Standing Guard

Almost as if it's standing guard over our region, the church in Malenovice sits atop the hill not far from our house. I can even see it from the window of my office as I type this.

How many, many times over the years have I gazed up there to catch a glimpse of its beauty? Or listened to its bells toll over the land? Or prayed that people from all over this region would seek God?

It sits up there as a reminder to me of what we long for across this region...a movement of God among the youth of Central and Eastern Europe that finds its home in the local church and transforms society.

A church was first built on this hill in September of 1673.

Can you imagine that??!!

Three hundred and forty years of "calling" people back to their Creator. Years and years of standing as a beacon of hope, through many dark years of oppression.

Oh the stories this hill and church could tell!

We've hiked up to it many times, but oddly enough, never with a camera! So Claire and I decided we'd better do it while she's still here.

 An awesome view greets you when you reach the top. So peaceful, so serene.

The old cemetery has some very old grave sites that are maintained to this day (a woman and her daughter were there working on one as we walked around), but others look abandoned.

You can't help but wonder how many of those people passed through these doors, and whether or not they knew the One who was spoken of inside.

Our walk back was contemplative as we stepped back into our reality and lives. So thankful that we DO know and love the One who was and is spoken of to this day!