March was the month of Lent, during which we accompanied Jesus in his Passion. In this story Jesus gives us an example of obedience to God’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane we find Jesus struggling with his fate, asking God to remove the suffering and death on the cross from him (Mark 14:32–42). However, after three prayers Jesus not only accepts his destiny but also is able to face it with courage, knowing that accepting God’s will is best for him and for the world. Our prayers might not change the circumstances that trouble our hearts, but they can help us find God’s will, accept it, and face it with courage and creativity. “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31b)

Seeking and accepting God’s will is important for all our activities, but it is especially important for teachers. We are grateful for teachers who see their vocation not merely as a profession but as God’s call. Two members of our staff, Ivana Čermáková and Monika Krystýnková, were recognized by the bishop’s office as outstanding teachers from our Lutheran Christian schools in Slovakia. We are glad to have such creative and extraordinary colleagues and wish them God’s blessing for their future careers.

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Each February we remember all Ukrainians. For four long years many have lived under the constant threat of death, freezing, or losing loved ones. Despite relentless Russian bombings, power shortages, and other dangers, they stand firm and continue to resist. Sadly, those of us who live in peace grow wearier of this war with each passing year. We grow tired of hearing about crimes and atrocities, tired of supporting Ukrainians, and tired of empty promises of peace.

Yes, long conflicts are exhausting. Any enemy — whether an aggressor or sin — seeks to wear us down so that we become self-absorbed and eventually surrender. But as Christians we must not yield to exhaustion. The author of Hebrews calls us to run our race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–3). Jesus not only pioneered the way and defeated our greatest enemies, but he also sent us the Holy Spirit — our Advocate and Comforter — who renews our strength to overcome difficulties and continue our mission.

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Looking back at the world in January 2026 is not a pleasant experience. The bombing of Ukrainian infrastructure by the Russian military left millions of civilians without heat and electricity in freezing cold. World leaders keep claiming progress in peace negotiations, but this aggression keeps claiming hundreds of lives every day. Iranian people were massacred in thousands because they dared to protest a regime that lavishly supports terrorists worldwide but does not care about basic human needs and rights. In Minneapolis, two legal citizens were shot while hindering paramilitary troops, whose practices against immigrants resemble those of former KGB agents during communist Czechoslovakia. Continue reading →

“But now, apart from the law,
the righteousness of God has been disclosed …”

(Rom 3:21)

These words of the apostle Paul voice the essence of Christmas: God Himself is entering this broken world. In our ill pursuit to replace God, we have poisoned the world with selfishness, greed, and fear. God should have send His punishment, but instead, He sent his Son. This most important “but” in story reveals God’s righteousness filled with His mercy and love. In Christ, God is reconciling the world to himself (2 Cor 5:19). Thanks to Him, all is well, all is right. Now we are entrusted with this good news of Christmas to apply this “but” to the present troubles and conflicts. Continue reading →