tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2039458277603388842024-03-13T09:29:18.692-07:00next international"mobilizing and equipping people for global impact through serving others". . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-89353409816463136762015-03-10T12:29:00.000-07:002015-03-11T12:15:12.300-07:00New Relationships!Hey all! So, we missed a couple days of updates ... which doesn't mean they were uneventful ... on the contrary, our days are pretty full, and when night-time comes, the gang turns in rather early. But, we want to keep you informed of as much of our activities as we can.<br />
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On Sunday we were able to attend church in Frydlant nad Ostravici with a number of friends, both old and new! It was an inspiring service, with great singing and a very appropriate message on spiritual gifts. We all came away with new insights as to how God has gifted each of us and how those gifts can be used for the good of others and the Glory of God!<br />
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After church we enjoyed a great lunch with our gracious hosts, the Bozons! Lauren and Petr and their kids are a hoot to be with, and, again ... our hearts were warmed by sharing a few hours together! ... complete with amazing Czech desserts!<br />
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Lunch was followed by a quick trip back "up the hill" to the Malenovice conference center, where we donned our work clothes and started our last "major" project ... replacing a temporary timber staircase in one of the larger cabins. The reason we started on Sunday afternoon was that we need to finish by Wednesday noon, because guests are coming in. We joined Tomas Klim and his crew and worked to get things going on Sunday afternoon and evening.<br />
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We continued the work on Monday, and by Monday evening, 8 guys were able to lift the 400 - 500 pound staircase into place! Nothing like power by "Armstrong" to get the job done!<br />
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Today, Tuesday was another great day! We started by joining a group of Christian leaders to celebrate the 6th birthday of Fusion, which is an outreach music ministry led by Josiah Venture staff. We sang songs, ate cake and made great connections with the Christian leadership community here. Inspiration was once again the by-word!<br />
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But, probably the highlight of the day was meeting a group of teenagers from the nearby city of Vsetin. A few of the girls in the group "timidly" came forward to ask us some questions for a "group interview project." The questions were: <i>"What are some ways to start new relationships?" ... </i>and, <i>"What are some ways to make relationships stronger?"</i> Marketa (the girl to my right) was the boldest, and she asked the questions while the other girls giggled! The boys joined us for the picture! It was fun to provide them some answers that will hopefully lead to some good discussions!<br />
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Tomorrow is our last full work day ... as we're going to pack our bags and head back to Prague early on Thursday to spend most of the day there, and then fly back to the States on Friday. Please continue to pray for us ... for emotional, physical, and spiritual strength ... and to leave some lasting fruit from our efforts here! Thanks for following us!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-88591664789239664812015-03-07T06:23:00.000-08:002015-03-07T06:30:29.466-08:00Sore Muscles, Encouraged Hearts!Our third work/service day came with an accompanying bonus! We were given the keys to <i><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lada_Niva" target="_blank">"The NIVA!" </a></b></i>(click the <span style="color: blue;"><u><b>blue</b></u><span style="color: black;"> <i><b>"NIVA"</b></i> </span></span>link to read about it!)<br />
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So, equipped with chain saw, splitting axes, and a "ready-to-go"
attitude, we donned our proper Czech stocking caps and ventured out in
the "The NIVA" to conquer a pile of beech logs. All went well! See the
video above to see the boys in action!<br />
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We hauled 5 trailer loads of wood and stacked it for groups to use in the 7 fireplaces present in the cabins and the hotel. Many great conversations about life and faith occur around these places! We feel privileged to serve in this way and know that our service is producing eternal results. <br />
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After finishing our work for the day ... we sat down with Dave Patty, president of Josiah Venture who inspired us by sharing some of the awesome things that God has done, and is doing through Josiah Venture throughout the 14 countries of Eastern Europe where JV works. Again, we were encouraged to hear and see that we can be a part of a bigger picture of God's work amongst the young people of this region. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mtA2jFTlxGaIz_NZVLA46p1qsGaUnBRNwRVvd73tbPTcEA1vyX0cY8Wsz1gNJXh9zLgQpTLw7juKT1EwdHQOpVBijhCiXI-Q2qwFvMqJ_euL2W-J7IdsYVPA1vdDuksRKSm7EigPMc0/s1600/roznov-pod-radhostem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mtA2jFTlxGaIz_NZVLA46p1qsGaUnBRNwRVvd73tbPTcEA1vyX0cY8Wsz1gNJXh9zLgQpTLw7juKT1EwdHQOpVBijhCiXI-Q2qwFvMqJ_euL2W-J7IdsYVPA1vdDuksRKSm7EigPMc0/s1600/roznov-pod-radhostem.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a>Today (Saturday) is a "volny den" ... free day. We are spending the morning with the Bozon family visiting the town of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. There is a very interesting outdoor museum and historical village with buildings that depict the special "Waldstein" style ... very similar to the log/timber buildings now present at the Malenovice Hotel/Conference Center.<br />
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We're taking some "free/alone" time this afternoon ... because tomorrow (Sunday) we will be in church, lunch with a family, and then actually beginning work at 3:00 in the afternoon. We have a project in one of the wooden buildings that must be done by Tuesday evening, so we're going to get a jump on things!<br />
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Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. They are vital for us to keep energize and focused to what God wants to teach us and show us through this experience!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-43990198638442964682015-03-05T11:53:00.002-08:002015-03-05T11:53:43.454-08:00Entertaining Strangers! ... What we do, or who we are!Day 2 for the 2015 Czech outreach team took a number of different directions ... but all of them led to some very rewarding and encouraging experiences.<br />
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Our Czech carpenter friend, Tomas, arrived early to the conference center with tools and materials for us to use to do make some supports for stage sections which are used during large conferences (200+ people). But, only did he bring tools and materials, he brought us special gifts ... authentic Czech stocking caps ... to keep our heads warm in the sometimes snowy, sometimes sunny weather! We all donned them for a classic "selfie" ...<br />
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Have you ever seen such great looking bunch of guys??!!</div>
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While Dave Stone and Dave J continued with the platform renovations and
chopped some more wood, Smokey and Lil' John cleaned up the grounds by
burning brush and removing snow from alongside the temporary "conference
tent" because the wooden floor was being damaged by melting snow.<br />
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But, all work and no play makes for a boring trip ... so the boys decided to make thrones for the "Co-Kings" of Moravia ...<br />
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Say hi to King Honza and King Smokey!<br />
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So, for some of the past years' Czech Team Veterans ... we aren't disappointed because we didn't get to shovel snow!! There's still plenty of it here! We miss you, Chris, Todd and Clint!<br />
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Thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouraging words ... we're doing great ... and looking forward to another week here!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-28971796588079621482015-03-04T12:49:00.000-08:002015-03-04T12:49:38.502-08:00Steppin' Up!Our 2015 Czech outreach team spent their first day of serving here and its super evident from their heartfelt conversations that their service is having an impact ... both from a "what-did-we-get-done" point of view as well as from the conversations around meals and after the "work-day."<br />
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The team is having a great time getting to know each other and helping in whatever way we can! There were many highlights to the day, so here's a pictorial synopsis of what this day looked like:<br />
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Assembling and installing office improvements. </div>
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Walking to the work site in a blizzard!</div>
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Chopping and stacking firewood!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o6HhwZOJ5STcHqubVOnOW-wG8Ow6ajKI6ViyZbJxk8NeBmmmhhuOxAjdnh8XDZNgyPnVF0uJr5x2pn1Lzdz69VW4_5BINNonCJxC6V8qCj05O7iiPpZ7OKO4c6Xt7CrIFM3lKMjDJP8/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o6HhwZOJ5STcHqubVOnOW-wG8Ow6ajKI6ViyZbJxk8NeBmmmhhuOxAjdnh8XDZNgyPnVF0uJr5x2pn1Lzdz69VW4_5BINNonCJxC6V8qCj05O7iiPpZ7OKO4c6Xt7CrIFM3lKMjDJP8/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>And "Papa Dave" getting to hold little "Noelle Grace!" Born on Christmas Day to Petr and Lauren Bozon ... our project manager!</div>
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It's been an awesome first day! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!</div>
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Stay tuned for future updates!</div>
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<br />. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-34270934619297361352015-02-27T10:21:00.000-08:002015-02-27T10:21:35.383-08:00Another Chapter in "Sole Stories!"<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Greetings friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> "How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring
good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God
