Team Leader’s Reflections (CZ08)

by Pastor John Kim

Humbling. In one word, this was how I would describe the trip for myself. Making plans only to see them changed due to circumstances outside of my control. Getting sick at the beginning of the trip and not being able to participate fully. Getting stressed and feeling discouraged by my own failures to guard my heart attitudes. Yet through it all, there is one thing that shines through it all and that is the sufficiency of God’s grace. His promises are always true. His mercies are new every morning. He is indeed great in His faithfulness and though at times ministry can seem a bit repetitive, God is consistent in displaying His character.
This year’s trip was challenging for a number of reasons. No one, other than Angela and I, had participated in the English camp so it was going to be a whole new team with no experience in Ostrava. I was in an out of the hospital in the weeks leading up to the trip due to several health issues, which definitely made it a bit stressful in wondering if I could even go at all. In addition to all that, we had to raise funds for our whole family. But I can truly say that God was so good to address each and every one of the concerns mentioned and more.
The team was a joy to work with before, during, and even now after the trip. It was quite an interesting collection of individuals, most of whom did not really know each other well before the team was formed. But in the months leading to the trip ,as well as during the trip, God knit the hearts of our team members and it was probably the smoothest trip in regards to the conduct and attitudes of the team. The willingness to set aside individual agendas and to work together was something quite evident throughout the trip. The boldness to step outside of comfort zones was already shown through the café night performances at church before the trip. The concern for souls and willingness to share about Christ were characteristic of this team. As I was a bit incapacitated for the first half of the trip, I was forced to do a lot of observing, which was humbling but also encouraging as I had the opportunity to see how the rest of the team conducted itself.
It was also a great joy to see my family serve together. Angela is a stalwart partner in ministry and she again showed her capacity and heart for people as she taught the advanced class and talked with many of the campers. It was particularly encouraging to see how Jenna, Kara, and even Alyssa served as conversational assistants and spent time interacting with the campers, even getting a chance to share the gospel.
The English camp this year was limited to the youth so many of the members of the Ostrava church were not able to participate. But it was a blessing to see the young members of the church really step up and take charge in running the English camp. The Mellwig kids were vitally involved, from Katrin translating to Johannes directing. Matthias served behind the scenes in running the sound and video and Lukas was busy interacting with the friends that he brought from school. Meinolf attended the retreat and, while his role was not as upfront as other years, it was a great encouragement to partner with him again.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that I am so thankful for our church family. The prayers, the financial support, and the ongoing heart for missions is something that I am so thrilled to see and I look forward to the future as God would give us opportunity to represent Him from here to the ends of the earth. May God be glorified in our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission to His glory.

Humbling. In one word, this was how I would describe the trip for myself. Making plans only to see them changed due to circumstances outside of my control. Getting sick at the beginning of the trip and not being able to participate fully. Getting stressed and feeling discouraged by my own failures to guard my heart attitudes. Yet through it all, there is one thing that shines through it all and that is the sufficiency of God’s grace. His promises are always true. His mercies are new every morning. He is indeed great in His faithfulness and though at times ministry can seem a bit repetitive, God is consistent in displaying His character.

This year’s trip was challenging for a number of reasons. No one, other than Angela and I, had participated in the English camp so it was going to be a whole new team with no experience in Ostrava. I was in an out of the hospital in the weeks leading up to the trip due to several health issues, which definitely made it a bit stressful in wondering if I could even go at all. In addition to all that, we had to raise funds for our whole family. But I can truly say that God was so good to address each and every one of the concerns mentioned and more.

The team was a joy to work with before, during, and even now after the trip. It was quite an interesting collection of individuals, most of whom did not really know each other well before the team was formed. But in the months leading to the trip ,as well as during the trip, God knit the hearts of our team members and it was probably the smoothest trip in regards to the conduct and attitudes of the team. The willingness to set aside individual agendas and to work together was something quite evident throughout the trip. The boldness to step outside of comfort zones was already shown through the café night performances at church before the trip. The concern for souls and willingness to share about Christ were characteristic of this team. As I was a bit incapacitated for the first half of the trip, I was forced to do a lot of observing, which was humbling but also encouraging as I had the opportunity to see how the rest of the team conducted itself.

It was also a great joy to see my family serve together. Angela is a stalwart partner in ministry and she again showed her capacity and heart for people as she taught the advanced class and talked with many of the campers. It was particularly encouraging to see how Jenna, Kara, and even Alyssa served as conversational assistants and spent time interacting with the campers, even getting a chance to share the gospel.

The English camp this year was limited to the youth so many of the members of the Ostrava church were not able to participate. But it was a blessing to see the young members of the church really step up and take charge in running the English camp. The Mellwig kids were vitally involved, from Katrin translating to Johannes directing. Matthias served behind the scenes in running the sound and video and Lukas was busy interacting with the friends that he brought from school. Meinolf attended the retreat and, while his role was not as upfront as other years, it was a great encouragement to partner with him again.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that I am so thankful for our church family. The prayers, the financial support, and the ongoing heart for missions is something that I am so thrilled to see and I look forward to the future as God would give us opportunity to represent Him from here to the ends of the earth. May God be glorified in our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission to His glory.