Melodee in Prague

My First Year in Prague...

2010-06-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

What is a successful missionary?

2010-04-28T00:45:00.000-07:00

We talked this morning during our staff devotions about how the world doesn't view a missionary (or any mission in general) as successful unless they have converted someone to Christ. Scripture does not support that (we were specifically taking about Jeremiah). We need to be faithful to God's call and He will use us as He sees fit. We cannot define our success by the world's definition.

I have been blessed recently to work with many students (all non-Christians) on their resumes and also help them to prepare for job interviews. I love the conversations that we have about life and what the future holds. We often talk about their goals and the purpose and meaning of life.

So, if I only use the world's definition of a successful missionary, then all these meetings are in vein unless they come to know the Lord. If I really thought this way, then I would never take the time to really get to know someone because my only motivation would be to make sure they are saved.

Thankfully, I only define my success with God's definition. God calls us to love others, spend time with them, and honor Him with what we are doing. We are successful if we are being faithful to Him through all the good and bad times in our lives. The rest is easy. He will use us to accomplish His plan. What greater worth and sense of accomplish could you get than being part of God's team and working for Him?

My success is only defined in Him. I am blessed. How do you define your success?

God is the Ocean

2010-03-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

God is the ocean

He has no beginning or end

He reaches the places we can’t see

He is mighty and strong

He gives life to those within Him

He is beautiful and full of awe

He washes away the dirt

He is constant and unchanging

He makes the light brighter

He is still, yet always moving

He smoothes the rough edges

He gives joy to all who come

He challenges us, but pulls us to shore

He is vast and infinite

He can’t ever be fully seen, but we know he is there

He soothes us with His voice

He provides a place of refuge

He accepts all who come.

When everything isn't on a list

2010-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

Since moving to the Czech Republic, I have learned a lot about myself--the good and the bad. My strengths have always been in organization and administration, or more specifically, list-making. I always had a sense of accomplishment because I completed a task on my list and I could check it off. It would make me feel like at least I accomplished one goal that day, so at least it wasn't wasted. Phew.

But God doesn't want us to live to check tasks off our list. God wants us to serve Him, praise Him, honor Him, be in relationship with Him, and be in relationship with others. He wants us to love Him and to love others, period. Previously, I was so focused on me and accomplishing what I thought was important and what I wanted to experience that I took all the focus off of God and others. My motivation for doing anything became completely self-centered. I was focused on what would make me happy and make me feel good.

Since moving here, what I quickly have come to realize is that making lists and completing tasks is only a false sense of accomplishment. Just because it is written on paper, does God see it as more important? Do I really need to see a check-mark beside a task to make me feel like I accomplished something that day? God doesn't measure us in tasks or even in what we accomplish in our lives. He loves us anyway, unconditionally, and just longs for us to be in His presence and to know Him. God's important tasks can't ever be checked off because they are never finished. His love is everlasting and His work is never done. The same should be true for us.

My Dad...

2010-01-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

My dad had surgery this week and I wrote a poem in his honor. Besides praying, it was the only way I could think of to show I care from 5000 miles away.

Dad

Our dad gives us joy

He jokes with us and makes us smile

His laugh is infectious

It always makes us want to stay awhile.

He loves Andy Griffith (or mostly Barney)

And playing Rook

He sometimes speaks in German

And tells old stories about the path he took. (uphill both ways)

He sits in the second pew at church

And after he’s always at Taco Bell

You will find John, Donna, Clara and mom

It’s the crew they all know so well.

On Friday, you can find him at Godfathers

With the golden pitcher that brings free pop

Then off to USF to watch the Cougars

Where his dedication to the team will never stop.

He has emptied mouse traps, built bookshelves, and fixed our cars

He has vacuumed water, fixed leaky pipes, and fixed our stairs

He performs these tasks without hesitation

To show us God’s love through his actions and that he cares.

God gave him a gift --everything he touches magically starts working

And he will always be there to help day or night

The money he saves will pay for his grandchildren’s education

And that is why he will spend hours fixing one Christmas light.

He shows us his love through unwavering dedication

He taught us responsibility and sensibility

He knows our hearts and forgives us when we are not perfect

He supports us unconditionally.

