October 28th marks the one hundred year anniversary of the Czech and Slovak nations. And while this is a time for celebration for both countries, the last hundred years has also been wrought with struggle and oppression.
Read MoreIt was May 16th when Heidi Ansiel set out for her Josiah Venture Internship in Slovenia with the new communications team there. She served in the local church in the city of Celje to disciple youth and equip them to fulfill the great commission (especially through Fusion). Additionally, she served on the communications team to support their work of inviting students in the community to Fusion and English camps.
Read MoreIt was two years ago that our church received a concerning email from Eitan and Orit Kashtan, our missionaries in Israel. There had been a fire in their home started by some bad electrical wiring. Much of their home had to be rebuilt and the Kashtans spent several months renting an apartment in Tel Aviv. Yet, I remember their initial email telling us about the fire. After giving the practical details of what had happened and what needed to be done, they ended with thanksgiving.
Read MoreWith the cooling weather, the shortening days, and kids back in school, it is clear summer is hastening to an end. And while I am tempted to bemoan the eventual loss of warm sunny days, my inbox has been filling with updates from some of our Josiah Venture global partners. They are updates that recount stories of the clear work of God in the lives of young people in central and eastern Europe this summer. These stories represent a different kind of harvest time. One I can't wait to tell you a little about!
Read MoreEarlier this summer Grace Church donated $300 toward the VBS program at Grace Baptist church in Artashat. Pastor Ray was able to deliver this money in person during his recent trip to Armenia. Early last week we received an email from Asatur with pictures from their week of VBS.
Read More2018 Slovenia Fusion Camp Recap from Kaci Stecker
Read MoreOne thing you can count on with Eitan and Orit, they always seem to be juggling multiple projects at a time. It is incredible listening as they recount the latest project at HaChotam Publishing House, the most recent conference they are planning, the next youth group camping trip--each deadline approaching one right after the other.
Read MoreThis June Hanoi Bible College will hold its first ever graduation. This establishes a landmark event in their history that we pray will continue for years and decades to come -- the sending of young men and women impassioned and equipped with the Gospel message into the towns and cities of Vietnam.
Read MoreWe will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. ~ Psalm 78:4
Read MoreIn a recent update from Jon and Andrea Hoglund, we learned about the Lunar New Year (known as Tet) celebrated on February 5th in Vietnam. There are many fun, celebratory elements to this holiday, but also much superstition in the observance of it.
Read More