Glorious Hope - 4/2013

Contents
Convention Mission Statement
Editorial – Natasha Laurinc............................................... 3
From the President– Stan Mantle.................................. 4
Stránka prezidenta – Stan Mantle................................. 5
From the Executive Secretary – Darko Siracki.................... 6
From the Readers– Jaroslava a David Lomenovci................... 7
Walking Wisely In a Wacky World (Part 4) – Judy Shoff......... 8
Moudře kráčet neobvyklým světem (4. část) – Judy Shoffová.10
Charles Spurgeon’s Devotion...........................................12
Youth Scene – 16th Baptist World Conference................13
From Our Churches............................................................14
Conversation with George and Marija Sommer – Miloš Šolc.......16
Rozhovor s Jiřím a Marijou Sommerovými – Miloš Šolc.............. 20
The Czechoslovak Baptist Convention of USA
and Canada exists 1) to assist in extending the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in lands of central and eastern Europe, particularly the Czech
and Slovak Republics; 2) to support the work
of Baptists and other evangelical churches
in North America that minister to persons of
Czech and Slovak descent, and 3) to provide a
Christian context for worship, fellowship, teaching, and appreciation of heritage among those
in the United States and Canada who bear
interest in the nationalities we represent.
Misijní poslání konvence
Československá baptistická konvence Spojených států a Kanady byla ustanovena za účelem:
1) napomáhat v šíření evangelia našeho Pána
Ježíše Krista v zemích střední a východní Evropy,
zvláště v České a Slovenské republice; 2) podporovat práci baptistů a jiných evangelikálních
církví v severní Americe, které slouží českým
a slovenským potomkům; 3) předkládat formu
bohoslužby, obecenství a učení, vážit si dědictví
těch, ve Spojených státech a v Kanadě, kterým
leží na srdci národy, které reprezentujeme.
Czechoslovak Baptist Convention 2013 – photos....................19
Czechoslovak Baptist Convention 2013 – children photos.......23
Donations
All donations should be mailed to our financial secretaries, using
enclosed envelope.
USA:
Czechoslovak Baptist Convention
c/o Vera Dors
6621 Elmdale Rd
Middleburg Hts, OH, 44130
CANADA:
Czechoslovak Baptist Convention
c/o Henry Pojman
1305 Inglehart Dr
Burlington, ON, L7M 4X6
Make check payable to Czechoslovak Baptist Convention or
CZSKBC.
Feel free to make a special designation on the bottom of the
check:
Convention, Glorious Hope, Scholarship Fund, Bibles for
Czechoslovakia, etc.
Please do not mail checks to our main address in Detroit, MI.
Gifts for Ladies’ work—make check payable to Czechoslovak
Baptist Women’s Missionary Union.
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Printed on recycled paper
Glorious Hope/Slavná nadìje
Volume 39, No 4, 2013
(USPS 009334), ISSN 0700-5202
Published Bi-Monthly by
The Czechoslovak Baptist Convention
of USA and Canada.
Periodical postage paid in Detroit, MI.
Editor-in-Chief: Natasha Laurinc
email: [email protected]
You may send articles to above address.
Desktop publishing and art: Vit Malek
Assistant Editors: Janice Cermak, Ondrej Laurinc, Ph.D.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Publication Office:
Glorious Hope / Slavná nadìje
P.O. Box 441516, Deitroit, MI, 48244, USA.
email: [email protected]
WWW.CZSKBC.ORG
Convention pictures: Dusko Pilic
Moving?
Let us know
By Mail:
CZSKBC
P. O. Box 441516
Detroit, MI, 48244
Email:
[email protected]




Vol 39,
Vol 39 N
Noo 4, 13
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E d i t o r i Ea d
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Precious Lines
T
his issue of Glorious Hope gives us a
peek into this year’s gathering at the
convention. Photographs illustrate the
pervading atmosphere, while sermons show us
the quality of the spiritual nourishment served.
We also bring you news on a more global scale,
of a youth group gathering in Singapore which
occurred soon after the convention. At the
beginning of August, an American congregation with Czech roots in
Goodrich, Wisconsin, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The fourth part in
the study of the book of Proverbs focuses on the practical side of life.
I wasn’t able to attend this year’s convention. From a distance of
several hundred kilometers, I nevertheless intensively walked through
the points of the program. I couldn’t surmise everything I would have
personally felt and experienced, but at least I could take a guess. How I
missed the fellowship! A week later I received a letter. It was actually a
greeting—many greetings, coming from the sisters of the convention.
The lines and signatures written breathed love on me. Love is counted
among the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is the first. It joins us together.
“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them,”
(1 John 4:16b). These words still resonate as I re-read the precious lines,
and my heart overflows with gratitude…
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of
fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” (Galatians 5:22).
Editor-in-Chief Natasha Laurinc
Translated by Elizabeth Jane Fields
Vzácné řádky
T
oto číslo Slavné naděje nám dává nahlédnout do průběhu letošního setkání konvence. Fotografie přibližují atmosféru a kázání
zase předkládají hodnotnou duchovní potravu. Z událostí ve světovém měřítku přinášíme zprávy o setkání mládeže v Singapuru, které
proběhlo záhy po konvenci. Počátkem srpna slavil 100. výročí americký
sbor českých kořenů v Goodrich, ve statě Wisconsin. Čtvrtá část studie
knihy Přísloví poukazuje na praktickou stránku v životě člověka.
Letos jsem se na konvenci nedostala. Ve vzdálenosti několik set kilometrů jsem intenzívně prožívala jednotlivé body programu. Nemohla jsem
sice tušit vlastní nálpň, ale aspoň trochu odhadnout jsem to mohla. Jak
velmi mi chybělo toto obecenství! Za týden mi přišel dopis. Byl to vlastně
pozdrav. Bylo to mnoho pozdravů ze sejití sester (na konvenci). Z řádků
a podpisů na mne dýchla láska. Láska patří mezi ovoce Ducha Svatého. Je
na prvním místě. Spojuje nás. „Bůh je láska. Kdo přebývá v lásce, přebývá v
Bohu a Bůh v něm.“ (1. Jan 5;16b) Tato slova mi stále rezonují při opakovaném čtení vzácných řádků a srdce přetéká vděčností...
„Ovocem Ducha je pak láska, radost, pokoj, trpělivost, laskavost, dobrota,
věrnost, mírnost a zdrženlivost.“ (Galatským 5;22)
Nataša Laurincová, šéfredaktorka
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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here does the summer go? The days of summer fly by. Before we know it, the
beginning of school is on the doorstep and fall is just around the corner. We
wish we could prolong the lazy, hazy days of summer, the warm weather, the
more relaxed pace. But the stream of time carries us on.