And even when his knees won’t physically allow him to walk

His spirit continually walks with us.

We have a dad that does the ordinary,

But to us, he is extraordinary.

A New Christmas...

2010-01-01T11:17:00.001-08:00

Christmas this year was very different for me. I spent time in a new country with new friends and away from anything familiar. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions including sadness and loneliness, joyfulness and thankfulness, and peace and happiness. Being away from my family and friends made me realize how thankful I am to have them and how sad I am that all people don't have the same. While it was strange to celebrate Christmas with non-Christians, it made me appreciate my faith even more. I am so thankful that I have the one true hope found in Jesus Christ and that I have that to lean on no matter where I am in the world. He is the one thing that is present and will always be present at any Christmas.

Cards, letters, and packages from my friends and family were also a huge encouragement to me over the holidays. I recently received my parent's Christmas letter. Every year, my mom writes a song to honor someone special in her life. This year, she used the words from Psalm 121. It was a great encouragement and reminder to me during this time that the Lord is always present and we can always find comfort and refuge in His arms:

PSALM 121

A song of ascents

(Tune: Finlandia by Jean Sibelius)

1. I lift my eyes; my eyes unto the hills – Where comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made the heav’ns and earth in space He fills.

Where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.

He is creator of the universe.

I lift my eyes; My eyes unto the hills.

2. He watches you; He watches over you.

He does not slumber and he never sleeps.

He watches you; The Lord keeps you from harm,

Gives sun by day and the moon by night.

Where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.

I lift my eyes; My eyes unto the hills.

3. The Lord will keep you; Keep you from all harm.

The Lord protects you watching o’er your life.

The Lord will tend your coming and your going.

He’ll keep you now, secure forever more.

Where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.

I lift my eyes; My eyes unto the hills.

A Missionary?

2009-12-03T02:35:00.000-08:00

Growing up in the church, I always had a specific stereotype in my head of what a missionary should be and I knew that was not me. I was completely positive that it would never be me, either, because I had no interest in leaving South Dakota. I remember taking a spiritual gifts inventory at church and evangelism was not one of my gifts. In fact, it was the spiritual gift that was the weakest for me. "Good," I thought, "Now I don't have to worry about ever leaving home."

My picture of a missionary was as follows: They had to wear crazy outfits, eat rice (or food that you only see people eat on Fear Factor), live in third-world conditions (mostly in Africa) or in a country that would arrest you for having a Bible, and be a super-Christian who never stopped talking about God. They seemed unreachable and distant, living in a world that I had never experienced and that I never wanted to experience.

But as you know, God had a very different plan for me. I started to travel a lot which open my eyes to how different the rest of the world really was and how many opportunities there are for missions. While most people are immediately drawn to countries in need of humanitarian aid, I was drawn to a different type of need. On a mission trip I took to Mexico, I was amazed at the faith of the people there. They had a lot less than I did, yet their dedication to the Lord was so much stronger. I started to realize that the more "stuff" you have, the more potential you have for distractions from God. It is not about the material things you have, but about the hope that you have. I wanted to find the place in the world that needed hope the most.

The Czech Republic is the second most atheist country in the world. People live well and have the same things we have in the US, but they don't have a reason to live. Most haven't ever heard about the hope they need to be saved. People are afraid of religion. It caused wars in their country in the past and was forbidden during communism. Most have never been to church and have a fear of the unknown. These people don't need water, food, or shelter, but they need hope. I am honored that God has chosen to use me in the Czech Republic.

Freedom

2009-11-20T06:15:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to participate in a commemorative march for freedom in the Czech Republic. It was the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism. The video below is one that my friend made and captures what we experienced. Even today, you can still see and feel the effects of communist rule. We are continually praying for personal freedom for all people of the Czech Republic that only comes from faith in Jesus Christ.

I love lists...

2009-11-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I have a life list that started originally as a 30 by (before I turn) 30 list. After I accomplished those goals, I decided I wanted to continue to acheive just as many goals every year. My list has grown to almost 300 goals with over 100 of them checked off as completed. God has given me the confidence to set my sights high and I know that with His help, nothing is impossible! I have also learned that God sometimes adds things to my list without me knowing. I have my plans, but He has His and His are always better than mine. Trusting in God's guidance for my life is so exciting and there are so many unexpected twists and turns. If only I could add things to my list after I do them and check them off. Oh wait, I already do that:-) God is in everything, even a list, so we just have to take the time to look for Him.

