Dear Friends,

It has been a long time since last I wrote to you. So much has happened in the last year and a half!

In May of 2007, I moved to eastern border of Pennsylvania and started a new job as a sales promotions writer for a large ratings company in New Jersey.  I moved here because of a relationship that had started in January of 2006.  On a whim, I decided to try e-Harmony while I was home during December of 2005.  In January 2006, I was introduced to Justin Paton, who decided to try e-Harmony after his mom had mentioned it and, after a couple months, was ready to give up on it.  Justin is a South African. His parents are Nazarene pastors in Clinton, New Jersey. He attended college in Boston and found work as an electrical engineer immediately after graduation.  Our e-mailing friendship brought him to Brno in August 2006.  We "hit it off" and decided to make our budding relationship "official."  When I returned to the States, I made plans to look for work near where he lived. We wanted to give our relationship a chance, living in the same area. There were many ups and downs—two opinionated, strong-willed adults butting heads as we learned more and more about each other.  But, our attraction to each other and the solid sense that God had a purpose in introducing us, brought us back together time and again.  After many tears and much laughter, a deep love emerged.

 On June 21, while walking hand in hand through the brilliant green park that makes up Philadelphia's Independence Mall, under God's blue heaven, Justin asked me to marry him. And I said yes! 

 On January 3, 2009, we will be married and will start the next chapter of our lives together.

    It is good to be home! I completed my full term on December 20 and I have been traveling through the US, visiting friends and family since.  

    My time in Czech Republic ended peacefully. December 15 was our English Christmas party.  It was a fun evening with music and games and food.  More importantly, it was an opportunity to share my heart one last time with the students. 

     Phil Boardman and I sang a duet of the song "Heirlooms", which we translated on a screen so the students could easily understand the words. The words describes memories of family and friends as being true "heirlooms", keepsakes.  It then goes on to tell the story of the birth of Christ, and that this baby King is vastly more than a dusty treasure kept in an attic. He is our Savior. It ends in the refrain, "My precious Jesus is more than an heirloom to me." "Můj drahý Ježíš,je pro mě víc než rodinné dědictví." I told the students who crowded that room that they are not simply students...they are part of my heart. And that my greatest hope was that they would one day be a part of my family in Christ. 

This is my prayer for them: that the seeds sown in their lives by the teachers and staff at Majak would produce fruit. That they would one day know the full joy of life in Christ.  I ask that you would continue to pray for the Czech Republic with me.  

I feel that the Lord blessed me in my time there. I feel, too, that the Lord has a new "adventure" on the horizon for me.  I am in the process now of finding a job.  I am looking in south eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey.  There is a young man in my life now, and we'd like to live within easy driving distance of one another :-) His name is Justin Paton and he is an engineer. 

How Can You Pray?

Continue to pray for the missionaries and Czech staff in Czech Republic as they work together to shape the vision of ministry in Brno and in Prague.  Pray that the Lord would give them clear direction and strength to see it through.  Pray that the Spirit would encourage their hearts. If you would like to know specific ways in which you can encourage and pray for Majak, please email me at olivia_seaton@yahoo.com. One of the ladies who works there sends a bi-weekly praise and prayer email update and I'm sure she would be happy to add your name to the list. 

Pray for me as I seek the Lord's guidance in a job, ministry, and a place to live.  I thank you so very much for your prayers for me over the last two years. I have been blessed to have been a part of your lives and to have you as a part of mine. I will update this blog periodically, but not nearly so quickly (which of late has been very slow!)  

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).

Blessings on you,

Olivia

PS. If you wish to continue giving to the field in Czech Republic, visit www.wesleyan.org/gp. Click on the "GIVE" logo on the left side of the screen.  There are many ways in which you can support the field financially--all of which are greatly needed. The Blake family, for example, is in need to return to the field.   I thank you all so much for your generous support of the Lord's work. 

Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving!  It's hard to believe that the holiday season is here.  I can hardly believe that my time of ministry here in Czech Republic is drawing to a close. In one month, on December 20, I will say goodbye to people I've come to love here in Brno and fly home.  I've been blessed by my Czech students and friends and am continuing to pray for their salvation. 

Friday evening, November 17, was our American Thanksgiving party for English students. We had a great time!  More than 50 students packed the coffee shop. One of the other teachers, Phil Boardman, and I sang together and taught them the "Thanksgiving Song"…also known as "Over the River and Through the Woods."  (I didn't know that this song was about Thanksgiving until I came to Czech!) All of the teachers and I made Apple Crisp (a foreign dish here!) and shared it with the students. I think they liked it….there wasn't a crumb left! Toward the end of the evening, Phil and I sang a song by Sarah Groves called "Going Home."  It talks about our heavenly home and how the Spirit whispers an invitation deep in our souls. Our longing for "home" will be satisfied when we meet Christ.  Andy Norton, another of our teachers, spoke to the students about how Jesus is preparing a home for each of us and we become a part of His family when we believe in Him.  As he spoke, I prayed for my students, that these seeds of truth would take root and grow in their hearts.

It has been a busy month. A few weeks ago, Don Bray and representatives from the New York district visited our work in Prague, Poland, and here in Brno.  It was good to spend time with them, looking at the future of Czech-led ministry here and how that will take shape. This theme was carried in a series of seminars last week that challenged the missionaries' and nationals' views of ministry. The field here is in transition from a pioneer field to an established church.  These discussions are vital to the life of the ministry.

HOW CAN YOU PRAY?

1.  Pray for the ministry here at Majak and Czech Wesleyan Church. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the Czech leaders, Ivo Vobejda, our pastor, David Ospaly, Miloš Koubek, Milan Remeš and Leoš Havlen, as they look at the future and how the Lord is shaping the ministries here.  Pray for our missionary staff as we come alongside and work together with the national leaders, united in the purpose of reaching people for Christ.

2. Pray for the English students. We had a great time on Friday evening, connecting and showing love to them.  Pray that they will be drawn by the Holy Spirit's call in their hearts and that we will be able to share with them the truth about Christ and how He loves them.

 3. Pray for me as I finish my time here in Czech. With only a few weeks left until I go home, I feel torn.  I want to spend time with the friends I've made here, encouraging those who have made decisions for Christ, and having those important conversations on faith with those who have not.  Yet, time is a precious commodity these days with classes and meetings and other daily activities.  I'm also looking at my future. I don't know what I'll do when I return to the States and this causes me a little stress.  I know the Lord has a plan and that it is a good plan. But I do crave your prayers as I try to keep all these things in perspective. 

 I have been so blessed by you and your encouragement during my two years here in Brno.  Thank you for ministering to me.  "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26).

 In His Grace,

Olivia Seaton

(Isaiah 25:1).

(Psalm 130:5).

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b).

 "AMAZING ADVENTURE" was the theme of camp this year. It WAS an Amazing Adventure!  The kids were excited about the activities and the team who came from the North America was a lot of fun to work with. It was a smaller team than we've had in the past, but I think it made for stronger unity.  Thank you for your prayers as I prepared for the English classes. They went smoothly and everyone enjoyed them.  I had a great team of teachers: Scott Muirhead, Bethany Morthland, Kirk and Denise Bajdek, Sabrina Hadsell and Travis Croft. The kids had a fantastic time with them and I really enjoyed working with them.

