If you can read this article, then you have something that people all over the world desire: the ability to communicate in the English language. In places like the Czech Republic people want to learn English to enhance their careers or their travels. So when St. Lukas United Methodist Church in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, wanted to reach more members of their community, they asked Suncreek United Methodist Church to help them conduct an English camp.

The two United Methodist Churches, Suncreek and St. Lukas in Karlovy Vary, have been partner churches for several years. The church in the Czech Republic is struggling to revive after decades of Communism and military occupation, when people were taught to be suspicious of churches and that the Christian faith is something old and irrelevant. Suncreek UMC provides spiritual and financial support for the church, its minister, and his family.

The 2007 English Camp Team (Janet Hunt, Tricia Loe, Stephanie Loe,Cheryl Cox,
Courtney Cox, Brittany Williams, Laura Hurd,& Julie Dare) with Eliska and Jitka Cech.

In July, eight members of Suncreek traveled to Karlovy Vary to offer an English camp for residents of the town. Not sure exactly what to expect from this first English camp, Janet Hunt, Suncreek’s Director of Community Ministries, sought help from teachers within the congregation to develop curriculum. “After many months of planning, worrying, and anticipating our first English camp in the Czech Republic, the reality far exceeded my expectations,” said Janet. “From the moment the Suncreek team and the English campers met there was an instant bond and friendship. The language barrier was broken through countless moments of laughter and open sharing of our lives and hearts with one another.”

Cheryl Cox, a member of the Suncreek team, said, “The camp was a great success, with activities that worked for adults, children, those who spoke English very well, and those who didn’t speak any English at all. ” Suncreek team members all had a great experience on the trip. They found it easy to make friends and share in the lives of people in the Czech Republic, something that is usually difficult when visiting other countries. According to Ms. Cox, “In the end we were all exchanging hugs and email addresses.”

Participants in the English camp pleaded with Suncreek members to return next year for more English camp. Laura Hurd, a high school student from Allen, said, “Going to the Czech Republic was one of the best decisions of my life. I am so excited to see what God will do next year!”

by Tricia Loe

 

.

Click here to learn more about the town of Karlovy Vary.

Photogallery   (Click the small photos below to view a larger image)

Click here to view more photos from the trip.