The same is true of our Convention gatherings. This year we met July 11–14 at Allegheny College in Meadville PA. This was our second time in this lovely and beautiful setting.
Some ventured further this time, in exploring the college grounds as well as the surrounding
country, and were not disappointed. We were not disappointed either by the Convention
business, and fellowship, toe-tapping music and enriching worship. God graciously blessed
this gathering as He has so many others in the past.
So quickly, though, the time was over, and we were saying good-bye to one another until
next time. Life is like that. Where we would like to settle down and store up a great supply
of blessing, a wise Lord sounds the breaking of camp and moving on. He knows better than
we that manna can’t be canned and bottled, but must be discovered afresh on each day’s
journey.
So on we go, glad and grateful for God’s mercy and faithfulness in continuing to lead us,
anticipating the adventure and challenges ahead, hopeful for the harvest which lies beyond
summer’s sunny border in the unique marvel and mystery of fall.
If you can, please join us for the mid-year gathering, Sat. Nov. 2, 2013, in Windsor;
same fellowship, same sweet spirit, same glad mission. There might even be a delicious
Czech and Slovak lunch for everyone once the business is done.
The promise of the Lord is:
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your
labour…”
Psalm 128:1–3
The Lord bless you as you walk on with Him, and with us as we go forward with Him
together.
P.S. If you are able, a gift in support of the budget we passed in July will be most
appreciated. Your gifts support the mission of extending the gospel of Christ,
particularly in the lands of central and eastern Europe.
Stan Mantle
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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am se léto podělo? Uteklo. Než se nadáme, škola je přede dveřmi a
podzim za rohem. Rádi bychom prodloužili lenivé letní dny, teplé
počasí a pohodu. Avšak proud času nás unáší dál.
Totéž platí i o konvenčním setkání. Letos jsme se sešli na Allegheny
College 11. až 14. července v Meadvillu, PA. V tomto krásném a malebném
prostředí to bylo již podruhé. Někteří se vydali prozkoumat univerzitní park
s okolní krajinou a zklamáni nebyli. Ani nás nezklamalo zasedání konvence
či shromáždění s tradičními písněmi a obohacující službou. Pán Bůh tomuto
setkání opět milostivě požehnal, jako již tolikrát v minulosti.
Uběhlo to však velmi rychle a zase jsme se museli loučit. Takový je život.
Když bychom se rádi usadili a nasbírali si do zásoby požehnání, Pán ve své
moudrosti ohlásí odchod a pokračování v cestě. On ví lépe než mi, že během
každodenní pouti se manna musí sbírat čerstvá, nelze si udělat zásoby.
A tak jsme se rozešli, spokojení a vděční za Boží milost a věrnost, se kterou
nás provází, předcházejíce nás na našich cestách a při zkouškách; v naději sklidit úrodu, která čeká na sklonku léta v úžasném zázraku a tajemství podzimu.
Je-li to možné, přijeďte na naše pololetní setkání do Windsoru v sobotu
2. listopadu 2013; totéž obecenství, příjemné ovzduší a radostné poslání. Po
zasedání bude následovat občerstvení z výborné české a slovenské kuchyně.
Boží zaslíbení zní:
„Blaze každému, kdo Hospodina ctí, tomu, kdo kráčí jeho cestami! Prací svých
rukou se jistě uživíš...“
Žalm 128;1–3
Pán vám žehnej při Jeho následování a při naší společné cestě s Ním.
P.S. Můžete-li, podpořte rozpočet schválený v červenci. Váš dar bude
vysoce oceněn a poslouží při šíření Kristova evangelia zvláště v zemích střední
a východní Evropy.
Stan Mantle
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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From the Executive Secretary
T
he 104th Annual Czechoslovak Baptist Convention was held at Allegheny College in
Meadville PA, July 10–14, 2013.
Over 157 delegates attended this year’s gathering,
and this was the largest convention since our centennial celebration. The opening service on Thursday
night was noticeably well attended, and this is a big
encouragement to the leadership of the convention.
College facilities are available to us before and after
the convention. Feel free to plan an extended stay and
explore the beautiful area of Meadville and Erie, PA.
Photos, video recordings of the sermons as well as
area attractions are available on our convention web
site: www.czskbc.org
Our Quarterly periodical Glorious Hope is available
in PDF version at www.glorioushope.info
The Mid-year Meeting of the convention has been
scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2013, in Windsor, Ontario. Grace Baptist Church will host this meeting. Please uphold the leadership of our convention in
your prayers.
Prayer requests and notes:
104th Annual Czechoslovak Baptist Convention
July 10–13, 2014
TWK Reunion (Toronto-Windsor-Kingsville) July
10–13, 2014 as part of the 104th convention
2014 is an election year.
Darko Siracki, Executive Secretary
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      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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From the Readers
P
Dojmy zo 104. konvencie
ri spomienke na Allegheny College v nás neraz zarezonujú verše “Hospodin je blízky všetkým, ktorí Ho
vzývajú, všetkým, ktorí Ho vzývajú v pravde,” (Žalm
145:18), alebo “Hallelujah, chváľte Hospodina, lebo je dobre
spievať nášmu Bohu žalmy, lebo je to krásne; slušná je chvála.”
(Žalm 147:1) Tým najpodstatnejším pre nás bola Božia prítomnosť a blízkosť, ktorú sme mohli počas celého nášho
pobytu v Meadville vnímať a prijímať. Ďalším veľkým
požehnaním boli naši súrodenci v Pánovi, s ktorými sme sa
mali príležitosť nielen zoznámiť, ale aj bližšie spoznať a spolu
tráviť čas v tomto krásnom prostredí. Spoločné zjednotenie
sa pri uctievaní Pána upevňovalo v nás radosť z prítomnosti
Jeho slávy. Musíme spolu so žalmistom uznať, že “náš pohár
vyslovene pretekal”. Nechýbali ani bohato prestreté stoly,
hojnosť výborného jedla, komfortné ubytovanie a krásne
počasie. O všetko bolo postarané. Týmto sa chceme poďakovať predovšetkým nášmu drahému Pánovi, ktorý nám dal
viac, ako sme si vôbec vedeli predstaviť, a taktiež aj organizátorom, ktorí sa podieľali na usporiadaní celej tejto konvencie a vynaložili svoju snahu a úsilie, aby sa jej účastníci
cítili dobre.
Jaroslava a David Lomenovci
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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Walking Wisely
In a Wacky World
Judy Shoff
Excerpts from a study in Proverbs (Part 4)
I
Work
n our society today, it seems
there are two subjects of
extreme importance to most
people.
1. How can I work less?
2. How can I get more?
Many people in our world today would agree with the
well-known English humorist J. K. Jerome, who once said,
“I love work–it fascinates me–I can sit and look at it for
hours,” and often it seems that people would much rather
“watch” than “work.”
