Martin | Slovakia | March 10 | 2022
Dear Friends and Partners,
because of the war, Slovakia is one of the countries where Ukrainian refugees seek their asylum. These people are in a great need so we as individuals and as institutions are doing our best to help them.
Martin | Slovakia | February | 2022
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
Evil is real! Russia has launched a war against Ukraine only because Ukraine wants to be a sovereign, democratic country. Jesus speaks of wars as signs of an end (Mark 13:5-37). This war in Ukraine has ended a period of peace in Europe. Russian’s invasion has ended illusions that the world’s largest country is govern by democratic and peace-seeking people. By this act of aggression, the Russian regime doomed itself to an end, as history proves of all similar aggressors.
Martin | Slovakia | January | 2022
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
The story of the Magi from the East (Matt 2:1-12) inspires us again at the beginning of this new year. These gentlemen set their hope on the star that led them to Bethlehem to find Jesus and offer him their gifts. Their hope was fulfilled and they “were overwhelmed with joy.” However, they made it to Bethlehem mainly because their hope had a purpose and goal – to see Jesus and give Him their best. This type of hope gave them strength to overcome outside obstacles and inner doubts on this long and difficult journey. The year 2022 opens a new chapter in our individual and corporate life journeys. It is difficult to predict what is ahead of us. However, if our journeys have Jesus as their purpose and goal, we can face this year with much hope. And as the Magi, we can meet Jesus, serve Him, and be filled with joy.
At this time
when the One whom no one has ever seen
is becoming Immanuel – God with us –
we would like to wish you
joy that filled the hearts of the shepherds
when they found the newborn baby,
peace that was proclaimed by the angels
at the birth of the Savior,
and a never ending
setting off on the journey
as the three wise men had done,
when they went to seek God and His will.
Center for Christian Education in Martin, Slovakia
Martin | Slovakia | Christmas | 2021
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
This Advent season, these prophetic words come to mind:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lord, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”
(Zec 9:9).
The prophet Zechariah prompts his audience to rejoice in apparently difficult times. Some centuries later when Jesus entered Jerusalem as the fulfilment of these words, the times were not very happy either. Our present days are also far from ideal – COVID brings death closer to our doors and negatively affects our social life, mobility, and economy. However, whatever the crisis, the words of the prophet stay valid: not death but Christ is at the door, and that is the reason for rejoicing! With Him we can overcome our problems and worries and can help others to cope with theirs. Joy is much needed, and we ought to be its heralds for this world! Continue reading
