Sunday

This Sunday was a very important and touching time for the Lutheran Congregation here at Martin. Senior Pastor Jan Hrobon has accepted a Letter of Call to begin a congregation in Bratislava (the Capital of Slovakia) and so today was his final Sunday after ten years of service and leadership. His wife, Maria, will also be greatly missed because she is the Adult Choir’s Director and part time church Organist. Their sons, Jan and Mathus, will remain in Martin and continue leading with their guitar and drum music at youth and Sunday worship. His brother, Bohdan, who is the founder of the Bible School and currently Director of the Center for Christian Education, will miss his brother and family greatly, but all know we are to follow the lead of the Lord’s calling.

The church was overflowing with worshippers (400+) at the 10:00 am worship on a sun filled morning. The Adult Choir sang “In Christ Alone” in English, a show of international recognition of the Kingdom of God.

This also was the final Sunday for Gary and Jeannine Jenks, who have been serving for one year at the Bible School as English tutors and helping out wherever needed. They will return to their home in Arroyo Grande, CA. They were given appreciation gifts of a Slovak folk bowl and scenic book, and Jeannine thanked the congregation for the blessings of sharing life together.

It was Pastor Jan, however, who received the prayers and thanks of the congregation before, during, and after the worship. In his sermon Jan shared many joys and asked forgiveness for any sins against any of the members in a modeling of Christian humility and love. In addition to a Holy Baptism led by Associate Pastor Milan Kubik, Jan led Holy Communion DURING worship with three stations up front. I was honored to be asked to serve the wine and so I wore the Slovakian Pastor’s black robe and white tabs around the collar. On all Sundays, except three or four, Holy Communion is celebrated after the worship has concluded, so this added to the specialness of this two hour festival worship. The Americans certainly witnessed an historic moment in this dynamic congregation!

Pastor Randy Ouimette