reigns!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For the 7th year in a row, its our privilege and joy to come alongside our Eastern European partner Josiah Venture (<a href="http://www.josiahventure.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.josiahventure.com</a>)
to help on some construction projects at their Hotel Malenovice
conference center and ministry headquarters in Frydlant nad Ostravic<span class="text_exposed_show">i, Czech Republic.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This time, our theme verse is from Isaiah 52:7 ... and we're excited to
write some new "sole stories" ... because we believe that every place
that the soles of our boots step, are places where God is writing
stories on the "souls" of peoples' lives! Our goal is to invest our
time and talents so that others are encouraged, energized and better
equipped to share the Good News of God's love with the young people of
Eastern Europe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> God continues to use the ministries of Josiah
Venture (JV) to make huge inroads with the Gospel into the lives of
young people in Eastern Europe where less than 1% know God in any sort
of personal way. We're so thankful that the facilities we get to work
on and improve are in constant use to reach young people! We're glad to
be able to invest in serving this way!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please watch for updates and pray for the 4 of us as we travel and serve in Czech Republic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dave J (Rhino) Lil John (Honziku) Smokey Dave S</span></i> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM6JwWBK_8k6Tq8o3wFAoZo2SFoD7_pqvDTo34ht7tdUp3lnKUjGLQMtJ-SPRfL9jlkIlu3Gm5Sj81thpjOpuA_JvbU3RTPbnA-Gkwsz-_coV3SLOnuCPEMqbM4FVlgakNbZMeZ_upgU/s1600/Team!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM6JwWBK_8k6Tq8o3wFAoZo2SFoD7_pqvDTo34ht7tdUp3lnKUjGLQMtJ-SPRfL9jlkIlu3Gm5Sj81thpjOpuA_JvbU3RTPbnA-Gkwsz-_coV3SLOnuCPEMqbM4FVlgakNbZMeZ_upgU/s1600/Team!.jpg" height="140" width="400" /></a></div>
. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-73058735715760454922014-03-14T07:39:00.001-07:002014-03-14T08:31:03.862-07:00On the Road Again!!!<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Well!! ... as some of you know ... we don't stay put to long! ... so, now we're on to the next "adventure!" ... New Orleans!!<br />
<br />
We have 15 very excited University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
students ready to embark this afternoon on what we hope is ... <i>"the
best week of their lives!!!"</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Our first leg will depart from UW - EC this afternoon and will take us to Community Covenant Church, just outside St. Louis. Hopefully we'll arrive by midnight!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Then, tomorrow, we'll "roll on down" alongside the muddy Mississippi to "the Big Easy" ...we're we'll join up with 30-40 other folks who we'll be working alongside all next week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Joyce and I are, once again,
humbled and privileged to facilitate a team of incredible young
people on a "Spring Break Trip" to serve in Central City New
Orleans. It's our joy to </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">come alongside our New Orleans Partner, Urban Impact (<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.urbanimpact.org/">www.urbanimpact.org</a>) </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">to help on projects that will
bring a brighter light into their community!!! Again, our
overarching goal is to invest our time and talents so that others
are encouraged, energized and better equipped to share the Good
News of God's love with people in their neighborhoods!<br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Urban Impact has been building an effective
ministry in the inner city of New Orleans for over 20 years! God
has used the ministries of Urban Impact and Castle Rock Community
Church to help transform their neighborhood into a place where, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CicwwF2kIhk&noredirect=1" target="_blank"><u><b><i>"kids can ride their bikes, to a church that cares, to schools of excellence, to a home their family owns, and to a safe place to gather!</i></b></u></a> <i>(click on the above link to see a very cool video!).</i> We are so glad to be able to facilitate a team like
we have to come alongside UIM and Castle Rock and serve in this
way!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for updates and photos of this adventure!!! ... It's gonna be some road trip, for sure!!!</span><br />
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<br />. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-49465926513818190132014-02-26T12:20:00.000-08:002014-02-26T12:21:28.098-08:00February 2014 Czech Republic Team Update 2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard to believe we've already finished 3 days of work on the lodge/dining hall - "Marlenka" ... which will be the latest addition to Josiah Venture's conference and training center in Eastern Czech Republic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />We're getting a lot done, and hopefully will finish what we set out to do! Tomorrow is our last work day ... as we're taking a short "field trip" on Friday morning before we travel by train back to Prague in the afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what have we been doing? ... well, take a look!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH1uGBZO8eOD8fNRhN8WVHZZa46JUyBrtoelKyZSUq3hnCdpiG7kNg9tBhaeK1ikYYJMo1wKWEc0lN3Zh2GptfQA_hHKS-k4MSDYdThhfAohv-OGdefoZcNpHdRHtQx9gLvyR6A84tSg/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH1uGBZO8eOD8fNRhN8WVHZZa46JUyBrtoelKyZSUq3hnCdpiG7kNg9tBhaeK1ikYYJMo1wKWEc0lN3Zh2GptfQA_hHKS-k4MSDYdThhfAohv-OGdefoZcNpHdRHtQx9gLvyR6A84tSg/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scott installing furring strips and tongue and groove paneling</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP3NkS1bd00xBLBMdMRcNO8JED4SHZTr4iZnWgABwdc7BMgP0_EuLTOf_dVka17zf0mS8zykG2Jx6-X47N04J9szl93Op76J43p0BovYl-EL5verWiFTmJ-4vTFyITHFTQmxmlIfgP2U/s1600/John-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP3NkS1bd00xBLBMdMRcNO8JED4SHZTr4iZnWgABwdc7BMgP0_EuLTOf_dVka17zf0mS8zykG2Jx6-X47N04J9szl93Op76J43p0BovYl-EL5verWiFTmJ-4vTFyITHFTQmxmlIfgP2U/s1600/John-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">John pre-staining boards</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLJVvGYJ5TpOyskdVLv-3xW6VR7jlSqqjiiklsW2QdkuZMrM_bmEXCp7dgXDNJEKZu9wsB2tuYoMWkQU8oD0PAA1KgWKtMyGUSGPlif5wQyZWNBp_8y3l0ZkkMxiPgZlefAxNbwnSkFA/s1600/John+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLJVvGYJ5TpOyskdVLv-3xW6VR7jlSqqjiiklsW2QdkuZMrM_bmEXCp7dgXDNJEKZu9wsB2tuYoMWkQU8oD0PAA1KgWKtMyGUSGPlif5wQyZWNBp_8y3l0ZkkMxiPgZlefAxNbwnSkFA/s1600/John+4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dave playing Grampa with the Bozon kids!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our time has been well spent, between 8 - 10 hour days on the job site, and evening meals and conversations with the Bozon family. It's wonderful to get to know this family even better ... and we've all be blessed by being with them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had some additional great conversations with some incredible people! In John Prechel's words ... "some really some <i>magical moments!"</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, some of Dave's friends from Slovakia drove for 1 1/2 hours one way just to have lunch! These young people have been a part of some of the English Camps we've helped to facilitate in the summer! It's so rewarding to see these young folks pursuing faith and leading others as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then this evening, our carpenter friend, Tomas, stopped by with his 2 year-old son, Tomas Jr! What a treat! He brought us some Czech carpenter pants to take back with us! We're hoping to spend an entire evening with him and his family tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please continue to pray for us and our work of encouragement here! We're working with hands and hearts ... and using words and actions to see His Kingdom come and His will be done in this part of the world!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll be working tomorrow and traveling on Friday, but maybe Friday evening we can share one more post with thoughts from our last days serving in Czech Republic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-69405312596031063152014-02-23T12:49:00.000-08:002014-02-23T12:49:11.974-08:00February 2014 Czech Republic Team Update1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, we just made it out of Minneapolis ahead of "Snowmaggedon 2014" ... and made our way across the ocean to Amsterdam and then on to Prague. The guys were excited to get on the plane and in the air!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Upon arrival in Prague, we discovered that our short connection in Amsterdam caused our luggage to be delayed! Oh, well ... approximately 36 hours and a shopping trip later, our duffel bags and suitcases arrived!! And yes, the boys went shopping and were equipped with new sets of "work clothes" in order to start the work on Saturday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our primary job this week is to work on the interior finish of "Marlenka" ... which will be a dining hall and housing for a number of people who will be attending conferences, etc., at the Josiah Venture Hotel and Conference Center. We got a good start, John did some pre-staining and Dave and Scott started installing furring strips on the block walls. It felt good to get some work going on Saturday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday (today) we spent the first part of the day getting some regional history and culture, as we went on a visit to the city of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><a href="http://www.stramberk.info/en/" target="_blank">Štramberk</a></b></span>. We ate cookies </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which have been baked here for many centuries in memory of the legendary
victory of the Stramberk Christians over Mongolian soldiers on the 8th