Apparently, these were some of the same concerns in the
days of Solomon.
Proverbs 6 (NASB) uses several words to describe the person who would rather watch than work.
the sluggard (the lazy one)
the negligent one (one who leaves work undone or unattended through carelessness)
the slacker (referring to one who lets his daily work go)
These words describe a person who thinks that the “world
owes him a living.” This has been a problem since the beginning of time.
God’s Word tells us that there is a premium on diligence
and making the best use of the time, talents and possessions
that we are given in life.
In Proverbs we find that the lazy person
1. blames others for his poor predicament.
2. always finds an excuse to avoid working.
3. is unwilling to put forth effort to provide for his own
needs.
4. is controlled by fear and imagined danger. (Proverbs
22:13)
5. does not take full advantage of opportunities to produce or attain.
6. lacks creativity. (Proverbs 21:25)
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7. likes to sleep!!!! (Proverbs 26:14)
2 Thessalonians 3:10 gives us an important admonition:
“For even when we were with you we used to give you this order.
If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that
some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no
work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we
command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet
fashion and eat their own bread.”
The media today seem to entice people to enter the “good
life.” According to that philosophy, the “good life” means
that you have nothing to do except lie around in the sun
on a beautiful beach somewhere, or carouse in some upbeat
rendezvous with nothing to do and no cares for tomorrow –
just live it up. This is the enticement of the lottery: win lots
of money and you no longer have to work, just live it up.
Many times we hear how some of those who have won
their bundle in the lottery have become wasteful, irresponsible, and miserable.
Right from the beginning of time, God chose to come
down to earth and fashion a world, create all kinds of plants
and animals, and ultimately fashion human beings.
Then on the seventh day, Scripture says, God rested.
God instructed Adam of his responsibilities in the Garden of Eden. Adam was given a task to do. He was to name
all the creatures and care for the garden.
Work gives a feeling of significance and accomplishment.
In Proverbs, Chapter 6, we are told to learn a lesson from
the ant:
He is an example of diligence.
He disciplines himself and does not appear to need an
overseer.
He has a sense of urgency and does his work when it is
there to do.
He does not put off until tomorrow what needs to be
done now.
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
Children today need to be taught to work, and to accept responsibilities according to their age. Parents need to remember they have
a responsibility to be an example of the kind of life the Lord wants.
Parents should be willing to take time to instruct and assist them in
learning their responsibilities. Children need to be praised for their
accomplishments, even though they may not have completed the task
perfectly.
Children also need to learn to be responsible with finances by
receiving an allowance and making wise decisions about what will
be saved, spent and given to the Lord. “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently
to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when
you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up…,”
(Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
Recently we met a young man, who lives near us, at the Garden
and Building Supply Store. He was purchasing a straw hat, and told
us that he needed a new one to keep the sun off while he did his gardening business. He went on to say that he has been doing gardening
jobs since he was in the sixth grade.
We saw a respectful, responsible, self-confident young man, with
a gleam of self- worth in his eyes that is seldom seen in most young
people in our area. Here was a second-year high school student that
just radiated with purpose. I am sure this experience will have an
impact on his entire life.
Grandparents, we, too, can have a great part in helping grandchildren grow up to be responsible adults by being an example, an
encourager and a guide.
Laziness leads to poverty. Diligent work will be rewarded, and
work is ordained by God. Let us remember that and rejoice as we face
our daily “grind.”
As a reminder, and a good verse to memorize if you have not
already done so,
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17).
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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Moudře kráčet
neobvyklým světem
Judy Shoffová
Výňatek ze studie knihy Přísloví (4. část)
Práce
V
ětšinu lidí zajímají pouze dvě otázky:
1. Jak pracovat méně?
2. Jak získat více?
Mnozí lidé by v dnešní době dali za pravdu známému
anglickému humoristovi J. K. Jeromeovi, který kdysi řekl:
“…mně se práce líbí, okouzluje mě. Celé hodiny vydržím
sedět a dívat se na ni, ” a často to tak vypadá, že lidé by se
raději dívali nežli pracovali.
Něco podobného již zřejmě znali za dnů Šalamouna. Přísloví 6 používá k popisu takového člověka několik výrazů:
pecivál (ten, kdo je líný)
nedbalec (ten, kdo je nepozorný a lhostejný)
ulejvač (ten, kdo nedělá svou práci)
Tato slova popisují člověka, který si myslí, že “svět mu
dluží všechno”.
Již od prvopočátku bylo toto problémem.
Boží Slovo nám říká, že odměna čeká toho, kdo je pilný a
plně využívá času, schopností a všeho toho, co nám bylo dáno
k dispozici.
V Přísloví nacházíme, že líný člověk:
1. Obviňuje druhé ze své špatné situace.
2. Vždy si najde způsob, jak se vyhnout práci.
3. Není ochoten vynaložit úsilí a postarat se o své potřeby.
4. Je ovládaný strachem a představami o nebezpečí (Přísloví 22;13).
5. Nevyužívá plně příležitostí tvořit nebo něčeho docílit.
6. Chybí mu tvořivost (Přísloví 21;25).
7. Rád vyspává (Přísloví 26;14).
V 2. Tesalonickým 3;10-12 čteme vážné napomenutí:
Když jsme ještě byli u vás, dali jsme vám přece toto pravidlo: Kdo
nechce pracovat, ať nejí! Teď se ale doslýcháme, že někteří z vás
žijí v zahálce; na práci nesáhnou, ale do všeho se pletou. Takovým
přikazujeme a vyzýváme je v Pánu Ježíši Kristu, aby si vydělávali
na živobytí řádnou prací.
Sdělovací prostředky dnes vábí lidi “konečně začít žít”.
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V této koncepci se tím myslí nedělat nic, opalovat se na nějaké
krásné pláži nebo popíjet bestarostně v povznesené společnosti
bez ohledu na zítřek – prostě si užívat života. V tom spočívá
pokušení loterie – vyhraj hodně peněz a už nikdy nemusíš pracovat, jen si užívat.
Slýcháme také mnoho o výhercích v loterii, jak se stanou
rozhazovačnými, nezodpovědnými a nešťastnými.
Bůh se rozhodl hned na samém počátku sestoupit na zem
a dát světu podobu, stvořil všelijaké rostliny a zvěř a nakonec zformoval člověka. Sedmý den, podle Písma, Bůh odpočíval. Adam dostal od Boha instrukce o svých povinnostech
v zahradě Eden. Byl mu dán úkol. Měl pojmenovat všechna
zvířata a obdělávat čili pečovat o zahradu.
Práce dává pocit důležitosti a úspěchu. V Přísloví v 6. kapitole nám je řečeno učit se od mravence:
Je pracovitý.
