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countdown
It seems the days are getting away from me! That is 35 days left! Please be praying for the next 35 days, its not a lot of time but I’m trusting God to do a ton! I had a great Sunday at Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church in Elkhorn, WI yesterday. Thank you to each of you that approached me, took some info and even joined my team of ministry partners yesterday! You blessed me more than you know! I had some individuals help me out with some one-time (I’m down to $3400) and I even had someone go online yesterday and begin supporting me monthly (I’m down to $490/monthly). Thank you so much! Please pray for these needs and that God would open doors to new potential ministry partners as I’m a bit dry with contacts. Please give me a shout out and let me know how I can be praying for you! Blessings…
countdown
That’s right only 44 days left! There is a ton that will come between then and now. I leave Colorado on Thursday and the adventure begins! Please pray that God would show up in the next 44 days. Show up in the “Good Byes”. Show up in the support that is needed to be raised. Show up in the details of moving internationally for the foreseeable future. And more! My soul is clinging to Him. So prayer would be appreciated and if you want to help in anyway please let me know. How can I be praying for you? Blessings….
The Journey…
This year, 2013, has been a full, full year! It was a year, that some big things happened in this crazy life of mine! I still can’t wrap my mind around it all! I did, however, want to share a little of that change with you, by sharing an article with you. If you have been paying attention I’ve switched organizations, TEAM), and that means God has finally after all these years (read about my heart for church planting from years past here) allowed me to be part of church planting with a amazing group of people, whom make our community TaCesta (which means “The Journey” or “The Way”). As I said, I wanted you to read more about TaCesta and this church planting opportunity, recently TEAM did a great article about our efforts, here a short excerpt, click the link below to read the whole article!
“Unrivaled in its day as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague was called the “Mother of Cities.” The city flourished during the Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance periods, and is the birthplace of priest and philosopher Jan Hus, a forerunner of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.
Yet somehow, the people of Prague and the Czech Republic are some of the most atheistic in the world. Polls peg as many as 89 percent of Prague’s 1.3 million people as non-religious.
“Czech has a rich spiritual heritage, but unfortunately that is pretty much gone,” says Zach Harrod, a TEAM missionary serving in Prague. Centuries of religious and political battles, followed by decades of Soviet domination, have left the Czech people suspicious of organized religion and outside influences. They tend to be private about any religious and political beliefs – if they believe anything at all.”
Change is Coming…
What type of person are you? Do you like change or do you avoid it? I’ve always thought I’ve loved change, but as I’ve aged a bit I realize I’m not one or the other. I long for change. Change can be exhilarating, but there are somethings that at least appear as though they should remain as is. Change is inevitable, though, and we have the decision of whether we want to make the most of it or fight against it. I choose the first option – embrace it and make the most of it!
By now you are probably wondering, “What are you talking about Zach? What is changing?” I’m glad you asked. After a challenging fall that was full of evaluation, prayers, discussions and much more, I have made the decision that it is time to move on from Athletes in Action and be in a place (rather organization) that suits my heart, passions, dreams and where I see God taking me here in the future more. Most of you have heard my presentations in the past, read my blog or heard me share my heart. You know that the “local church” has had, for years, a special place in my heart. Right now I’m in the midst of the application process with an organization named The Evangelical Alliance Mission, or TEAM. TEAM’s purpose “is to help churches send missionaries to establish reproducing churches among the nations to the glory of God. We seek to do this wherever the most people have the greatest need in collaboration with churches anywhere.”
This gets me fired up because it will allow me to partner with the local church here in Prague and, Lord-willing, be part of lots of new church-plants throughout Prague, Czech, and Europe, which has been a desire for years. I’m thankful to God for Athletes in Action and the Crossan family (AIA Czech Director), for all that they have done and been used to do here in me and through me. I’m thankful for them all for so many reasons. Some of those reasons are how I look at ministry, missions, culture, the Church and more. Over the years, I’ve had a deeper conviction that how we do ministry and life here as insiders sent on a mission into this culture, is more than a strategic way to reach, what can be termed as, “post-Christian” societies, but a way of life and foundational to making a deep impact. What is ironic is that, while this conviction has deepened, it is also a main reason for the shift to a new organization. This fall I was challenged to consider the way we, or rather I, do things here and if that fit within the vision and mission of AIA globally and here in Czech. After much prayer, thought, and conversation, I felt as if God was calling me to continue to do what I do as an “insider” with football, specifically, but I’ve also felt called to be part of church-planting and connecting my guys and many “not yet Christian” Czech friends to a local church.