of May in 1241. They looked like Shrek's ears (read about the legend by clicking <a href="http://www.stramberk.info/en/english/stramberk-legends.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>). We then hiked up a hill to their famous </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ruins ... the Castle Strallenberg. We went all the way up to the top of the cylindrical tower called Truba for some amazing views of the countryside!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrIsDZ9gso_ywvNCXy6hpc1JPSIYkx1b1EwCP5OqlElDXrdqoTRdgMycWi5bzvGQ2aQDU7LnahN1cNIZVlqq4DLqolkZcc4zME1LTfVSD-w3NKJd7xUhPAPr5jZ7iUjR29I5VHGU7bBM/s1600/2-14-CZ1p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrIsDZ9gso_ywvNCXy6hpc1JPSIYkx1b1EwCP5OqlElDXrdqoTRdgMycWi5bzvGQ2aQDU7LnahN1cNIZVlqq4DLqolkZcc4zME1LTfVSD-w3NKJd7xUhPAPr5jZ7iUjR29I5VHGU7bBM/s1600/2-14-CZ1p.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> John discovered a statue on the top of the castle hill that he's thinking about making a replica of and putting it in his front yard! Wonder what Ginnie will say!!?? </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6AvXUPA5p7MwYDAXCTicgi3Dz3vdF41T3FsbBfv51u487vpzg2pTzkuNoFJcG3vPLzNx1iHVIvw07IleXiBNw_UZ_4nwW0itjcwK8SIQSVn2NUTV-CE8_rSQ2q6hlAeWgjTWxskKf-w/s1600/2-14-CZ1w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6AvXUPA5p7MwYDAXCTicgi3Dz3vdF41T3FsbBfv51u487vpzg2pTzkuNoFJcG3vPLzNx1iHVIvw07IleXiBNw_UZ_4nwW0itjcwK8SIQSVn2NUTV-CE8_rSQ2q6hlAeWgjTWxskKf-w/s1600/2-14-CZ1w.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a fun and tasty lunch on the town square we made our way back to Frydlant nad Ostravici for the 4:00 pm church service. We were welcomed by the congregation and tried our best to follow the sermon (Dave attempted some translation) ... !!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight we spent a little time with team devotionals, then John decided to get a jump on things and get a little pre-staining time in! We're planning on hitting it hard tomorrow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things are going well ... and we're thankful for God's provision in every way ... as well as for your prayers! Keep 'em up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serving in Easter Czech Republic ... Scott, John and Dave!</span><br />
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. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-27151926211425341022013-07-23T19:13:00.003-07:002013-07-23T19:18:40.565-07:00Time to RE-CONNECT!! KECY Camp 2013 in Slovakia!<span class="userContent">We are "tingling with anticipation!" as we
count the hours until we embark on another "ministry adventure!" Our
"NEXT" adventure of faith and service will be to help 2 outreach teams
in the country of Slovakia starting tomorrow!! Actuall<span class="text_exposed_show">y,
we depart from Minneapolis, MN tomorrow afternoon and fly to Amsterdam
and then on to Prague. From Prague we will then take a 5 hour train ride to the city of
Zilina, Slovakia where we will join with leaders from our Eastern
European partners Josiah Venture and TCKompas (<a href="http://www.josiahventure.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.josiahventure.com</a>). Our teams will help conduct 2 Outreach English/Activity/Sports Camps for high school students in the country of Slovakia! <br /> <br />
These kinds of camps consist of a ton of "American and Slovak" games,
activities and sports ... (think water balloons, dizzy bat, football,
baseball, and just about any other crazy game!!) ... along with a daily 2
hour session devoted to teaching English. Students are drawn to the
camp because they can improve their English speaking skills by hearing
and learning from native English speakers. Each evening will also
include an evening program and "talk" ... with this year's theme being:<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>RECONNECT</b></span><br /> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplS8UYAehHFbyUguPEUic7JU-E8gdfhqkOvdKf5WM8XlHMrC2-07muBGk3hES0RtPe0rf0Ca98256iPlLNkD_Ys7_JwA-8F0edOuUiXSW0mipKQlxtCTfeMcNaP0nhKKeYkVenGwDkfE/s1600/reconnect+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplS8UYAehHFbyUguPEUic7JU-E8gdfhqkOvdKf5WM8XlHMrC2-07muBGk3hES0RtPe0rf0Ca98256iPlLNkD_Ys7_JwA-8F0edOuUiXSW0mipKQlxtCTfeMcNaP0nhKKeYkVenGwDkfE/s400/reconnect+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Our hope is to help these students see that there is a God who made
them and who loves them ... and wants them to "RE-CONNECT with Him!<br /> <br /> </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">We will be returning on Tuesday, August 6 ... but in the meantime ...
we'll try to keep you posted here and on Facebook!<br /> <br /> <br /> Serving the Risen Lord with you!<br /> <br /> Dave & Joyce Johnson<br /> <br /> <i>**NEXT International is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, so all contributions are tax deductible.</i></span></span>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-67959708507405039492013-04-05T22:10:00.001-07:002013-04-05T22:20:59.299-07:00Finishing up!The Cedarbrook Czech work team finished up their efforts to build an amphitheater platform on Friday! We were able to finish all the framing of the large oak timbers, complete with 18 additional "scalloped lookouts" ... affectionately referred to as gargoyles!<br />
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We made an awful lot of sawdust this week, reducing a huge pile of random oak timbers to a completed oak frame! The oak decking was delivered on Thursday, with hopes that we could install it on Friday, but in the end we decided that, due to very wet and snowy weather, it would be better to let the timbers dry out, the snow to melt and the moisture to evaporate before we put dry deck boards down. Petr and Tomas will most likely do that sometime in late May or early June.<br />
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As far as impact, we all definitely felt that God used us to accomplish a lot, but more so, relational bridges were built and great encouragement was felt across the board. There is not doubt that God was present in leading us through this entire experience. For everyone, the time here was truly life-changing. <br />
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There are a few more pictures we'd like to share from our last couple days ... you can find them in this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151594441744414.1073741827.768204413&type=1&l=625e03fdf3" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Photo Album</b></span></a>.<br />
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Thanks again for your prayers and support ... we're very blessed!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-43324666248156030622013-04-01T12:34:00.001-07:002013-04-01T12:47:22.040-07:00Connections and Easter Snow!<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">The Cedarbrook Czech Construction Team
had an Easter weekend that we'll never forget! It snowed over 20 inches
overnight and on Easter Sunday! After church in the morning, we spent
nearly the entire afternoon shoveling snow! Then, on "Easter Monday" we
shoveled over 20 cars out of the Hotel Malenovice parking lot so the
guests could go home!</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Tomorrow (Tuesday) we'll continue on with our work building an amphitheater platform out of oak timbers! We'll have to a little shoveling, but we're hoping for good progress! Please continue to pray! </span><br />
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You can see some photos of our adventures here -<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151584598669414.1073741825.768204413&type=1&l=3e122b05c9" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Cedarbrook Czech Construction Team1</span></b> </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151588257354414.1073741826.768204413&type=1&l=4c59cbb4a6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Cedarbrook Czech Construction Team2</b></span></a>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-55930822602351153362013-03-24T17:31:00.000-07:002013-03-24T20:35:46.529-07:00Rockin' in the Big Easy with the UW Eau Claire Intervarsity Team (and others!)What a joy it was to serve in New Orleans last week with our partner <b><a href="http://www.urbanimpact.org/" target="_blank">Urban Impact</a></b>! We joined with 40 others from 2 other locations to help with renovations on a 100 year-old church that will become a new youth center and hip-hop church!<br />
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Not only did we paint, pound nails, drive screws and lay concrete, we were able to hear some great speakers talk about their lives and how they've been changed by the ministry of Urban Impact and the teams that come.<br />
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You can see some pictures of our work here: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151539459812254.1073741825.292133017253&type=1&l=3e122b05c9" target="_blank">UW Eau Claire New Orleans Spring Break Trip!</a></b><br />
Everyone left a little of their heart in New Orleans, were challenged to think, speak and act differently, and developed some deep relationships that will continue into the future!<br />
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Thanks so much to those who prayed and gave so that this group could go and serve. We know that there were many lives impacted by this experience!<br />
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Stay tuned for another adventure coming soon!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-26732921098775824342013-03-14T08:37:00.003-07:002013-03-14T08:38:10.400-07:00Pressing On!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, what's going on in the life and times of NEXT International, you ask! ... well, the next leg of our
journey of faith and service begins this Friday afternoon, March 15! We are taking a group of University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
students with us "down the Mississippi!" to New Orleans to serve during their spring break. We will work
alongside our partner there,<b> Urban Impact</b> (<a href="http://www.urbanimpact.org/" target="_blank">www.urbanimpact.org</a>). These young people are ready to serve our brothers and
sisters with their whole hearts! We're so thankful to have this
great group go and experience ministry in New Orleans
with us! ... <b> </b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-bIswX2cn_j-30HCeCI9kRswG_TbOR94XjVWayi4yFJ41ht4IvtRKJF7-L-qd42fvO4VyfZZ3xM-KnIOrFCbaycYx6EXWNiBTN7ANuaUloWrYfV40gW1ICXejhkGaoAyqS4gXWs_7FA/s1600/UWEC+-+IV+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-bIswX2cn_j-30HCeCI9kRswG_TbOR94XjVWayi4yFJ41ht4IvtRKJF7-L-qd42fvO4VyfZZ3xM-KnIOrFCbaycYx6EXWNiBTN7ANuaUloWrYfV40gW1ICXejhkGaoAyqS4gXWs_7FA/s320/UWEC+-+IV+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b>Last year's team heading to work!<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> ... but that's not all!</b> ... </span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In addition to our little group, we've been helping to facilitate a
larger group of <u><b>34 people from Cedarbrook Church Menomonie</b><b>, WI</b></u> to go and serve in New Orleans as well.