Je disciplinovaný a zdá se, že nepotřebuje dozorce.
Je pilný a pokud má práci, pracuje.
To, co je potřeba udělat hned, neodkládá na zítřek.
Děti se potřebují naučit pracovat a akceptovat povinnosti
přiměřené jejich věku. Rodiče nesmí zapomínat, že jejich
povinností je být příkladem takového života, jaký od nich Pán
chce. Rodiče by měli být ochotní se dětem věnovat a pomáhat
jim při plnění povinností. Děti se musí pochválit, dokonce i
když nevykonají uložený úkol dokonale. Děti se také potřebují
naučit hospodařit s penězi formou kapesného a moudře rozhodovat o úsporách, útratách a kolik dát Pánu.
Deuteronomium 6;6–7: “Ať tato slova, která ti dnes svěřuji,
zůstanou ve tvém srdci. Vštěpuj je svým synům a mluv o nich, ať
sedíš doma nebo jdeš po cestě, ať uléháš anebo vstáváš.”
Nedávno jsme v zahradnictví potkali mladého muže,
bydlí od nás pár bloků. Kupoval si slaměný klobouk, řekl, že
potřebuje nový, aby ho chránil při zahradničení před sluncem. Vykládal nám, že tuto práci dělá již od šesté třídy. Viděli
jsme před sebou zdvořilého, zodpovědného, sebevědomého
mladíka, který si je vědom vlastní hodnoty, což se u nás, u
mladých lidí, vidí málokdy. Byl to student druhého ročníku
střední školy, který ví, co chce. Jsem si jistá, že tato praxe
ovlivní celý jeho život.
I my, prarodiče, svým příkladem, povzbuzováním a vedením, můžeme velkou měrou ovlivnit vnoučata, aby z nich
vyrostli zodpovědní lidé.
Lenost vede k chudobě. Pracovitost bude odměněna a
práce byla ustanovena Bohem. Na to nezapomínejme a čelme
každodenní “dřině” s radostí.
A jako připomínka a také vhodný verš na zapomatování,
pokud jste tak již neučinili:
Cokoli děláte, ať už ve slovech či skutcích, všechno to čiňte ve
jménu Pána Ježíše a děkujte skrze něj Bohu Otci.
(Kolosenským 3;17)
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11
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
by Alexander Melville
C h a r l e s S p u r g e o n ’s D e v o t i o n
“God … richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,”
(1 Timothy 6:17).
ur Lord Jesus is always giving, never withdrawing His hand for one instant. As long as there is
even one vessel of His grace not yet full, His oil
will continue to flow. He is an ever-shining sun,
He is manna always falling into the camp, and He is a rock in
the desert, continually sending forth streams of life from His
pierced side. The rain showers of His grace are always falling,
the river of His bounteous blessings is forever flowing, and the
wellspring of His love is continually overflowing. And just as
our King can never die, His grace can never fail.
Daily we pluck His fruit, and daily His branches bend themselves toward our hand with a fresh supply of mercy. Every day
of every week is a feast day, so as many days as there are in a year
is how many banquets we celebrate each year.
Who has ever walked from His door unblessed? Who has
ever left His table hungry? Who has ever left His embrace
unchanged? “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every
morning,” (Lam. 3:22–23 ESV) and fresh every evening. Who
can know the number of His benefits or count His blessings?
Every grain of sand falling through the hourglass of time is
but His latest reminder of a myriad of His mercies. The wings
of our hours are covered with the silver of His kindness and the
gold of His affection. The river of time flows from the mountains of eternity, revealing the golden sand of His favor. And
the countless stars are just the standard bearers of even more
innumerable multitudes of His blessings.
Who can count the blessings He bestows on Jacob or number the endless mercies He extends to Israel, for they are more
numerous than the specks of dust on earth. How can my soul
offer Him the praise He is due, for He daily fills me with His
blessings and crowns me with His loving-kindness.
Oh, that my praise would be as ceaseless as His blessings!
Oh, my miserable tongue, how can you be silent? Wake up, I
tell you, or you will never bring me glory, only shame.
“Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn,” (Ps. 108:2).
O
12
Charles Haddon (C.H.) Spurgeon (19 June
1834–31 January 1892) was a British Baptist
preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential
among Christians of different denominations,
among whom he is known as the “Prince of
Preachers.” He was a strong figure in the Reformed
Baptist tradition, defending the Church in agreement with the 1689 London Baptist Confession
of Faith, and understanding and opposing the
liberal and pragmatic theological tendencies in
the Church of his day.
Spurgeon was pastor of the congregation of
the New Park Street Chapel (later the Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London for 38 years. He was a
prolific author of many types of works, including
sermons, an autobiography, commentaries, books
on prayer, devotionals, magazines, poetry, hymns
and more. In his lifetime, Spurgeon preached to
around 10,000,000 people.
Look Unto Me represents some of Spurgeon’s
most powerful devotions.
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
Yo u t h S c e n e
T
he 16th Baptist Youth World Conference in Singapore kicked off with 15 seconds of energetic
drumming by the Okinawa Power Drummers
from Japan, followed by a four-minute set by the
conference band led by Vesekhoyi “Vee” Tetseo, playing the
theme song REACH!, an original composition by Tetseo.
Denise de Vasconcelos Araujo, elected first female president of the Baptist World Alliance® (BWA) Youth Department in 2008, extended welcome, including to Lawrence
Wong, Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community
and Youth, before she led the roll call of the more than 60
countries that have official representation at the event.
BWA General Secretary Neville Callam urged the approx-
imately 2,500 youth “to defy the destructive secularism that
seeks to push religious faith to the fringes of society” and to
“let the world know the undeniable truth that faith in Jesus
Christ is alive and well.”
The BWA leader expressed the hope that those attending the conference, planned and sponsored by the BWA and
normally held every five years, will “find opportunity for the
renewal of your faith as you hear stories of young people from
around the world whose lives are being transformed through
their fellowship with Christ.” Callam encouraged the youth
to share their faith, to submit themselves to Christ, and to
“discover new dimensions of that true joy that is to be found
through friendship with Jesus.”
Edmund Chan, Baptist pastor in Singapore and main
speaker at the opening event, declared that “the deepest need
of humanity is forgiveness of sins” and that “we (Christians)
have the answer to the deepest need of man.” The answer,
he said, lies in transformation, which is to become like Jesus
Christ. This transformation comes through discipleship.”The
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gospel is not about making bad people good but enabling
those who are dead (in spirit) to be alive, waking those who
are asleep, and making those who are awake, alert.”
Bible study presenter Christian Rommert, a Baptist youth
leader from Germany, asserted that religion often “becomes
more of a ritual than a real thing... more of a pattern than
power... more structure than Spirit.” Christianity, he said, “is
a way of loving, a way of forgiving, a way of caring, a way of
prayer, a way of worship, a way of thanksgiving and praise, a
way of being in tune with the Spirit of Jesus.”
