Imitators of Generosity: Advent Update (33) from Prague

"Keep Open House. Be Generous with your Lives" (Matthew 5:16, msg)

Dear friends and family;

Just around the corner from our university, there is a church with a storied history and an ancient relic called the Infant Jesus of Prague. While it may seem strange at first, this symbolism for the character of God is a meaningful reminder for Advent. What could be more approachable than an infant? The power of God coming to us as new, as weak, as one to behold, and one we can open ourselves to without fear. This is a God who knows the depths of intimacy, and who meets us right where we are instead of where we think we should be. We desire to be imitators of this approachability among students and refugees here. In many ways, opening our home in hospitality to others is a way of opening our hearts. It is possible to be both challenging and disciplined in the classroom and kind, compassionate, and vulnerable in relationships. And this is where we’ve been seeing the power of God at work in Prague.

In this Advent update, we reflect on what has been a very eventful end of the semester and beginning of Advent. We hope it encourages you!

As we sat down for dinner the other night, one of Josh’s students felt comfortable enough to ask if she could say the prayer and had everyone hold hands. It was unusual to

have a student offer this, since most are not believers. After that dinner, Josh had a long conversation with this student on campus, encouraging her in her faith in Christ and her relationships with other students. Josh saw that other students really listened to her and were drawn to her faith. He told her what a college mentor had often told him, “Never underestimate what God is doing in and

through your life.” She related to Josh her conversations with friends and other students, and the openness to God’s love she is seeing among AAU students. They pondered starting a discussion group exploring big questions and the character of God. At another dinner, a student asked several questions about our church and the beliefs we share as a family.  They asked Anna about how she teaches the Bible at CISP and what the kids do when they go to chapel each week. One group had a deep conversation with Caleb about the harmful effects of social media. These dinners have not only been great ways to get to know students, but to be known by them. And lately they have been filled with conversation late into the night. 

Thanksgiving was an opportunity to bring neighbors, CISP teachers, and AAU students in a joyful gathering for a record 17 people in our small apartment! We had French, German, British, Dutch, and Canadians celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time. We prayed a responsive prayer from Every Moment Holy, drew our conversation questions at the table, laughed, enjoyed conversation, and played games. It was beautiful to see teachers relaxing, our kids connecting with the adults there, and a receptive atmosphere for students in the midst of Christian community. It was a special evening. 

In the month of November our youngest, Abigail, turned 10 and our oldest, Collier, turned 16. They’ve done so much growing up here. Anna took Abigail on a special “heart trip” where they meditated on Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 6:21 about ‘guarding your heart’ and ‘where your treasure is, your heart will be there also,” and went horseback riding (something Abigail has always wanted to

do). Abigail danced once again in Snow Queen, sang and performed Anna’s

choreography in a Christmas concert, and participated in a gymnastics performance. Collier and Caleb performed in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” theatre production and are both playing basketball for the school team. Anna got to transfer her ballet choreography skills to the theatre by choreographing all the fight scenes in the play. 

The work with Ukrainian families wrapped up this year with a ballet performance for the parents and a celebratory meal together. The Ukrainian community continues to be such a source of joy for Anna, and it has been wonderful to fully partner with the Ukrainian Bible Church in this dance ministry this semester!  Exams are this week, and Anna will finish the first semester of Bible 6, English 8, and Bible 9 at CISP. This is Anna’s 4th year teaching at CISP, which serves students and families from 30+ countries, one-third of which are from countries in the 10/40 Window - the largest region of the world that is unreached by the Gospel.

Josh's Leadership and Conflict Resolution class had 11 students from 9 different countries

Josh just concluded his semester, which included teaching inside and outside the usual classroom at AAU. For the 4th time, Josh led a Velvet Revolution tour on November 17th, the “Struggle for Freedom and Democacy” national holiday. Over 30 students, faculty and staff joined Josh on this walking tour discussing truth, freedom and hope. We’ve included a student-created video below. Josh also continued teaching all over Europe with a sponsored trip to Sweden with Örebro University. This was an opportunity to bring his teaching to another culture, this time focused on conflict resolution and his research on humor and leadership. There we also had some fellowship time with dear friends. 

Finally, during this Advent season will you consider partnering with us financially for 2026? We have created a page which displays our need in white cobblestones that will be removed to uncover a picture with a quote and prayer. You can give to our ministry with Global Scholars at: https://global-scholars.org/donate/hayden-josh-and-anna/

Our “Support and Pray 2026” page for the full details is at: https://www.faithfulpresenceprague.com/general-8

So, dear friends and family,

“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with fullest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need.” - Hebrews 4:16

Peace and blessings this Advent,

The Haydens

Embracing our guests

Collier's costume for the play reminded us of somebody...