The team! (Left to Right--Front Row: Bethany Morthland, Jennifer Dively, Jason and Kerensa McFrederick with Mollyn and Niam, Leo and Amy Havlen.  Second Row: Kirk, Andy Norton, Aneta Koubekova, Scott Muirhead, Norm Lamm, Scott McNett, Britney, Denise Bajdek, Andrew Pierce, Me, Becky Ryman. Back Row: Alan Williams, Mark Tolan, Travis Croft, and Kirk Bajdek. Missing from the picture: Margaret Lamm, Miloš Koubek, Ivo Vobejda, David Ospaly, Milan Remeš, Rachel, Isaac, Levi, and Abby McNett)  See more pictures in the "English Sports Camp" photo album

During the evening rallies, our youth group shared the message of Jesus through skits and testimonies. This camp is different from youth camps in the States.  Christians are the minority; out of 73 kids, eight were Christians—and most have been Christians less than a year.  It was incredible to see them publicly announce their faith to a group of kids who have been taught to view Christianity as either a cult or an excuse for people who are weak.  The youth group showed real courage when they stood up for their faith, and the other campers recognized that courage.  Martin and Petr each gave their testimonies, and afterwards they received standing ovations. I've never seen that happen in a church, let alone in a room full of non-believers!

Praise the Lord for the work He is doing, not only in our new believers' lives, but also in the lives of those who heard the gospel message during camp.  Jirka is one of the guys who come to Majak daily, he attends the youth group even though he doesn't believe, he came to camp and heard the testimonies of his friends. After camp, several of the youth and David Ospaly, our youth leader, went on a six-day rafting trip.  During their time in the wilderness, Jirka gave his heart to the Lord.  Praise the Lord with me for this new brother in Christ!

HOW CAN YOU PRAY?

Pray for Jirka as he is discipled, learning what it means to be a Christian. Pray that as he starts university in a couple weeks that the busyness of a new school, new studies, and new friends won't choke out the truth he has learned. Pray that the Lord will bring other Christians into his life to encourage him.

Continue praying for Lida.  We meet regularly, studying English by reading through the John. Pray that the Word will take root in her heart and mind and that she will continue to crave the knowledge of Christ, leading her to salvation. Pray for her husband, Roman. He is firmly against God and thinks it's a waste of her time.  Pray that a Christian influence will come into his life and that he will come to see the value of a Christ-lead life. 

 Pray for me as I'm preparing for the fall English semester. I'm grateful to have the help of Andy Norton, who will also be teaching. Pray that the Lord will be glorified through our plans, and that we won't be so overwhelmed by the tasks that we don't have time for the PEOPLE.

 I am so grateful for your prayers and support.  When I came in December, I knew I was supported through the middle of October.  Some surprise gifts have come in, and some have had to stop giving due to unplanned situations.  If it is the Lord's will, I know that the money will be available and I will be able to continue here until the end of my term in December.  Please pray with me about this situation.  If you would like to give, go to www.wesleyan.org/gp and click on the "GIVE" tab on the left side of the screen.  I am humbled by the generous gifts people have sent and I take no penny for granted.  Thank you for the blessing you are!

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you" (1 Corinthians 16:23).

 In His Peace,

Olivia Seaton

Welcome to Czech In!  My name is Olivia Seaton. I'm a volunteer missionary in Brno, Czech Republic. I work for a Christian-based community center called Majak. We partner with a missions agence in the United States, Global Partners--the Missions arm of the Wesleyan Church.  (www.wesleyan.org). I teach English as a second language here in Brno and truly enjoy my students and others I have the opportunity to work with.   I hope you enjoy your visit to my blogsite. I would enjoy hearing from you!  You can send me a note through the send note tag at the top of the page.  Have a wonderful day!

In His Grace,

Olivia

Who do we work for? My team and I work with Global Partners, the World Missions arm of the Wesleyan Church. www.wesleyan.org/gp. Their over-arching mission statement is "Powerful Churches, Transformed Lives." This is what we do around the world--planting seeds of faith, discipling believers, and empowering them to tell their world the Good News of Christ:

"Connecting God’s People with God’s Agenda… the Great Commission"

Our team works at Majak, a Christian community center based in the city of Brno, built by the Wesleyan Church in North America and now managed by Czech nationals who have the vision of seeing their city and country come to a saving knowledge of Christ. The avenues of ministry here are many. In addition to Czech Wesleyan Church that meets here Sunday mornings, we offer English classes during the fall and spring, sports activities through the Majak Athletic Club, Concerts and music lessons, as well as the coffee shop, game room, and "Backyard" which are open year round to kids in the community. We have about 25-30 regulars who spend their afternoons and evenings playing sports, indoor games, and hanging out with us.

