From the Lead Pastor's Desk
July 3, 2008 |
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Greetings from Martin, Slovakia!
"Lives are being changed by the mercies of God"
Dear Friends and Members of St. Andrew's:
I write you from Martin, Slovakia where I have been teaching Vacation Bible School to seventh and eighth graders all week. On Friday the 350 children participating in VBS will put on a program in Martin Town Square, and on Saturday there will be a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Bible School, also in Town Square. During the anniversary celebration, the St. Andrew's Choir will put on the first-ever public concert by an American group. The entire town is excited about the anniversary celebration. The U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia will be present, as will be the Bishop of the Washington Area Synod and the ELCA representative to Europe.
It is amazing to lead VBS and do ministry in a country that had been closed to faith for decades because of Communism. Young and old are hungry to learn about Jesus and grow in faith. I find what has ha ppened here in the last 10 years to be nothing short of amazing! What began as a dream has turned into an elementary school and a Bible school for adults. This is something that you will not find at other churches in Slovakia.
The staff of the church and Bible school are truly unusual. Not only are they gifted teachers, but they are truly passionate about their mission and ministry, because they can see that lives are being changed by Christ. On Sunday I had the great privilege of greeting the congregation and participating in worship at the church in Martin. Pastor Jahn Rhoban told me, "Lives are being changed by th e mercies of God."
Everywhere I go I see how your gifts make a difference. Last night I was given a tour of a newly-remodeled apartment that will house a new pastor to the church in Martin. Not only are buildings being re stored to serve as classrooms and homes, but children are singing and praising God, adults are learning English, and lay people are being trained for ministry.
The slogan of Vision Slovakia is "Making Miracles Happen." Miracles truly are happening - thank you for your partnership in this ministry. Thank you for your gifts, for your gifts make a difference.
Visit the Vision Slovakia Blog!
In Christ,
John Hogenson
Lead Pastor
St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Church Offices: 651-426-3261
Proclaim Jesus Christ, Live in Christ, Serve!
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