The group is about half high-schoolers and half adults.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This effort
continues the partnership between <b>NEXT
International</b> and <b>Urban Impact</b> to help "create a
neighborhood where its safe for kids to ride their bikes!" During
this ministry time we will be working on renovations of a
youthcenter/hip-hop church called "The Sanctuary" in the Central
City area of New Orleans! We're anticipating a super fun and
life-changing 9 days!</span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
Please pray for us as we travel and serve in New Orleans! Here
are some specific areas you can pray for:</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pray for safety in
travel and work</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pray for great
connections with each other on the team</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pray for heart-felt
engagement with our hosts and co-workers in New Orleans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pray for changed
lives (ours and those we meet) ... for a greater desire to
invest our greatest and best resources to see "His Kingdom
come and His Will be done!"</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In addition to this blog, you can catch up with us and some occasional updates on our Facebook page ... just search for NEXT International.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stay tuned! ... the adventure continues! </span></span>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-53694480095707990452012-07-23T09:08:00.002-07:002012-07-23T09:08:54.521-07:00Packin' Up and Headin' Out! ... (again!)<span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">This is an
incredibly exciting day for us! Tomorrow morning (Wednesday, July
24, 2012) Joyce and I and 9 others are </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> embarking on yet another NEXT
International adventure of faith and service! We will be flying to Prague, Czech
Republic ... and then
taking a 5 hour train ride to the city of Zilina, Slovakia!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br />
For the third year, </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">our non-profit, <b>NEXT International</b>, has been
invited by Josiah Venture/TCKompas </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">(<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.josiahventure.com/">www.josiahventure.com</a>)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">, a partner organization in
Eastern Europe, to help conduct an Outreach
English/Activity/Sports Camp for high school students in the
country of Slovakia! </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">These camps are hosted by a local church and led by a
very committed group of Slovak leaders who want to share God's
love in practical ways with their peers.<br />
<br />
These kinds of camps consist of a ton of "American and Slovak"
games, activities and sports ... <i>(think water balloons, dizzy
bat, football, baseball, and just about any other crazy game!!)</i>
... along with a daily 2 hour session devoted to teaching
English. Students are drawn to the camp because they can improve
their English speaking skills by hearing and learning from native
English speakers. Each evening will also include an evening
program and "talk" ... with this year's theme being:<br />
<br />
<b>>GREATER THAN><br />
<br />
</b>Our hope is to help these students see that a relationship
with God is </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><b>>GREATER
THAN></b> any other thing they could think of or pursue!<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Check this blog or our NEXT International Facebook page for updates! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><i>**</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><i>NEXT
International is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, so all
contributions are tax deductible.</i></span>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-21762482554455703242012-03-26T11:03:00.011-07:002012-03-26T11:41:12.282-07:00Cedarbrookers in Europe!Well, even though its only been a few days since three Cedarbrookers landed on European soil, there have already been enough experiences to fill quite a few pages! Please allow me (Dave) to give a few highlights!<br /><ul><li>We landed in Prague, Czech Republic on Friday morning (March 23). My dear friend, Marek, met us and treated us to a quick tour of Prague and a great lunch. We walked over the 900 year old Charles Bridge and took pictures in the narrow, winding, cobblestone streets of the "Little Quarter." </li></ul><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissMWIZF08gOrHJqxU-ST__VS5gkGWmxdQ3ko7BfpodLgBcaBklRDJjnBZubiDwS7jy0x6JsYeKTQwkBmvfD3dAGCK3NIjpFjuNh6uKWXK8XRnzmHQfiDgyBMSs1LesLhiTGubIsF6ZG0/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissMWIZF08gOrHJqxU-ST__VS5gkGWmxdQ3ko7BfpodLgBcaBklRDJjnBZubiDwS7jy0x6JsYeKTQwkBmvfD3dAGCK3NIjpFjuNh6uKWXK8XRnzmHQfiDgyBMSs1LesLhiTGubIsF6ZG0/s400/IMG_0946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724269200166686242" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><ul><li>From there, we boarded a train at the main train station for the 3 hour ride to the city of Ostrava, where we were met by my friend, Petr. The biggest challenge for all of us was keeping each other awake for the 3 hours ... (after being mostly awake for nearly a full 24 hours! We arrived safe and sound in the town of Frydlant nad Ostravici just in time for supper at the <a href="http://www.malenovice.com/">Hotel Malenovice</a> (click on the name to go to the link). </li><li>After a great night's rest and a wonderful Czech breakfast (and plenty of strong coffee), we had a look at the building site, and worked for a number of hours preparing for, what we hoped would be Monday's work.</li><li>During lunch, we were invited to join a group of Czech young people and their <span style="font-weight: bold;">baseball coach</span> for a 9 inning game of softball. This scribbler (Dave) declined, due to having rotator cuff surgery in December, but Todd and Clint jumped at the chance. The game was fun and filled with some really good "form" ... as you can see from the pictures!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIxIyiVTv5Xw5k3C7qUYPUnFBQtSlhuGIRWYrLelw651SM4zEp4gxYSOJzBaik1rqDNNgiqRF6Ho2lYHMf6agdLag4zM6yRK0k7zBNnKM8gT_DpRfKzeop0rJGMr7GZNQe9y9aQQJJ_0/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIxIyiVTv5Xw5k3C7qUYPUnFBQtSlhuGIRWYrLelw651SM4zEp4gxYSOJzBaik1rqDNNgiqRF6Ho2lYHMf6agdLag4zM6yRK0k7zBNnKM8gT_DpRfKzeop0rJGMr7GZNQe9y9aQQJJ_0/s400/IMG_0950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724272566914073938" border="0" /></a></p></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgf7OMXKv-P-2ip6WA8pHhYxibXjV5XxL0Hhd70t-RjLj-dD4v8aFPy6MdA2GH_yIzK79bO0Bi-B-QwC2WzxwAlx5L6UFPCgnKGG9TpSKcXOsBgWn1SSlbOwOrTS0zy1ikoPtEu_9xQ/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgf7OMXKv-P-2ip6WA8pHhYxibXjV5XxL0Hhd70t-RjLj-dD4v8aFPy6MdA2GH_yIzK79bO0Bi-B-QwC2WzxwAlx5L6UFPCgnKGG9TpSKcXOsBgWn1SSlbOwOrTS0zy1ikoPtEu_9xQ/s400/IMG_0973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724271605739033426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Sunday we had a great relaxing "Sabbath rest" ... including a couple nice walks. The afternoon walk was from the hotel down to the town for a 4 o'clock service. The walk was about an hour! But, the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the service! Fortunately for Clint and Todd, a great young man, Matej (Matt) translated from Czech into English.</li><li>Monday we started on our first "project" ... not exactly what we planned, but, oh well ... in the missionary world the best word to know is "flexible!" ... we worked on re-staining boards in the ceiling of the cabin that had been built a year ago. Because of the wood not being completely dry, and shrinking over the last year, there are many "white stripes" that need to be stained. Todd found a great way to get the highest point of the ceiling!</li></ul><br /><ul><li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX09EaLAM_ln6itisy8bSITuSb0AuSJvP-zksFcQxQ5VooyjjTKaTyC44Xwa_aKn3FreRypSdjC-g6gKzQT7GyBiakx6ughc-TyJ3dHNdnVX06aiCaWne9H5WuqRp-8qg_K26Ar6kYZlU/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX09EaLAM_ln6itisy8bSITuSb0AuSJvP-zksFcQxQ5VooyjjTKaTyC44Xwa_aKn3FreRypSdjC-g6gKzQT7GyBiakx6ughc-TyJ3dHNdnVX06aiCaWne9H5WuqRp-8qg_K26Ar6kYZlU/s400/IMG_0982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724275512609871378" border="0" /></a></li></ul>Monday is drawing to a close, and we're ready for a good night's rest in anticipation of what ways God will use us tomorrow to encourage people here!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-64799199769556631342012-03-15T08:59:00.001-07:002012-03-15T09:12:58.109-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> 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mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Today we are super excited as we embark on the latest leg of our journey of faith and service!