The mission trip to the Czech Republic was a wonderful experience for all involved. We traveled to a suburb of Prague called Horni Pocernice where the United Methodist Church operates a social service center. The center provides temporary housing for single parent families as well as Roma (gypsy) families who are outcasts in the Czech society.
On the grounds of the Christian Help Center is a small United Methodist church with approximately 30 members. Our purpose was to complete planned work projects and to develop a relationship with the Horni Pocernice UM church and its members. Our team ate and slept at the Center. A kitchen staff prepared our meals each day. We completed a variety of work projects during the week and held children’s activities twice a day. On Sunday we attended worship in the UM church and met the members of the church. It was a wonderful time singing, praying, and worshipping together. During the week we held a party for the church members and for the residents—a Texas Night complete with western music, queso and chips, brownies, and bingo and prizes. They all loved bingo!!! Even the residents were laughing and smiling.
We took cowboy hats and bandanas to hand out to kids and adults for “favors.” The group had some free time to sightsee in Prague and the surrounding area. It is a beautiful city and country. We went in mission to serve but we received so much more than we gave!! There will be a scheduled event in late August or September for the team to show pictures and discuss the trip. This will be open to everyone interested in hearing more about the experience.