With that said, please know this switch, change, and slightly new direction isn’t because of sin, unresolved conflict, or bad feelings between AIA and Billy, my director here with AIA, and myself. Rather it is about ministry philosophy and how we feel we can reach Czechs with the greatest effectiveness. We, much like Paul and Barnabas, have decided to go our separate ways, but yet we will still look for ways to partner and be in relationship, as we have become family.
I thought it would be good, and word/space saving to do a quick FAQ on this, so here we go:
So what does this mean right now?
Right now it means that I will finish out this school year with AIA, in the same capacity as I have had for the last couple of years. It means that I need your prayers to finish strong and be ALL where I am now. It also means that I need your prayers, that I get the final acceptance from TEAM ASAP and that they approve the church plant, TaCesta (The Way or The Journey), I’m a part of as an official Czech TEAM “initiative.”
How will this “change” what you do?
TEAM’s local leadership here is supportive of my “insider role” with football here, so that will remain unchanged, but in place of what I have done with AIA at the Sports University and other roles with them, will be replaced by church-planting, Lord-willing, with TaCesta, as I mentioned above. The lead pastor’s name is Alexandr (Sasha) Flek, who was the chief translator on the newest Czech translation of the Bible that was released about 3 years ago. We are in the process of praying and processing through what this will look like, but I’m excited. Our church is connected with Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian’s international church-planting effort, City to City.
Do I have to switch my support immediately?
In my next Anastatoo letter, I hope to have all the details on how you can switch your financial support. At this point, I have an account with TEAM, but I’m waiting on a few things to be in place before we switch over. So please continue on with support to AIA/CRU as usual, until I share all the details with you in a coming prayer letter. I will still need money on my AIA/CRU account through the summer and CRU has a great system in place to assure that everything with support and finances are handled well. I will make sure you are up to speed.
When will this transition happen?
My official last day with AIA/CRU will be August 31st. Then the plan is to begin to serve here with TEAM through the end of the junior season, late October/early November, and return to the States for my 6 month stay, as I communicated in an earlier prayer letter. This 6 month stay is required because of a treaty between America and Czech, that requires Americans to spend 6 months every 5 years in the States. I’m still working on what these 6 months will look like. They will include connecting with ministry partners and family, developing my support base, recruiting and more.
Thank you for all you do to reach Prague, Czech and Europe through our partnership! It has been amazing to see what God has done here through YOU and I! I hope that this change will lead to greater effectiveness and more fruit. I also pray that you will be ALL IN with me into the future, as you have been over my last 9 years with AIA and CRU. Please feel free to email me, facebook me or call me (for number please email me first) if you have ANY questions, comments or concerns. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING YOU, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE HAVE MADE A HUGE IMPACT HERE!!
the last year of my twenties…
It’s here. Today is the last day of the last year of my twenties. It’s intriguing really. I’ve heard a lot of banter from my younger friends, my players, and even my ‘older’ friends who are well past 30. It makes me wonder what next year will be like!
To be honest with you, I’m not afraid of getting older and the banter doesn’t bother me. In fact, I welcome age coming! Getting older means more experiences, more wisdom and the like. So I say bring it!
With that, last year I wrote a post entitled, 28 Reflections, and as this year’s birthday approached I’ve pondered, “Can I do 29 new reflections?” I’m not sure, so I’ve tweaked it a bit and I’ve got 29 reflections/highlights/insights/things I’ve learned from the 28th of my life. So here we go, complete with pictures!
- I have been “on the field” longer than I’ve ever been “on the field” before. With that being said, this means I’ve been separated from family and dear friends longer than ever before too. I was so very blessed to have my worlds of Xenia, Ohio (AIA Headquarters and Czech mix last summer with the visit of my dear friends the Garretts!
