SHORT-TERM MISSIONS &
DISASTER RESPONSE

by Kayla Atkinson, Branch of Hope OPC, Torrance, CA.

[Kayla served on Team Praha, a team sent by the Presbytery of Southern California to serve for 3 weeks with missionaries Jerry and Marilyn Farnik in the Czech Republic.]

When I found out that I was selected to be on Team Praha, I was thrilled! I was so excited to be going back to the Czech Republic for a second time. I couldn’t wait to see all of the friends that I had made last year at English Camp, and I looked forward to all the new people I would meet this year.

Before leaving for this trip, I made a promise to myself that I would push myself even more out of my comfort zone than I did last year. This meant asking questions that were difficult and maybe a little awkward for both me and the Czechs. I was so nervous about doing this. I prayed and prayed that God would give me the courage to be bold, and God answered my prayers! Not only did He give me the courage to have serious conversations about salvation, relationships, and life after death, but He also gave the Czech teens the courage to have those conversations with me.

I consider many of the Czechs my dear friends. They are friends that I hope to have for many years and pray might be my brothers and sisters in Heaven. The conversations and moments that I shared with them were so precious to me, and I was so immensely blessed to have been able to go back again this year. Our God is so good, and may He continue to work in the hearts of the Czech people!

PHOTO: Kayla (2nd from right) with friends in the Czech Republic

Visit www.opcstm.org for more photos and testimonials from those who have served as short-term missionaries in the OPC!