Thembelani Jentile of South Africa, speaker at the closing
celebration, said the church exists to make disciples. “Jesus
sent out disciples so that they can make other disciples,” Jentile said. Discipleship living
and making are, however, not
human endeavors, but come
from God’s anointing and
power. “It will take all power
for the gospel to be preached,
and for souls to be won, and
for disciples to be made,”
asserted Jentile. He indicated that in South Africa,
there are now “Germans,
Chinese, Pakistanis, English,
Americans, and other African nationals.” The question, he said, is, “what are we
doing to ‘make disciples’ of all
nations— those already coming to our countries, entering
into our cities and communities?”
Scores of youth responded to the call to a life of dedicated
discipleship as they went to the front of the stage to participate in a prayer of commitment.
A highlight of the closing event was the installation, presided over by Baptist World Alliance® (BWA) President John
Upton, of the new leadership of the BWA Youth Department, to be led by Amanda Haines of the United States as
president. Other leaders include vice presidents who are the
presidents of each regional youth body. They are Koffi Soke
Kpomgbe for Africa, Vesekhoyi Tetseo for Asia, Sharlene
Cartwright-Robinson for the Caribbean, Andreas Hojmark
Andersen for Europe and Jasses David Silva for Latin America. Haines is the youth president for North America. Dale
Stairs of Canada is the chair of the International Program
Committee to plan the next youth conference.
The 16th Baptist Youth World Conference was held at the
Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition
Centre, July 17–21.
13
From Our Churches
Goodrich Community Church
100
th Anniversary
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
F
or months the little congregation of the Goodrich
Community Church prayed and prepared for the
100th anniversary celebration. A congregation of less
than 15, they trusted and believed God for a miracle.
Rev. Elleman, former pastor Esterline, Hiendel and rev. Dvorak
Ruby Mikulencak—Historcal remembrance
14
The day dawned bright and sunny and was to be the precursor
of a glorious and beautiful day!
It all started with Rev. Robert Dvorak warming us up with
an old-fashioned hymn sing, one of four that we enjoyed that
day. Testimonies of present and past members of the church
reminded us all that we do not need to be preachers or orators
for the Lord. He only asks us to be faithful with the gifts He
has given to us.
For example, one of the former lay preachers, Frank Macik,
who was also the son of the founder, Joseph Macik, was a mailman who invited people to church. They responded and some
are still members of the church today. One man, Ed Valenta,
picked up a young boy every week for Jet Cadets. This young
boy is now a godly father and elder in his church. Former pastors also gave testimony of how Goodrich was their first church
and a wonderful training ground for future ministry. The
Word of God was shared in the morning and afternoon service
by Rev. Dvorak and was complemented by outstanding music.
A meal was served to over 100 people after the morning service. The afternoon and second service was more historical. A
power point with historical input of the history of the church
Duet by present members Fern Dassow and Arnita Elleman
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Mikulencak daughters singing
was presented. There was also a time of silent commemoration as we remembered quietly the names
of former members. These faithful saints are now
a part of that cloud of witnesses of Hebrews 12.
As the names were recalled, a bell sounded followed by a moment of solemn silence – a joyful
yet somber ceremony to remember the forefathers
of the church and their faithful labor of love that
helped the Goodrich Church reach this historical
landmark.
Besides the happenings of the day, the church
set out a project to raise $1,000 for a well in India.
Those present gave above and beyond the one well
to provide for almost 1 ¾ wells for India. The
church has decided to add enough from their coffers to make it two wells.
It was an amazing, glorious day that brought
honor and glory to God and showed respect to
the faithful ancestors of the church. Those present
enjoyed a day of renewal from the Word, renewal
with former friends and renewal with a great meal!
Goodrich Community Church expresses their
appreciation to all who attended and/or were part
of this glorious day via prayer support!!
To God be the glory—great things He has done!
Ruby Mikulencak
I
Rev. Robert Dvorak
The church with the tent in the backgrounds
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t was a day of high spirits, joyful reunions, and
thanksgiving to God for 100 years of living by the
gospel in Goodrich, WI. August 4, 2013 was centennial day in the small, rural congregation known
as Goodrich Community Church. In addition to
the godly souls still present and active in the congregation, people came from near and far to spend the
day with each other, returning to a place where they
were spiritually nurtured for a long time. Pastor
David Elleman beautifully led all assembled in two
services — morning and afternoon — of praise and
worship. Schedule for the day allowed for plenty
of fellowship time, including a large festive dinner served out-of-doors in the church yard. Menu:
chicken and fixings, of course, but the ever-beloved
roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut as well.
This church remembers well its Czech roots
and blesses God for that heritage. Yet its loyal commitment for these days and whatever future God
grants is an unwavering loyalty to Christ for all
nations.
Robert Dvorak
15
Conversation
with
George and Marija Sommer
1972
Marija Sommer
George Sommer
was the year in which you, George and Marija
Sommer, first participated in the Czechoslovak Baptist Convention of USA and Canada. You impressed
yourselves on the Convention’s history as one of its key couples. Forty years have passed since that first Convention you
attended, and we would like to ask you a few questions:
1. Please tell us about the surrounding circumstances that brought
you to the USA.
George: Following the occupation of Czechoslovakia by the
Warsaw Pact in the year 1968,
my wife was offered a position
as a professor of piano at Alderson-Broaddus College in West
Virginia. After some responsible consideration, we accepted
this offer and departed from
Czechoslovakia on August 20,
1969.
2. How would you describe your new beginning amidst your new
surroundings?
Marija: In the beginning,
things were difficult. We didn’t
speak a word of English. One
English professor at least wrote
down a few phrases for me so
that I could begin teaching.
On top of that, George didn’t
know what kind of work they
would give him in the college.
In Ostrava, he had worked as an
electrical engineer of communications equipment, a position
which of course did not exist at the college. In the end, they
hired him as a general employee in charge of everything to do
with electronics.
16
3. What was the spiritual background in your new environment?
George: Although Alderson-Broaddus College was affiliated with a Baptist association, a personal spiritual fellowship
in the form of a congregation was not there. The things that
made their Christian affiliation visible were starting every
business meeting in prayer and having a service once a week
that included students, professors and employees. Of course I
can’t forget as well the friendly, accommodating atmosphere
that permeated college life. For us it was important that right
on the first Sunday we arrived, we visited the local Baptist
church in the town of Philippi.
4. How were you welcomed into this community, and what kind
of spiritual home in this church did you find?
Marija: Our sponsor, Dr. Shearer, the college president,
wasn’t there that first Sunday as he was away on a business trip.
