Friends and family,

Thank you once again for taking the time to keep up on our ministry pursuits and our family. This update consist of three things: (1) a brief recap of the BSKK’s Family Retreat in the first week of July that Jared got to be a part of; (2) an important financial support update; (3) lots of pictures!

A brief recap of BSKK’s Family Retreat

From July 1st-7th, Jared got to be with nearly the whole BSKK church for their family retreat. The theme of the retreat was “Stewards of God’s Varied Grace.” Jared got to teach twice at this retreat, and once at church the following Sunday.

Highlights of this retreat:

• The church is growing deeply in their love for one another and God’s word. Fellowship, community, service, and brotherly love are strong.
• 3 men preached their first sermons at this retreat and did an excellent job (Petr, Pavel, Myrek). Pray for them, that God would give them opportunity to fan in to flame their gifts.
• Newcomers (believing and unbelieving) continue to visit the church. five attended the Sunday after retreat.
• Jared had several conversations with Czech families and individuals who expressed excitement concerning our arrival next year. Their explanation of the need for training, discipleship, and church planting was urgent and honest. This was a great motivation to keep pursuing this call diligently.
• Claire and the kids stayed healthy and happy at home while Jared was gone, with much help from the church body here in Spokane.

(Please enjoy flipping through a few pictures of the retreat at the end of this update.)

Financial Support Update

First of all: “THANK YOU!” to those who have already begun to support us. I wish we could express in words how grateful and humbled we are because of your kindness and generosity.

The Numbers

Here’s where we believe we stand in our support, as of July 18:

Roughly 35% of our one-time costs have been pledged or covered at this point.

Roughly 48% of our personal and ministry monthly costs are pledged at this point.

We currently have 4 churches committed to supporting us. At this point, we do not know specific numbers from a few of them yet, but we think we can make estimates on where this leaves us for monthly and ‘one-time costs’ support. We will know from two other churches in September whether or not we’ll have the joy of partnering with them.

The Need

As expressed in our previous update, here’s what we’re asking supporters/potential supporters to pray about: If you are seriously considering supporting us, would you pray about beginning this support in the near future?

Here’s the reason for this request: In January 2024 Jared will be taken off Faith Bible Church’s salary pay and we will become dependent on the monthly support of you all.

Because of this, we need at least 80% of our one-time costs raised by January. Anything received between now and January 2024, therefore, goes toward those one time costs. Anything after January 2024 will be going toward our monthly needs as a family as we prepare to leave.

Whether a one-time gift toward the one-time costs, or jumping onboard for monthly support we humbly ask you to pray about supporting us.

Our Confidence

We are confident God will provide for these needs. Why? He’s been doing it for 10 years as we’ve pursued the Czech Republic. Why else? Because we know we are not the only ones passionate about seeing the glory of the Gospel of Christ known all around the world.

There are a lot of things we learned from this last trip to Czech: God’s people do not find it burdensome to respond to the call of being stewards of his grace. While it always requires hard work, sacrifice, and selflessness, it produces an unmatched joy and contentment to steward our lives for our Creator. Whether it’s relationships, finances, time, or abilities, God’s people love pouring out their very lives for the sake of the church, the elect, and the glory of the Gospel of Christ.

Because of this, we are confident that God will continue to provide. Please continue to pray with us, not only for our needs, but for the needs of the elect in the Czech Republic to be met with the Gospel through us and through the church.

How to Give

You can give directly from this blog. In the top right corner, there’s a drop down menu. Click there, then click ‘Give.’ This goes to Faith Bible Church’s website. Funds given here are transferred monthly to Missionary Financial Services, our agency.

Or just click here…

If you decided to give, once again we thank you greatly. And if you do, would you mind emailing us at millicansinczech@gmail.com to tell us about your gift? We want to be able to thank you personally, and it would bless our planning to know if your gift will be recurring or one-time.

Until next time…

Please pray for us as the whole family will head to Fullerton, CA at the end of this month. Jared will be preaching at Cornerstone Bible Church’s youth retreat on The Armor of God, how the Christian life is both one of walking and warring in the strength of Christ.

We will also be driving around a bit to see a handful of friends in the area after the retreat. Please pray for safety, health, and a fruitful time.

Grace and peace to you all, in Christ. Now, enjoy some pictures from the retreat!

The Church Body…

Activities and Fun

Outings and Adventure

Some Individuals within the Church

There’s so much more we could show, but we hope this gives you a taste of the church we’ll get to join. Thank you for praying for them.