I can not believe it has been almost 4 weeks since I have been home. I hit the ground running when I got home. I started back at my old job, Sunshine, and have been working almost full time. I have spent the days catching up with people, meeting with different pastors, and trying to get my life together. Whatever that even means.
A good chunk of my time at home has been pursuing what the Lord put on my heart when I was back in Czech. I don't think I have shared that with you yet. When in Czech I felt called home to minister and disciple the youth of American.Especially the girls and to build them up and send them out. I would love one day to be working in or start a girls ministry. Yet, God has been so good to provide many opportunities for me to grow and get experience in this area. I have taken on the challenge of discipling a group of High School Senior girls. I am also in the process of transferring to Liberty University on-line to finish my BA in Interdisciplinary studies where I will get a chance to study more of the Bible and take a few classes on religion. I am so excited about these things.
This last Saturday (9/8/12) I had the chance to help run a girls conference at my home church, Grace Baptist Church. We called up some girls from Hume Lake, Megan Fate Marshman & Rachel Closs, to speak to our girls. Little did I know that I was gonna need this conference A LOT! I was remnided that I need to live to Jesus. It was a good kick in the butt.
Since I have been home I have not stopped. I have been planning life and crossing things off the list. I had to ask myself " Jackie, what are you living for?" my honest answer was "Girls ministry, and getting my life together." Jesus had taken 2nd place in my life right behind ministry itself. I broke down. My heart was so broken over the fact that Jesus had taken the back seat for the last few weeks.
Now, living to do ministry isn't bad. But when it comes before Jesus , when anything comes before Jesus, we need to stop and re-evaluate and re-prioritize.
So, that is where I am at. Taking time to stop, re-prioritize and put Jesus back in the number 1 spot in my life. I love Jesus with my whole heart. I don't want him to be anything but 1st place in my life. Now that I am home I will continue to process what I learned in Czech and hopefully live out those lessons in front of those around me. Untill next time!
Cau!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Usti Nad Labem
With our last camp behind us and sitting here on our last day of Intern Training I staring into the face of the end. I could sit here and write for forever. So much happened this summer. Good, bad, easy, hard, everything. So this is what I am going to say.
We finished our last camp. It was amazing. It was with Usti nad Labem. This was the camp I was waiting for all summer long. It was great. We had an amazing Czech team and an amazing American team. We hit deep conversations with my English class the first night. The students wanted to know how to come to know Jesus, what a relationship looked like, how I came to know Jesus, and so on. It was incredible. Every night we went over the time limit and every night it got deeper and deeper. I was blown away about what God was doing at that camp. We did our Labyrinth night and two students camp into a relationship with Christ and it was incredible to see! Many other students wanted a relationship so bad but there were things holding them back. So as you read this be praying for them that they surrender to the Spirit. I had great connections with the leadership team from both teams. I am excited to see how God grew the relationship between the Czech and the American. So hopefully they will work together again next year. It will be cool to see how God will use them again next year.
We spent a few days in Prague with the rest of the Czech interns and had a great time of debrief. It was what my heart needed to get prepared to go back home. Now I'm sitting here in my dad's living room back in California. I want you all to know that I could not praise God enough for the support you all gave me. I could NOT have done this with out you guys. I'll send a few most post about my transition back home and pictures. But for now, I'm gonna enjoy being home!
We finished our last camp. It was amazing. It was with Usti nad Labem. This was the camp I was waiting for all summer long. It was great. We had an amazing Czech team and an amazing American team. We hit deep conversations with my English class the first night. The students wanted to know how to come to know Jesus, what a relationship looked like, how I came to know Jesus, and so on. It was incredible. Every night we went over the time limit and every night it got deeper and deeper. I was blown away about what God was doing at that camp. We did our Labyrinth night and two students camp into a relationship with Christ and it was incredible to see! Many other students wanted a relationship so bad but there were things holding them back. So as you read this be praying for them that they surrender to the Spirit. I had great connections with the leadership team from both teams. I am excited to see how God grew the relationship between the Czech and the American. So hopefully they will work together again next year. It will be cool to see how God will use them again next year.
We spent a few days in Prague with the rest of the Czech interns and had a great time of debrief. It was what my heart needed to get prepared to go back home. Now I'm sitting here in my dad's living room back in California. I want you all to know that I could not praise God enough for the support you all gave me. I could NOT have done this with out you guys. I'll send a few most post about my transition back home and pictures. But for now, I'm gonna enjoy being home!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
ValMez
What a week! I am sitting at my last training reflecting on our 2nd term camp. I can;t believe how fast 2nd term went and I can not believe our last camp is starting me in the face and that in 15 short days I will be on a plane back to the States.
This camp was probably the hardest yet. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in every way possible. I taught a beginners class at this camp and that was the max of my responsibility. I usually had no idea what my class was saying during discussion or during class because they most spoke in Czech. We had a translator to help the student communicate with me and my helper Dean. But, what I am realizing more and more now is that God can do this without me. I know it sounds like a DUH statement but it is so easy for the mind set of " He can't do this without me" to set in. He doesn't need me to do this but he has chosen me. He is using me. Most of this camp I sat back and watched God work.
One night in our evening discussions I gave my story about the latest in my family life in three sentences. After that the students all started opening up and going deeper and sharing stories about their home lives. It even opened a chance for us to share about God with one of the girls. I cried after this night. I had no control no power of how that story was gonna effect the students. But God knew and he used it. Incredible. Who knew that 3 small sentences could be used so powerfully. God is just blowing me away.
Also this week we had a team from New York come and serve with us. I fell in love with these students. They were High School and College aged students who had never done this trip before. It was up to us interns to help guide them through the process. The way these New Yorkers were teachable and handled every challenge with grace blew my mind. Two of the New Yorkers, Kyle and Michelle, had never taught before and were handed class of intermediate English speakers. They so gracefully stepped up to the plate and did an amazing job teaching a class together. My helper Dean was incredible the way he help lead discussion groups. One day I handed the lesson to teach and he did it well. It was cool to watch God group these New Yorkers and these students over the week. The JV story and purpose is being lived out and it so cool to see how God is using English Camps to changes the lives of nationals, American, and Interns. There is no place I would rather be right now then right here!
As we head into our next camp I have a few prayer request.
1) Strength as we are all tired both physically, mentally, relationally
2) We all stay fully engaged here and not check out because the end is near.
3) That God does big work in the lives of the students this week!
><>
Jackie
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Nove Mesto & Hejince
Well, we have one camp behind us and another staring us in the face. There were a lot of hard things about this camp for me personally and for us as a team. We had three roles at this camp
1) The Americans
2) The Interns
3) Training the Czechs how to run a camp
So, it was really taxing. But, I really learned a lot. God is teaching me to lead well. I was the teacher in my English class. I had two of my fellow interns in my class with me. So I was leading them through some things they had never done before. I could really see God stretching me in my role as a leader. I had 3 students in my class who weren't believers. Two of which never had heard of Jesus before. So I had the privilege of teaching them and doing evening discussion with them every night. You could see the Spirit working in these students hearts every night. If the whole point of this one camp was to get one student thinking about Jesus then I count it as a succes.
We have to be sensitive to the culture here. They think about things for a long time. More often then not if a student is going to make a decision for Christ they usually make after camp. Even more often then that it is after their 3rd ,4th ,5th ,or even 6th camp. So we were seed planters and this camp and every camp we will be at. Now it is time to let those seeds be watered and grow.
God is doing great things in the Nove Město & Hejnice youth group. I'm excited and blessed that I got to be a part of their very first camp, a part of their youths history, and a part of their churches history.
Please be praying as we head to our second camp for strength, energy, and in all we do that we do it with God Honoring Excellence.
><>
Jackie
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Today is the day!
Welp, it is finally here. The day I have been waiting for, the day the Lord has been preparing my for for a whole year. The FIRST DAY OF ENGLISH CAMP! It is currently 12:30pm here in Czech Republic and campers will arrive in 3.5hrs. WE are busy setting up English boards, practicing music and camp dance, and finishing envelopes for the students.
