From Jerry and Marilyn Farnik:

Walking in Prague a few weeks ago, we saw something a little unusual.  A large group of tourists stood watching a swan stroll down the middle of a very busy, city street  One brave woman stepped into the street, waved to some swiftly moving cars to stop, and then began to guide the swan toward the sidewalk.  A few other tourists joined in and they successfully herded the swan to safety.  All the closest pedestrians then followed him slowly along the sidewalk and down a flight of stairs toward the river.  Then, without hesitation, that same brave tourist took off her coat, gathered the huge swan into her arms, and carried him down to the Vltava River. The swan showed no signs of gratitude, hissing and pecking at her all the way.  He still appeared offended as he swam off.  I don’t know if this woman knew what she was doing or not, but she certainly displayed great courage as she performed this thankless task.  

This story reminds us a little of Christian work.  So often we offer the Gospel to people who have no idea that their lives are even in danger.  They do not always appreciate our concern and would sometimes rather be left alone.  Yet, they are in great peril and to just stand by and watch them go the wrong direction would be cruel.  They need to hear the good news that Christ came to save sinners, and God asks us to be brave in communicating that message.

At Easter time, we had many good discussions about Christ with our English classes.  In one advanced class, we discussed these verses from the Apostle Paul’s sermon in Athens:

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge  the world in righteousness by a man whom he has   appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”  (Acts 17:30-31)

As we talked about how God asks us to respond in faith to the testimony He has given us about Christ, the students listened quite intently, but when we asked if they had any questions, one woman said, “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.  There is so much I don’t know.”  Later she asked, “Is there more testimony like this?”  We encouraged her and the others to read the Scriptures and again invited them to our church services to hear the Word preached.  Please pray that they will come.

In late April, our church in Modrany was very encouraged to receive two new members and celebrate our first baptism.  Julie and Margareta are very faithful Christians.  We are deeply thankful to God that we can have fellowship with them and serve together.  Please pray that God will continue His good work in their lives and  use them greatly for His glory.