WEEK 20, 21 AND 22

The church in Prešov has been slowly growing with increased amounts of activity over the past couple of years.   We were thrilled to have another great turnout in our Prešov group meeting this month.  We love and appreciate all the support from the members and our friends.  The missionaries are working hard and we love them all!

Twice a year the mission holds a Senior Missionary Couples Conference.  We were fortunate to travel to Prague and meet up with all the senior couples from the mission.  Such a great group of people.  We have grown to love them and appreciate our time together.

Train travel to Prague with our dear friends the van Dalen's

One of the most documented war crimes during the Second World War is the story of the complete destruction of the village of Lidice.  In reprisal for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, (an interesting story in which everyone should research and read), in the late spring of 1942, all 173 men from the village who were over 15 years of age were executed.  Approximately 60 women and 88 children were placed in concentration camps and later murdered in the gas chambers.

                 A haunting monument  in Lidice, Czech Republic

             Tribute to 82 children who were gassed by the Nazi's 

out of reprisal for the assassination of Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich

 

We had a very enjoyable and informative meeting with PhDr. Silvia Knapiková, the Director of the The Red Cross-Humenne.   It's mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.   Within the last year, they have launched a new project to feed the many displaced people in Humenne, Slovakia. Often these people are victims of abuse, domestic violence, and addictions. The Red-Cross soup kitchen feeds over 50 people a day which amounts to 1,000 meals served each month and the count is growing.  The Church is providing funds to purchase and install an extractor hood, fan and filters in the soup kitchen.   Also purchased, would be a much-needed commercial stove.  They are currently cooking on a stove designed for domestic use and it isn’t sufficient enough to cook the amount of food they make each day. 

It's been a busy month of traveling.  We ended the week with another outstanding Zone Conference in Bratislava.  We are always amazed at the dedication, commitment and faithful service of these young missionaries.  Elder Butler shared the following quote:  

"You were placed EXACTLY where you are,

at EXACTLY this time,

because of EXACTLY who you are,

with EXACTLY your talents and skills."

We believe this to be true!  We are so grateful to be serving in Slovakia and we know this is exactly where we are supposed to be.  One of the greatest experiences of our lives!  

We love you and miss you all!