Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The main theme of November is thanksgiving. For you, our American friends and partners, it is obvious – Thanksgiving has been your national holiday for more than a century. This year’s celebration was perhaps different because you were not able to meet your families and friends as usually; more vacant spots around tables and more leftover turkey for sandwiches. It was hard to see your loved ones only through a screen. However, there are still multiple things we can be thankful for.
One of them is freedom. Some may take it for granted, but for Slovaks it is still fresh and precious. We have enjoyed it only since Velvet Revolution in November 1989 when the people of Czechoslovakia overturned the oppressive communist regime. Thanks to this freedom we have you, our friends, and together we make Jesus known through a unique project – the Center for Christian Education in Martin, Slovakia.
Peace is another important item on our Thank-you list. We are blessed because there is no war now in our countries. However, the two horrible world wars in the previous century remind us not to take peace for granted. Therefore, on the International Day of Veterans, our students met Ondrej Kučera from Martin, a WW II veteran who fought against the Nazis in the Slovak National Uprising. He was lucky to survive not only many combats but also a concentration camp after he was captured by the Nazis. Our students learned that peace is worth risking one’s life. They thanked Ondrej Kučera with paintings made specially for him. We thank God for those who sacrificed their lives so we can live in peace.
There is another important reason to be thankful in November: it is the beginning of Advent, the time to prepare for Jesus’ birth. It helps us to re-focus our lives on Jesus so we can benefit from His coming. He is the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6) who, unlike the world, gives us the real peace (John 14:27). He is the truth that brings real freedom void of fear and egoism (John 8:32). It is ultimately because of Jesus that November is the month of Thanksgiving in the USA and Slovakia as well.
The November financial update also gives reasons for thanksgiving. We are grateful that our administration staff is back and healthy and the equipment for the Visual Arts Studio is on its way. Moreover, one couple donated the remaining $23,100 for the Music Studio. Many, many thanks! With regard to the Indoor Gym with the budget of $240,500, we ask you to prayerfully consider donating to this project. It will noticeably improve our service to our children and enhance our mission.
Dear friends, the times are not easy
but there are still many reasons
to be thankful. Praise be to God!
Yours in Christ,
Adrian Kacian, Director of Development Bohdan Hroboň, president of CCE