And since I can't stop writing lists, here is one more for you:

Top ten things I am thankful for in Prague:
1. Czech class
2. Bread (all kinds)
3. Roommates that cook
4. A universal language (a.k.a. charades)
5. A glimpse of sunshine
6. Coffee shops
7. Maps
8. People with me that know how to read a map
9. God's faithfulness and opportunities to share my faith every day
10. New friends, old friends, American friends, and Czech friends

Church on a Boat

2009-10-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things in Prague is the church that I attend. The people in the Czech Republic are mostly atheist and some are even scared of any kind of religion due to the Communist rule of the recent past. While church buildings are numerous, most churches are dead or have very small congregations.

The church I attend is almost all Czech people and is growing! It has a very young congregation and a great energy for outreach. The church currently meets in a warehouse in the city and they share a building with a go-cart facility. The worship is contemporary and is in both Czech and English. The sermon is in Czech, but is translated to English for those that need it.

Because the church is growing and needs more space, they started on a quest to find a new building in the last few years. It seemed nearly impossible to find a space because real estate in Prague is extremely expensive. After much research and prayer, they decided they would buy a boat instead! The boat will be remodeled in the next year and will be located on the Vltava.

I also love that this church is thinking outside the box and meeting people where they are. It has been a great encouragement to me to see outreach that is working, moving, and growing in the Czech Republic. Pray that the church on a boat will continue to reach people for the Lord!

Top Ten Lists of Prague

2009-10-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Top ten tips in the Czech Republic

1. Don't walk barefoot outside

2. Don't put your feet on the seats

3. Don't hug...only kiss

4. Don't buy anything with a picture of a rabbit on it

5. Always wear shoes you can run in (to catch the tram)

6. Bring your own peanut butter

7. Don't bring your American appliances

8. Don't use your umbrella unless you have to (otherwise tourists might start following you)

9. Practice dividing every number by 17 in your head

10. Learn the metric system (especially if you want to bake chocolate chip cookies)

Top Ten Questions asked at Christian International School of Prague:

1. Who is sick today?

2. Do we have any prayer requests?

3. When do they arrive?

4. Do you know if we have a projector?

5. Do you have an extension cord?

6. Do you have a hammer?

7. Do you have any band-aids?

8. Has anyone seen Leslie?

9. What time is our meeting?

10. Who is supposed to cover that class?

Top Ten frequently used Czech phrases:

1. Nevim (I don't know)

2. Ahoj (Hi)

3. Dobre Den (Hello)

4. Zaplatim (We pay now)

5. Cau (Bye)

6. Ne mloovim Cesky (I don't speak czech)

7. Mloovlity inglisky? (Do you speak English)

8. Co? (What?)

9. Jak se maj? (How are you?)

10. Maj se hesky (Have a good day)

Top Ten lessons learned in Prague

1. Always translate words before buying the item in the grocery store

2. Always let my roommates lead when I get lost in the city

3. Always eat everything on my plate (or my roommate Melanie will eat it)

4. Always take a shower or people will think I am European (and start talking to me in a different language)

5. Always buy only as much as I can carry home from the store

6. Never go on more than one shopping trip in one day

7. Always carry a map with you

8. Always carry water with you (you have to pay for it everywhere here)

9. Always walk a new way to a common destination (there is so much to see here!)

10. Always assume that American 80's music will be playing in every store and restaurant

Where is God?

2009-09-24T16:05:00.001-07:00

Where is God?

Is God here?

Is He in our hearts?

Is He in our minds?

Does He fill the empty space?

Does He permeate large crowds?

Is He in the city?

Is He by my side?

Is He in the wind?

Is He in the rain?

Is He in a smile?

Is He in a baby’s cry?

Is He in a church?

Is He in a pub?

Is He in hello?

Is He in goodbye?

Is He in a song?

Is He in a poem?

Is He in an atheist country?

Is He in a Christian country?

Does He see everything?

Does He know my pain?

Does He lead me on the right path?

Does He send others to help me?

Does He save me from harm?

Does He know my secrets?