I just come to you all asking you to stop and say a quick prayer for our first camp. Pray that big things happen this week. Pray for safety as we play games. Pray for rest. Pray for productive classes. Pray for softened hearts. Pray for clear words from God when we are speaking on his behalf. I'll let you all know how it goes when camp is over! Until tell,
Jackie
I just come to you all asking you to stop and say a quick prayer for our first camp. Pray that big things happen this week. Pray for safety as we play games. Pray for rest. Pray for productive classes. Pray for softened hearts. Pray for clear words from God when we are speaking on his behalf. I'll let you all know how it goes when camp is over! Until tell,
Jackie
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Man I love The Most
This blog post is a little different from the rest of mine. This is about the man who has raised me and loved me my whole life. My dad!
Today is his birthday. If you don't know my dad well then your missing out because he is pretty awesome. He is hard working, loves others, has a heart of a servant, love this God with all his heart. He is great chef... no joke! He can pretty much fix anything the goes wrong with my car. He has a heck of a lot of patience to put with me and my shenanigans. He is a sports fanatic... GO DODGERS! He is about one of the goofiest guys over 50 I know....sorry for spilling your age dad =) He is my dad! I can't be anymore blessed!
Without a doubt this has been a huge year of growth in his life. Those of you who know my family and what this last year has held for us you know it hasn't been easy for any of us. I have never seen anyone handle life's challenges with such grace, humility, a heart of a learner, and so much faith and trust in the Lord like my dad has. I couldn't be happier to have a dad like him. He has been such an amazing example of a Godly man to me and my siblings. I think being out here on the field the thing I might miss the most is being able to daily talk to my about how our day was, what God is teaching us, or even just sitting down and watching TV with him. I love him so much. There is so much I could say about my dad but my little insignificant words just can't do it justice. So, I'll leave it at this:
I love you dad! If I am luck to find someone half as amazing as you then I'm set. I'm sorry I can't be there to spend your birthday with you! Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!
Love,
Your Little Girl
 |
| It's obvious where we get our good looks from! |
Without a doubt this has been a huge year of growth in his life. Those of you who know my family and what this last year has held for us you know it hasn't been easy for any of us. I have never seen anyone handle life's challenges with such grace, humility, a heart of a learner, and so much faith and trust in the Lord like my dad has. I couldn't be happier to have a dad like him. He has been such an amazing example of a Godly man to me and my siblings. I think being out here on the field the thing I might miss the most is being able to daily talk to my about how our day was, what God is teaching us, or even just sitting down and watching TV with him. I love him so much. There is so much I could say about my dad but my little insignificant words just can't do it justice. So, I'll leave it at this:
I love you dad! If I am luck to find someone half as amazing as you then I'm set. I'm sorry I can't be there to spend your birthday with you! Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!
Love,
Your Little Girl
Thursday, June 28, 2012
A day in the garden
I am sitting here on a bus at 8 o’clock in the morning head
back to Ust nad Labem couldn’t be more excited because I really miss this
city that we have made our home for the back 4 weeks.
We spent the last few days in between two towns Strakonice
and Pisek. We were serving with a JV missionary Leah Cox who has been here for
the past 12 years. She has just a fun loving spirit and such a servant’s heart.
We did some manual labor, which was good for a change because I was getting kind
of antsy sitting around the house working on the computer. Not to down play
that fact that the work I was doing was good and much need but the change of
pace was nice. We helped a family work on their garden.. Let me tell you, a
Czech garden is nothing compared to an American garden. Us Americans can learn a few things from
these Czechs. =) They are huge and beautiful. Full of trees and flowers and LOT
OF WEEDS! So we pulled weeds, mowed grass and picked cherries out of the trees
and ate cherries out the tree. It was great. WE did the same thing the next day
but at a nursing home. I took the time to spend the day with Jesus gardening. Letting
him know that I am having trouble feeling his presence and seeing him. This
time was much needed. I have been having a hard time connecting up with Him
just because of my person lack of discipline. That’s really what it comes down
to.
So, we finishes off the day had dinner and I went back to
the church we were sleeping at and decided to commandeer the front lobby and
spend time Skyping with my dear friend back home and once again with the Lord.
God could not have blessed those that time anymore. I was encouraged and loved
on by my dear friend. For those of you who have been on the mission field can
understand starting off and really missing your community at first. Then my
time spent with the Lord was just amazing! I haven’t felt this connect and
filled up with him in awhile. I read two verse that just stood out to me.
Psalms 18:33 and Proverbs 18: 24
I’m reading a book that another friend of my encouraged me
to read. It is called Hinds Feet in High Places. She read it when she was
backpacking through Europe almost 4 years ago and told me that I changed her
life and encouraged me to read it. Well this verse explains so clearly the
premise of the book.
“ He made me feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure
on the heights.” Psalms 18:33
I was once again encouraged and reminded that this life is a
process. It won’t happen over night. But God is slowly changing me from this
girl who is much afraid of almost everything and making into this girl who loves
without fear and lives without fear.
As I was talking to my friend we were just talking about
some of our doubts and our fears. Talking about how she is moving to DC before
I get back and that we haven’t seen each other since she left for Jamaica back
in April. Talked about how precious our friendship is and we love how God has
grown us together as deep deep friend who didn’t even know each other before
our missions trip to Czech last year. We cried together, even thought we always
try to end our conversation before the crying, and laughed, and reminisced and
dreamed together on the phone. I don’t know f you have ever had a friend like
this but they are few and far between. I cherish this friendship deeply. I went to deep thing about our conversation
and woke up thinking about it. I reach over for my bible this morning and read
this verse.
“ A man of many companions may come to ruins, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18: 24
I smiled and Ashley came straight to my mind and I thanked
God for the friendship I have with her. I thanked him for using her in my life
to refine me.Even far from home and in the midst of what feels like a dry
season God instantly reminds me, after sometime in a garden, of how he is
caring for me and who he is.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Meet ClarkDo
So it has been almost almost 3 week since I have arrived here in this precious land of the Czech Republic. God has placed some incredible people in my life to work along side and serve with this summer and I want you to meet them. But, I am going to let them tell you about themselves by answering some simple questions!
Kevin Clark
28, Pittsburg
Blog:- czechkevin.wordpress.com
Kevin's JV Account
Kevin! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Born and Raised in Pittsburgh. 3rd child. 6 siblings. Christian family. Came to Christ when I was 5 at VBS. Heard missionary story and wanted to be like Hudson Taylor. Was a CEF missionary all of middle school and high school. Went to the Czech for the first time in 2003 after graduating high school. Fell in love with the country and have been coming back ever since. After finishing at University of Pittsburgh I went to Moody Bible Institute, where I graduated this May. My goal is to serve long-term in the Czech Republic.
What is God teaching you right now?
I'm learning to be content with not only God's timing but God's provision as well. I know he will provide everything I need and when I need it and not a moment before. That means I need to be content with what I have as it has been set before me by God. I can't truly appreciate everything he has given me if I am only focused on what he hasn't given me yet or at all. Also I need to be content on God's timing. I want to be in the Czech so bad, but relying on God's timing on when that ultimately happens is going to be where I grow in patience and faith.
What are your hopes as we head into camp?
I am looking for two cities to get fantastic starts to their camp ministries. I can't wait to see 5-10years down the road at where they've grown after their beginnings this year. Both Nove Mesto and Usti have fantastic, and outgoing teams that are highly supported by their church. All great foundations for great outreach. I am also looking forward to ValMez camp as I will mostly be taking it as a chance to learn from an experience Czech team. I've mostly been charged with helping fledging camps build or struggling camps to rebuild. So a chance to be a part of an experience camp, who is even handling a last-minute change in American teams like pros, is going to be a very educational experience even for a camp veteran like myself.
Fun fact!
Kevin have been on the hunt for a pepperoni Pizza here in Czech for about 10 years. He is yet to find it.
Khue Do
20, Arizonia
Blog
Khue's JV Account
Khue, what would you like to tell everyone about yourself?
