December 2017

   Now, during Christmas, surrounded by celebrations of the gift of Christmas, and the giving of Christmas, I think of a particular emphases in John 3:16 which is that God’s love was shown by ‘giving’. By giving we can show our love for neighbours and colleagues, fellow pilgrims and sojourners. By being generous we can pass on God’s love, for us and through us to others. In many polls the Czech Republic is known as the most atheistic country in the world. Though one could argue the methods of questioning. It is also true that the weeks prior to Christmas, there is generally more openness to Czechia’s Christian heritage. After all – in all of ‘atheistic Czechia’ the presents in every family do not come from ‘Santa’, but from ‘Ježíšek’ (Baby-Jesus) !! Also, some people may even visit a church from inside in December, and talking about faith meets more receptiveness this time of the year than otherwise.

   Nora is involved in leading a language based outreach program near a local University in connection with our church. By the grace of God, we saw more than a doubling of students and of volunteer teachers this Fall season. For many students it is the first time to get consciously in touch with a Christian. Christmas in the Fall quarter and Easter in the Spring quarter always provide opportunities to share about our faith.

   With a focus on God’s generosity this time of the year, we want to be generous too and have several dinners scheduled at our house for various groups of guests this month. So we can share God’s generosity and our faith with them.

Thank you for prayers and partnering in ministry.

Greetings and Blessings from Prague, 

Pieter & Nora Kalkman