So camp season is finally over. It has been exhausting and exciting and very, very fun. So much to share, and so much work yet to do! And so you will get camp stories in installments. Here is part 1.
As July began, I was off and running to Slovakia for a Roma youth camp (see the previous posts). When I got back, I had less than two weeks to finish writing teaching materials before a team arrived from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and whisked me away for English camp in the north--hosted by churches in Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic. This camp is special to me for two reasons. First, because I came with the team from Kenosha last year, before I was in the field full-time. So it was great to be back with old friends, and to return to a camp where I already knew some campers and some members of the Czech contingent. Second, because the camp organizers hold out a certain numbers of spots at this camp for children from a nearby children's home. These kids are close to my heart, and they are such a joy to be with. So coming back to this camp was something I looked forward to all year.
What a week! I started the very best possible way: riding to camp on the bus with all the kids. This was super fun, and it gave me a head-start (which an introvert like me always needs) in getting to know the kids and gaining their acceptance. Never have I had so much fun on a bus! By that evening, camp was in full swing. The theme was "The Biggest Loser," built around the stories of people in the Bible who gave up (or otherwise lost) a lot because of their faith in God, but then got to see God do amazing works in their lives. It was good stuff!
Most days followed roughly the same schedule: English theme lessons (such as sports, fashion, and education) in the morning, then reading and conversation from these Bible stories for an hour before lunch and an hour after, followed by some incredible games and activities organized by the Czech team in the afternoon. The evening programs included music, testimonies, and usually a special message by a guest speaker. Thursday was a special day, though: THANKSGIVING. The whole camp worked together to act out the story of the first Thanksgiving, and then we worked together to prepare a Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.
Wow.
The last night included a gospel invitation, and three young men responded. Please pray for these young men. Zdenek left camp with a reading assignment in the book of John, which he was half done with less than a week later and wants to continue talking about it. He is one of the older children from the children's home, and has been to the camp several times. This year, he seemed so much more cynical for the early part of the week, so it is a great gift of God that his heart was softened again and that he is willing to continue to learn more about the hope that can be his in Christ. Vojta meets sometimes with a youth group in the Prague area, but he is struggling with understanding what God wants from him. He really needs a mentor in the faith. Please pray that we can help him find just that.
Coming up next...How many food joints can you hit in one day in a small village in the Czech Republic?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Slovakia Camp Report
This month began with a last-minute trip to help at a Roma youth camp in Hermanovce, Slovakia. This was such a wonderful experience. During my five days there, I was able to meet Roma youth, Roma Christian leaders, Slovak Christians, and some missionaries who have been involved in this region for many years. The Lord showed me some absolutely stunning answers to prayers that I and others were praying more than a decade ago. I can't tell you how humbling and thrilling it was to see.
The camp was established for youth at two Roma churches in eastern Slovakia--one in Hlinne and one in Sabinov. About 20 kids were there, along with youth leaders and camp helpers. Each day began with breakfast and group Bible study, followed by small group times. Then there were great activities, more camp food (yum...), and a lesson from Scripture in the evenings around the campfire. Though large-group times were conducted in Slovak, much of the socializing among the teens was in Romani. What this meant was that the non-Roma helpers ended up in much the same position as me--in a state of minor culture shock. Still, the young people were happy to teach us Romani words and songs and made a point of including us in conversation. Some even put up with my bad Czech and were able to understand me! Some pictures are included below.
I was there as an "observer" rather than as a helper this time around. This gave me lots of opportunity for conversation and questions, and what I learned from the leaders, both Roma and non-Roma, encouraged and enriched me. For example, I was able to ask one of the youth leaders (who is also an elder of the church) in Sabinov about the history of their congregation, the challenges Roma believers face, and how I (and you) can pray for them. I have done a lot of reading about Roma people, but book-learning is nowhere near as valuable as hearing and seeing what is happening on the "front lines." I was deeply blessed by my conversation with this man, Marek Olah. How can we pray for Roma churches? Pray for:
What a great week. Praise the Lord!
Ready for the evening program
On the steps of the cabin during free time, or around the campfire, or during a meal, or even during a hike, this guitar seemed to be always in use.
Some small group times
The camp was established for youth at two Roma churches in eastern Slovakia--one in Hlinne and one in Sabinov. About 20 kids were there, along with youth leaders and camp helpers. Each day began with breakfast and group Bible study, followed by small group times. Then there were great activities, more camp food (yum...), and a lesson from Scripture in the evenings around the campfire. Though large-group times were conducted in Slovak, much of the socializing among the teens was in Romani. What this meant was that the non-Roma helpers ended up in much the same position as me--in a state of minor culture shock. Still, the young people were happy to teach us Romani words and songs and made a point of including us in conversation. Some even put up with my bad Czech and were able to understand me! Some pictures are included below.