I didn't fully surrender my life to Christ until I was a freshman in high school. I never understood the weight of my desperate need for a savior nor begin to grasp the depths of His love until that summer. I grew up knowing all the "sunday school" answers and being a "good girl". It was always about finding my worth and value through other people and how they viewed me. I did everything I could to please other people and win their affections. but their love was conditional and left me so broken and tired, I could never be enough. but that summer God reminded me that I am clothed in Christ's righteousness, He died to fulfill what I could not do on my own. cause the reality is I could never live up to those standards of perfection, oh but Christ did and through Him I am free and redeemed. I live my life to please Him first and find my worth and identity in Him and Him alone.
How did you get to Czech?
After that summer, I realized there is so much more to life than being popular and the "high school" experience. my senior year in high school, I went on my first trip to the Czech Republic and it literally changed my life. I said, God, I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I love these students and I love what you are doing here in the Czech Republic. if it is your will for me to be apart of this movement, than so be it. And every summer since, despite my hesitations and doubts of "god, are you sure, this is your will and not my own", he's graciously brought me back. Each time has been a new challenge and adventure, but that just means that God is at work here and I've been so privilege to be apart of it and witness it.
What are you looking forward to as we head into camps?
I'm excited to meet the students we have been praying for and serving alongside our brothers and sisters here in Czech and learning from them. I'm hoping to plant seeds, that some of the students experience unconditional love for the first time in their lives and know that that love is God.
Fun Fact
I love cupcakes
just anything normal sized that can be turned miniature I love !
Justin Prause
21, New Jersey
Blog: czechthisout2012.blogspot.com
Justin's JV Account
Justin Tell us little bit about yourself!
I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ when I was four. My family has always been super important to me and I am so thankful for my Christian parents who modeled a life that pursues Christ. Youth group was a huge part of my life in Jr. High and High School and it was on a youth group missions trip to Romania where I felt God calling me to full-time youth ministry. Because of that calling, I am majoring in youth ministry at Moody Bible Institute.
How did you get here?
Recently, God has laid Eastern Europe on my heart which led to me taking a missions trip with Josiah Venture to the Czech Republic this past March. I fell in love with the country and people! This led to me applying for the summer internship and that's why I'm here now!
What you are hoping for as we head into camp?
With regards to our English camps, I am looking forward to seeing the students become more confident in their English as well as seeing Christ work in students' lives to call them to Himself.
Fun Fact About!
A piece of info about myself is that I LOVE getting to hear people's stories! One of my favorite things to do is sit with a coffee or tea and hear people talk about their lives especially the ways that they have grown in their relationship with God. Honestly though, I'm perfectly content with getting to hear someone speak about their passions and hobbies no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to others.
Petra Voráčová
20, Prague
Blog: Summerofworship.Wordpress.com
Petra's JV Account
Petra, tell these wonderful people a little bit about yourself!
I was born and grow up in a family of unbelievers. When I was 15 years old I got an opportunity go to the English Camp. I attended myself and I spent a beautiful summer here. I felt so loved and touched in a Christian fellowship, but I wasn’t so interested in what they told to us. In that time my mum was very ill and after some time in a hospital she died. I said: “Hey God, if you exists how you could let my mum died?” I asked God why it had to happen. I was angry and I didn’t like that God. But after some time spent seeking real God I understand why and I came to Christ. Now I live with Him and I am so thankful He helped me overcome this hard time. Now I study at the Charles University of Prague.
How did you get here?
In some way I am a child of the English Camp. That is one of some reasons I applied to the Internship. This kind of a service is deep in my heart and I love doing it. It was given me the opportunity to be a part of this ministry and I used it.
What are you looking forward to as we head to camp?
I love an atmosphere at the camp. I love building relationships with the students. I love camp dance, evening talks and discussion groups. I love playing funny games and making fun. I love all the camp. But what I am the most looking forward to is how God will work in student hearts to call them to Himself.
Fun Fact!
Petra not only speaks Czech and English but German as well!
That's my team! We are still growing together but God has done great bonding in us since our first day together. I couldn't' be more blessed to serve with them. I am the only one on our team who has been fully supported! I wanted to thank you guys for that! The rest of my team is still needing the financial support. If you still want to support me and haven't yet it would be such a blessing to my teammates if you would donated to them instead! If you would like to support any of my teammates I have posted a link below to their Josiah Venture accounts. I have also posted links to their blogs next to their pictures so you can read more about their journey here.
Thank you all do much for the love and support you have shown me in this journey.
><>
Jackie Thomson
Kevin Clark
28, Pittsburg
Blog:- czechkevin.wordpress.com
Kevin's JV Account
Kevin! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Born and Raised in Pittsburgh. 3rd child. 6 siblings. Christian family. Came to Christ when I was 5 at VBS. Heard missionary story and wanted to be like Hudson Taylor. Was a CEF missionary all of middle school and high school. Went to the Czech for the first time in 2003 after graduating high school. Fell in love with the country and have been coming back ever since. After finishing at University of Pittsburgh I went to Moody Bible Institute, where I graduated this May. My goal is to serve long-term in the Czech Republic.
What is God teaching you right now?
I'm learning to be content with not only God's timing but God's provision as well. I know he will provide everything I need and when I need it and not a moment before. That means I need to be content with what I have as it has been set before me by God. I can't truly appreciate everything he has given me if I am only focused on what he hasn't given me yet or at all. Also I need to be content on God's timing. I want to be in the Czech so bad, but relying on God's timing on when that ultimately happens is going to be where I grow in patience and faith.
What are your hopes as we head into camp?
I am looking for two cities to get fantastic starts to their camp ministries. I can't wait to see 5-10years down the road at where they've grown after their beginnings this year. Both Nove Mesto and Usti have fantastic, and outgoing teams that are highly supported by their church. All great foundations for great outreach. I am also looking forward to ValMez camp as I will mostly be taking it as a chance to learn from an experience Czech team. I've mostly been charged with helping fledging camps build or struggling camps to rebuild. So a chance to be a part of an experience camp, who is even handling a last-minute change in American teams like pros, is going to be a very educational experience even for a camp veteran like myself.
Fun fact!
Kevin have been on the hunt for a pepperoni Pizza here in Czech for about 10 years. He is yet to find it.
Khue Do
20, Arizonia
Blog
Khue's JV Account
Khue, what would you like to tell everyone about yourself?
I didn't fully surrender my life to Christ until I was a freshman in high school. I never understood the weight of my desperate need for a savior nor begin to grasp the depths of His love until that summer. I grew up knowing all the "sunday school" answers and being a "good girl". It was always about finding my worth and value through other people and how they viewed me. I did everything I could to please other people and win their affections. but their love was conditional and left me so broken and tired, I could never be enough. but that summer God reminded me that I am clothed in Christ's righteousness, He died to fulfill what I could not do on my own. cause the reality is I could never live up to those standards of perfection, oh but Christ did and through Him I am free and redeemed. I live my life to please Him first and find my worth and identity in Him and Him alone.
How did you get to Czech?
After that summer, I realized there is so much more to life than being popular and the "high school" experience. my senior year in high school, I went on my first trip to the Czech Republic and it literally changed my life. I said, God, I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I love these students and I love what you are doing here in the Czech Republic. if it is your will for me to be apart of this movement, than so be it. And every summer since, despite my hesitations and doubts of "god, are you sure, this is your will and not my own", he's graciously brought me back. Each time has been a new challenge and adventure, but that just means that God is at work here and I've been so privilege to be apart of it and witness it.
What are you looking forward to as we head into camps?
I'm excited to meet the students we have been praying for and serving alongside our brothers and sisters here in Czech and learning from them. I'm hoping to plant seeds, that some of the students experience unconditional love for the first time in their lives and know that that love is God.
Fun Fact
I love cupcakes
just anything normal sized that can be turned miniature I love !Justin Prause
21, New Jersey
Blog: czechthisout2012.blogspot.com
Justin's JV Account
I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ when I was four. My family has always been super important to me and I am so thankful for my Christian parents who modeled a life that pursues Christ. Youth group was a huge part of my life in Jr. High and High School and it was on a youth group missions trip to Romania where I felt God calling me to full-time youth ministry. Because of that calling, I am majoring in youth ministry at Moody Bible Institute.
How did you get here?
Recently, God has laid Eastern Europe on my heart which led to me taking a missions trip with Josiah Venture to the Czech Republic this past March. I fell in love with the country and people! This led to me applying for the summer internship and that's why I'm here now!