Because of this, there was no one to introduce us to the congregation. People shook our hands and greeted us cordially;
however, we were perceived as being ordinary guests.
Alderson-Broaddus College
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We began attending church regularly. We progressively
improved in our English and so got to know the members of
the congregation more intimately. When the resident organist
discovered that I was teaching piano at the college, she soon
asked me if I would be willing to substitute for her and eventually replace her. She was older, and had been in this position for a number of years already, and so I understood that
God was entrusting this service to me. George plugged in by
joining the church choir, and that’s how we got more deeply
involved. I then was the organist for a full forty years, interrupted only by four years when I served in the same capacity in Fairmont, where George became the conductor of the
church choir there.
We were understandably very excited to attend as well as to
meet a number of brothers and sisters whose names we recognized from the magazine. We didn’t know anyone personally,
however. It was to our surprise, then, that Josef Solc, whom
we knew well from our homeland, was also taking part in this
convention. He had just finished his studies at Oral Roberts
University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In our estimation there were about 150 brothers and sisters
in attendance, which was a nice turnout. In light of this, it was
a great surprise to us to hear that due to a declining interest
in the convention, they had been considering only the year
before in Minnesota whether to continue its existence.
In his letter to the convention’s president, Pastor J. Karenko,
George wrote that he would be willing to organize and direct
the convention’s choir. He wrote the letter in Czech, and since
he didn’t receive an instant reply, after our arrival in Campbell
he asked Pastor Josef Novak, the convention’s treasurer at the
time, if they had considered his offer. Pastor Novak, laughing, said that the president didn’t understand Czech, and so
he couldn’t even understand the offer George had made. We
realized that we had some misconceptions regarding this convention. All meetings and sermons were conducted in English,
except for one Sunday school, which was led by pastor F. Brdlik. To this day we fondly remember how well he spoke Czech.
1979 - Cleveland, Ohio
5. How did you hear of the existence of the Czechoslovak Baptist
Convention in the USA?
George: While we were still in Czechoslovakia, we received
the address of Pastor Joseph J. Shereda, in Richmond. It was
given to us by Vaclav Zboril, the pastor of the church in Zlin.
It was in this church that Shereda had been pastor before the
Second World War. We also got the address of Pastor John
Piroch, who was then the editor of Glorious Hope. We started
reading this magazine, and so became acquainted with the life
of this convention.
Because we didn’t have green cards, we weren’t able to travel
to Canada from the United States, which is where the convention was held in the years 1970 and 1971. It was in 1972 that
we were first able to attend, when the convention was held in
the USA.
6. What were your expectations and impressions from your first
convention?
Marija: We applied for the convention through Glorious
Hope. In 1972 it was held in Youngstown-Campbell in Ohio.
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1986 - Minitonas, MB
As we mentioned before, the current convention president was
Pastor J. Karenko. He was also the pastor of the Slovak church
in Campbell, but he was Ukranian and didn’t speak Slovak.
With God’s help during this our first convention, George
was truly able to assemble a choir which greatly enriched the
convention’s program with its songs. Personally, I also uti17
lized Josef Solc’s presence and we sang a duet. From this time
onward, the service of the choir has become a lasting element
in the convention’s program. George directed the choir until
1988. He passed this role on as he became more involved in
the leadership of the convention.
Mabel Boubelik, Robert Dvorak, Marija Sommer
7. How did George come to be elected the convention’s secretary
in 1980?
George: As the director of the convention’s choir, I participated in all the convention’s board meetings. When Pastor
Novak resigned his position as the convention’s secretary in
1979, the board was faced with the difficult question of who
could be asked to replace him, as he was conveniently
able to alternate between English, Czech and Slovak
as needed. Brother Tony Springle nominated me at
this time, a nomination accepted by the board, and
I perceived it to be God’s call that I accept. So with
God’s help, I then proceeded to fulfill this work a full
thirty years.
8. It is impossible to forget the fact that from 1989 to
2011 altogether 20 conventions were held in Philippi
at Alderson-Broaddus College, where you worked. What
comments do you have about this?
Marija: During the late 50s the convention was
held turn about in six different congregations affiliated with the convention. In the 80s the number of
people attending the convention swelled in a way it
had not done in the past. It became burdensome for
the hosting church to find comfortable accommodations, refreshments and space for a number of concurrent gatherings such as women’s missions, children’s
group, youth group, etc. We suggested that trying to
gather around the college area be considered. It was clear to us
that meeting there would have its disadvantages. For example,
the reality is that to relocate the convention to a place other
than that of one of the six churches was to deprive the blessing of its presence that each church had once every six years.
18
Furthermore there were the challenges of providing accommodation and meals without a hosting congregation, and developing organizers for the entire convention. On the other hand
there were a number of advantages. The newly elected convention president, Dr. John D. Michael, came forward with
the suggestion that convention participants try to bring their
families, and thus the convention was again revitalized and
popularized. The convention additionally provided the opportunity to have a unique type of family gathering as it couldn’t
begin until Wednesday. With the beautiful environment surrounding this area, recreation was also an option.
With anticipation we waited to see how our proposition
fared. With God’s mercy this change was accepted, to the
considerable revitalization of the convention. Over 200 participants drove away with gratitude to the Lord for aiding our
efforts. The children and youth created a group of about fifty,
which was very promising for the future of the convention.
9. Because I could compare this convention to various conferences
and large gatherings in Czechoslovakia and outside its borders, I
must say that I was really delighted with the spiritual and artistic
standard of this particular gathering. Tell us what you think of
this.
George: I would like to mention a number of brothers who
greatly enriched the convention’s program with their gifts.
When I begin with Pastor Henry F. Boubelik, who was the
convention’s president for 13 years, I cannot forget the sincer-
Obecenství — fellowship at Sommers
ity with which he greeted everyone attending the convention,
which played a huge role in creating the family atmosphere.
Very often in his English conversation the Czech word “obecenstvi” would pop up, which uniquely expressed his brotherly love. I must also remember Pastor Daniel Widlicka, who
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
Czechoslovak Baptist Convention 2013
Meadville, PA
inspired spontaneous participation with his enthusiasm and
conducting skills while leading the church service. Pastor Dr.
Robert Mobley always left us with profound things to think
about with his deep, thought-provoking sermons. We also cannot forget Pastor Novak’s sermons and Dr. Andrew Kmetko’s
biblical instruction during the early afternoon services. These
were in English and often entrusted to older pastors, and the
Czech or Slovak services were given to guests invited from the
old country. They were always very well prepared with their
Florioan Manas - magic tricks
material and greatly enriched those present.
Finally I must also mention Pastor Dr. Robert Dvorak,
who was a gifted organizer and inspiring leader during his sixteen years at the head of the convention.
Marija: I have to add that the spiritual music and song
always had a high artistic standard, and really was a blessing.
