Martin | Slovakia | October | 2022
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing”
This opening line comes from Martin Luther’s famous hymn that we sing every year on October 31st at worship services commemorating the Reformation. Based on Psalm 46, this hymn express clearly that we can rely on God and His help no matter how overwhelming our troubles might be. These words of encouragement are so important for all of us right now. The present Russian massive bombing of Ukraine, mainly civilian and infrastructure targets, cause fear along with an energy crisis in Ukraine and Europe as well. However, with the words of Psalm 46 words in our hearts, we will never get paralyzed by fear as we work together towards the victory of justice on this earth.
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Martin | Slovakia | September | 2022
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
The month of September in Slovakia traditionally means the beginning of a new school year. At the Lutheran Academy in Martin, Slovakia (LAMS) we opened 2022/2023 as usually – worshipping and thanking God for all his support and help. Our school pastors Jana Bosákova and Natália Kacianová reminded us that God is the only spring of the living water that guarantees our growing up in Christ in every way (Rev 21:6; Eph 4:15). Our school grows even in number of our students and staff members: this year we have a record enrollment of 784 students (74 in the kindergarten, 465 in the elementary school, and 245 in the high school) and 122 staff members (91 teachers and 31 administration and supporting staff). The growth was partially generated by 14 Ukrainian refugee children who became part of our regular student body.
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Martin | Slovakia | SUMMER | 2022
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
This summer 2022 brought much joy to us and we could again experience that God’s love is monumental. After two summers in which the Covid pandemic considerably reduced our mission activities, finally we were able to return in the full strength and run almost all the camps as we did before Covid. We are very thankful for this gracious opportunity as it was great to meet our American partners face to face again and do our mission together. It was also very encouraging to see the smiles of children and adults who participated in our camps which included Ukrainian children and adults who became a part of our community and participated on our activities. We are looking forward to the coming school year 2022-23 to serve over 750 Slovak and Ukrainian students and again bring to them God’s monumental love through a first quality education.
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Martin | Slovakia | April | 2022
PROGRESS REPORT
Dear Friends and Partners,
The present war in Ukraine offers valuable insights not only to our struggles but also to many biblical texts. During the past period of peace in Europe, our struggle here in CEE might have looked as if we have been battling just for more classrooms or fundraising money for reconstructions to have proper infrastructure. Yes, we were doing that, but this is not our ultimate goal. As it is written in Ephesians 6:12
“… our struggle is … against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Yes, our struggle is essentially spiritual, and all the infrastructure is just a necessary means to fight evil. CCE has been involved in this struggle ever since its beginning, and this present war clearly reveals how crucial this spiritual struggle is. For if we neglect fighting evil in times of peace, then evil gains strength and opens fire as in Ukraine. Therefore, our struggle in peaceful times is as important as it is now when we face the war, help refugees, and hear about all the crimes. The momentum of help the outburst of the war created must be kept up. Even when the war ceases, evil remains alive, so our fight must go on! Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that it will be victorious. Continue reading →