From Left to Right: Olivia Seaton, Andy Norton, Abby, Rachel, Scott, Levi and Isaac McNett (in front), Becky Ryman, Kerensa, Mollyn, Niam, and Jason McFredrick, Vince Wagner(in front), Sabrina Hadsell, Travis Croft, and Mark Tolan.

Who are these people?

 Jason, Kerensa, Mollyn, and Niam McFredrick joined us in March 2005. They have been a great asset to our team and now serve as interim directors while the Blakes are in the States. They come to us from Wichitaw, Kansas, and have been leading summer mission teams to Czech Republic for many years.  Pray for them as they lead the team of missionaries here in Brno, constantly striving to build bridges with the Czechs in our community and in our church. 

The McNetts: Scott, Rachel, Isaac, Levi, and Abby come to us from Michigan where Scott had been youth pastor in their church. They arrived in Brno in March 2006. We've enjoyed getting to know them over the last few months. They are settling into their home and working hard to learn the language here. As first year career missionaries, their primary focus is language study. Pray for them; the Czech language is very difficult--especially with three active kids!

Sabrina Hadsell also arrived this past March. Sabrina was a Go-Net Volunteer here in Brno for a year before sensing the Lord's call into full time missionary work. Like the McNetts, she is involved in her first year of language study. She also works with Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders and just recently finished a marathon two cheerleading camps in a week and a half.  Pray for her as she recovers her strength and dives in to language study.

Andy Norton arrived with the Sports Blitz team in June. Andy has been here with Houghton College before for a short term trip, sensed the Lord's tug on his heart and has volunteered a year for mission work here at Majak. Andy is great with the teens who come here--and they love him! You can always find Andy playing cards or basketball with the kids--always ready to share his faith.  It's great to see him at work!

Becky Ryman is our answer to prayer Go-Net.  Crystal Blake is our finance person here on the field. But, with her on home ministries, we needed someone who would be willing to take over that aspect of ministry. None of the people on our field felt qualified to take over field finances. So, we prayed. We prayed HARD. And the answer came in the form of Becky, who has a masters degree in Math and has taken to accounting like a duck to water (well...in comparison to someone like me!)

Travis Croft, Mark Tolan, and Vince Wagner, were here for a short time. Mark was here for 6 months, Travis for 2 months, and Vince was here for 3 weeks. It was great to have these guys here, especially during the summer--playing sports, working the coffee shop, and hanging out with the Majak kids and staff.  We miss them already and are praying that the Lord will SOON call them back to Brno.

The Blake Family (Matt, Crystal, Josh, Abby, and Jakob). Matt and Crystal Blake serve as our field directors here in Brno. They are currently in the States doing home ministry, which means they are travelling and visiting churches and people around the US, raising their support team to return to Czech for another 2 years. Pray for them as they balance raising three beautiful and active kids, leading a team of missionaries, and raising support for their ministry.

Phil and Lucille Nettleton are our beloved pastors to missionaries. Their area of responsibility is over Africa and Europe, visiting missionaries and encouraging them in their work. They have recently returned to Brno from a two month visit to the States for training and various conferences. Though they are often on the road, we are grateful for them when they are home. Pray for them as they travel, that they will have safety and that the Lord will protect them, "wherever they may roam."