Is He watching from Heaven?

Is He everywhere all the time?

Is He with everyone?

Always. God is.

It seemed like it would be easy, but 4 hours later...

2009-09-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

Since moving to Prague, a lot of my stories start with a similar phrase. Small tasks here take a lot longer than they used to take. A simple trip to Walmart is not such an easy task. First of all, there is no Walmart, only Tesco, which is a British store that is similar in most ways. Oh, and now you are thinking, "Great! A British store so everything is in English and is familiar." Ah, no. Everything is in Czech and some things are similar, but never quite the same. Not only do you have to translate the names of things, but you also have to figure out how much everything costs. How do you do that? You divide every number by 18. Easy, right? And just to complicate things a little bit more, even buying makeup or fingernail polish is tricky. They are all under lock and key, so you have to ask a store employee to unlock the cabinet it for you. That would be easy-- if I could find the store employee and if I could speak Czech. Then you have to make sure you plan for how you are going to get everything home because you don't have a car and the store doesn't give you any bags. Oh, and all of that is just AFTER you actually find the store and figure out how to get there on public transportation. No wonder I am so exhausted at the end of every day.

Canadian Medical Center???

2009-09-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

A little over a week I started feeling sharp pains in my abdomen. At first I wasn’t alarmed, but after 5 days of feeling the same pain, I decided it was time to deal with the inevitable and head to the doctor. Now, just having moved to Prague a little over a month ago and not knowing the language or the medical system, this proved to be no small task. After asking a few people and deciding that I wanted to go to a hospital that I knew for sure someone would speak English, I was directed to the Canadian Medical Center. The name alone comforted me and for some reason I felt more at ease knowing that I didn’t have to go to a Czech hospital. A really nice friend traveled to the hospital with me and after a 25 minute ride on the metro and 10 more minutes on a tram, we arrived at the stop. We walked up a hill and crossed the railroad tracks and saw the sign “Canadian Medical Center” above a cobblestone archway. As we turned the corner and got our first look at the medical building, I wondered if we were in the right place. It was an old building and looked more like a historic government building than a medical center. We walked in the doors and gazed down at a massive reception desk. On the wall just to the right, there were pictures of all the doctors and nurses. After scanning the names and reading first names like Pavel, Jana, and Eva, I knew these weren’t Canadian doctors. We walked down the stairs to reception and after explaining while I was there, I got a confused look from the receptionist. She spoke English, but not like a Canadian. After repeating it again, she understood and I was asked to fill out some paperwork and take a seat. After a few minutes, my name was called and the nurse walked me back to the doctor’s office. I entered a room with huge windows, a small wooden desk by the door, and an examination table. The doctor was sitting at her small wooden desk behind a computer and immediately started asking me questions. “You are here for the vaccination?” I shook my head no and immediately started to worry and question the legitimacy of this medical center. I am sure she knew what I was thinking because of the size of my eyes. Then she quickly replied, “Oh, sorry, no. That was the appointment before you and he didn’t show up.” Whew. At least she knew why I was there for the appointment. After a series of questions and a short examination, she told me she was concerned that I could have appendicitis and she recommended that I go to a Czech hospital to get an ultrasound. I wanted to tell her that the whole reason I came to the Canadian Medical Center is so that I wouldn’t have to go to a Czech hospital, but that didn’t work out so well. She gave me the directions and the medical form and then sent me to the billing department to pay my bill. Should you really have to pay the doctor if they don’t know what is wrong with you? OK, so maybe so, but it seems like you shouldn’t until they diagnosis you. I did get my ultrasound at the Czech hospital (which is another story in itself) and they found nothing to be concerned about. As of today, I am starting to feel better and I hope I continue to feel better this week. I am glad to have my first doctor’s visit out of the way and know what to expect if I have to go again. I have to say, though, I am not sure why it is called the Canadian Medical Center because there is nothing Canadian about it.

Settling In...

2009-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

I have officially been in Prague now for 3 1/2 weeks. The time has gone fast and the kids first day of school is this Wednesday. I am gradually getting adjusted to working at the school and I definitely know this is where God wants me. I have already been blessed by the staff at the school and know that will continue when I get to meet the kids this week. We have had orientation all this week and learned so much about the mission and history of the school. I am so impressed with the leadership and the direction God is leading for the school this year. It is impressive that CISP has only been in existence for five years and has accomplished so much. I am looking forward to working at a place with such a strong focus on God and incorporating that into every aspect of a child's education.