What you are hoping for as we head into camp?
With regards to our English camps, I am looking forward to seeing the students become more confident in their English as well as seeing Christ work in students' lives to call them to Himself.
Fun Fact About!
A piece of info about myself is that I LOVE getting to hear people's stories! One of my favorite things to do is sit with a coffee or tea and hear people talk about their lives especially the ways that they have grown in their relationship with God. Honestly though, I'm perfectly content with getting to hear someone speak about their passions and hobbies no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to others.
Petra Voráčová
20, Prague
Blog: Summerofworship.Wordpress.com
Petra's JV Account
I was born and grow up in a family of unbelievers. When I was 15 years old I got an opportunity go to the English Camp. I attended myself and I spent a beautiful summer here. I felt so loved and touched in a Christian fellowship, but I wasn’t so interested in what they told to us. In that time my mum was very ill and after some time in a hospital she died. I said: “Hey God, if you exists how you could let my mum died?” I asked God why it had to happen. I was angry and I didn’t like that God. But after some time spent seeking real God I understand why and I came to Christ. Now I live with Him and I am so thankful He helped me overcome this hard time. Now I study at the Charles University of Prague.
How did you get here?
In some way I am a child of the English Camp. That is one of some reasons I applied to the Internship. This kind of a service is deep in my heart and I love doing it. It was given me the opportunity to be a part of this ministry and I used it.
What are you looking forward to as we head to camp?
I love an atmosphere at the camp. I love building relationships with the students. I love camp dance, evening talks and discussion groups. I love playing funny games and making fun. I love all the camp. But what I am the most looking forward to is how God will work in student hearts to call them to Himself.
Fun Fact!
Petra not only speaks Czech and English but German as well!
That's my team! We are still growing together but God has done great bonding in us since our first day together. I couldn't' be more blessed to serve with them. I am the only one on our team who has been fully supported! I wanted to thank you guys for that! The rest of my team is still needing the financial support. If you still want to support me and haven't yet it would be such a blessing to my teammates if you would donated to them instead! If you would like to support any of my teammates I have posted a link below to their Josiah Venture accounts. I have also posted links to their blogs next to their pictures so you can read more about their journey here.
Thank you all do much for the love and support you have shown me in this journey.
><>
Jackie Thomson
Monday, June 11, 2012
Where I am at
I have a tendency to focus on all the details of my trip. There is a lot of fun stuff we are doing but I'm gonna start trying to make them less of a novel since finding time to update is rare....but the keyword here is TRY!
A few things have hit me while we were on our city visit in Nove Mesto. We were on a nice little stroll through the woods and out of no where it hit me " WOW! I am SO blessed to be an American." At times I struggle with the culture that I am from and that fact that I don't really speak another language because let's be honest I don't really need to. But, God has blessed me with the gift of being an American. If I wasn't an American I may not be here. I am wanted here by the people of Czech because I am an American and I can reach these people in a different way than say their leaders can. What a privilege! I'm learning that embrace the the situations, the experiences, and the things that God has given me and use them to best glorify him. It's only taken me 24 years to get it.
Nove Mesto, the town we were visiting was incredible. Let me tell you America can learn a thing or two about hospitality from these Czech people! Khue, Petra, and I have been sick for the past week fighting colds. It just turned out that we got to stay in one of the nicest house with the nicest people I have ever met. Every night the lady of the house made us tea to help us get better and feed a deserts and every morning we woke up to more tea to help us get better and amazing food. Not onlt that she packed lunch for our team every day! Bless her little heart. Well one day we went on a hike just to spend time with the Nove Mesto leaders. This little old lady seriously packed us enough food to feed a whole army. We carried it up to the top of Mnt Smrk and enjoyed some. But because of her blessing us with so much food that we could not finish we were able to turn around share that food with other hikers. They would ask where we were from and we would answer " America" and there eye would light up and ask what we were doing here. Then we got to share with them why we are here, to teach English camps through the local churches and love on the youth of Europe. What and incredible moment. Me and my team like to call these " as you go moments" moments that you have to tangibly live out your Christianity as you prepare for whatever lies ahead. At times it doesn't feel like I am on a missions trip because we are doing so much prep. But, I'm still here loving on God's people in those "as you go" moments and I love every bit of them.
Now with our city visit over we are here in Ústí nad Labem where we will be based all summer when we aren't at camps. We are prepping for English classes, resting, and spending time with our God as we gear up for camps.
A few prayer request for you as I end this:
1) health for the team as we get over our colds
2) a solid time of rest before camps
3) we can be a light here in Ústí and take advantage of the as you go moments that are in front of us here
><>
Jackie
A few things have hit me while we were on our city visit in Nove Mesto. We were on a nice little stroll through the woods and out of no where it hit me " WOW! I am SO blessed to be an American." At times I struggle with the culture that I am from and that fact that I don't really speak another language because let's be honest I don't really need to. But, God has blessed me with the gift of being an American. If I wasn't an American I may not be here. I am wanted here by the people of Czech because I am an American and I can reach these people in a different way than say their leaders can. What a privilege! I'm learning that embrace the the situations, the experiences, and the things that God has given me and use them to best glorify him. It's only taken me 24 years to get it.
Nove Mesto, the town we were visiting was incredible. Let me tell you America can learn a thing or two about hospitality from these Czech people! Khue, Petra, and I have been sick for the past week fighting colds. It just turned out that we got to stay in one of the nicest house with the nicest people I have ever met. Every night the lady of the house made us tea to help us get better and feed a deserts and every morning we woke up to more tea to help us get better and amazing food. Not onlt that she packed lunch for our team every day! Bless her little heart. Well one day we went on a hike just to spend time with the Nove Mesto leaders. This little old lady seriously packed us enough food to feed a whole army. We carried it up to the top of Mnt Smrk and enjoyed some. But because of her blessing us with so much food that we could not finish we were able to turn around share that food with other hikers. They would ask where we were from and we would answer " America" and there eye would light up and ask what we were doing here. Then we got to share with them why we are here, to teach English camps through the local churches and love on the youth of Europe. What and incredible moment. Me and my team like to call these " as you go moments" moments that you have to tangibly live out your Christianity as you prepare for whatever lies ahead. At times it doesn't feel like I am on a missions trip because we are doing so much prep. But, I'm still here loving on God's people in those "as you go" moments and I love every bit of them.
Now with our city visit over we are here in Ústí nad Labem where we will be based all summer when we aren't at camps. We are prepping for English classes, resting, and spending time with our God as we gear up for camps.
A few prayer request for you as I end this:
1) health for the team as we get over our colds
2) a solid time of rest before camps
3) we can be a light here in Ústí and take advantage of the as you go moments that are in front of us here
><>
Jackie
Friday, June 8, 2012
One Voice
There are about 75 interns serving
on 15 different teams this summer with country leaders and multiple JV staff.
We are here at the gorgeous Malenovice Hotel in Moravskoslezsky Kraj, Czech
Republic. It's about 30-40 minutes from the Poland border. We are all here
training together. Let me tell you there is something about being around a
bunch of people who hearts beat for the same thing you do, that's empowering
the youth of Eastern Europe by sharing the Gospel of the Good News of Jesus
Christ with them.
Every night we have an evening
program. We are talking about the Holy Spirit each night. Just like back in the
States we start off with Worship. Last night I was moved to tears as I stood in
the midst of this hotel as I listened to people who have come from literally
ALL OVER THE WORLD worship our great God and create together. This is one of
those special moments I will never forget. I had goose bumps the whole time.
The songs would start quite and as we sang together we got louder and louder
shouting praises to God. It was so incredible and so special. I am so blessed
to see God's people unit in this mission. I am also seeing how big my God is
and how just how far this love spreads. I totally felt the Spirit moving
and there is no doubt the God was sweetly smiling upon us as he received and
soaked up the worship his children were offering Him in that moment. I found a
moment like this so power and really something that I could not describe. So
naturally I scrambled for my phone and was able to record some clips from a few
songs that we sang the other night so I could share it with you! Enjoy!
