We praise God for the work of the European Educators’ Christian Association and the fellowship He provided for us at this valuable event. More than 100 educators from 17 countries gathered in the name of Christ.

One of the draws for us to attend the conference was a statement from their organizational documents, confirmed in 1997 when they gathered in Prague. We agree wholeheartedly with their position.

We affirm that parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children. They have therefore the responsibility to ensure that, as far as possible, the type of education their children receive is in keeping with their own beliefs and values. This may be in the form of home education or of schooling administered by church or other community groups or by the state itself.

God is the God of joy and fellowship so a welcoming activity and closing folk dance were part of the mix. These offerings went a long way toward helping us ‘newbies’ fit in with the ‘veterans’.

This year’s keynote speaker was John Lennox, well-known defender of the faith. His relaxed but direct approach to dialogue brought a sharpening effect to the education discussion. One of the highlights for us was the reports shared by the countries and organizations represented. Though many struggles were described they were accompanied by details of God’s powerful and gracious hand in the midst. Prayers and petitions were enriched by praise and thanksgiving in the Prayer for the Nations session.

Most of those present were involved in a more traditional school setting or with a support agency. We’re thankful for God’s work in these settings and made the most of the opportunities to share about home education. Our new brochures got into the hands of interested folks. Mealtime discussions were meaningful, especially for those who’d never thought about the topic before. In one evening session we provided a glimpse into the work of LWF. We did our best to make our experience and expertise in education available wherever God might lead.

The overall effect of the EurECA conference for us was encouragement in the LORD. The way we were received by our brothers and sisters warmed our hearts. The news of God’s grace and power being felt across the region in the lives of His people inspired our souls. We returned home with a renewed sense of delight and lifted spirits in the intervening presence of the Lord in the world today.

EurECA 2014 will be held in Sussex, England. The theme will be Christian pedagogy. If you’re interested in the blessings attendance will bring, start now to set aside the time and the funds. We think it will be well worth your while.

BHC’13 is complete and we praise God for His tender and intimate watch care over every detail. The theme was Home-grown Disciples and the emphasis was on education as discipleship. Our talks were based on the biblical model set forth by God in His Word and the world.

Probably the most dramatic aspect of BHC’13 would be the inclusion of scads of children. The Sujkerbuyk home was an excellent location for families of all sizes. The adults gathered in the sitting-dining room were available to their children when they were needed. The younger children entertained themselves close by or enjoyed a variety of activities in an enclosed backyard. The older children were able to play in an area out front or go to a large playground down the street.

Delightful children entertained themselves while attentive Dads and Moms were fed from God’s Word all day long. Some people might find it difficult to believe that there was not one major problem, disruption, or injury. Actually, it would be difficult to decide who was blessed most richly, the adults or the children. We all have ample reasons to rejoice in the goodness the Lord showed us at this annual event.

We also spent time with various families as we made our way from place to place. It was a joy to meet some children for the first time and see how others are growing. We saw clear evidence of God’s hand in the tapestries He’s weaving in various families. On the personal side, either there are a lot of tall children in the Netherlands or we’ve been away too long. Actually, it’s been three years since we were with our Dutch friends and we pray it will not be so long until our next meeting.

Sandra offered an evening meeting for mothers. Moms Night seems to be a favorite as the ladies share their specific circumstances and perspectives together over coffee/tea and dessert. There were interested mothers sitting beside beginners and experienced moms. God blessed the whole gathering with His loving kindness and unifying Spirit.

The added bonus of Curt’s presence is that he was available to spend important Man Time. Whether heading out on errands or cooking at the grille fathers had the opportunity to share with Curt and receive understanding and godly counsel. It’s one of the major benefits of God’s current arrangement of our ministry. We are grateful!

The positive feedback and warm appreciation we heard from each of the groups we reached out to leads us to praise God for making us His servants. We rejoice in the Ephesians 2:10 work He causes us to pursue.

Since we moved to the Czech Republic people have asked us regularly, “What do you do?” People we meet, government officials, folks in the USA all want to know. The answers usually go something like this: “we do what God lays out for us to do,” or “a little of this and a little of that.”

