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.

Dear Friends and Partners in Ministry,

    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. 

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones" (Proverbs 15:30).

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

 "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago"

(Isaiah 25:1).

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope"

(Psalm 130:5).

Dear Friends

"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

Dear Friends,

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

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land (Proverbs 25:25).

Dear Friends,

So much has been happening this month, it’s hard to know where to begin!

At the start of May, a team of 26 men and women from Battlecreek, Michigan visited us. They installed a new ceiling in our sanctuary, did some electrical re-wiring, built a staircase to the attic, painted the fellowship hall, made and installed curtains for all of the windows in the fellowship hall, offices, and sanctuary, built a cabinet for the sound equipment, and shared with us their time, talent, and resources.  We were blessed by their presence and grateful for the work they did.

Mid-May, our team went on a weekend retreat to the southern Moravia area of Lednice-Valtice.  This is a rich, pastoral stretch of country, with thick forests and rolling hills covered by vineyards.  We spent the weekend in a tiny, out of the way village.  We had a great time sightseeing, discussing the vision of ministry in Czech Republic, and worshiping together.

Last week, a small team from Taylor University came to work with the American Football team here in Brno—the Alligators.  These guys worked here at Majak during the day, then went to football practice during the evenings.  On Saturday, they hosted a barbeque for the football players and cheerleaders.  Even though it rained on us, we kept the grills going with chicken and sausage, feeding at least a hundred people.  Towards the end, the Taylor team gathered everyone together.  They talked to them about how Jesus wants to be their Savior, and how they could give him the best gift of all—their lives.  It was neat to look around the room at all these men listening intently to two American university students talk about Jesus.

Throughout May I’ve been continuing to teach.  It has been good getting to know my students better—they are already looking forward to next fall’s courses.  About a month ago, one of my former students, Lida, stopped by the coffee shop one afternoon when I was working. We talked for a few minutes, but her toddler son was eager to go.  Before she left, Lida, said she wanted to talk with me sometime.  I invited her to come to church on Sunday and we could talk afterwards.  She came to the evening “English” service.  Afterwards, she told me how much she enjoyed it.  The service was about praying and praising the Lord together. Much of it had been dedicated to sharing prayer requests.  I wasn’t sure how Lida would respond. She was amazed by our openness and touched by how much we cared for each other.  We talked for about an hour about her family and her frustrations, and I prayed for her. 

A week later, we got together again to go walking.  Along the way, I asked her, “Lida, what do you think about Jesus? Are you a Christian?”  She confessed she isn’t a Christian, but that she wants to be one. People in her life who have claimed to be Christians have been very hypocritical in their actions and she’s hesitant to make a quick decision. She wants to know what she believes, and she wants to know that God is truly there.  Lida is hungry for God—and I can see how He is fanning that hunger.  It’s exciting to see!  We are continuing to meet together each week to walk and talk. Please pray with me about her, that God would reveal himself to her. 

How Can You Pray?

Pray for Lida. Pray for her family, that her husband and toddler son would support her as she seeks the Lord. Pray that she would seek The Lord in earnest.

Pray for the Sports Blitz! We are now in final preparations for Sports Blitz 2006.  On June 9, 120 university athletes and staff from three Wesleyan schools (Houghton, Southern Wesleyan, and Oklahoma Wesleyan) will arrive in Brno.  They will hold sports tournaments and clinics around the city and here at Majak.  They will be staying at a hostel in town, but we are responsible for their transportation, food, schedules, tours, etc. while they are here. Houghton University has come to Majak for the last 5 years, doing the same kind of ministry with great results. But nothing of this size has ever been attempted.  PLEASE PRAY WITH US! This is a great opportunity to share Christ in this community.  Pray that plans will come together smoothly, and that those who come to Majak to the tournaments and the grill parties will come hungry for the Gospel.

I know that I couldn’t be here without your faithful support and prayers.  Thank you for ministering to me.  I would love to hear from you. You can write to me via the "Contact Me" tab at the top of this page. Or, my mailing address is:

Olivia Seaton

Dusikova 5

638  00

Brno, Czech Republic 

Blessings on you,

Olivia

Dear Friends,

May has been a busy month. I will write more this week, but I wanted to take some time today to upload a few pictures from our recent weekend retreat. Friday, May 12, our American team of missionaries loaded up--four vehicles, 21 Americans, 8 of them children under age 6--and headed out to the Lednice-Valtice region of Czech Republic in Southern Moravia. It is a beautiful area of the country with rolling green hills, lakes, and acres of vineyards.  Set in this landscape are the villages of Lednice and Valtice. In the center of each village is a beautiful palace, built by the Leichtenstein family in the 13th Century. If you're curious about the region, you can look at this website: http://guide.travel.cz/233.  Our team spent Friday and Saturday nights in this area, relaxing, worshiping together, playing together, and discussing our work in Czech Republic. We had a great time together (as you can see in the photos!).  Thank you again for your continued prayers!

Olivia