'May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. that together you may with ONE VOICE glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:6-7
'May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. that together you may with ONE VOICE glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:6-7
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Amazing Race Video
Hey Guys! Here is the link to the Amazing Race video so you can get a an idea of what they made us do! =)
http://vimeo.com/43348025
><>
Jackie
http://vimeo.com/43348025
><>
Jackie
Dobrý den, Z České Republiky
Dobrý den, Z České Republiky!
In NO TIME I'll be speaking the language here! But that says Hello from the Czech Republic. I am here! It is beautiful. I'm gonna try to make it short but let's be honest there is a ton to tell! I left on Tuesday and to honesty my travels were not easy and not fun. I missed my flight to Poland, miraculous made a stand by flight, and on my flight to Poland we lost ALL cabin pressure and had to turn around to get a new plane. No, my oxygen mask did not fall like it was suppose...it's a sore subject for the 15-20 interns who were on the plane. Finally, we made it to Poland minus my luggage which was on a later flight. Man, was the enemy really trying hard to get me to focus on anything BUT Jesus in those moments. At times he won that battle. In the midst of my travels I was frustrated, tired, hungry, and had no way of contacting people. But, quickly did I realize that this just might be the story of my summer. Things not going as planned and having to fully rely on the Lord to get me from A to B all the time.
After arriving 9-10 hrs late we were picked up at the airport and dropped off with our teams who had already started The Amazing Race. The Amazing Race is exactly what it sounds like and exactly like what you are thinking. We had to travel around Poland in our intern teams completing Road Block Challenges. We travels by Train, bus, taxi, and by foot. ALL of the challenges were frustrating but none the less fun. Plus how many people can say that they raced around Poland and crossed the border from Poland to the Czech Republic on foot. My team came in 8th out of 15. The point wasn't to win. Even thought if you know me at all winning would have been nice. But the point was to get to know your team and to really see each other in the midst of frustrating situations. Our true colors came out on this race. There is so much to be said for this race. But I will say that God showed me a lot on this and I was able to see a lot of growth that he has done in me over the last year. Which I was really encouraged about. But I also got see areas where I need to improve and allow God to work in me. Praise be to Jesus that me and my team are seeing these things now instead in the midst of camps. 
At the end of The Amazing Race we ended at Hotel Malenovice inMoravskoslezky Kraj, Czech Republic. It is beautiful here! We hit the ground running into training, learning the camp dance, getting to know the other intern teams, meeting with our country leaders, learning how go from being followers or Chrsit to being fishers of men and so on. I would be lying to you if I said it has been amazing! The first few days were really hard. I was overwhelmed and hadn't had much time to process everything that was going on, lack of community, and lack of familiarity. My two girls friends, Ashley and Chelsea, who left for foreign country months before I did warned me about this. Thanks Girls! I had no one here to run to. So, I was forced into the loving arms of my savior for comfort and direction. As I sat in the presence of the Lord I was able to rest and really see that He is near and I need to ABIDE IN HIS LOVE. I'm really gonna learn this summer what it truly means to rely on God for everything. To be my strength, to be my solitude, to everything that I need. I am so excited for it. Yeah, it's gonna be tough but I know I am going to experience a different side of God that I haven't before. The end result is gonna be so much sweet than the process it self.
I have so much to share with you guys about what God is doing here at training just some special moments. But, I'll save that for another entry. So, know that all is well here on this side of the Atlantic! I'm gonna add a few prayer request at the bottom for you guys!
><>
Jackie Thomson
Prayer Request:
1) Team Dynamics and unity
2) For obedience and a senstivity to the spirit
3) Rest.... A LOT OF REST!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Welp Here We Are!
Tomorrow I will step onto a plane and head to Poland to start my training with Josiah Venture! I am so excited my stomach hurts! Just to give you guys and idea of what the next few days look like for me I will leave my house at 4 am tomorrow morning head to LAX and then be traveling for the next 20hrs. I will get off the plane in Poland and start the Amazing Race with my intern team. We still start the race in Poland and end it in Malenovice, Czech Republic. We have until Friday to get to Malenovice and then from there we are start our intern training. I have so many different emotions going through me but most of all I am just excited! I have been blessed with an A-Type personality and I have been done packing and all me pre-trip preparations for a the last two days so I have been able to spend most of that time with my family just relaxing! I won't have nay minute late night packing to do either! I will update everyone as soon as I can! But until then you can follow my facebook for small updates. You guys could also be praying for safe travels, on time plane flights and connections, and energy as we combat jetlag during our race, intern training, and just in general. I feel like these last few days of doing nothing is going to be the last time I get to do that for awhile. But, I couldn't be more excited about it!
I just wanted to thank all of you for you love, and support both financial and prayer wise. You are just as much a part of this as I am! Thank you for partnering with me in this!
><>
Jackie
I just wanted to thank all of you for you love, and support both financial and prayer wise. You are just as much a part of this as I am! Thank you for partnering with me in this!
><>
Jackie
Sunday, May 20, 2012
I can see
I can see the light at the end of this tunnel of waiting. With 9 days left I can feel the anticipation rising I can feel the anxiety growing and I can see the enemy attacking. This last week has not only been a hard week but it ended up being such an encouragement.
So many things from this past year have been coming up left and right this week. Let me tell you when it rains it pours. Some of you know and some of you don't this last year has been one of the hardest years of my life with family stuff and other personal things the Lord really allowed me and my family to suffer. I don't hate God for it for one minute. It resulted to be one of the biggest growing years of my life. In this last week a lot of those things have come up and I know it's the enemy but at the same time I know God is allowing it. I can see him pushing me to cling and run to him in the midst of these tough moments and these tough situations.
Yet, this week has also been a week of encouragement. My friends put on a Luau Fundraiser/ Going Away party for me. Between that Fundraiser and other things this week the Lord provided almost $1000 dollars for Czech. I can see him providing and loving on me. Then last night my home church , Grace Baptist Church, prayed over and commissioned all their missionaries who are going on short term trip this summer. They commission people to go out in 14 different countries! What! I get goose bumps thinking about how God's people are going out to share his good news. I am so blessed to come from a church where so many people are passionate, both young and old, to share his good news. I can see how much of a blessing it is to be a part of the family of Grace.
Again, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have my last day of work on Friday, finishing school on Saturday, a Dodger game with the Family on Sunday and then off to the airport of Tuesday. It is coming so fast. As of right now I can tell you that I am actually FINALLY excited to go! I have a pill of stuff that needs to get pack and it growing. The next time you hear from me I will be getting ready to step on a plane headed for the Czech Republic!
I have few prayer request to below that you all can be praying for me through out this week.
><>
Jackie
1) That my focus stays on the Lord and that he is my source of strength. It is really easy to get focus on tying up all the loose ends here but I don't want to loose sight of the things that God is still teaching me here.
2) Good time with my family. That I just soak up the last few days with them
3) In the midst of the attacks of the enemy I stand firm and remember to run to God and lean into him.
So many things from this past year have been coming up left and right this week. Let me tell you when it rains it pours. Some of you know and some of you don't this last year has been one of the hardest years of my life with family stuff and other personal things the Lord really allowed me and my family to suffer. I don't hate God for it for one minute. It resulted to be one of the biggest growing years of my life. In this last week a lot of those things have come up and I know it's the enemy but at the same time I know God is allowing it. I can see him pushing me to cling and run to him in the midst of these tough moments and these tough situations.
Yet, this week has also been a week of encouragement. My friends put on a Luau Fundraiser/ Going Away party for me. Between that Fundraiser and other things this week the Lord provided almost $1000 dollars for Czech. I can see him providing and loving on me. Then last night my home church , Grace Baptist Church, prayed over and commissioned all their missionaries who are going on short term trip this summer. They commission people to go out in 14 different countries! What! I get goose bumps thinking about how God's people are going out to share his good news. I am so blessed to come from a church where so many people are passionate, both young and old, to share his good news. I can see how much of a blessing it is to be a part of the family of Grace.
All the people from Grace heading out this summer!
