Using What Gifts God Has Given

Written by Lauren - Serving in the Czech Republic 

I’m finding it hard to believe that this week we are already over halfway through the internship. It seems like we have just settled into our routines and just started learning about the library, the people that come into it, and Prague. However, in these short weeks, we have been blessed to serve the library and the community. I am excited to see all the new opportunities the library will bring in the weeks to come as we seek to finish our internship strong.

In our last blog, Abby talked about her experience with Evangelism Explosion. Abby and Addi tagged along with this group on separate occasions and both witnessed conversations with strangers in Czech and English. Hearing their stories over dinner, I could tell they were blown away by the willingness of random people to engage in these conversations and how God is working in this city.

However, when asked if I would be interested in doing this too, my immediate desire was to curl up into a ball until everyone went away. Talking to strangers in any circumstance (sometimes even at the grocery store at home!) is difficult for me, and I didn’t want that stress to affect my work at the library. I knew this was not a way God has equipped me to share the Gospel and his love. And yet, I felt guilt. Was I a “bad Christian” for not wanting to just witness these conversations take place?

In the midst of these feelings, I was presented with another opportunity to witness to a nonbeliever. Michael, the leader of this evangelism team, asked if two of us interns would be willing to travel an hour outside of Prague to talk to a woman that spoke English and he knew needed the Gospel. I was thrilled at this opportunity! It made me realize that God has given me a heart to build relationships with people and hear their stories in a different and slow way, and that’s okay. This trip is teaching me many new things about myself! My focus should never be on guilt (nor on my own comfort) but seeking to bring him glory in the strength he has given me.

So, Abby and I took a bus ride to meet this young woman and were able to hear more about her story. We weren’t able to share the Gospel or our testimonies with her in that moment, but we were able to share the love Jesus displays to us through our actions in being willing to meet her and listen to her story. Because of that, we can continue to build this relationship and pray for her in a deeper way. 

This week, we would like to continue to pray for Prague. Abby and Addi also received an opportunity to work with the homeless in providing food with an organization. Please pray for those that find themselves without a home in this city. We also welcome you to join us in praying for the young lady Abby and I met and that God will prepare her heart to hear the love of Jesus and his Gospel.