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tomorrow afternoon 8 of us will begin the long journey "down the Mississippi!" to New Orleans!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We're taking 6 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire students with us for a week of serving in the inner city with Urban Impact (www.urbanimpact.org).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Our non-profit, NEXT International, has been invited by Urban Impact, a partner organization in New Orleans, to help "create a neighborhood where its safe for kids to ride their bikes!"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>WOW!!! ... It doesn't get any better than that!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be working on renovations of the new neighborhood outreach and ministry center in the Central City area of New Orleans!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We're anticipating a super fun and life-changing 9 days!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >And ... oh, wait a minute! ... this is just in! ... the trip to New Orleans ... well ... that's not all!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Then, on March 23rd, Dave will be landing in Prague, Czech Republic with two other workers where we will travel to "the Eastern Front" and spend a week working with our Eastern European partner, Josiah Venture (www.josiahventure.com).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >In a region where less than 1% of the people know God in any sort of personal way, we feel privileged to help with facility expansion and improvements, knowing that God will use those facilities to help touch the lives of those who stay there for conferences and retreats.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Please pray for all of us as we go and serve!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Helvetica","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Watch for updates here and on our Facebook page!</span></p>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-35806881421834993672011-07-26T09:33:00.000-07:002011-07-26T12:20:35.017-07:00How Was the Trip?Today is the 6th full day for Joyce and I and our work partner, Jack Duerst to be back in the USA. One week ago we were finishing up the last of the projects we had set out to complete at "Selah" ... the Josiah Venture retreat facility in Eastern Czech Republic.<br /><br />We are so appreciative of all the encouraging smiles, words and conversations we've been able to have since we've been back. Of course, the winner for the "most-asked-question" would have to be the title of this blog ... <span style="font-style: italic;">"How Was the Trip?"</span><br /><br />That question always throws me a little off ... not because I don't expect, but it really is hard to put into words the experiences we have as we go to another country and serve. Honestly, we don't consider ourselves all that special ... but we are humbled and feel very privileged to have the kinds of opportunities that we do.<br /><br />I guess what makes it the most special are the people we get to work with.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUFXttCxCKhvGuwSlNWwC1FYnsZ0HAvLUJCBJerhYfuI6WNd5LJXulBlYWRWhZ3dgSklHyCs_coICN5bCFtxgjmXyAD3UjOPetJfDNkWqmYB0fCFO6xleWGe43ZH8gJMXRvcVvCYx_mw/s1600/American+Team.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUFXttCxCKhvGuwSlNWwC1FYnsZ0HAvLUJCBJerhYfuI6WNd5LJXulBlYWRWhZ3dgSklHyCs_coICN5bCFtxgjmXyAD3UjOPetJfDNkWqmYB0fCFO6xleWGe43ZH8gJMXRvcVvCYx_mw/s400/American+Team.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633742686349184290" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, there certainly are some "exotic" parts of eating different foods, seeing, hearing (and yes, even sometimes speaking) other languages, but in the end, being away from the familiar gives an opportunity to see other people (and ourselves, certainly) in a different light.<br /><br />We've found that people everywhere have some of the same basic needs; to be recognized, respected and loved ... to share joys and sorrows, to connect with others in meaningful ways ... and to live a life of purpose.<br /><br />These are the things we remember most about each "trip" ... and the answer to the winning question is pretty much centered around these thoughts ... <span style="font-style: italic;">"It was great!!! ... We met some fantastic people. We got to work with some really great young men and women! ... </span>and finally ...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >"<span style="font-weight: bold;">You've got to come with us next time!!!"</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > ...</span><br /><br />So, click here on this <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/johnsdb/July2011FinishUpPhotosFromSlovakiaAndCzechRepublic?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKCfsavereCVXQ&feat=directlink"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">picture album</span></span></a> to enjoy the of our last few days ... and thanks again, so much ... for being with us! Stay tuned for future adventures!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-59374422453028352602011-07-12T23:57:00.000-07:002011-07-13T00:47:36.140-07:00WOW!! What a Great Team and Great English Camp in Slovakia!It was just 2 weeks ago that you last heard from us ... (that may seem like way too long of a time for our readers!!). At that time our Slovakia English Camp Team was packed and ready to fly ... and honestly, much of these 2 weeks are pretty much a blur!!<br /><br />I'll try to pick out just a few highlights to share here ... but suffice it to say that everything about this camp was a "home run!" ... despite Amanda's luggage being lost for 3+ days ... and almost an entire week of rain!<br /><br />The team did great ... and from what we saw and heard, the students really enjoyed all of the camp's activities, English classes, sports events, hikes ... and even the food!<br /><br />It was "rise and shine" at 6 am for the leaders ... to get personally ready (with some strong coffee!) and then a meeting with the American and Slovak camp leadership team. That was followed by a very full day ... with lights out somewhere around midnight. Although midnight was the "official" lights out call ... there was always some "after hours" talk going on in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Man Cave!</span> ... which Dave and Peter's room (along with Tomas and Robo) was officially christened the first night ! Actually, I don't think any of the leaders had more than 5 hours of sleep per night for the entire week! It's amazing what energy young people have after midnight!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxuorhsbIKeuYHQXhmKj0qIkkl0rwB8KwljaixRINoaXogxmDvdqo9LXn9xCCO28i8MU9Xfd8dVdVU_UJRRUM5gn35ppVtAW_z9yyl9PjCqLM1IceRUE-E-Ln2pL3pFR49b3_Q73pYFs/s1600/KECY+2011-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxuorhsbIKeuYHQXhmKj0qIkkl0rwB8KwljaixRINoaXogxmDvdqo9LXn9xCCO28i8MU9Xfd8dVdVU_UJRRUM5gn35ppVtAW_z9yyl9PjCqLM1IceRUE-E-Ln2pL3pFR49b3_Q73pYFs/s400/KECY+2011-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628730289127297106" border="0" /></a>Our cook was a gas! ... and we enjoyed getting to know her ... and her sweet smile ... and readiness to pour the "early morning coffee" for the old guys!<br /><br />We had days filled with songs, dances (ask Steve and Terry to do the camp dance for you!) ... English classes, team-building activities, sporting challenges, American sports (baseball in the rain!), evening talks and "E-Nights" ... which were environment nights; designed to create an atmosphere for further discussion on various topics.<br /><br />Here are a few more pictures of the team in action!! ... just click on <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/johnsdb/KECYCamp2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMf12_TwwZiIDQ&feat=directlink">THIS LINK</a> to view an on-line album! ...<br /><br />And here's <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2212884199379.129634.1165764155">ANOTHER ONE!</a> (photo album, that is)<br /><br />We want to thank everyone who gave, prayed and tried to follow our escapades! As I'm sure you can tell ... this camp was a great success!! Please ask us to tell you some stories when we get back!<br /><br />Stay tuned for more adventures!!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-57019108486710775992011-06-29T05:32:00.000-07:002011-06-29T06:39:31.978-07:00Packed and Stacked and Ready to Roll!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fXzvAWEtnlf4ls3lFeBgk4lcMxJpaprKw954pmIVZH6MKKoldc1fgJnTB6tB5h9Kk7-ntooSiXke6BYgCwd3f6svVBrO88nMhxZ_N1qlGH74KGW4ZAWtuSG2FKMvJG0u0S1C4i-xPYY/s1600/Packed+and+Stacked%2521.