I was there as an "observer" rather than as a helper this time around. This gave me lots of opportunity for conversation and questions, and what I learned from the leaders, both Roma and non-Roma, encouraged and enriched me. For example, I was able to ask one of the youth leaders (who is also an elder of the church) in Sabinov about the history of their congregation, the challenges Roma believers face, and how I (and you) can pray for them. I have done a lot of reading about Roma people, but book-learning is nowhere near as valuable as hearing and seeing what is happening on the "front lines." I was deeply blessed by my conversation with this man, Marek Olah. How can we pray for Roma churches? Pray for:
- Discipleship that would break down the strongholds such as alcoholism and gambling that keep drawing people back
- Multiplication of Christian leaders and quality training for them
- Unity in the Body of Christ
- Clear priorities of loving and serving people in the name of Christ over building projects and church programming (which are still important and need to be balanced)
What a great week. Praise the Lord!
Ready for the evening program
On the steps of the cabin during free time, or around the campfire, or during a meal, or even during a hike, this guitar seemed to be always in use.
Some small group times
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Family Needs
Please continue to remember my family in prayer. There are job concerns, money concerns, health concerns, relational concerns. It is hard to hear from them about their troubles and not have the ability to do much for them.
Some of you have been asking about Kelley. The last check-up she had, there was no outwardly visible sign of the cancer. However, Kelley is experiencing some internal pain, and the doctor would like to perform an MRI to check that.
My brother Greg continues to hang in there with the congestive heart failure, but now a new problem is rearing its head: His mitral valve (also in the heart) is leaking blood in a way that is causing his cardiologist some concern. We don't know what any of this means for the future, but God does, and we're trusting Him.
My grandmother's health is fading. My dad is not 100 percent. My mom is tired and overwhelmed. Any of you who have watched family members struggle know that this watching is a difficult thing to do. So as you pray for them, please pray also for me, that this sense of helplessness would draw me nearer to the Father who knows and cares about each of these needs.
To Him be the glory.
Some of you have been asking about Kelley. The last check-up she had, there was no outwardly visible sign of the cancer. However, Kelley is experiencing some internal pain, and the doctor would like to perform an MRI to check that.
My brother Greg continues to hang in there with the congestive heart failure, but now a new problem is rearing its head: His mitral valve (also in the heart) is leaking blood in a way that is causing his cardiologist some concern. We don't know what any of this means for the future, but God does, and we're trusting Him.
My grandmother's health is fading. My dad is not 100 percent. My mom is tired and overwhelmed. Any of you who have watched family members struggle know that this watching is a difficult thing to do. So as you pray for them, please pray also for me, that this sense of helplessness would draw me nearer to the Father who knows and cares about each of these needs.
To Him be the glory.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Patrin, June/July 2008
Welcome to my new "minimalist" newsletter. (I know some of you are saying "It's about time....") It's minimalist not because I've got too little to say but because I have TOO MUCH...and I am heading out the door for a last-minute trip to Slovakia in half an hour. So here goes:
Recent months have given so many new reasons (in addition to the abundant ever-present ones) to be thankful and to praise the Lord. Join me in rejoicing for:
The present and coming weeks present many opportunities to cast my anxieties on the Father who cares for me, as there is so much going on! Please pray for:
Please STAY IN TOUCH!
I love to hear from you!
E-mail:
jrmclean123@ yahoo.com
renee.mclean@ efca.org
Mailing Address:
Renee McLean
Srnci 2176/5
251 01 Ricany
Czech Republic
Skype: jrmclean1234
Skype phone (a US call!): 918-919-4575
Cell phone (an international call): 420 608 184 728
Blog:
www.fortheromani. blogspot. com
If you would like to contribute to this work, gifts can be sent with a note designating them for account 1276 to
EFCA
Attn: Donor Services
901 East 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300
Thank you for your prayers and support. They are a valuable part of all that I do here!
Seeking the Kingdom,
Renee
Recent months have given so many new reasons (in addition to the abundant ever-present ones) to be thankful and to praise the Lord. Join me in rejoicing for:
- A VISA!!!!! I'm legal here till March 31, 2009.
- Unlooked-for and greatly blessed opportunities to share the gospel recently, and especially for delightful and growing relationships with two of my language partners (Karla and Monika)
- Growing relationships also with Czech ministry partners in Prague and Vlasim
- Progress--slow but steady--in language and culture learning
- The gift of refreshment and fellowship brought by some visitors from South Carolina (well, they were really visiting my colleague Mindy, but she very graciously shared them with me, and I was so blessed!)
