396. Make your check payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). For additional information, or to give online, click on the "give" button below.

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 179