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fXzvAWEtnlf4ls3lFeBgk4lcMxJpaprKw954pmIVZH6MKKoldc1fgJnTB6tB5h9Kk7-ntooSiXke6BYgCwd3f6svVBrO88nMhxZ_N1qlGH74KGW4ZAWtuSG2FKMvJG0u0S1C4i-xPYY/s400/Packed+and+Stacked%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623628929173361122" border="0" /></a>So after nearly 6 months of planning, preparing and praying ... our team of adventurous servants have packed a mountain of duffel bags with teaching materials, sports equipment, treats, t-shirts, and everything else needed to help host an English/Activity/Adventure Camp in the country of Slovakia!<br /><br />Our team consists of <span style="font-style: italic;">(l to r) ... </span>Joyce Johnson, Jack Duerst, Peter Duerst, Amanda Chartrand, Steve Duerst, Dave Johnson and Terry Sullivan. Everyone except Jack will be traveling together. Jack will be joining us in about 10 days.<br /><br />We'll be flying out of Minneapolis this afternoon (Wednesday) ... skip across the Atlantic Ocean tonight, and have breakfast in Amsterdam in the morning. From there we fly to Vienna, Austria tomorrow afternoon.<br /><br />In Vienna we'll meet up with all of the other North American Teams who are coming to help with these camps all over Slovakia. The camps are hosted by our partner organization; <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.josiahventure.com/">Josiah Venture</a> ... and specifically their Slovak division; <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tckompas.sk/">TCKompas</a>.<br /><br />From Vienna we'll take a bus to Zilina, Slovakia where we'll gather for an exciting time of getting to know our co-workers and preparing to connect with the Slovak students who come to camp.<br /><br />After spending a couple days in Zilina, we'll make our way to the camp where we'll greet the students with raucous and crazy excitement!<br /><br />Our goal is to help build bridges into the students lives through teaching English, leading fun activities, teaching, coaching and playing <span style="font-style: italic;">"American"</span> sports like baseball and football ... and all-in-all, having a blast!<br /><br />Above all, we want to share the love of God with these students, most of whom have never had the opportunity to hear a clear explanation of how much God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them.<br /><br />Recently, as I was thinking about this camp, I had a <span style="font-style: italic;">"small"</span> inspiration ... I thought ... what if, what if, what if ... God would use the 6 of us to really impact the lives of the 60 or so students who come to camp. And what if, what if, what if ... those 60 would go back to their friends and family and really impact the lives of 10 people each ... As the Bible says, that would be "hundred-fold" fruit!<br /><br />Would you please pray with us and for us to that end! ... That God, in His great grace and love, would use these 6 humble and pretty inept folks to bring 100s of people to Himself!<br /><br />In addition, please pray that we travel safely, that no one gets sick, that our luggage all makes it to its destination on time and that we connect deeply with our new Slovak friends! Oh, and pray for our families, who also sacrifice that we can go and be a part of what God is doing in Slovakia!<br /><br />Stay tuned to this blog for future updates! We appreciate comments and encouragements!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-24751937450952346592011-05-22T16:41:00.000-07:002011-05-22T17:28:28.163-07:00KECY Team 2011!We're super excited to introduce the KECY Slovak English Camp Team for 2011!<br /><br />Six courageous and adventurous folks will venture forth on June 28 on a 12 day trip to Slovakia. Our Eastern European partner, <a href="http://josiahventure.com/">Josiah Venture</a>, is the sponsoring organization for this event. And, specifically, we will be working on the Slovak arm of JV, called <a href="http://tckompas.sk/">TCKompas</a>.<br /><br />Our team will be partnering directly with a leadership team from a church in the Slovak capital city, <a href="http://visit.bratislava.sk/en/">Bratislava</a>. They are organizing the camp and currently promoting this opportunity in their local schools.<br /><br />The essence of this camp is to help be "bridge builders" ... by offering English instruction done by native English speakers to high-school students. That's the "English" portion of the "English" Camp. The rest of the camp experience for these students will be filled with ice-breakers, games, events, hikes and other relationship-building activities. Ultimately, our goal is to connect these students with young leaders from the Bratislava church, who will work to follow up with the campers throughout the school year. Our prayer is that God would use us to impact lives and draw them closer towards knowing Him!<br /><br />So, give thanks for Amanda, Joyce, Steve, Terry, Peter ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyFwztvtAlzW_HrOd_kymP_GAgEANhY8Ru5h7Y-pmX_4dsB_zwOrDTVsvmBxjx8PzRTeNiiFfodN7M44_lDHlODCZMVv41CA6gvALDdpaRTsiyhaw4uyHuuS9IZLZlbPzGEw7Ic_GulI/s1600/IMG_5034+group+Email+size.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyFwztvtAlzW_HrOd_kymP_GAgEANhY8Ru5h7Y-pmX_4dsB_zwOrDTVsvmBxjx8PzRTeNiiFfodN7M44_lDHlODCZMVv41CA6gvALDdpaRTsiyhaw4uyHuuS9IZLZlbPzGEw7Ic_GulI/s400/IMG_5034+group+Email+size.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609699592158995586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKP6Mlx83GmVUT9aj1l5xz2lxrwZUATnTaqYz_WvnvF_opysaePCl05ICliW3Xcq2g63Ovn6VpgqAwvS4y_iL7k03HN6aVVuWL1hWPqAwpzAXJjAtcDmgg-8l29cr34qPPT6kLqmX2Lk/s1600/coach+dave.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKP6Mlx83GmVUT9aj1l5xz2lxrwZUATnTaqYz_WvnvF_opysaePCl05ICliW3Xcq2g63Ovn6VpgqAwvS4y_iL7k03HN6aVVuWL1hWPqAwpzAXJjAtcDmgg-8l29cr34qPPT6kLqmX2Lk/s400/coach+dave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609699821201053730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />... and "Coach Dave!" ... (he wasn't able to be in the team picture!) ... <br /><br />Please pray that we'll be effective "ambassadors for Christ!" ... and that God's love will shine through each of us!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-21879590776117612332011-04-01T13:45:00.000-07:002011-04-01T14:31:32.512-07:00Full Circle!The final days of work on the conference center expansion in Eastern Czech Republic were filled with beautiful weather and very satisfied folks!<br /><br />Kyle and Dave continued to cut pieces and build frames for the 24 windows in the 2 cabins. That meant 48 frames and trim (24 inside and 24 outside!). They completed 18 of the outside frames and 16 of the inside frames.<br /><br />Jon and Chris spent copious amount of time filling holes, sanding and painting the frames; making them ready for the installation. Unfortunately, the paint sprayer quit working around noon on the last day, which made it unable to put a second coat on the frames and begin the final installation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjdd5MJzMJYoVjCjA7eQHcMOnmZtnUJfB_QZBoZQS3_gyEl7BybOIvS3lzmOVO5VcgGtUzP5ZdN0bfSwiZAkBKO7KQ2p7ATMhZ7iATREnkxZRHytgSPlmul_YMteDN1eqGXlG9wBDNLE/s1600/chris-jon.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjdd5MJzMJYoVjCjA7eQHcMOnmZtnUJfB_QZBoZQS3_gyEl7BybOIvS3lzmOVO5VcgGtUzP5ZdN0bfSwiZAkBKO7KQ2p7ATMhZ7iATREnkxZRHytgSPlmul_YMteDN1eqGXlG9wBDNLE/s400/chris-jon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590720851353062098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Even though we were disappointed that we couldn't install them completely, everyone was very pleased with the final outcome and what we were able to accomplish!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq6_-3SokwJELdsQpjLxpsZt08xMtrBbcQZgygGlYOn5R18ykAw8MTMbaFACYCIhrAvuO1Jg5s9Ax5w7TGlBOcNQzeyYGoBbRBl5gSCpQQbn7GBvyPheWSwfJUBDr_KfG3H67MRUna2I/s1600/last+day.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq6_-3SokwJELdsQpjLxpsZt08xMtrBbcQZgygGlYOn5R18ykAw8MTMbaFACYCIhrAvuO1Jg5s9Ax5w7TGlBOcNQzeyYGoBbRBl5gSCpQQbn7GBvyPheWSwfJUBDr_KfG3H67MRUna2I/s400/last+day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590721735447677714" border="0" /></a>Probably the best part was the great friendships and strong bonds that were created with our new Czech carpenter friend, Tomas Klim ... and his helper, Petr.<br /><br />It was fun to pose in front of some of the completed window frames with all of us <span style="font-style: italic;">(left to right)</span>: Jon Shields, Dave Johnson, Tomas Klim, Kyle Stratton, Chris Ehlert and project manager/good friend, Petr Bozon.<br /><br />We're hoping and praying that they can finish these cabins in the next month ... in preparation for a big conference the first weekend in May.<br /><br />So, once again, we left an impact ... and chunks of our hearts behind ... in hopes of someday returning again, perhaps with some more "NEXT" adventurers! Oh, ... but our adventure wasn't over!!<br /><br /><br />We were scheduled to take an early flight back to the states ... leaving Krakow, Poland early on Thursday, March 31 and arriving home in Minneapolis late that day. So, Petr Bozon took us to Krakow in the afternoon, where we had booked a little <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.globtroter-cracow.com/pl_PL/home.html">"gasthaus"</a> for the night ... in preparation for an <span style="font-style: italic;">"O-dark-thirty"</span> departure. We had a little time to snap some "tourist shots" in Krakow and enjoyed coffee on the town square and a few minutes of souvenir shopping (that's all that a guy needs, right!?).