First, we are retired. After 30 years of pastoral ministry, we came here to continue to visit and encourage friends in the region. You see, for many years we had been coming to this part of the world to talk to people about education and about Christian Family Living. These relationships have continued and we have added new ones.

Since we moved to Europe we have visited Bulgaria, Kenya (a bit outside Eastern Europe!), Slovakia, Norway, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. We’ve also reached out to people here in the Czech Republic. We constantly keep in touch with many of our friends via Skype and email.

We have a church home at which we worship our God in Spirit and in Truth. We’ve been honored to be welcomed into the Reformovaná presbyterní cirkev z Modrany. The website is in Czech; use a browser which will translate.

We’ve been doing what we can to serve in the small, Czech-speaking congregation. On Thursday evenings we host a group of young people for dinner and discussion of Biblical and theological topics. This group includes both American and Czech young folk. Sandra occasionally meets with a couple of Czech women for discussions. Today we met two homeschool families at a downtown playground to answer questions and offer support. We’ve got a couple of trips planned in the near future when we will share on a variety of topics.

And we write. We’re finalizing our first joint manuscript, Children in Church: Nurturing Hearts of Worship. The reviews are first rate. We also spend a fair amount of energy in the blogging world. Check out Sandra’s personal blog  and one of her regular contributions elsewhere.  Curt blogs here.

That’s what we do. How about you?

People ask this question regularly.

We do our best to answer in light of their understanding of the term. Most people seem to see missionaries as ‘employees’ of a ‘religious group’ who are ‘assigned’ to ‘convert’ members of another culture to their ‘beliefs’.

Based on this generally-accepted definition, we easily respond,        “No, we are not missionaries.”

Formal sources we checked are consistent in defining missionaries as those who are ‘sent out’ by a ‘church’ to ‘promote Christianity’. However, inconsistencies appear as to the destination (area or foreign country), the sender (group or agency), and even the purpose (faith or creed, activity or goal).

Such broad views lead us to repeat, “No, we are not missionaries.”

We are retirees whom God called to move to a different culture.
We are unencumbered volunteers living by our own resources with donations from individuals who are enthusiastic about our work.
We are dedicated to encouraging families and enhancing education under the divine authority of 1 Peter 3:15.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

In this final sense, we gladly declare, “Yes, we are missionaries.”

Pilot Program Extends Home Education

More than 130 people attended the first-ever Prague Homeschool Conference in November 2012. It was a significant event that grew well beyond the expectations of the organizers. Families from a variety of worldviews came together to gather information, consider resources, receive encouragement, and get to know each other.

It is considered legal in the Czech Republic for parents to educate their children at home up to grade five. The government is in the midst of a pilot project to extend that limit through the secondary levels. A rigorous schedule of regular and intense examinations is being maintained.

A hospitable ‘private’ school allowed the conference to meet in their building. The two-day event filled the space to overflowing. Larger open areas included several exhibitors displaying books and other educational materials. There were also tables filled with homemade baked goods and drinks. A nurturing childcare program was available, of which a number of participants took advantage.

The conference boasted a wide assortment of speakers and subjects. A well-known Prague psychologist and a Czech university professor of education offered supportive plenary sessions. A variety of veteran homeschool parents presented a number of workshops on topics from pre-school instruction to interviews with homeschool graduates.

Curt speaks during a jam-packed plenary session

We were pleased to be invited as keynote speakers at this historic event in our adopted home-city. In our first session, we answered the question of how to address opposition from relatives and friends on the issue of homeschooling. Later we shared our personal experience as well as the insights we’ve gained through our decades of international service to homeschool families. Parents responded with obvious enthusiasm and meaningful discussion.

The truth is that we received as much enrichment as we offered. Being with this collection of homeschool families was like spending the day with a group of long-lost cousins. It was a delight to meet ongoing friends and begin making new ones. Fellow speakers and attendees taught and inspired us in every interaction. The pioneer spirit is definitely active, strong, and thriving among homeschoolers in the Czech Republic.

Curt and Sandra Lovelace serve international homeschool families through Lifework Forum.

God has a way of transforming needs into ministry opportunities. We experienced just such a metamorphosis by opening our home to a Czech family of four.