Again, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have my last day of work on Friday, finishing school on Saturday, a Dodger game with the Family on Sunday and then off to the airport of Tuesday. It is coming so fast. As of right now I can tell you that I am actually FINALLY excited to go! I have a pill of stuff that needs to get pack and it growing. The next time you hear from me I will be getting ready to step on a plane headed for the Czech Republic!
I have few prayer request to below that you all can be praying for me through out this week.
><>
Jackie
1) That my focus stays on the Lord and that he is my source of strength. It is really easy to get focus on tying up all the loose ends here but I don't want to loose sight of the things that God is still teaching me here.
2) Good time with my family. That I just soak up the last few days with them
3) In the midst of the attacks of the enemy I stand firm and remember to run to God and lean into him.
Monday, April 30, 2012
One Month & Counting
One month today I will be getting off a plane in Poland to start my intern training with Josiah Venture. Yes that is right I said POLAND! We start training there with this things called the Amazing Race. Not 100% what it all entails yet but it end with us making our way to our training site in the Czech Republic.
I wish I could put into words ALL the things that the Lord has been teaching me in this time. All I can tell you is that he has been constantly molding and shaping my heart to be more of the woman he wants me to become. In this journey of preparation for Czech he has been gracious and patient with this girl. He continually shows me his love and his grace. I am more in love with my God now then I was 6 months ago. Now, I get to head out and love his people in the best way that I can. I get to do as the Great Commission calls me to do.
I am also so overwhelmed and blessed by how God has been providing for me financially. As of tomorrow I need to have $4456.96 raised. I am so blessed to inform you that I am only $600 shy of that. I know that the Lord will provide the rest of what I need. I wanted to take a minute and just thank you all for your support. It is because of you and the your diligent obedience to the Lord that I have this money. After tomorrow I will be working towards my second goal of raising an additional $2000 and this money can come in over the summer. I have no fears nor worries about where this money is coming from.
If some of you are reading this and still feel a desire to give I will put all the information at the bottom of this blog for you.
As I wrap up this entry I again just wanted to thank all of you for your support and your prayers and your continual encouragement. God is using you in this journey as well. Thanks you for being a part of this with me!
><>
Jackie
To Give:
- josiahventure.com ( search my last name in the SEARCH box)
- Cash can be sent to me just e-mail me at jacquelyn.thomson@gmail.com and I give you more info
- Checks can be made out Josiah Venture with my account number in the memo box 17215 and mailed to :
Josiah Venture
P.O. Box 4317
Wheaton, IL 60189-4317
I wish I could put into words ALL the things that the Lord has been teaching me in this time. All I can tell you is that he has been constantly molding and shaping my heart to be more of the woman he wants me to become. In this journey of preparation for Czech he has been gracious and patient with this girl. He continually shows me his love and his grace. I am more in love with my God now then I was 6 months ago. Now, I get to head out and love his people in the best way that I can. I get to do as the Great Commission calls me to do.
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”- Matthew 28: 18-20
As I sit here and re-read this what gets me the most is the last verse. Verse 20 "...I am with you always, to the very end of the ages." Christ hasn't just been with me in this preparation period. He wont be with me just in the 3 months that I am in Czech. He is here with me right here right now as I type this out. He is with me ALWAYS. I am overwhelmed to have a God who cares and loves me so much that he will never leave me. He is always there for me. So as I head into a 3 months that are filled with unknown and filled with questions, and at moments times of doubt ( just like the disciples were) I know that God is with me. In that I find my security and my strength and my confidence to do the things that I have been called to do.
As I sit here and re-read this what gets me the most is the last verse. Verse 20 "...I am with you always, to the very end of the ages." Christ hasn't just been with me in this preparation period. He wont be with me just in the 3 months that I am in Czech. He is here with me right here right now as I type this out. He is with me ALWAYS. I am overwhelmed to have a God who cares and loves me so much that he will never leave me. He is always there for me. So as I head into a 3 months that are filled with unknown and filled with questions, and at moments times of doubt ( just like the disciples were) I know that God is with me. In that I find my security and my strength and my confidence to do the things that I have been called to do.
I am also so overwhelmed and blessed by how God has been providing for me financially. As of tomorrow I need to have $4456.96 raised. I am so blessed to inform you that I am only $600 shy of that. I know that the Lord will provide the rest of what I need. I wanted to take a minute and just thank you all for your support. It is because of you and the your diligent obedience to the Lord that I have this money. After tomorrow I will be working towards my second goal of raising an additional $2000 and this money can come in over the summer. I have no fears nor worries about where this money is coming from.
If some of you are reading this and still feel a desire to give I will put all the information at the bottom of this blog for you.
As I wrap up this entry I again just wanted to thank all of you for your support and your prayers and your continual encouragement. God is using you in this journey as well. Thanks you for being a part of this with me!
><>
Jackie
To Give:
- josiahventure.com ( search my last name in the SEARCH box)
- Cash can be sent to me just e-mail me at jacquelyn.thomson@gmail.com and I give you more info
- Checks can be made out Josiah Venture with my account number in the memo box 17215 and mailed to :
Josiah Venture
P.O. Box 4317
Wheaton, IL 60189-4317
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Like a flood!
Out of nowhere I received a FLOOD of information this week about my team, financial info, and a ton of messages and friend request on facebook from fellow interns all excited about this summer! I officially have names and face for my team members! Kevin Clark, our "fearless leader", Justin Prause, Khue Do, and Petra Voráčová. With simple names and face it becomes 100X more real. It has been a bit overwhelming but so incredible exciting at the same time.
As part of the facebook flood if info and request all of us interns were asked to make a quick video for JV so that they could inretun make collabrative vidoe of all of our videos. We were asked to answer 3 questions:
1) What are you most excited about for the summer?
2) Why did you choose to serve your internship with Josiah Venture this summer?
2) Why did you choose to serve your internship with Josiah Venture this summer?
3) How can people be praying for you this summer?
I took the challenge and made my first video! I edited it and added music and words and everything all by myself! I'm kind of proud of it! So I'll let you watch my response instead of reading them this time!
><>
Jackie
Monday, April 16, 2012
A common tale
In Czech , long after the missionaries have gone back to the states and school is back in session, students will make decisions to follow Christ. They take time to think about it and really consider what they are getting ready to commit to. I love this! It's not just some emotional decisions made, not to discredit those decisions because I do believe that those as well can be genuine, but it is a big deal for them since some of them can suffer a lot of percussion from their own families when they make a decision to follow Christ.
Lubša is a boy that I meant last year at camp. He has that same story of giving his life over to Christ months after camp. He gave his story on Sunday at a youth group event in front of many of his non-Christian friends who were invited to come. This was the first I had heard his story and this was how I found out that Lubša came to know Jesus. I will let him tell you in his own words how his story. (Just click on the link below to listen to Lubša story)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zljnw7yfn-w&feature=player_embedded
This is what gets me fired up and this is what encourages my heart. Hearing a story like this. Knowing that long after we have left God is still working. He is still working in the hearts of the Czech youth right now are you read this. I am beyond excited to get back there and work right along side the Lord in the things that he is doing so that more stories like Lubša can be shared!
><>
Jackie
Lubša is a boy that I meant last year at camp. He has that same story of giving his life over to Christ months after camp. He gave his story on Sunday at a youth group event in front of many of his non-Christian friends who were invited to come. This was the first I had heard his story and this was how I found out that Lubša came to know Jesus. I will let him tell you in his own words how his story. (Just click on the link below to listen to Lubša story)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zljnw7yfn-w&feature=player_embedded
This is what gets me fired up and this is what encourages my heart. Hearing a story like this. Knowing that long after we have left God is still working. He is still working in the hearts of the Czech youth right now are you read this. I am beyond excited to get back there and work right along side the Lord in the things that he is doing so that more stories like Lubša can be shared!
><>
Jackie
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Here and Now
Some of you may know but I just returned from a 6 day trip to Ecuador for my best friends wedding. It was time full of celebration and excitement and adventure. A LOT of adventure. While I was there I was really able to live in the here and now of each moment. It hit me today that I really struggle with that. I know that I am not alone. I am always thinking about tomorrow, next week, a year from now. There is so much in just today. So many ways to serve, so many ways to love on others, so many ways to love Jesus that if I am looking past today then I am going to miss it. I don't want to miss the lessons and opportunities in today.