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygLCCkNpWdoBvihQ8CTXs73IVEGmChbLo87fN2soyaYg5x-BMkd0lbzmcp-4bSxs14pxI_FoxMiKZ4pQZRFnDbxUXx4SpM7PnSCieirzPCRDujLhOXiXAVdQ3YwtxTDha-LfFg5h49sU/s1600/krakow+guys2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygLCCkNpWdoBvihQ8CTXs73IVEGmChbLo87fN2soyaYg5x-BMkd0lbzmcp-4bSxs14pxI_FoxMiKZ4pQZRFnDbxUXx4SpM7PnSCieirzPCRDujLhOXiXAVdQ3YwtxTDha-LfFg5h49sU/s400/krakow+guys2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590724461406182194" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ1PD0YUwtWP6CNq0PrB1MNx-3vrt5yuQDRuXkhNG8qJ0l-uo7Y-uGf0Y__UrsOdP3hyaG0UNzDoq4uBwmVjGzvaa6bT9Zl71aO6VTzWHUfdeEdrrWFA4rBF8W9JdadcQIRKBDR9Ht0I/s1600/krakow+guys1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ1PD0YUwtWP6CNq0PrB1MNx-3vrt5yuQDRuXkhNG8qJ0l-uo7Y-uGf0Y__UrsOdP3hyaG0UNzDoq4uBwmVjGzvaa6bT9Zl71aO6VTzWHUfdeEdrrWFA4rBF8W9JdadcQIRKBDR9Ht0I/s320/krakow+guys1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590725122818943698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Oh, how nice!" ... </span>you're probably saying! ... well, it was nice ... but the adventure wasn't over. After enjoying a nice Polish dinner at the restaurant -<a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.chlopskiejadlo.pl/main.php" class="l noline"><em><em>Chłopskie Jadło</em></em></a> we made our way back to our guesthouse to get a short-nights' rest! When we turned on the computer for one last email connection, we discovered that our flight from Krakow to Prague was cancelled ... and that we needed to start our return trip ... not from Krakow ... where we were ... but from Prague! ... which was an overnight train ride away! So, we checked out of the guest house (without even laying down on the beds!) ... got a taxi to the train station ... went up and down and round-and-round to finally obtain tickets, and at 10 pm boarded an overnight train to Prague!<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDdg-rSd5lE">Click here</a> to see a short video of us waiting on the platform at the Krakow main train station!<br /><br />Everyone had a great attitude about it ... even during some "tense moments" ... when some guys of questionable character slowed down before us in a pretty dark part of the Krakow train station! But, everything turned out fine, and now everyone is home safe with family and friends!<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who gave, prayed and encouraged us with your words along the way! Much was accomplished ... with both hands and hearts! Stay tuned for the NEXT Adventure ... which isn't very far away, for sure!!!<a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.chlopskiejadlo.pl/main.php" class="l noline"><em><em></em></em></a><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.chlopskiejadlo.pl/" class="l noline"><em></em></a><a href="http://www.chlopskiejadlo.pl/main.php"></a>. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-50190858697993528312011-03-27T13:32:00.001-07:002011-03-27T21:41:36.270-07:00Not all Work!OK, so some of our readers are calling for more information! They're asking, <span style="font-style: italic;">"What have you guys been doing for the last 4 days!"</span> Well, hopefully this update will help!<br /><br />On Thursday and Friday we put in full days working on cabins near Hotel Malenovice. We are refining the process to get as far as we can before we leave on Friday. At the same time, we're enjoying getting to know our Czech co-workers ... carpenters Tomas and Petr ... and the welding crew! Not to mention the caulkers, log setters, painters, plumbers, and whoever else happens to show up! Its a busy place! You can see a few pictures by clicking <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/johnsdb/March2011NEXTIntLCzechTeam?feat=directlink">HERE</a> ... <br /><br />Also, you can view some videos of our escapades by clicking on these links - <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5ySIDAChF0"><span style="font-weight: bold;">VIDEO 1</span></a> ... and ... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2LtPm77uXE"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">VIDEO 2</span></a>.<br /><br />Friday evening was spent having a wonderful visit and meal with the Ellenwoods in their home in Cesky Tesin. For those who are connected to my facebook page, you know that this family is in the midst of an amazing opportunity! Their son, Noah (15 yrs old) is in the final 20 (10 men and 10 women) of Cesko Slovensko Superstar (the Czech/Slovak version of American Idol). You can view a video of him singing on Saturday night (March 26) ... by clicking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FocbCF-ST7g"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</span></a>!!<br /><br />This young man has taken a solid stand for his faith, and his family's work as missionaries here in Eastern Europe. What a joy we had being with them on Friday night ... then ... oh, yeah!! ... traveling to Prague on Saturday to see Noah perform LIVE!!! What a blast! Actually you can see us a little on Live Czech TV by<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fOi1P4xfLk"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">CLICKING HERE</span></a>!! Look for us at about 47 seconds! Chris Ehlert is wearing a bright yellow NEXT t-shirt, and Kyle Stratton is sitting next to him with a camo cap on!<br /><br />So, our Saturday and Sunday were spent being on live Czech TV, <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xUbajJfyIE"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TOURING PRAGUE</span></a> (click on the link to see video) with some Czech friends of Dave's and getting back to Frydlant nad Ostravici.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNzQFVENOVXvv4zTfaxjpKoD6gxCx9YHPtB-m2_cpEk2oP1UOR6I80JiWz3Ezn3hBB-PfeEyZWayy9lZtuIEU9wRamBnDeDYrrNmKyw8P5dV-bATVmDj32b4bFTzYOC9v9sVmefjXtjs/s1600/wenceslas.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNzQFVENOVXvv4zTfaxjpKoD6gxCx9YHPtB-m2_cpEk2oP1UOR6I80JiWz3Ezn3hBB-PfeEyZWayy9lZtuIEU9wRamBnDeDYrrNmKyw8P5dV-bATVmDj32b4bFTzYOC9v9sVmefjXtjs/s400/wenceslas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588873166173388946" border="0" /></a>We're looking forward to a couple full days of work tomorrow and Tuesday! ... so stay tuned for more!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-90546403711814890512011-03-23T12:18:00.000-07:002011-03-23T13:16:05.840-07:00Couldn't Be Better!The team arrived!! Hooray!<br /><br />As I was walking back to the hotel last evening after doing some more "prep work" at the site ... I saw a small station driving past with 3 guys wearing baseball caps inside! My heart leaped for joy! They made it!! After almost 48 hours the guys were finally at their destination! I'm so thankful for the calm and easy-going nature of these 3 guys. They all came with the greatest of attitudes and perspectives through the long travel delays, and we're all certainly glad to be here!<br /><br />We got them checked in, and settled into our accommodations right away, took a walk down to the site for a look, then hiked back up "the hill" to have supper! The goal was to keep these guys awake until at least 9 0'clock! ... and for the most part, it worked!!<br /><br />There were some very distinct sounds reverberating through our room last night, and some of us decided that ear plugs were the way to go! But, everyone slept well and woke with great expectations and hopes of a productive day. And it certainly was! We got a great start on trimming the 12 windows in one of the two newly constructed cabins. Our hope is, by Tuesday night next week to have all the windows trimmed! That goal is definitely within reach!<br /><br />We're especially enjoying working alonside the Czech carpenters, Tomas and Petr. Kyle is already learning some Czech construction terms! Ask him what <span style="font-weight: bold;">v vaze</span> means!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnwWzWB2NXH0yQ9ujC4kxz8VyHfTRwrjCucK5dDHMjCpV9b8u8Fsvpe2RFdrqaxY8I80JOQj25cbr2wbrIioprcO-9BdfOR28uD3L90xSNJxAD6rlqpFWEQnUQgpll-5ninDEqWvvLvI/s1600/kyle+2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnwWzWB2NXH0yQ9ujC4kxz8VyHfTRwrjCucK5dDHMjCpV9b8u8Fsvpe2RFdrqaxY8I80JOQj25cbr2wbrIioprcO-9BdfOR28uD3L90xSNJxAD6rlqpFWEQnUQgpll-5ninDEqWvvLvI/s320/kyle+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587361122736449538" border="0" /></a>So, here are a few pictures and a short video of today's adventures ... enjoy! Oh, and for those wanting to know what the accident report looks like ... a few slivers were encountered, one band-aid was used, and legs are just a little sore from the hike up and down the hill. I think everyone will sleep well tonight ... oh, and from the sounds of things, one already is!