Homeschool families in Czech must be connected with a public school for oversight. The “Andersons” are a family we met a few months ago at a homeschool gathering. When we realized they had no family or friends to stay with on a recent trip to Prague, we invited them to spend the weekend with us. We received their acceptance as a privilege.

Through the Anderson’s graciousness we learned that student evaluation sessions tend to be a mix of oral and written work which is individualized between teacher and child. “Andrew” the eight year old boy could hardly wait to show us two of his notebooks about projects and field trips. We were duly impressed.

We asked 13 year old “Alice” if she had been nervous going into the evaluation. Homeschoolers above grade five are currently involved in a Pilot Program to determine the feasibility of raising the governmental regulations to the secondary levels. Thus, their evaluation process is more highly pressured. She seemed to take the testing in stride and felt as if she’d done well. We’re pleased to report that her English is practically fluent.

In the midst of maintaining their household and meeting the educational needs of their children, Dad has been lending an extra hand while Mom worked on her Bachelors Degree in education. One of the conditions of the Pilot Program, to be a future requirement, is that the primary instructor, usually Mom, must have a university degree. Sandra was bowled over when she realized that Mom earned her diploma last year in the midst of such stretching responsibilities. After all, it’s still the pioneer days in Czech.

During our visit, we did our best to gently introduce a taste of America to the Andersons. Andrew and Alice learned to set the table USA style as well as how to clear it and load my dishwasher. They helped with several tasks for meal preparations. We served meatloaf for dinner and egg salad sandwiches for lunch. Both were recipes they never tasted before but seemed to enjoy. Dad introduced us to bramboracky (hope I spelled that correctly) when we ordered lunch at a restaurace before they left. These are potato “cakes” (sort of like tater tots) with tiny pieces of Prague ham in them. Delicious!

One of the activities parents enjoy when they visit our flat is review of the curriculum and resource samples we have on hand. While Dad and Mom made their way through a stack of materials, Sandra spent time with Andrew and Alice. They searched the internet together for interesting projects. Andrew made a nifty wallet out of a juice container. The screw-on cap held the accordion-pleated pouch closed. Alice made a small 3-D paper horse and a red Spanish fan. In between the seasons of concentration, Curt introduced them to the card game re-named Challenge by parental request.  (War)  It was a rousing afternoon of fun.

Oh wait, in the middle of all of that we realized we needed to hurry if we wanted to see the noontime changing of the guards at Prague Castle. We quickly put on as much warm clothing as we could to fight the freezing temperatures and headed out the door. A 10 minute walk got us into the upper courts and we made our way around St. Vitus Cathedral to where we thought the ceremony would be. Oops, it’s held back up at the other entrance. Dad, Andrew, and Alice rushed to the spot. We made it just in time to appreciate the festivities for the very first time for all of us.

One of the benefits we received during the visit was some helpful tutoring on the topics of Czech language and culture. Our vocabulary, pronunciation, and understanding of Czech received numerous warm pokes and prods which we received with joy. A few cultural lessons came our way about how to interact in various social situations. We can use all the help we can get and the Andersons are generous tutors.

Sunday is the Sabbath and the Andersons enthusiastically joined us for worship. The children’s hopes to ride the metro and walk across Charles Bridge were met on the way home since the outside temperature had warmed enough to make walking pleasant. We found our relationship with the Andersons much more like welcoming long-distant relatives than meeting brand new friends. God keeps making His ways clear.

We look forward to deepening our friendship with the Andersons. There will undoubtedly be a variety of reasons for them to come into Prague. We’re hoping we’ll get to host them whenever they make the journey.

Feel free to look through some of our other adventures on the pages of the LWF site. We’d be delighted to hear what you think about what you find. If you’d like to receive a copy of our monthly e-updates, please send us your email address. May God’s peace fill your heart as He guides you in His path.

Friends offer a Major Incentive:

“We are raising $2,000 to invest in Curt and Sandra’s attendance at the European Leadership Forum. My wife Sophia and I will match every gift dollar-for-dollar up to that amount. We need those of you who feel passionately about ministry to develop Christ-centered families abroad to donate, $10/$25/$50/$100. Every time you do, we’ll kick in the same amount.

The pages of this website describe the Lovelaces’ unique ministry. Simply click Donate to contribute a tax deductible gift for this project to bless Europeans through the Lovelaces.”
(Please include Conference Grant in the PayPal Subject or Message box.)