The present and coming weeks present many opportunities to cast my anxieties on the Father who cares for me, as there is so much going on! Please pray for:
- Safe travel and a great and meaningful time at a Roma youth camp in Slovakia this week
- Wisdom about involvement in a program that ministers to impoverished children and street kids in Prague
- For the preparation of leaders and participants at upcoming outreach English camps (more details about these when I return from Slovakia). These camps are an outstanding opportunity to share Christ in a setting these kids love. Pray for much fruit this year!
- Continued language learning progress
- The well-being of my family (and my peace about being away from them through their difficulties)
- Improvement in the financial situation for me and all Christian workers in Europe, where the dollar continues to deteriorate in value
- That I would be continuing to draw near to God and set my priorities to reflect that Christ is at the center of my life
Please STAY IN TOUCH!
I love to hear from you!
E-mail:
jrmclean123@ yahoo.com
renee.mclean@ efca.org
Mailing Address:
Renee McLean
Srnci 2176/5
251 01 Ricany
Czech Republic
Skype: jrmclean1234
Skype phone (a US call!): 918-919-4575
Cell phone (an international call): 420 608 184 728
Blog:
www.fortheromani. blogspot. com
If you would like to contribute to this work, gifts can be sent with a note designating them for account 1276 to
EFCA
Attn: Donor Services
901 East 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300
Thank you for your prayers and support. They are a valuable part of all that I do here!
Seeking the Kingdom,
Renee
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The VISA Arrived!
"Just in case," I sent my passport and all the necessary documents to Vienna yesterday with the courier who was retrieving my colleagues' visas there. We had not received any word about mine, so imagine everyone's surprise when my passport returned last night ONE PAGE HEAVIER: The visa was issued and inserted into my passport before we had been notified! Praise God with me for this providence!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Slovakia Update
About a month ago, I promised an update on my anticipated trip to Slovakia to visit a ministry working with Romani families there. You didn't see an update because I didn't get to go. However, I want to share a little about it anyway, and ask your prayers for the work.
The reason I didn't go was because of a difficult circumstance in the church that needed a lot of time and energy of my hosts. It was a question of church discipline, and anyone who has been in a fellowship where this has happened knows this is a difficult, delicate, and painful situation for any church. It is tempting to be discouraged by a circumstance like this in a small, struggling body of believers. Churches often shy away from public discipline out of fear or pride. The leaders of this church, however, saw a need and prayerfully acted on it. And the result of their obedience to Scripture was far from discouraging! People who had stayed away from the church were able to return, and we can all pray that the faith of this congregation was strengthened by witnessing the healing God brought about through this difficult time.
My colleague who did go came back greatly encouraged and excited for what God is doing in that area of Slovakia. I am excited for my visit, which we will reschedule for sometime this summer. In the meantime, please continue to pray for all those who are working among the Romani people in this part of the world, that they would be encouraged and strengthened. And pray for Romani believers to be strong in their faith and to grow in their knowledge of God and their love for one another. I am convinced that God wants to use transformed Romani lives to demonstrate His power to a watching and as-yet-unbelieving majority in Europe. What an awesome thought: a renaissance of faith being born out of a Roma revival!
The reason I didn't go was because of a difficult circumstance in the church that needed a lot of time and energy of my hosts. It was a question of church discipline, and anyone who has been in a fellowship where this has happened knows this is a difficult, delicate, and painful situation for any church. It is tempting to be discouraged by a circumstance like this in a small, struggling body of believers. Churches often shy away from public discipline out of fear or pride. The leaders of this church, however, saw a need and prayerfully acted on it. And the result of their obedience to Scripture was far from discouraging! People who had stayed away from the church were able to return, and we can all pray that the faith of this congregation was strengthened by witnessing the healing God brought about through this difficult time.
My colleague who did go came back greatly encouraged and excited for what God is doing in that area of Slovakia. I am excited for my visit, which we will reschedule for sometime this summer. In the meantime, please continue to pray for all those who are working among the Romani people in this part of the world, that they would be encouraged and strengthened. And pray for Romani believers to be strong in their faith and to grow in their knowledge of God and their love for one another. I am convinced that God wants to use transformed Romani lives to demonstrate His power to a watching and as-yet-unbelieving majority in Europe. What an awesome thought: a renaissance of faith being born out of a Roma revival!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Urgent Prayer Need!
I NEED A VISA! The application for a long-term visa was submitted more than 60 days ago, but I have no visa yet. I am now the last member of my team without one, and the deadline by which time I need one is fast approaching. Two teammates have a courier going to pick theirs up in Vienna on Tuesday, June 17. This courier has all my paperwork for picking mine up too, so please pray with us that my visa will have been issued by the time the courier gets there so that the visa comes back Tuesday.
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