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmOg_ok65ArhPijGLmXZCOqR_WPTWGaDckZm1S7RD2_XO7P2viPaLsEWZgMmXrKFBWTAjP7NALy0KaRONVZI220XCplN0t1PGdUg5upR5n6yI7gVHG1XK_j9udSeOPUO4_k1JuTab_Rg/s1600/kyle+1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmOg_ok65ArhPijGLmXZCOqR_WPTWGaDckZm1S7RD2_XO7P2viPaLsEWZgMmXrKFBWTAjP7NALy0KaRONVZI220XCplN0t1PGdUg5upR5n6yI7gVHG1XK_j9udSeOPUO4_k1JuTab_Rg/s320/kyle+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587361371212839170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWqYqJis5aZ743Ftdm6x2BMSLMoksZcMebqvsMsdlaBf7HpHbJ-Y1QSaD3ErpcSOPmhRme6t9mzv7dbIHEavkoxE8pNoAkNTdIq9vRjDGBE6FjIn_IHN6eT3FCDbfLzW5oACeb0ZoJEc/s1600/guys1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWqYqJis5aZ743Ftdm6x2BMSLMoksZcMebqvsMsdlaBf7HpHbJ-Y1QSaD3ErpcSOPmhRme6t9mzv7dbIHEavkoxE8pNoAkNTdIq9vRjDGBE6FjIn_IHN6eT3FCDbfLzW5oACeb0ZoJEc/s320/guys1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587362086730489922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvPa0uint2IjHsJHgea8Esh-3t0ltSYoePCRQj_gyM1Wj_m_Z62ufkUmrz7ibRgc9PRbQGxjFqWeyLDJQFRvta_aASEP67HW8lX415RiYZj_lHK4OSrVHVp3QSJA4TpLBYJSOxkfvqgI/s1600/jon+1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvPa0uint2IjHsJHgea8Esh-3t0ltSYoePCRQj_gyM1Wj_m_Z62ufkUmrz7ibRgc9PRbQGxjFqWeyLDJQFRvta_aASEP67HW8lX415RiYZj_lHK4OSrVHVp3QSJA4TpLBYJSOxkfvqgI/s320/jon+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587361682119613890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> "The guys" ... Jon, Tomas, Kyle, Chris, Petr<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can watch a video of today's activities by clicking on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk38l6NYGLA"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THIS LINK!</span></a><br /><br />Stay tuned!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-71676644666313727762011-03-21T11:07:00.000-07:002011-03-21T11:39:11.551-07:00Waiting ...Well, my guys were supposed to arrive this afternoon in Krakow ... but ... due to some problems on their departure from Minneapolis to JFK in New York, they were unable to fly across the ocean last night.<br /><br />After a very long and tiring travel day ... they made it to New York, where the airline put them up in a hotel ... in preparation for their departure tonight to Prague (7:30 PM EDT). So, when its all said and done, they'll have been traveling for over 2 straight days to get here!<br /><br />Chris, Jon and Kyle will (oh, please!!!) ... arrive in Krakow, Poland on Tuesday afternoon at 1:25 Central European Time. We'll be there with smiling faces and caffeine loaded drinks to make sure they make it to our final destination ... Frydlant nad Ostravici ... and Hotel Malenovice.<br /><br />As far as my schedule ... well, as most of my "followers" know ... there isn't much moss growing under this "rollin' stone" ... so, today I worked some more on Selah projects, moved all my stuff ... and all the tools, over to the projects at Malenovice, met with the carpenter and talked through the plans, and got settled into our "quarters" at Hotel Malenovice.<br /><br />Here are a couple pictures of the cabins we'll be working on.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYpAVn6LuqLeXRRb3pyRhK_gNAknoha1nNPyb5iL8h5l2FHYWOShCKjZsC0ewtHVn_APogcp1X0yLI3c-jNR7RwJ4vM3qk5NWF7Z206_TXRz6yMhPhpyY_l3pm_OuLDPX7AdsGJNmPr4/s1600/2cab.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYpAVn6LuqLeXRRb3pyRhK_gNAknoha1nNPyb5iL8h5l2FHYWOShCKjZsC0ewtHVn_APogcp1X0yLI3c-jNR7RwJ4vM3qk5NWF7Z206_TXRz6yMhPhpyY_l3pm_OuLDPX7AdsGJNmPr4/s320/2cab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586603104659688434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOLSP0KNdc4AhPXk8xBxxRJ0bsHmrzMDCz6MRaSeY36xl7E-rldtExZfLekd7bWju9M1gM6zSHy8euZkfqr966NfukkZaOSjhb90aZPHCHz0de2eqmn7GvKsges94xm5aob9tj-6UbLU/s1600/1cab.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOLSP0KNdc4AhPXk8xBxxRJ0bsHmrzMDCz6MRaSeY36xl7E-rldtExZfLekd7bWju9M1gM6zSHy8euZkfqr966NfukkZaOSjhb90aZPHCHz0de2eqmn7GvKsges94xm5aob9tj-6UbLU/s320/1cab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586604093751949426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our main task will be to trim out all of the windows ... inside and out! There are 12 windows on each cabin, so we're gonna have our work cut out for us ... but I know these guys (and I've really been braggin' them up!!!) ... so I think we'll do pretty well. And, oh ... the weather is supposed to be beautiful all week long!!<br /><br />Stay tuned!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203945827760338884.post-73010615081684933352011-03-19T12:21:00.000-07:002011-03-19T22:16:37.481-07:00"Selah-ing" Along<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VKRZvZs8tQmT5lKwoq3Qj8FDhK_aFPOcWkXbRHyJd0N02oUtyTv3W8Com4hCWUIaxx6VrXY4ihbp3svvvQWY8qnp6s6ypd7c_W_TY_IJNEzxK3AOf_v_WULFZFrZyRo3TBIifuR7-hA/s1600/mel.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VKRZvZs8tQmT5lKwoq3Qj8FDhK_aFPOcWkXbRHyJd0N02oUtyTv3W8Com4hCWUIaxx6VrXY4ihbp3svvvQWY8qnp6s6ypd7c_W_TY_IJNEzxK3AOf_v_WULFZFrZyRo3TBIifuR7-hA/s320/mel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585877382683746706" border="0" /></a>The mountain-side retreat house called Selah in Eastern Czech Republic has been my home since this past Monday. My dear friend and colleague, Mel Ellenwood, invited me to come over ahead of our NEXT International outreach team to help finish up the "rolling to-do/punch-list" of items that are necessary to complete before this facility can be opened for regular use by Josiah Venture staff who desire a place to come and be renewed and refreshed! Anyone who's gone through a building project knows how long it takes for all those little pieces of trim to get put on, so I was glad to come and help Mel for a few days!<br /><br />At first, being here completely alone was a bit strange ... especially since I usually don't sleep at the site where I'm working. I guess it's happened in the past, but I've most often been with a team. In this case, all of the essential necessities were available at Selah (water, heat, electricty ... and some pretty sweet furnishings, if I might add), so why pay to stay in the town. Mel probably didn't think about it, but having me stay right here insured that he'd get a few more hours work out of me if I didn't have to pack things up and travel down the mountain! He was right!<br /><br />I've settled into a nice routine ... just in time to move out and go across the valley to stay with our team of guys coming on Monday (March 21). These 3, Chris, Jon and Kyle ... will be traveling to Krakow, Poland from Minneapolis, where they will be met and transported to <span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.frydlantno.cz/portal/start/">Frydlant nad Ostravici</a></span>, Czech Republic. (click on the blue letters to read more about this town! We will be here until March 31, working on the expansion of Josiah Venture's conference center, Hotel Malenovice, which is just across the valley from Selah!<br /><br />As far as what Mel and I have been doing ... well ... you'll need to check a couple videos!<br /><br />Click here on <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIxPz1JlSO0">SELAH PUNCH LIST</a> to see some of the projects we've been doing.<br /><br />Click on <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3hgGmaX3aI">THIS LINK</a> and you'll see what thing are looking like outside!<br /><br />Just as a teaser ... here are a few pics from around Selah this morning!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZsrd68Y-MtwHJSZyZe4bTAeDCr3jc4lq9SPQyJDd6JMObbOgUmcV1tbqq8zOY7mgoT3Hhh-OnWxlqKx9rVSkOU_MsiD3wFDcx095qDeBSNA_-eemu0unqYaE0SDzbpD0rxExlxwfbOM/s1600/selah+5.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZsrd68Y-MtwHJSZyZe4bTAeDCr3jc4lq9SPQyJDd6JMObbOgUmcV1tbqq8zOY7mgoT3Hhh-OnWxlqKx9rVSkOU_MsiD3wFDcx095qDeBSNA_-eemu0unqYaE0SDzbpD0rxExlxwfbOM/s320/selah+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585892824783168434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosqDa3Vq9CkqF4GS1IYgYvMmv-w4-6rIuhwwtHZiHF6lST2h4sE2IbRnoYRjriHNKPAk2cCVPPlv8qFUCx3G0sdfMIH_K64Es5Bvr-1Ou9qTXuuBLHBqOgjFIvMuwCcEjKAXL_cd5UCI/s1600/selah+4.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosqDa3Vq9CkqF4GS1IYgYvMmv-w4-6rIuhwwtHZiHF6lST2h4sE2IbRnoYRjriHNKPAk2cCVPPlv8qFUCx3G0sdfMIH_K64Es5Bvr-1Ou9qTXuuBLHBqOgjFIvMuwCcEjKAXL_cd5UCI/s320/selah+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585893222558590962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp449c9O5HRlmztuCjkBE5xc3536PvardpGwkKVGXfEqy6q30FVkIjF4kSNLdGQEBHt_cxEGlbaZQ-vmKCXZRtyFNHJEJqEbdm5kcyOLwm-mtKnIcPo7RzAY-PU8f4Sqxr4xqYXMu3TE/s1600/selah+2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp449c9O5HRlmztuCjkBE5xc3536PvardpGwkKVGXfEqy6q30FVkIjF4kSNLdGQEBHt_cxEGlbaZQ-vmKCXZRtyFNHJEJqEbdm5kcyOLwm-mtKnIcPo7RzAY-PU8f4Sqxr4xqYXMu3TE/s320/selah+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585893736281022834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Please stay tuned for more adventures!!. . .http://www.blogger.com/profile/17207512477922944340noreply@blogger.com2