Time in Czech Republic

Friends,

Many of you have faithfully prayed for and partnered with me through Unhindered.org. If you haven't, I hope you'll still join me in celebrating the incredible privilege the Lord gave me this last week to preach and teach in the former Soviet stronghold of the Czech Republic.

My time in Prague began with the opportunity to speak at a public event in Bethlehem Chapel, the historic church built for Jan Hus (1369-1415) to preach the gospel in the language of the people. Hus boldly confronted the pope and the false teachings of his day, only to be later abandoned by many of his friends and protectors before ultimately being burned at the stake for his faithfulness. But the Lord used his leadership and boldness one hundred years later to spur on a wild German monk named Martin Luther, who carried forward Hus's convictions, igniting what we now know as the Protestant Reformation and forever changing the course of history.

It was both humbling and moving to stand behind Hus's pulpit—now owned by the state—and proclaim to former atheists, skeptics, and seekers the perfection, sufficiency, and glory of God's Word. I never get tired of reminding myself and others of the absolute sufficiency of Scripture. To stand where courageous men once stood—men who also lost friends, reputations, and even their place within the institutional church because of their unwavering commitment to God's truth—was a great privilege that I pray bears even greater fruit.

While I wasn't burned at the stake during my visit (though there is always tomorrow) I do know there are many ways to be "burned" for remaining faithful to Him, and I can assure you that every one of them is worth it. Now is our generation's opportunity to stand together for the Word of God.

During my time there, I was also asked to lead a pastors' conference composed primarily of church planters from throughout the Czech Republic- where I shared about forming, leading and building courageous, disciple-making, culture changing communities of the faithful. If the Lord allows my message to stick, there will be much to “come and see” in Europe in the days ahead.

On Sunday, I had the chance to teach three different times in three different services—one in Czech, one in English, and one in Ukrainian. Every one of them reminded me of how the Lord is always working to reach and grow his people all around the world and every successive gathering was more encouraging than the last.

Please pray with me that the seed of God's Word planted during this trip will take deep root, bear lasting fruit, and strengthen Christ's bride throughout the Czech Republic and all of Europe. Thank you for investing with me and for thanking the Lord with me for the provision and opportunity to serve others. As Paul said to the Phillipians, “you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.” (Phil 4:16-17) May our partnership in taking the Word of God throughout the states and the nations be a continual blessing to you and all we reach.

Lord willing, I will be back home later today and hope to see you soon. Myself and some friends are beginning a new work where we can gather together with all the regularity we desire more info on when and where coming later this summer!

The time has come to rekindle the fire in Dallas.

Let’s go church!

I am thankful for you and hope to see you soon.