I am also very blessed to have wonderful roommates and that I have been able to meet and connect with so many Czech people already. I haven't learned the language so quickly, but we are required to take language classes at the school, so I am hoping I can learn much there. It is true, too, that your English starts to go downhill the more you speak a different language. Hmm...or maybe that will just be my excuse for that.

I also have been on a number of adventures with a Christian friend I have living here. His goal is to spread hope and the gospel to those who don't have it. That is a significant number of people in the Czech Republic because until communism fell, they were not allowed to attend church. Most people in the Czech Republic are atheist and are afraid of religion. He has built relationships with a number of local people here that are not Christians and has shared his faith with them. I was able to go with him last week when he gave a Bible to one of them. It has been an honor to be a part of the process and I hope I can have the same kind of impact here someday.

Home, Sweet Home.

2009-08-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

It is strange how going away from a place and coming back makes it feel more like home. I just returned from a trip to Cesky Krumlov and coming back to Prague even after just three days made it feel a lot more like home.

It seems like it is the same experience with our relationship with God sometimes. At times I feel distant from Him, but when I come back to Him and reconnect, it feels so much more comfortable and and safe. He truly is our refuge and strength. How wonderful it is to know that He is there...everywhere.... all the time.

My first full day of school is tomorrow and I am excited to see how everything will unfold. My prayer is that God will use all of my talents and abilities this year in a way that I can't even imagine.

Learning more every day...

2009-08-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

I have experienced God in so many ways in the last few days. People are so generous and understanding. God is working in the lives of so many people and it is so exciting to meet people who have recently become Christians. So far I have met people from Moldova, Spain, Cameroon, Slovakia, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Differences are a part of life here and you can see and feel the joy and desperation. I am thankful God is everywhere and that he is present here.

I am starting to feel more comfortable here and I even know my phone number and address. Joy comes from the little things in life. :-) Thank you for the continued prayer and encouragement!

Here it is:

Melodee Bertsch

Chodska 17, byt 18

120 00 Praha 2 - Vinohrady

Czech Republic

(+)420-608-246-777

My First Week in Prague

2009-08-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

It is day four in my new home in Prague. God has a plan and I am starting to see it unfold. He has already provided a great place to live, a wonderful roommate, and friends willing to help me figure out the city and culture. I am loving all the new experiences as everyday is a new adventure. There are too many experiences to even write in one post and I don't think my brain has actually processed everything that has happened. I am so excited to continue on this journey and see what lies ahead! Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement!

Don't Miss A Taste of Prague!

2009-07-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

A Taste of Prague

FUNDRAISER OPEN HOUSE

Come and experience food, music, art and more...all from the Czech Republic!

Thursday, July 16th

6:30 p.m.—8:30 p.m.

1008 S. Phillips Avenue

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

All donations will benefit Melodee’s ministry at the Christian International School of Prague.

This is a family-friendly event, so please bring kids!

God is Amazing!

2009-07-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

As I was contemplating a title for this blog post, I couldn’t think of a better phrase to encapsulate what I am thinking and feeling than, “God is amazing!” It has been a crazy journey the last few months, but God has worked out everything according to His plans! As the title of my new blog would indicate, I am now moving to Prague in the Czech Republic instead of Vienna, Austria and working at the Christian International School of Prague (CISP). The letter below explains more about the changes and has my updated contact information. Thank you so much for your prayers and support! God IS amazing!

Dobrý den!