Craig and Sophia explain,

“We need to send Curt and Sandra to the European Leadership Forum this spring. It’s strategic. The conference focuses on identifying, uniting, mentoring, and resourcing evangelical leaders throughout Europe, equipping them for ministry. Trust me when I say that these leaders need to meet Curt and Sandra. The Lovelaces have already been granted the required invitation and are hearing from interested parties just based on the idea that they may be attending.”

Craig and Sophia share,

“Many of you know that we homeschool our horde, and many of you either homeschool or support the freedom of families to pursue it as an educational option. We are gratified to live in a country that allows us this fundamental freedom, and to live in a community that is so full of home educators.

“The Lovelaces are genuine homeschool pioneers, and the first homeschooling family Sophia and I had ever met. Curt pastored a church near Boston at the time and they were educating their children at home long before it was culturally acceptable. In fact, given the regulatory climate in Massachusetts at the time, it was actually dangerous. To say they had a formative impact on our family would be an understatement.

“Europeans, however, aren’t so fortunate. There are precious few voices for educational freedom, and homeschooling families have little or no support in their communities. Quite often they face hostility on top of tight regulations. This is where Lifework Forum comes in. Curt and Sandra Lovelace are “retired” servants living in the Czech Republic, and one big part of what they do is to encourage families throughout Eastern and Western Europe who are or want to pursue homeschooling.”

Craig and Sophia conclude,

“Following 30 years in the pastorate, Curt and Sandra are deepening their 20 year global impact. Their ministry is much like that of L’Abri Fellowship where they both studied and worked under Francis and Edith Schaeffer. The Lovelaces welcome guests into and travel out from their home in Prague to bring information, support, and enthusiasm to encourage families. It’s important, foundational work and they are eminently equipped to do it.

“Thanks for joining us by participating in the challenge!”

(Remember to include Conference Grant in the PayPal Subject or Message box.)

Can the presence of children in a worship service be disruptive? Absolutely. But as we’ve explained in this book, it takes training and perseverance to bring about the desired result of families in worship together. It takes patience on the part of the families with children and on the part of the worshippers around them.

Are there times and circumstances that call for a place for parents with noisy, sick, or defiant young ones? Yes. Call it a nursery, a cry room, whatever name you wish. Allowing and encouraging families to worship together, creating an atmosphere conducive to the practice, does not preclude ministry to those who are not ready or able to participate fully.

We must also remember that our goal as spiritual leaders is not just imparting knowledge, not just the intellectual stuff. Knowledge must always promote wisdom, that is, seeing things God’s way.  As we seek to serve the entire congregation, we must remember that, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”[1]  Unity in the faith is what we seek and that which we leaders should be striving to model and teach.

For the first time in their history, Czech voters have elected their President. In January, Czechs went to the polls twice in a two-round election and made Miloš Zeman their President. He will serve a five year term.

Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, presidents (of Czechoslovakia, then the Czech Republic) had been selected by the Senate. No fewer than twenty candidates took out nomination papers for this initial election by the people. The 20 were whittled down to nine by various criteria before the first round in early January. In the final step the top two candidates, Zeman and Karel Schwarzenberg, faced each other in a run-off.

Please pray for President-elect Zeman (he takes office on 8 March) and for this nation as it continues to experience its new-found freedom. Pray also for the continued spread of the Gospel in this land.

The Church is meant to be a salvation community. This assumes two things: salvation and community. Salvation, although it has some corporate aspects, is primarily a matter between the individual and God. However, salvation automatically makes us members of a community. Salvation places each of us in a real relationship with others who also count on Jesus as their Savior; making us members of the Church.

The local church is a part of this larger salvation community. It is supposed to be an affirming, safe, growth-producing place; a place where the Gospel is preached AND lived.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of you has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:1-5

The church is very much like inoperable Siamese or conjoined twins. We act independently to a certain extent, but we are inseparably joined together. We share the same blood – and we cannot survive alone.

I. Many

A. Definition

B. Usage

II. One

A. Strength

B. Cooperation

III. Many Yet One

A. Individual responsibilities

B. Corporate responsibilities