Ella has one year!

The last year has gone by quickly. I reminisced with Grace last night how she had spent the night with Malia in Montana while Mom and I went to the hospital. I then told Ella that she was Miss Belotable who stubbornly would not make her appearance for over 19 hours of Labor. We are thankful that she finally arrived in Montana. It is also good she turns 1 before the next move as she has already relocated 5 times!

Check out the highlights and write her a note. I hope the girls will both be encouraged by the blog as they get older. I know I am encouraged to hear from you.

Prayer and Praise Update

I traveled to Prague and picked up the keys to our new flat. The owner and I had a dinner and were able to discuss future plans to get together. This relationship is one that Lisa and I have looked forward to but were unable to enjoy in Olomouc because the owner lived out of town. Pray for Josef to be open to the gospel. He has no thought toward God.



You have seen the name Milan on the prayer list. I moved him to praise because I know God is at work. It is a huge thing to be invited to someone's cottage in this culture. Often, individuals escape the city to their retreat every weekend and spend time in the garden. Milan invited the family to his cottage when Grace and I visited in the hospital. Tonight, we had a dinner and enjoyed speaking Czech (only Czech!). Milan received a New Testament and encouragement from my family.

Also today: a visit to Sternberk 15km from Olomouc. It is a national holiday so we took in the sites by bike.

Language and Culture

We were traveling on Father's Day so I was late speaking to my Dad. I have jet to receive the cordless drill or ladder that I asked for either. Does Lisa read this?

Nothing special takes place in the Czech Republic on the third Sunday of June. Father's day is not on the calendar. One way that we see Europe is a picture of the US in 20 years is the absence of fathers. Women carry a large responsibility in every family here and it is atypical to find a male in his god given role as leader.

Please pray that my family will model effective relationships ordered after God's model of Christ leading His body. We enjoy our time together and learn daily how to interact.



Part of the trouble is learning to think in our new language. Father's day got me to thinking because it is not even easy to say. A little Czesky for you...
"Tatinek" is father ale ownership is formed with the genative case "tatinka." Whatever is owned comes first so "den" is day and the holiday would read "den tatinka."

As I said you can pray for us daily.

European Affinity Cluster

A new season has begun for IMB today, July 1st. I received a note from a collegue written at midnight with excitement regarding some changes. Nothing drastic will be affected. But the variations are worth mentioning so that you can pray with us.

The European Affinity cluster represents are large number of people all over the world who have a language and culture from Europe. Because the gospel is most effective in ones heart language, the affinity cluster has been created to focus on a group of people no matter where they live. I could possibly meet a Czech while living in America. You could too! Hopefully, you will be better prepared to discuss what Christ means to you in a significant way knowing what is happening here.

The new logo pictured above is a simple change that is intended to take the focus away from the organization that helps administer the support that you provide. Connecting is the central part of the title because it is our mission not to do the work of mission but to be a part of The Great Commission which we are all called to obey!

I love the scripture that was included by my friend to encourage me. Be blessed today.

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new.”

(Isaiah 43:18-19a)

English spoken here - Greece!

A highlight of the trip to Athens was a divine appointment on the acroplois. This photo was taken by a young man named Jimmy. He is working in London but carries a US passport.

It was great to talk together about what Christ did for us at Calvary. Jimmy easily recognized his sinfulness and heard the gospel. It has been hard to be where so few know my language.



The girls had a great time but it was hot. We only stayed on the top for a little while but it was great to see Mars Hill where the gospel was preached. I am thankful we serve a God with an eternal kingdom. Many buildings still stood to the gods of mythology but to us it was just interesting history.

Hospital Visitation

Grace was able to go with me to the Olomouc Hospital where I have made a fiend named Milan. My stopping in began when a comrade from Malazia named Zhetto was put in a room with Milan. Both suffer from some skin ailments. I went to see Zhetto initially because he was on a diet of bread and cheese but the portions were insufficient. He is a college sophomore and always hungry. We visited over cheese and bread and both practiced our Czech with Milan. He speaks five languages but not one word of English!

We arrived at the subject of faith and Milan made it very clear that we are not of like mind. I explained that our Christian faith had brought Zhetto and I together as we are both in the Bible discussion group. I hoped that the service done in the name of Christ for a brother in Christ would show what brotherly love is for brothers in Christ.

Zhetto wrote and said that he would get out of the hospital yesterday but that I must visit Milan or at least give him a call. This old man had plenty of visitors, some in person and some by phone. Apparently all heard about the American who came to visit. That's me!

Grace was excited to go on a bike ride and, "make the man feel better." We visited for only an hour but the whole place was brighter as we brought the love of Christ to an especially sick population. Milan invited my family to his home when he gets out of the hospital and we are back from our upcoming travel. I seek your prayer that his heart could be softened before he departs this world.

Hold All Mail

Apartment hunting was successful! So, any packages with a destination of the Czech Republic (to us!) can be held. I know you have many things that you want us to have, but we can wait :)

This week a team of Americans ventured to Olomouc. They refer to themselves as Texans! (You guys are great!) Everything went smoothly and they are off to see Prague and London. They didn't leave before delivering to us some wonderful gifts including Velveeta cheese (2 lbs.), Rotel (4 lbs.), and Texas t-shirts (priceless)!

Thank you everyone who continues to pray for us and this outreach! God is at work!

Philip

Prague 5

Anyone watching house hunters should know we are looking in the Prague 5 area. This includes several "neighborhoods" to the West of the river at the end of the Metro lines.

I have appointments to look at four locations between Thursday and Friday evening!

Thanks to Ryan and the Vine for keeping us before the Lord.

Prague

The sun does shine in Prague. This is good news for any team that may be thinking of an outreach in the Czech Republic. The class is going splendidly in the Old Testament. Thank you SBTS for sending Dr. Wayne Garrett to teach while I am here.

The search for an apartment continues. I am having to work on Czech some through email as agents continue to look for the flat that is to be our home. I visited with the team mates who are here and got a look at where ministry meets the street. You don't have to go far.

Thank you for praying with us. Also, thank you to those who responded to the newsletter. It is encouraging to know you are still there in the USA and beyond. Budget challenges are affecting our business just like everywhere. Please remember to pray that the work of the Lord will be funded to continue!

PB

Kris and Becky

Thank you for adding your picture to the blog. It is sure to have new traffic.

Did everyone notice "The Kris" is a follower. For market trends and analysis just click the picture to the left;)

PB