Observations From a Czech Ministry Partner

Hi Everyone, I wanted to share part of an email that I received from Brno and I hope it encourages you as much as it encouraged me. Take care until next time.
Many Blessings!
Colleen

"A Short Report About Colleen's Ministry in Brno"

"My name is Petr Matousek and I am an elder of the Evangelical Fellowship in Brno, Czech Republic. For several years I have been responsible for English outreach activities of our church, namely the English Camp and English classes during the year (known as Logos classes).

During these activities I had the privilege to work together with Colleen Darlington, a missionary from Oakwood Community Church, Tampa, Florida. Now, I will write a few words about the different activities, where I could work together with Colleen.

1.English Camps
Colleen was a member of several English teams who came year after
year to serve Czech people in outreach English Camps. By God's grace,
many participants heard the Good News through the Camp activities and several of them came to Christ and joined our church. Now, they are active members of our congregation. Colleen was an active member of many of the Tampa teams. Because of her good knowledge of Czech culture and thinking, she was also a member of Brno leadership team when living in the Czech Republic. Colleen is not only a skillful teacher, but first of all a valuable advisor in preparing the program of the Camps and planning outreach activities because of her extensive knowledge of Czech culture and society.

2) Logos clubs
Colleen was also active in daily ministry of our church. She actively met with non-believers. Through English conversations that are appreciated
by Czechs, Colleen shared her faith and brought people to church activities. Two years ago we started Logos clubs in our church. Logos clubs were bi-weekly meetings for both believers and non-believers where we discussed fundamental questions of Christian belief, e.g. Is the Bible reliable? Why Jesus died? What is the purpose of life? I was preparing materials for these meetings and I moderated the discussions. I really appreciated the active participation of Colleen. She had well-prepared answers and she was very skillful in answering the questions in such a way that it was understandable to non-believers, both personal and biblically sound. I learned a lot from Colleen during these sessions such as how to clearly communicate the gospel and how to share my own testimony. Colleen was one of the most influential people in the Logos club. She helped keep a friendly atmosphere there.

3) Logos weekends
Another activity of our church are outreach weekends with English native speakers called Logos weekends. Since Czechs do not have many opportunities to speak with native speakers, we decided to organized such weekends for participants of Logos classes and our non-believing friends.

Several times Colleen accepted our offer to teach English on such weekends. Thanks to her skills in teaching English and natural contacts
with Czechs, she served as a teacher on these Logos weekends. Since Colleen understands and speaks Czech, she was also able to communicate with beginners and share her life and faith with them in Czech.

As I know Colleen, she is naturally open to people. She testifies about how the Lord works in her life. She is able and willing to explain how one can accept Christ to his/her life and invite the person to do this decision."

I so appreciate the report that Petr wrote. It is great to know God is using me to make a difference. I say thank you to all who support this vital ministry through their prayers and financial means. May God open the way very soon for my return-- I need only 9% more to be realized or $360 more month!!