PRAY.

Being here in Czech Republic is wonderful and has been such an amazing opportunity. But of course, there are times of weakness. A good friend sent me a link to the book "Alone with God" as some encouragement for me when I'm feeling homesick or overwhelmed. It talks about the importance of prayer, and how it is so necessary for us to be in prayer constantly. Acts 6:4 says "We will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word." As I started reading the book as part of my quiet time today, I was encouraged by this quote by Charles Spurgeon:
"Like the old knights, always in warfare, not always on their steeds dashing forward with their lances in rest to unhorse an adversary, but always wearing their weapons where they could readily reach them, and always ready to encounter wounds or death for the sake of the cause which they championed. Those grim warriors often slept in their armour; so even when we sleep, we are still to be in the spirit of prayer, so that if perchance we wake in the night we may still be with God. Our soul, having received the divine centripetal influence which makes it seek its heavenly centre, should be evermore naturally rising towards God himself. Our heart is to be like those beacons and watchtowers which were prepared along the coast of England when the invasion of the Armada was hourly expected, not always blazing, but with the wood always dry, and the match always there, the whole pile being ready to blaze up at the appointed moment. Our souls should be in such a condition that ejaculatory prayer should be very frequent with us. No need to pause in business and leave the counter, and fall down upon the knees; the spirit should send up its silent, short, swift petitions to the throne of grace.
A Christian should carry the weapon of all prayer like a drawn sword in his hand. We should never sheathe our supplications. Never may our hearts be like an unlimbered gun, with everything to be done to it before it can thunder on the foe, but it should be like a piece of cannon, loaded and primed, only requiring the fire that it may be discharged. The soul should be not always in the exercise of prayer, but always in the energy of prayer; not always actually praying, but always intentionally praying."
This is a perfect example of how my heart and mind should be ready. We need to make sure we are continually devoting ourselves to prayer, and allowing ourselves to be open to God shaping and molding us into the servants he wants us to be. Whether it be praises, trials, desires, or hopes, we need to give it to God.
So, I'd ask you to continue to be in prayer for us. Today was the first day of English Camp, and it went extremely well. They were cooperative, energetic, and hungry to learn. Tonight, as discussion groups happen, and questions may be asked, pray that we will be bold to share God's love in a way that is culturally acceptable. Like I've said many times, God has given us this amazing opportunity to share His love here in Czech Republic, and I'm so excited to see what he'll continue to do.
Thanks again for praying, and we love and miss you all!
In Him and for Him, Caley and crew