A Day of Celebration!

“Dobry den” - good day! This is Pastor Randy and I offered to write the blog  because of the special and historical nature of this day, Saturday, July 6. On this Anniversary occasion the staff organized a day long (9:30 am - 4:00 pm) “The CCE Academy - Commemorating 15 Years of CCE and 1150 Years of Slavic Christianity”. Using headsets, with Michal and Katka as translators for the some 75 persons in attendance, Adrian served as MC. The morning was all in Slovak and the afternoon mostly was in English. Though of more interest to Slovak Lutherans than to us, the first 1.5 hour lecture focused on an ancient document called “Proglas”. This is a prologue (preliminary), the word before the Word.  Another speaker focused on the lilting and gentle style of this Proglas and of the Kralice Bible. We were then treated to Bohdan playing on his violin a beautiful J.S. Bach piece, with Ceca accompanying on the piano. Both were very inspiring.

After lunch Bohnan summarized his recently published article in English about the Kralice Bible and its significance. I love its title - “The Kralice Bible: Czech-mate to the KJV.” It was the first Slovak Bible translated from the Greek and Hebrew (as opposed to the Roman Vulgate version) and used primarily in worship liturgy for people to hear and memorize since they were quite illiterate. Then Michal summarized the English language book he compiled, edited, and contributed to last year titled “Christian Churches in Post-Communist Slovakia - Challenges and Opportunities”. 

We were then treated to the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Choir (Minnesota) sing a few pieces very convincingly. Adrian himself continued with a look back review of what it took to start and grow this Lutheran Bible school and expanding CCE ministry dream, citing five main points - God’s time; God given Courage; Gained Expertise; Stubborn hard work; and Spiritual purpose. Interestingly, a beloved and famous Lutheran Slovakian professor and renaissance kind of person was given a multitude of warm tributes. The Academy closed with a series of thank you’s to significant people, who they called ‘Patriarchs and Matriarchs” these past 15 years, both Americans and Slovaks. Afterwards we all stumbled out, rather dazed but impressed at this Miracle Bible School!  I haven’t even had time to unpack yet! - this is a packed celebration weekend!

At 4:30 in the Sanctuary the 32 voice St. Andrew’s Choir sang their hearts out - 21 pieces of choral and solo music, all sung with great skill and conviction. It was a joy and thrill to see this congregation in Minnesota sing to these Slovak sisters and brothers in Christ and receive a heart felt standing ovation. This is wonderful ambassadorship for Christ!

The day concluded with an outdoor BBQ and open fire roasting (your choice - I chose the roasting sticks and had so much fun talking with a missioner from Vancouver, a professor from Chicago, a pastor from Minnesota, and a college student from Vancouver. Then the Bible School staff donned Slovak folk costume and with the aide of  a great folk band demonstrated folk dancing, soon gathering our younger girls - Erica, Arianna, Sarah O I saw up there, dancing away! 

This was a very full and engaging day. Thank you, Lord, for our family and friends who are with us in spirit and of whom we love.  

Pastor Jerry and Mavis, I gave greetings from you last evening at the banquet and in person today to Rev. Dr. Paul Berge from you. We know you are with us in spirit, too!

Now to unpack!   Pastor Randy