- I love my roots and would love to learn more about them! This is my Swedish friend, Gustav, and his birthday cake from last year. Gustav and I studied together and now sadly they are back in Sweden. Gustav helped me love on my Swedish roots more than ever before!
- I’ve once again, been inspired by the person of Jan Hus, the Czech reformer from the 15th century. This statue of Jan, is in the city of Tabor, and I loved it. “Why?” He’s clutching his Bible with flames at his feet. The courage, the faith, and more of this man inspire me. I normally pray that God would raise up Jan Huses within this generation, now and that God would move mightly to bring deep changer here.
- Last summer I drove 790 km and spent 12 hours in a car alone driving around this country helping out with AIA sport camps. In the midst of that I was once again reminded of the overwhelming need all over this country. The need is so overwhelming! As I was traveling, I again fell in love with this beautiful country! This is me in the beautiful, quaint, medieval town of Telc. Check out a zhtv from the camps! Or to read more head to my July 2008 archive.
- I often pinch myself and ask myself something like, “Is this really my life?” I never could have imagined that I would live where I live, travel where I have traveled, and do what I do. It’s all unreal to me! Very unreal! Like Saint Basil’s Cathedral. in Moscow, that seemed like it was out of a book or Disney. I’m so very grateful for every bit of it! Thank you to each of you readers and ministry partners who make this possible and are part of this! Thank you so very much.
- One of those “pinch myself moments” came last summer, when I had the opportunity to travel to the Olympics! It was an amazing experience and I was equally amazed by the Chinese people. Who were Olympic crazy, but were also so warm and friendly!
- While I was in China it felt like a Twilight Zone episode to me, as I tried to grasp the many different time zones that I was dealing with.
- To make the experience even more amazing last summer, I was so excited to take Honza Gabriel to the Olympics with me. I’m hoping that in the future I will be able to take many more guys outside of Prague to experience things like Honza got to experience! Thank you to each of you helped Honza get there!
- The Great Wall – need I say more?
- I felt like a rock star in China! Being a 6’3″ white man attracted some attention. I think people thought I was special, meaning an athlete, but I sadly wasn’t there to compete!
- Last October, I got to meet my sister’s then boyfriend, Tom, when Megs and him came through Prague for a long weekend and an interview for Megs. I instantly fell in love with Tom – in a “hetero life mate” type of way! ;-)I’m now excited to call him my future brother-in-law, as he asked for my sister’s hand in the big “M” word! Love you two!
- I love what I do with AIA, but I do have had a growing passion, that is controlled and checked, to church plant in this city and in this country. Last fall, I met another young man, Bedrich, who has a heart to plant churches in this country, and who is also a pastor! It sparked my heart and desire to see the Church in Czech grow in love for its countrymen in practical, relevant, loving ways to see the hard soil of this country burst to life!
- I’m still very much committed to seeing God transform the sport of American football in this country, and Europe, for His glory and the good of the Czechs! Last fall, I loved coaching once again and being able to work with guys from other teams here in Czech. Shortly after this I was also asked to become the head coach of the junior team, which has been a blast thus far!
- I still scratch my head over some of the customs of this country. They aren’t wrong, they are just different! I like that every year I have the same wondering and head scratching experience! Read about my 2007 experience here.
- After I returned from my short trip to the States to surprise my family for Christmas, I noticed several pics of my sweet littlest sister, Mikaela, and I. I realized how much she loves her big sister, Megan and I. She looks up to us and reveres us and I love her dearly and pray for her often! She’s an amazing little woman!
- I once again realized, my parents rock! This picture might be one of my favorites from my time back in the States! My dad is busting a move here and had a huge smile on his face! I love it! I know my goofiness drives him crazy, but there are moments where I realize where I get it from!
- Quite simply – my sisters are gorgeous! I’m repeatedly moved at the things they say about and their actions towards me. I love being their big brother!
- I love seeing budding love! It was at this time where Tom, in a rather gentlemanly manner, approached my parents and myself asking for permission to purpose to Megs! Classy, classy, classy…. I love you Megs and Tom and I’m excited to see how your marriage unfolds!
