The Czech Bible with handmade bookmark from LWML.
Handing out Czech Bibles

One of the challenges in sharing the Gospel is assuring the recipient can understand it.  The first barrier, of course, is language. In addition to my work in Prague, I recently shared in mission teamwork with my co-workers for Christ in Germany.

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it.” Matthew 13:23 (ESV)

As I was planning a weekend trip to visit a fellow LCMS missionary, she shared a need they had to reach a man who lives in the nearby refugee camp. This man comes to church every Sunday with the Middle Eastern refugees, but he is not from Iran or Afghanistan. He is currently learning German, but not yet fluent. And he doesn’t speak Farsi or English, the other languages the ministry team knows.

It turns out his native language is Czech. He wants to be baptized and has a German Bible, but he struggles to understand it. She asked if I would bring a Czech Bible and speak with him at church.  Of course, I agreed to it.

I took a Czech Bible, along with a handmade bookmark from the LWML ladies, that marked some key verses. The Czech bible also includes the Augsburg Confession and Small Catechism in the back.

When we arrived at church, Ladislav was surprised when I approached him, speaking Czech.  I introduced myself and gave him the Bible, showing him what I had marked.  He was so thankful to have a Bible in his native language, not just so that he could finally understand it, but also to help with reading his German Bible.

After the service, he asked when I might return to help him more.  I told him it might be a few months, but I hope to bring Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation in Czech. I am so happy when missionaries can work together for the good of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 

This month we look to God as we seek His guidance for our lives:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

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