So, this entry is short and sweet! As the time draws near for me to leave please be praying that I am diligent with my time in the here and now.
><>
Jackie
Updates:
Finances: As of Friday I am still 75% to my May 1st goal! Thank you so much to all those who have given financially. This would be impossible with out you! This also means that I am a little over half way to my final goal. I trust God will provide in his way in him time. Thanks again!
So, this entry is short and sweet! As the time draws near for me to leave please be praying that I am diligent with my time in the here and now.
><>
Jackie
Updates:
Finances: As of Friday I am still 75% to my May 1st goal! Thank you so much to all those who have given financially. This would be impossible with out you! This also means that I am a little over half way to my final goal. I trust God will provide in his way in him time. Thanks again!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
That Moment When...
God totally changes your heart and give you a revelation at the same time. This happened to me about the second week into fundraising. I was getting gas and there was a guy selling candy bars to raise money for a school trip. I instantly sympathized with him because I could understand how hard and how humbling it is to ask people for money. So I bought to candy bars got in my car and I drove away I prayed this " Lord, if the whole point of this experience (Czech) is to soften my heart towards people who are fundraising and to be able to sympathize with them then let me do my best to serve you by serving these people with my resources." You better believe that eve since that night I have had opportunity upon opportunity to give to people financially. But one very unique opportunity came up about a week ago to support a little girl who is supporting her family in a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.
Some of you may know Todd and Summer Roughton. Todd was my old High School pastor and Summer was at one point my small group leader. They just happen to be in Czech when I was there last year doing camps the week before us and so we got to meet up with them. I reconnected with Summer there. What a precious moment. Well, the Lord is taking Todd Summer and their two kids, Ashlynn and Jeremy, into a really amazing season of adoption. You can read more about it here!
I was so excited to hear that they are adoption. I have such a heart for adoption and I was excited to see two peopel I look up to pursue something so amazing! As I was following them in their journey this last week Summer post something about how Ashlynn, their 9 year old daughter, was selling jewelry to help raise money for her Compassion Kids. I thought " Hey, that's awesome!". I went to her store and looked around. Come to find out that Ashlynn had changed the mission of her store. She is now taking the ALL the funds that she has raised and is giving it to her mom and dad to help bring home her new little brother. WOW!!! Talk about the tenderness and compassion of a child's heart. Once I saw this I HAD to buy something. Not only is this something that I passionate about, I am feeling lead to help people raising money, now a 9 YEAR OLD is showing her selfless heart. I was overwhelmed with amazement at this little girl that I use to babysit is living out the 1Timothy 4:12. Just because she is young she is not letting that get her down. She has a heart to give and she is finding creative ways to make that happen. I love it! I was so encouraged and I want to tell everyone about this amazing little girl and what she is doing to help her family! It is testament that God uses all people of all ages to make his plan happen!
If you get a chance go read Todd and Summers blog and check out Ashlynn's shop! Just click on the word HERE and the word STORE in the blog post!
><>
Jackie
Prayer Request
1) Pray for Todd and Summer as they continue to walk through the adoption process.
2) Pray for my continued preparation
3) Pray for the preparation of the Czech youth groups as this is the time that they start making plans for summer.
Some of you may know Todd and Summer Roughton. Todd was my old High School pastor and Summer was at one point my small group leader. They just happen to be in Czech when I was there last year doing camps the week before us and so we got to meet up with them. I reconnected with Summer there. What a precious moment. Well, the Lord is taking Todd Summer and their two kids, Ashlynn and Jeremy, into a really amazing season of adoption. You can read more about it here!
I was so excited to hear that they are adoption. I have such a heart for adoption and I was excited to see two peopel I look up to pursue something so amazing! As I was following them in their journey this last week Summer post something about how Ashlynn, their 9 year old daughter, was selling jewelry to help raise money for her Compassion Kids. I thought " Hey, that's awesome!". I went to her store and looked around. Come to find out that Ashlynn had changed the mission of her store. She is now taking the ALL the funds that she has raised and is giving it to her mom and dad to help bring home her new little brother. WOW!!! Talk about the tenderness and compassion of a child's heart. Once I saw this I HAD to buy something. Not only is this something that I passionate about, I am feeling lead to help people raising money, now a 9 YEAR OLD is showing her selfless heart. I was overwhelmed with amazement at this little girl that I use to babysit is living out the 1Timothy 4:12. Just because she is young she is not letting that get her down. She has a heart to give and she is finding creative ways to make that happen. I love it! I was so encouraged and I want to tell everyone about this amazing little girl and what she is doing to help her family! It is testament that God uses all people of all ages to make his plan happen!
If you get a chance go read Todd and Summers blog and check out Ashlynn's shop! Just click on the word HERE and the word STORE in the blog post!
><>
Jackie
Prayer Request
1) Pray for Todd and Summer as they continue to walk through the adoption process.
2) Pray for my continued preparation
3) Pray for the preparation of the Czech youth groups as this is the time that they start making plans for summer.
Monday, March 5, 2012
SOAR
This last weekend I spent Friday starting 6pm until Saturday at 7pm with a group of High School juniors and seniors. Yes a total of 25 hrs straight! It was a student ministries conference It had three different sessions spread out over the tow days, a worship concert, sleepovers at a host home with your group, discussion groups, devotional times, and an Amazing Race literally ALL OVER the Santa Clarita Valley. I loved every minute of it!
I got to get to know some of the girls in my weekly small group better and get to know some other girls in the youth group. I was SO exhausted coming off of these crazy fun jam packed 25 hrs but every single minute was worth it. As I was reflecting back on the weekend I could help but praise God of the love he has given me for students. I desire to see them grow deeper and I desire to see live out their faith. I pray that having a relationship with God and being a Christian isn't something that is normal and common to them, that it is not something that they take advantage of. I pray for thriving and active relationships that are passionate and life changing. As leader for these girls I have responsibility to live out what I am preaching to them because they are looking up to me and I am responsible to set an example to them.
As the girls, myself, and my fabulous friend Jenny who I co-lead with were sitting down to each lunch we started talking about Matthew 28:19-20 " Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is known as The Great Commission and our discussion lead into how we can live this commission out right here right now. Just because we aren't over seas and in a different country doesn't mean we can ignore this. We chatted about how our faith can be living and active and how, just like Jesus did, we can walk amongst the "sick". It got me thinking " How am I living this out right here right now in my waiting period to go Czech?" I was really challenged by this. Just because God has called me to Czech for 3 month doesn't mean that this commission only applies to me when I get there. It applies to me RIGHT NOW! How am I walking amongst the "sick"? Am i turning a blind eye to them and saying " Someone else will take care of it?" or am I walking with them and loving on them and investing in them to share the good news of Christ with them.
So, in this waiting period I pray that I am not letting it be wasted just sitting around doing nothing to help others, invest in others, be Jesus to others. I want my faith to be living and active all the time. I want to walk amongst the sick no matter where I go. I want to live like Jesus lived!
Prayer Request:
1) That I make the most of the time I have while I am still here in America
2) God continues to break me in ways that I need to be a better leader and better example to the students I am leading now and will lead while in Czech
><>
Jackie
Here is a picture of me, my co-leader, and our girls from this weekend during the Amazing Race. We have 15 different spots to go to and take pictures at. It was all over the Santa Clarita valley. I drove! We had 3 hrs to finish it. We did it in 2 hrs 45 min... we were the first team back! =)
I got to get to know some of the girls in my weekly small group better and get to know some other girls in the youth group. I was SO exhausted coming off of these crazy fun jam packed 25 hrs but every single minute was worth it. As I was reflecting back on the weekend I could help but praise God of the love he has given me for students. I desire to see them grow deeper and I desire to see live out their faith. I pray that having a relationship with God and being a Christian isn't something that is normal and common to them, that it is not something that they take advantage of. I pray for thriving and active relationships that are passionate and life changing. As leader for these girls I have responsibility to live out what I am preaching to them because they are looking up to me and I am responsible to set an example to them.