- “SURPRISE!” One of the highlights of my 28th year was surprising my whole family for a Christmas visit! So cool. I loved seeing the faces of shock and joy! Love you Harrods, Shislers and Backs!
- Here are a few of my guys at my place, while we were watching the NFL play offs on my projector (graciously provided by a supporter! Thank you!). I love the NFL season because every Sunday night we watch to games, eat pizza and hang out! So much fun!
- I love my church, Faith Community Church, and the dear friends that I have that I worship and serve with. This is one of the many blessings to me here in Prague. In the midst of hard weeks, struggling to get the language, work with the hard soil that is this place and the toil I feel, I’ve continually been blessed by this growing body of believers from many walks of life.
- Highlights! Megs moves to Prague to manage the hub office of Czech Inn, Miss Sophie’s and Sir Toby’s!
- My director, Billy, is a Stud! He directs, leads, guides and runs…. And runs a lot. This year has presented a few unexpected challenges and I’ve had the privilege of seeing the Gospel played out between Billy and myself and amongst my AIA teammates here. It’s no secret that doing ministry is tough, especially in a place like Czech, and of course there will be hard things to work through and with. Throughout some bumps this year, I’ve learned much about myself, leadership, and ministry, while Billy has had my back and gone to bat for me.
- Having the Rutgers guys here! (read a previous post) Thank you Bel, Billy, Tariq and John for giving up your spring break to come and serve and love my guys and myself here! One word to describe their time here – Momentum! Please continue to pray that this momentum increases!
- While I had the Rutgers guys here, I was praying about who I would ask to translate for me and I immediately longed to have Ondra translate for me. He did great and it was so encouraging for me to here him translating the Gospel to his countrymen! I’ve written much about Ondra in the past (here is the oldest post on my blog and here are some others about my dear friend) and how he was the first guy that I’ve seen come to faith. He continually grows in his walk with Jesus and will be getting married this summer! Click here to see some engagement pics!
- New Life! The newest Stewart arrived this spring, which meant that I am yet an “Uncle” again! So stoked to have little Izaak here and see the Stewart clan increase to 4!
- Most recently I got some good time with another one of my dear friends, Jason, in Salzburg. Sadly in the next few weeks Jason will be leaving us and Prague for some support raising time in the States and then a move back to Europe, but unfortuanly not to Prague but to Kandern, Germany. Jason will be missed, but I’m glad we got one last little adventure in before he leaves!
Did I really do 29 of those? Really? I was thinking I would struggle! There was even one more, that I don’t need, but in honor of my 30th year, which is approaching, I’ll post it anyway!
This is my home. Well kind of. This is at the center of the city I call home. Unfortunately, I can’t get any living space in the castle!! Over the last year of life, I’ve felt my love, passion, resolve and much more for this city, it’s people, this country and it’s people increase! This has all increased in ups and downs, and I would say that I’ve never longed more for this place than I do today. Thank you for being part of what God is doing here, what He’s doing in my life and just being part of this crazy thing we call life! Here’s to 29 and bring on 20-10! Ok, bring on 30!
city on a hill church video – morning encouragement
From City on a Hill Church in Albuquerque. Stumbled upon it after watching Pastor Dave Bruskas, bring it, about the nations, at the Acts 29 Boot Camp in Seattle. I really loved their promo video. It made me want to go make some vids and also go plant some churches sooner than later! 😉 Patience…. Patience? Wait, some have said I’ve already begun planting? Hmmmm… That’s another blog entry!
a swift kick…
So it’s no secret that I love what I do now, with AIA, but it’s also no secret that I want to plant some churches that plant churches that plant churches that plant churches and so on… I think you get the point. With that said, I live in the tension of now and the dream. Some days it’s tough, other days it isn’t, but I do my best to try to live and make the most of the now with having a eye on the future (I would argue with you that the church planting process, for me, has begun. It began when God got me here September 4, 2007)! Having an eye on the future includes reading, following blogs that will challenge me and keep me sharp, following and praying for friends who are planting churches, and much more. Two of the places on the web that always challenge me are 1) theresurgence.com and 2) Acts 29 Church planting Network. So here is what was swift kick to the gut today… 20 Characteristics of a Church Planter. For some of you other hopeful church planters, or current planters, out there, that I know are some of my most faithful readers, how you doing? I’m thankful for the Spirit of God is at work in me [us] and is producing this, because if it were up to me, I’d get a big F!