Pastor Dvorak was truly unforgettable with his piano playing
during the old-time hymn singalong we had every year. And
that’s not to mention all the duets that we played on piano and
organ that many received with great gratitude.
George: And we also cannot forget Florian Manas’ program
for the children and youth, with his amazing magic tricks that
came with a spiritual commentary.
10. To conclude, what would you like to say to the current leaders
of the convention?
First of all we would like to say that we are grateful to
the Lord that younger workers have been found that have
accepted their calling to work on behalf of this convention.
Further, we would like to mention that we faithfully pray for
the convention. And finally, to President Mantle and our secretary, Brother Siracki, you have our best wishes for wisdom
and faithfulness to the calling with which you were entrusted.
For Glorious Hope, Rev. Miloš Šolc
Translated by Elizabeth Jane Fields
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19
Rozhovor
s
Jiřím a Marijou
Sommerovými
M
Marija Sommer
George Sommer
ilí Sommerovi, v roce 1972 jste se poprvé zúčastnili Československé baptistické konvence USA a
Kanady.
Do historie této konvence jste se zapsali jako klíčová dvojice. Od vaší první účasti uplynulo 40 let a my vám chceme
položit několik otázek:
1. Zajímalo by nás, za jakých okolností došlo k tomu, že jste se
vůbec dostali do USA?
Jiří: Po vstupu vojsk Varšavské smlouvy do Československa
v roce 1968 bylo mé manželce
nabídnuto místo profesorky hry
na klavír v Alderson-Broaddus
College ve West Virginii. Po zodpovědném zvažování jsme tuto
nabídku přijali a 20. srpna 1969
jsme z Československa vycestovali.
2. Jaké byly vaše začátky v novém prostředí?
Marija: Začátky byly velice
obtížné. Vůbec jsme neuměli
anglicky. Jedna profesorka angličtiny mi napsala alespoň několik anglických vět, abych mohla
začít vyučovat. Jiří navíc nevěděl,
jak ho v koleji zaměstnají. V Ostravě pracoval na dráze ve funkci
elektronického inženýra komunikačních zařízení, a takové
místo samozřejmě na koleji neexistovalo. Nakonec se našlo
místo pomocného zaměstnance, který se staral o vše možné
související s elektrorozvodnou sítí.
3. Jaké bylo duchovní zázemí ve vašem novém prostředí?
Jiří: Ačkoli byla Alderson-Broaddus College napojena na
baptistickou associaci, nějaké vlastní duchovní společenství
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ve smyslu sboru tam nebylo. Viditelné křesťanství spočívalo
v tom, že každé pracovní setkání začínalo modlitbou a jednou
týdně byla společná bohoslužba všech studentů, profesorů a
zaměstnanců. Nelze však opomenout přátelské a vstřícné
ovzduší života na koleji. Pro nás bylo proto samozřejmé, že
jsme hned první neděli po svém příjezdu navštívili místní baptistický sbor ve Philippi.
4. Jak jste byli ve sboru přijati a jaký duchovní domov jste ve
sboru našli?
Marija: Prezident koleje Dr. Shearer, který byl naším sponzorem, tu první neděli ve sboru nebyl, protože byl na služební
cestě. Proto nás neměl kdo do sboru uvést. Byli jsme tedy přivítáni pouze podáním ruky u dveří a chápáni jako zcela obyčejní návštěvníci.
Alderson-Broaddus College
Do shromáždění jsme však začali chodit pravidelně.
Postupně se lepšila naše angličtina a seznamování se sborem se
prohlubovalo. Když se pak místní varhanice dozvěděla, že na
koleji vyučuji hru na klavír, brzy se na mne obrátila s prosbou,
zda bych ji mohla nahradit a nastoupit na její místo. Byla již
starší, tuto funkci vykonávala již řadu let, a tak jsem pocho      Vol 39, No 4, 13
pila, že mi tedy Pán Bůh tuto službu svěřuje. Jiří se zapojil do
pěveckého sboru, a tím došlo k hlubší spolupráci z naší strany.
Varhanicí jsem pak byla plných 40 let, až na čtyřleté přerušení,
kdy jsem konala tuto službu ve sboru ve Fairmontu, kde se Jiří
stal dirigentem pěveckého sboru.
5. Jak jste se v USA dozvěděli o existenci Československé baptistické konvence?
Jiří: Ještě v Československu jsme dostali adresu bratra kazatele Josepha J. Sheredy v Richmondu. Dal nám ji kazatel zlínského sboru Václav Zbořil. Právě v tomto sboru byl kazatel
Shereda před 2. světovou válkou kazatelem. Dostali jsme však
také adresu bratra kazatele Jána Pirocha, který byl editorem
Slavné naděje. Začali jsme odebírat tento časopis, a tak jsme se
seznamovali s životem konvence.
Protože jsme však neměli zelené karty, nemohli jsme vycestovat ze Spojených států do Kanady, kde se v letech 1970 a
1971 konvence konala. Teprve až v roce 1972 jsme se konvence zúčastnili, protože se konala v USA.
6. Jaké bylo vaše očekávání a dojmy z vaší první konvence?
Marija: Na konvenci jsme se přihlásili prostřednictvím Slavné
naděje. V roce 1972 se konala v Youngtownu-Campbellu, v
Ohiu. Samozřejmě jsme se na ni velice těšili a také na setkání
s řadou bratří a sester, jejichž jména jsme znali z časopisu.
Osobně jsme však neznali nikoho. K našemu překvapení se
konvence také zúčastnil Josef Šolc, se kterým jsme se dobře
znali ze „staré vlasti“. Právě ukončil svá studia na Oral Robertsově univerzitě v Tulse, v Oklahomě.
Jiří ve svém dopisu prezidentovi konvence bratru kazateli
J. Karenkovi napsal, že by byl ochoten zorganizovat a řídit
konvenční pěvecký sbor. Psal tehdy česky, a protože nedostal
na svůj list odpověď, hned po svém příjezdu do Campbellu
se zeptal tajemníka konvence, bratra kazatele Josefa Nováka,
zda jeho nabídku projednali. On se však rozesmál a řekl, že
1989 - Phlippi
předseda konvence neumí česky, a proto této nabídce nemohl
rozumět. Uvědomili jsme si, že naše představy o československé konvenci jsou velice nepřesné.
Veškerá jednání a všechna kázání byla v angličtině, až na
jednu nedělní školu, kterou vedl bratr kazatel F. Brdlík. Na
jeho pěknou češtinu však dodnes vzpomínáme. Jak jsme již
řekli, prezidentem konvence byl tehdy bratr kazatel J. Karenko,
který byl sice kazatelem slovenského sboru v Campbellu, ale
protože byl Ukrajinec, slovensky nehovořil.
