With the help of several Slovak friends, the team has safely arrived in Svit, the location of English Bible Camp this week. After months of preparation via Zoom, finally meeting each other face-to-face was a joy. This year’s team members are from Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, California, Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, and Ukraine.

Upon arriving in Svit, the team settled into our hotel, ate a hearty meat and potatoes dinner, and enjoyed an evening walk to the local Lutheran church. (We also scouted out a nearby ice cream shop – zmrzlina – which we will undoubtedly frequent as the week progresses!) 

Team leader Vic shared a meaningful devotion with the group, reminding us that no task is so small that it doesn’t matter. When we align ourselves with God’s will, the Gospel message will spread, whether or not we ever witness the fruit of our seemingly small contribution. You just may be the reason someone is able to take one more step forward in faith!

Our dear hosts (and lovely husband-wife duo), Pastor Janka and Pastor Miro, shared a bit of history about the Lutheran church in Svit and the surrounding communities. While this church is relatively young (built in 1993, following the Velvet Revolution), the congregation is thriving. 

Four years ago, 40 students attended the first English Bible camp in this area. This year, we have 93 students registered (so far!) Pastor Miro shared that no form of formal advertising was required for this year’s camp– students and families reached out to their friends simply through word of mouth! We are so grateful for this continued relationship with the congregations in Svit, Batizovce, and the surrounding communities. We are also encouraged by the steadfast Christians here whose year-round ecumenical ministry is building the Body of Christ. 

Saturday morning, we participated in team orientation by learning how to work with translators, planning camp activities, and other logistics. We also took time to remember the reason we’re here– to have fun with the children, practice English with them, build relationships, and share Christ’s love. 

In the afternoon, we enjoyed lunch with the integral other half of our team: the Slovaks! Some of us were able to catch-up with old friends while others were introduced to new friends. We then traveled to the school to begin setting up for camp. As the memory verse began to appear on chalkboards, student booklets placed at each seat, and paper carefully folded into name placards, the classrooms roused from their summer slumber. We are all eager to meet the students who will soon be filling our halls and hearts!We praise God for safe travel and the selfless generosity of so many Slovaks. Please pray for God’s peace to surround the teachers and students, sufficient rest, and strengthened bonds within the team.