20 Characteristics of a Church Planter
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1. Am I a Christian? (John 3:16)
2. Am I passionately in love with Jesus, and is He the Lord of every area of my life? (Personal spiritual dynamics is the second most important area.)
3. Do I believe His word, and does it affect my life deeply?
4. Am I Spirit-filled, Spirit-directed, Spirit-led, and Spirit-controlled? (Acts 1:8)
5. Am I qualified as an Elder? (1 Timothy, Titus)
6. Do I love the local church as the expression of a gospel community on mission? (Matthew 28:18-20)
7. Am I a missionary to the city? Am I sent for the advancement of the gospel in the city? (John 20:21)
8. Do I have a clear vision for this new work? (Nehemiah 1:3-4; 2:11-18)
9. Am I willing to pour myself out in obedience to the vision? (Phil. 2, Romans 6)
10. Am I healthy—physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, relationally, maritally?
11. Am I the kind of leader many people will follow? Have I served as a church leader successfully? (1 Tim. 5:22; 3:6)
12. Can I preach effectively?
13. Can I guard the doctrinal door with Biblical clarity and tenacious confidence?
14. Can I architect a new work with entrepreneurial skill?
15. Am I called to plant a church at this time and in this place? (Acts 17:26; 1 Peter 5:2)
16. Have my church leaders commended me for this calling? (Acts 11:22-26; 13:1-4; 16:1-2)
17. Am I a hard worker? Am I persevering? (2 Thes. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 2 Tim. 2:3-6)
18. Am I adaptable to new people, places, and concepts?
19. Can I raise the funds necessary for my family’s needs? (1 Tim. 5:8)
20. Am I humble enough to learn from others—particularly those who have gone ahead of me in different areas?
Click here for the longer version.
lessons from a ‘failed church plant’
While reading one of Steve McCoy’s lots-o-links I was taken to a great post, on lessons from a ‘failed church plant’, over at Mike Edwards’ blog, Part of the Story. I know, i know I just posted a post about how blogs rob me, but this blog did no robbing, it actually led to praying and pondering. He, obviously, talked about lessons learned from a “failed church plant” and they were challenging to me, as I always have an eye, or at least a glance out of the corner of my eye, on the future and and hopes/dreams/prayers that I have. These are simple and it would seem that one, who is planting a church, should acknowledge them before hand, but all too often it isn’t until after these things happen, which makes sense, I’m grateful that he had the courage, to help others learn from what God has taught him thus far. Here is the simplified version, but click HERE to read the full post.
- Plant GOSPEL identities, not programs or services.
- Plant TOGETHER, not alone.
- Be faithful, not cool.
- Be humbled, not overconfident.
- Live it as a family FIRST, don’t use your church as a crutch.
- Don’t go after people, pursue the God who will raise them up.
miluju podzim!
It is true, I do “love fall“! This past Sunday, I left my flat (apartment) a little early before church to go for a prayer/photo walk in Prague. I still can’t believe this place is my home! It is unreal in it’s shear beauty, I prayed much for the city as I walked and snapped pics. I dream of this city being beautiful for more than just architecture, buildings, and etc. I wanted to share some of those pics with you and also let you know I’ve also added some pics to my flickr page for your viewing (click the link or go down to the lower right hand side of the page). Here are a few of my favorites and/or notables. Thanks for stopping by.
I think this was the first time I’ve noticed this angel statue against this texture on Nerudova street and I love my old school Diesels, it will be sad when they have to be retired due to falling apart.
One of my hobbies, is trying to find buildings that would be great for a potential expression of a Tram 5(1) Church and then dreaming/praying that God will make it a reality. Above is another example of what I pray for.
This is a 10-15 walk from my flat! Unreal! I’m very grateful that I can call this place (city, not the castle) home!