So, in this waiting period I pray that I am not letting it be wasted just sitting around doing nothing to help others, invest in others, be Jesus to others. I want my faith to be living and active all the time. I want to walk amongst the sick no matter where I go. I want to live like Jesus lived!
Prayer Request:
1) That I make the most of the time I have while I am still here in America
2) God continues to break me in ways that I need to be a better leader and better example to the students I am leading now and will lead while in Czech
><>
Jackie
Here is a picture of me, my co-leader, and our girls from this weekend during the Amazing Race. We have 15 different spots to go to and take pictures at. It was all over the Santa Clarita valley. I drove! We had 3 hrs to finish it. We did it in 2 hrs 45 min... we were the first team back! =)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
"God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply."
- Hudson Taylor
This quote is written on my chalkboard in my room so when I wake up in the morning I can see it and be reminded that this trip I am heading out on in 3 short months is not my trip it's God's trip and Gods missions that he has asked me to join him on. He has all the supplies ready for it and it will not lack one single supply.
Throughout the last few weeks I have been reminded to continually turn this time of my life and this trip I have been invited on back to God. When I do that I find that I stress less about the financial aspect of the trip, I stress less about what to do about school before I leave, I stress less about leaving my family in the midst of a tough time, I stress less about what I am going to do when I come back because it is in his hands and he has got it under control. I really like to control things but I find my life WAY easier when I just had the control over to him. I'm pretty sure that this will be a life long lesson for me to learn.
On Wednesday, 2/22/12, I meet with my missions pastor just to have a monthly check in about where I am in the preparations process. We talked about things to be praying through, the financial side of things, my family, and everything else. I left his office feeling encouraged. Nothing specific was said no big news was shared. I was just encouraged that I was part of church who was so excited about what God was doing in my life and a church who is so willing and excited to partner with me in whatever way possible. Once again I was reminded that this is one of the supplies that God is providing for me. A church body of support that is praying for me and encouraging me as I pursue what I feel that Lord is calling me to.
As time progress and I am learning more and more about the beauty of God's time I am more confident in my faith of His work, His Way, and His supplies versus my own. I promise his way and his time has been WAY better than my own anyways!
><>
Jackie
P.S. I have a few stories but I'll save those for another post!
P.S.S. If you haven't seen it yet check out the video in my previous post. It will give you a little taste of what I am doing this summer!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Just A Little Taste...
This video is to give you just a little taste of what I will be doing this summer. This was taken at the Cheb Camp which I attended as a missionary on the American Team sent from Grace Baptist Church. Two brothers, Viktor and Patrik who live in Czech, took all the footage and Patrik edited the video! Every time I watch this my heart gets racing with excitement for this coming summer. I hope you enjoy it!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Delight your self in the Lord
" Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
" Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
These two verse have been a running theme in my life for the last three weeks. These are such common verse and we have a tendency to just skim right over them. The Lord has really used them to change my heart over the last few weeks. I am learning the importance of really delighting myself in the Lord and being truly satisfied in Him and not other things. Don't get my wrong it's not wrong to enjoy other things but to truly DELIGHT in the Lord. Wow! That's spending time in prayer, spending time in the word, spending time meditating on His word and who He is. As I, as we, start to do these things He will start to change and mold our heart to match His desire. Soon, our desire will become His and He will then give us the desire of our heart. I want my desires to match up with His.
This whole process of fund raising and preparing to be missionary for 3 months in Czech has really been pushing me to TRUST in the Lord with ALL my heart and in ALL my ways acknowledge him. Every aspect of this is out of my control. I am an A Type personality who likes to take control and get things done. Learning to really acknowledge God in all that I do and invite him along in the process and seeking Him on how I should go about things. It has by no means been easy and it has been a stretch for me but it has been really incredible to see God work and move in my heart along away.
So, as I wrap this up I have a few prayer request :
1) Diligence in the preparations process, that I am not blinded to what the Lord is teaching me.
2) For my fellow interns as they too are in the preparations process and support raising process.
3) American teams are starting to form. Pray for unity for those teams as they will start to prepare as well for their week of camp.
His Hands & Feet
><>
Jackie
" Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
These two verse have been a running theme in my life for the last three weeks. These are such common verse and we have a tendency to just skim right over them. The Lord has really used them to change my heart over the last few weeks. I am learning the importance of really delighting myself in the Lord and being truly satisfied in Him and not other things. Don't get my wrong it's not wrong to enjoy other things but to truly DELIGHT in the Lord. Wow! That's spending time in prayer, spending time in the word, spending time meditating on His word and who He is. As I, as we, start to do these things He will start to change and mold our heart to match His desire. Soon, our desire will become His and He will then give us the desire of our heart. I want my desires to match up with His.
This whole process of fund raising and preparing to be missionary for 3 months in Czech has really been pushing me to TRUST in the Lord with ALL my heart and in ALL my ways acknowledge him. Every aspect of this is out of my control. I am an A Type personality who likes to take control and get things done. Learning to really acknowledge God in all that I do and invite him along in the process and seeking Him on how I should go about things. It has by no means been easy and it has been a stretch for me but it has been really incredible to see God work and move in my heart along away.
So, as I wrap this up I have a few prayer request :
1) Diligence in the preparations process, that I am not blinded to what the Lord is teaching me.
2) For my fellow interns as they too are in the preparations process and support raising process.
3) American teams are starting to form. Pray for unity for those teams as they will start to prepare as well for their week of camp.
His Hands & Feet
><>
Jackie
Monday, January 23, 2012
My First Post
Ahoj!
Here it is my very first update on this Czech adventure. It is official. I started the fundraising process today and I cannot be more excited! I have already received heart warming messages. I can see God in all of this.
Funny story. As I was preparing to start the fundraising process and getting some paperwork back to JV(Josiah Venture) I had to send a check into them to hold my spot. Well, I didn't have the money at the time to send them the check. My dad was teasing around with me and telling me how INCREDIBLY lucky I was that he was going to support me... you know how dad mess with you?! Well as I started to talk to him about this first initial check I had to send I he looked at me and asked my how much it was. So I told him. He looked at me and said " That is exactly how much I decided I was going to support you." I tried to refuse my dad's check, it was a pride thing at first. Then it hit me " HELLO JACKIE, God is providing for you right here and you aren't even taking...Humble yourself a bit and accept what the Lord is offering you." So, I humbly let my dad write the check for me. Since then the Lord has been providing in little ways. Like people donating supplies for me to make thing for my Etsy Shop and a flood of people praying for me. It's incredible to see this unfold and it has just started. I can't wait to see how the rest of this journey pans out.
A few prayer request:
1) That I wouldn't be so prideful that I wouldn't miss the moments that God is trying to provide for me
2) That I will be faithful with the time and resources I have been given
3) A humble heart and a heart of gratitude towards those who are willing to partner with me
Thank you all again for you love, your support, and your prayers
><>
Jackie
Here it is my very first update on this Czech adventure. It is official. I started the fundraising process today and I cannot be more excited! I have already received heart warming messages. I can see God in all of this.
Funny story. As I was preparing to start the fundraising process and getting some paperwork back to JV(Josiah Venture) I had to send a check into them to hold my spot. Well, I didn't have the money at the time to send them the check. My dad was teasing around with me and telling me how INCREDIBLY lucky I was that he was going to support me... you know how dad mess with you?! Well as I started to talk to him about this first initial check I had to send I he looked at me and asked my how much it was. So I told him. He looked at me and said " That is exactly how much I decided I was going to support you." I tried to refuse my dad's check, it was a pride thing at first. Then it hit me " HELLO JACKIE, God is providing for you right here and you aren't even taking...Humble yourself a bit and accept what the Lord is offering you." So, I humbly let my dad write the check for me. Since then the Lord has been providing in little ways. Like people donating supplies for me to make thing for my Etsy Shop and a flood of people praying for me. It's incredible to see this unfold and it has just started. I can't wait to see how the rest of this journey pans out.
A few prayer request:
1) That I wouldn't be so prideful that I wouldn't miss the moments that God is trying to provide for me
2) That I will be faithful with the time and resources I have been given
3) A humble heart and a heart of gratitude towards those who are willing to partner with me
Thank you all again for you love, your support, and your prayers
><>
Jackie
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