Hned na této naší první konvenci se, s pomocí Boží, Jiřímu
opravdu podařilo sestavit pěvecký sbor, který písněmi výrazně
obohatil konvenční program. Osobně jsem také využila přítomnosti Josefa Šolce a společně jsme zazpívali duet. Služba
pěveckého sboru se od tohoto setkání stala trvalou součástí
konvenčního programu. Jiří řídil pěvecký sbor do roku 1988.
Vzhledem k plnému zapojení do vedení konvence tuto roli
předal dál.
1981 - Chicago
Podle našeho odhadu se konvence zúčastnilo kolem 150
bratří a sester, což byla poměrně pěkná účast. Udivilo nás
proto zjištění, že vzhledem k upadajícímu zájmu o konvenci
se o rok dříve na setkání v Minitonasu zvažovalo, zda existenci
konvence neukončit.
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
7. Jak došlo k tomu, že byl Jiří zvolen v roce 1980 tajemníkem
konvence?
Jiří: Já jsem se jako dirigent konvenčního pěveckého sboru
účastnil všech jednání konvenčního výboru. Když v roce 1979
bratr kazatel Novák rezignoval na svoji funkci tajemníka konvence, stál konvenční výbor před složitou otázkou, kdo ho
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nahradí, protože vždy byla výhoda, uměl-li tajemník vedle
angličtiny česky nebo slovensky. Tehdy bratr Tony Špringl
navrhl mne, konvenční výbor tento návrh přijal a já pochopil,
že je to Boží výzva a že mám volbu přijmout. S pomocí Boží
jsem pak tuto práci konal plných 30 let.
8. Nelze nevzpomenout skutečnost, že od roku 1989 až do roku
2011 se celkem 21 setkání konvence konalo ve Philippi v Alderson-Broaddus College, kde jste působili. Co by ste nám k tomu
řekli?
Natasha Laurinc and Marija Sommer
Rev. Miloš Šolc and Marija Sommer
Marija: Konvence se od konce 50. let konaly střídavě v šesti
sborech, které se jako celky hlásily ke konvenci. V 80. letech
začal nebývalým způsobem narůstat počet účastníků konvence. Pro sbory bývalo obtížné zajistit pohodlné ubytování,
občerstvení a místnosti pro několik současně probíhajících
setkání, jakými byli ženské misie, setkání dětí, mládeže a pod.
Nabídli jsme proto ke zvážení, zda se nepokusit o setkání v
areálu naší koleje. Bylo nám jasné, že takové setkání bude mít
některé nevýhody. Byla to například skutečnost, že přesunem
do místa, kde nebyl náš sbor, se takový sbor ochudí o požehnání ze setkání jednou za šest let. Byly dále zvýšené náklady s
ohledem na společné stravování, ubytování i dopravu včetně
nezbytnosti vytvořit kolektiv organizátorů. Na druhé straně
zde byla řada výhod. Výrazným způsobem tehdy vystoupil nově zvolený prezident konvence Dr. John D. Michael s
návrhem, aby se všichni účastníci konvence pokusili přivézt
s sebou členy svých rodin, a tím byla zajištěna náležitá účast i
zpopularizování konvence. Konvence navíc mohla umožnit i
určitý druh rodinných setkání, protože program mohl začít již
ve středu. V krásném prostředí areálu to mohla být i rekreace.
S napětím jsme očekávali zda-li se záměr podaří. Z Boží
milosti se tato změna osvědčila a došlo k výraznému oživení
konvence. Přes 200 účastníků konvence odjíždělo s vděčností
Pánu Bohu za to, jak se k našim snahám přiznal. Zvláště téměř
padesátičlenná skupina dětí a mládeže byla velikým příslibem
pro budoucnost konvence.
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9. Protože jsem mohl porovnávat tyto konvence s nejrůznějšími
konferencemi a velkými setkáními v Československu i v zahraničí,
musím říci, že jsem byl opravdu nadšený z duchovní i umělecké
úrovně těchto setkání. Co byste nám k tomu řekli?
Jiří: Rád bych zmínil několik jmen bratří, kteří pro svá
obdarování výrazně obohatili průběh konvenčních programů.
Když začnu bratrem kazatelem Henrym F. Boubelíkem, který
byl 13 let prezidentem konvence, nemohu nevzpomenout
srdečnost, s jakou se s každým účastníkem konvence zdravil, a
tím vytvářel přímo rodinné ovzduší. Často se v jeho angličtině
ozývalo české slovo „obecenství“, které jedinečně vyjádřovalo
jeho bratrskou lásku. Dále musím vzpomenout bratra kazatele Daniele Widličku, který svým nadšením a dirigentskými
Obecenství — fellowship at Sommers
schopnostmi při vedení shromáždění strhával ke spontánnímu
zapojení. Bratr kazatel Dr. Robert Mobley svými hlubokými
kázáními a výrazným projevem v nás zanechával každoročně
hluboký dojem. Nelze zapomenout i na kázání bratra kazatele Nováka a biblická vzdělávání bratra kazatele Dr. Andrew
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
Czechoslovak Baptist Convention 2013
Kmetka vždy před dopoledními shromážděními. Ta bývala v
angličtině často svěřována starším kazatelům, v češtině nebo
slovenštině pak pozvaným hostům ze „staré vlasti“. Ti bývali
vždy velice dobře na svoji službu připraveni a obohacovali přítomné.
Nakonec však musím zmínit bratra kazatele Dr. Roberta
Dvoraka, který byl obdarovaným organizátorem i inspirátorem během svého šestnáctiletého vedení konvence.
Children
Robert Dvorak, Marija Sommer and Steven Markwood
Marija: Musím dodat, že duchovní hudba a zpěv měly vždy
vysokou uměleckou úroveň, byly opravdovým posvěcením.
Bratr kazatel Dvorak za klavírem při zpěvu starých duchovních
písní na přání přítomných je opravdu nezapomenutelný. A to
nemluvím o duetech na klavír a varhany, které jsme společně
hráli a která mnozí přijímali s největší možnou vděčností.
Jiří: A to jsme ještě zapomněli na programy bratra kazatele
Floriana Manase pro děti a mládež s jeho úžasnými „kouzly“ s
duchovním komentářem.
10. Co byste na závěr odkázali současným představeným konvence?
Předně bychom chtěli říci, že jsme Pánu Bohu vděční za
to, že se našli mladší pracovníci, kteří přijali Boží povolání do
práce v konvenci. Dále chceme říci, že se za konvenci věrně
modlíme. A konečně prezidentovi, bratru kazateli Mantlovi a
tajemníkovi, bratru Sirackému přejeme moudrost a věrnost ve
svěřeném díle.
Otázky kladl kazatel Miloš Šolc
      Vol 39, No 4, 13
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