I wanted to touch base with you and thank you for your support of my ministry at an international Christian school starting this August. God has been working and doing amazing things so far! I have had some changes recently that I want to explain and share with you. Due to changes in regulations for visa requirements in Austria, employees at Vienna Christian School (VCS) are no longer able to obtain missionary visas. All employees are now only able to apply for work visas which are often very difficult to obtain in Austria. While they are still working on details for employees to be able to continue working at VCS, there is no guarantee at this point that anyone will be able to obtain a visa or that the school will be open past next year. Due to the uncertainty of being able to stay and work at Vienna Christian School and after much prayer and consideration, I have made a commitment to work at the Christian International School of Prague in the Czech Republic for the next two years. The Christian International School of Prague (CISP) is very similar to Vienna Christian School and has the same Christian philosophy and mission. You can read more about the school on their website at http://www.cisprague.org/. I will be working in the same position as I planned to work in Vienna, assisting the Director of the school and assisting with marketing, recruiting students and employees, and other administrative tasks. CISP also uses the same sending agency, Resourcing Christian Education (RCE), so all my support will transfer and stay with RCE. I will have a new account number which is #12912. All current support will transfer to this account.

I would encourage you to continue to pray for the visa situation for the school in Vienna as many families are dependent on VCS for employment and for the education for their children. While I am sad that I won’t be able to work at VCS, I am excited that God has provided me with the opportunity to work at CISP! Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions. Thanks again for your support of this ministry!

Blessings,
Melodee

Contact Information
(until August 1st)
2700 S. Lyndale Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 366-0960

(after August 1st)
Christian International School of Prague, o.p.s.
Perunova 975/6130 00
Praha 3 -Vinohrady

e-mail: melodeehope@yahoo.com
blog: http://www.home4hope.blogspot.com/

How to Join in Support
1. Write out your check to “RCE International”
2. Write my account number 12912 (not my name) in the memo line of the check.
3. Send commitment card (if you have one) and/or check to the address listed below:
RCE International, PO Box 4528, Wheaton, IL 60189

All in God's Timing

2009-05-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who helped and donated to the rummage sale! It was a huge success! I made over $2,400 that will go towards my set up expenses in Vienna. God is definitely working out all the details for my transition overseas. I can't wait to see all the great things to come. God is teaching me things every day through this process. I have had some verses that have been a great reminder to me:

Matthew 6:25-34

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Fundraisers! You can help!

2009-05-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard to get ready for two fundraisers!

Rummage Sale

(all proceeds will go toward funding my ministry in Vienna)

When: Friday, May 15^th & Saturday, May 16^th

Time: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (both days)

Where: 924 Westmoor Drive (Melodee’s house)

**If you would like to donate items, please drop them off at Melodee’s house by Thursday, May 14th. Please have items organized and marked. Remaining items will be donated to Goodwill Saturday evening (unless instructed otherwise). Also, if you have any card tables that you would be willing to lend out, I would appreciate it! Make sure your name is clearly marked on the table.

Bake Sale & Home-Based Business Sale

(a large portion of all sales will go towards funding my ministry in Vienna)

(featuring Mary Kay Cosmetics, Uppercase Living, Premier Designs Jewelry, Usbourne Books, and Tastefully Simple)

When: Saturday, May 30^th

Time: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Where: Trinity Baptist Church (2400 W. 18th Street)

**If you would like to donate items for the bake sale, please contact Megan Larsen at meganlarsen@hotmail.com or sign up at Trinity Baptist Church. Items will need to be dropped off either with Megan or at Trinity Baptist Church.

Learning to depend fully on Him!

2009-04-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

I am learning to trust God more and more every day through this process and I am learning to depend on God for absolutely everything in my life. Since I don’t like to give up control, this is really hard for me! I am definitely not used to having to depend on other people for help.

So…I would really appreciate your prayers during this time. Here are some of my major prayer requests:

**Renting my house

**Raising prayer support and financial support

**Transitioning to a new life and culture…especially away from friends and family

Other challenges:

**Learning German! J

**Deciding what to sell, what to store, and what to ship. Does anyone need a violin or a computer?

**Transitioning phones, bank accounts, etc. to a new country

**Finding enough time to get everything done while I am still working full-time

**Finding time each day to spend with God

God has been doing great things, too! Here are my praises:

**Wonderful friends and family for support!

**Financial support that has already come in

**Selling my car

Thanks for your on-going support and encouragement!

Preliminary Stages

2009-03-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am in the preliminary stages of raising support for my ministry in Vienna, Austria. I will post further information here to keep you informed on the process and the exciting things that are happening in this ministry!

I will be attending missionary training in New York from June 20-July 3, 2009. My ministry in Vienna starts August 1, 2009. I would appreciate your prayers as I work through this big transition in my life!