Monday, April 20, 2015

The Jesus Storybook Bible



We are excited to let you know that the Czech language version of The Jesus Storybook Bible is now being offered for sale in the Czech Republic.  You can buy your own copy HERE

The initial response of our Czech publisher at Návrat Domů was pretty skeptical. He told us that there were already a number of Czech children’s Bibles in circulation and another, expensive version was not really needed.  When we explained to him that we also wanted to publish the associated Sunday school curriculum, he warmed to the idea a bit. Once he saw the Bible in print, his reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Below are excerpts from a few of his recent email messages:

“I read this book. I think that it is excellent, deeper than the books for the kids which were published here [The Czech Republic]. I´ll show it to the leaders of our church.”

“We started with the sale of Jesus Storybook Bible. It is a wonderful book. Yesterday I spoke with our pastor. He was surprised and satisfied that we published this title. He told me that this title is recommended by Timothy Keller. … I think that the way to the people in our church is opened.”

We have found it is often the case that our Czech friends, even those who are fluent English speakers, are much more powerfully affected by reading things in their heart language. Please pray with us that the Lord will use this simple, but powerful children’s Bible to open many thousands of hearts here.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Welcome New Teammates!



We just wrapped up our six-moth home assignment yesterday. It was great to be with family and friends in the USA!  One of the most significant developments during our time at home was the addition of Kevin and Jan Rutledge to our MTW Czech Republic team. 

Our Czech partners had asked us last year to work on recruiting additional team members, so we made plans how we would go about looking for them during our time in the States. God brought Kevin and Jan to us in a completely different way than anything we had planned, so it would be obvious he should get the praise for adding to our team.  

The Rutledges have served as missionaries for over 20 years, including an assignment in the Czech Republic in the 1990s. They also spent time in the Middle East and Seoul, Korea. We are very happy that the Lord has sent them to us.

Last month, the Committee on Mission to the World approved Kevin and Jan as MTW missionaries; so, they are in the process of fundraising and are available to speak in missions conferences, share their story in church services, and meet with anyone who is interested in hearing about their work. If you would like to contact them, please write to them at the following email address: kevjanr@gmail.com. If you would like to donate to them online, please use THIS link and designate your gift to account #16703. 

Blessings on you,

Johnny and Annette