Then there is me. I arrived in Czech Republic in August of 2004.  I had never had any intention of becoming a missionary. My parents were missionaries and I never had any inclination to follow in their footsteps. Then the Lord whispered in my ear that he had a place for me overseas.  And I was terrified. I ran from Him and His call for about a year, but He pursued me. I finally realized that if I called myself a Christian and ran the other way, I was a hypocrit and a liar.  So, I sent in my application for a year of volunteer work, packed my bags, and landed here in Czech Republic.  I have never regretted choosing to follow God's call.  I enjoyed my first year so much, that I signed up for a second year.  The time here has had its ups and downs, but through each situation, God has carried me through.  I hope you are relying on Him, too. You'll be amazed by what He can do when we let go of the reigns and let Him lead. 

I had thought that May was a busy month. Nothing, however, compared to June!  June 9, 83 North Americans landed on the Majak Doorstep ready for Sports Blitz 2006.  No mission trip of this size has ever been attempted. Yet, the time here went wonderfully.  Houghton College sent a men's and women's basketball team and a men's soccer team, Indiana Wesleyan sent a baseball team, Southern Wesleyan sent women's basketball and women's soccer teams, and Bethany Bible College sent volleyball players.  Along with these teams, a support team and music team came to help with the details of feeding everyone and leading worship. 

Outreach was the key for the week. Throughout the city, teams visited English classes in public schools, held various clinics, and played in tournaments with Czech teams. We also had two cookouts at Majak, concerts, and on the projector screen, we watched World Cup Soccer tournaments (USA vs. Czech Republic, and Czech Republic vs. Ghana).  We estimated more than  600 people made contact with the teams and learned about Majak. Kingdom seeds were planted in about 300 different people through presenting the gospel and the testimonies of  players who came. And, during the week, we saw two people come to Christ. What an exciting time!

I'd encourage you to visit the Sports Blitz website to read more about what happened. Pastor Mark Mutton took careful notes and there are many pictures posted. The website is http://www.sportovnismrst.com/.  Also, take a look at the photos I have posted of some of the activities from the week.

On June 19, the teams went home. And, on June 19 another ministry team arrived from Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Five teens and two adults came to serve and they were a blessing, helping us to clean, organize, do yard work, and hang out with the kids who come to Majak each week.  The weather was very hot and the electricity went out for about 24 hours, but they were troopers. On Saturday afternoon, they staged water balloon games with the kids and we had a cookout. It was great to have them here. 

This week, (July 1-7) we're pleased to host a team from Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in central New York.  Their main focus is teaching baseball and softball clinics in the Kameny Vrch part of town. With the city, we have been working on a baseball field and programs for the kids in that part of Brno.  The reports I hear from them are great. They've really enjoyed the opportunity to work, hands on, with these kids. Yesterday, they celebrated July 4th with our American team with hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill and fireworks. 

Yes, time has been rushing forward. We've been busy in the last month, but it's been exciting to see what the Lord has been doing.  I thank you for your continued prayers. . 

What Can You Pray For?

English and Sports camp is coming up at the end of the month--another great opportunity to invest one on one with kids.  Pray that details for the camp, classes, the North American team that will come for camp, and schedules will come together smoothly. Pray that would bless our efforts as we seek His guidance.  Pray for the campers who will be coming. Pray that their hearts would be open to the Word of God. 

Our Field Directors, Matt and Crystal Blake, and their kids have gone home to the States for six months of home ministry. Pray for them as they travel almost non-stop for those six months. Pray for their safety and that God would bless them and the churches that they visit. 

Pray for relationships that I've been involved in, that students that I spend time with will be open to talking about faith in Christ. Pray for me, that I will be able to juggle both my responsibilities and these relationships.

PRAISE!

The English department here at Majak has really been in need of new curriculum. It's a need we've had for some time, but funding for new curriculum has been a problem. Through a series of faith steps, we have not only found just the program we need and ordered it, but it has been paid for in full by a church in the States. Isn't it amazing what God can do when we simply act in faith?  Praise the Lord with me for His goodness, for His faithfulness!

"Shout praises to the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD when his people meet. The Lord has done many wonderful things!"

In His Grace,

Olivia Seaton