Progress Report – 2024 – January

In Slovak schools, January is the final month of the first semester. Before half-term grades are in, the pressure is on, because students and teachers are exposed to extra tests and presentations. When all of this work is over, our school gathers in the church for worship thanking God for His provision and care. Natalia and Jana, our school pastors, reminded students that good grades are important and reflect a diligent and systematic study. Even more important than grades is the knowledge and the wisdom they acquired. Above all, they emphasized that to know God and trust Him as the ultimate source of wisdom and love is the most important goal of our lives. Paraphrasing Jesus’ words in Lk 11:42, the students should not neglect their grades, but primarily they ought to seek God’s wisdom and love.

In line with these words, Martin Štubňa, our high school science teacher, prepared a hands-on lab afternoon for our 4th graders. Under Martin’s guidance students explored the world of light playing with magnifying glasses and lenses. They studied how a human eye functions and how a poor eyesight can be fixed. Students had a great time. As one of them said, she was already looking forward to being a high schooler to experience these great experiments on regular basis.

January was also a month of ski retreats. Our 1st graders and kindergarten students spent a week in a nearby ski resort under the guidance of instructors. They not only improved their skiing skills but also strengthened their friendships and experienced much joy and happiness. The weather was cooperative, so all the participants had a great time.

Anna Trúsiková is our new science teacher. She holds an MA degree in Mathematics and Physic and a PhD in Mathematics from Comenius University in Bratislava. She has been involved in church youth work since her teenage years. As a part of her teaching experience, Anna participated in mission trips to both Ecuador and Uganda on four different occasions. After one year’s teaching in a nearby high school she was impressed and moved by CCE’s mission and became part of our teaching staff. As Anna says, “At CCE I have found community of people who embraced me with love and care.”

Dear friends and partners, in the year 2024 we all ought to heed to Jesus’ words focusing on the most important practices such as justice and love of God, yet not neglecting other. We thank you that in 2023 you did not neglect supporting CCE, and we hope that our partnership will continue to thrive in 2024.

Yours in His service,