God With Us in the Midst of Tragedy: Special Update from Prague

Dear family and friends,

It is painful to write our intended Christmas message in the midst of the shock and sadness that people are going through right now in Prague. We’ve had an outpouring of people checking in on us and wanted to let you know we are safe and to be praying for people here going through indescribable pain and loss. As a Czech friend wrote us today, the phrase Jesus our Immanuel “God with us” seems all the more appropriate right now.

The shooting hits home for Josh as it happened at Charles University Faculty of Arts, right across the river (not even a quarter of a mile) from AAU. These were college students and professors in their final class meetings of the year. Many of Josh’s colleagues also teach at Charles University. It happened at a square Josh has taken students too many times to learn about the students in 1968 and 1989 who banded together at this same Faculty of Arts and were leaders in the Velvet Revolution. Students at all universities in Prague are shocked and feeling unsafe in a place that is supposed to be a safe haven of freedom and discovery.

Josh's students this past summer at the Faculty of Arts where the shooting occurred

Tomorrow is an official day of mourning in the Czech Republic. There will be a moment of silence at noon. You may not be awake yet (that is 6am EST), but when you wake up pray for families in Prague: that the community will truly know that God is dwelling with them in this time. May they know the nearness of Christ now. Pray that we can be responsive in many ways as well to the students and faculty at AAU. The Prime Minister here, Petr Fiala, is a Christ follower, so pray that he may be used as a comforter to all those hurting.

Our family is resting after an eventful November and December that included Anna’s Ukrainian ministry being featured for another mission organization’s video (we will share it once it is produced). Josh co-presented at a conference with a dear friend and colleague at AAU, which led to many great conversations. We also had Carol, Anna’s mom, her Aunt Gloria and Aunt Lisa come visit and bring much joy and encouragement with them.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas as you draw near to Christ and come to a deeper knowledge that He is indeed with you wherever you go.

May you be filled with Peace and Hope this season,

Anna, Josh, Collier, Caleb, Joseph and Abigail