🇨🇿⛪️THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE CZECH LANDS - Chapter 3: Slavic Peoples, Relationships & Conflicts, and Great Moravia – The Cradle of Czech Christianity

⚔️ Slavic Peoples: Relationships and Conflicts in Central Europe ⚔️

Understanding the interplay among Slavic tribes and their encounters with non-Slavic peoples is vital for appreciating how Christianity took root in the Czech Lands. In the early centuries, scattered Slavic clans ruled by local chieftains frequently faced invasions from nomadic groups like the Huns and Magyars. The need for defense and survival compelled these tribes to seek unity under strong leadership, ultimately paving the way for the emergence of a centralized state that would shape both their identity and future faith.

As leaders arose to consolidate these disparate tribes, the region evolved into a vibrant center of

trade, cultural exchange, and, at times, conflict. Bohemia’s proximity to Germanic tribes such as the Bavarians and Saxons meant encounters that ranged from peaceful commerce to fierce territorial disputes. Although these clashes sometimes brought devastation, they also drove advancements in military organization and fortified settlements, strengthening the Slavic people’s ability to protect their homelands. Over time, the adoption of certain Germanic customs and technologies enriched the local culture, blending elements of Slavic and Germanic traditions into a distinct identity that would profoundly influence Czech language, architecture, and social norms.

Forging Unity: The Rise of Great Moravia

Against this backdrop, powerful figures like Duke Mojmír I and Duke Rastislav began uniting the Slavic tribes in the early 9th century, forming Great Moravia. This new, centralized state encompassed large portions of modern-day Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, providing both military cohesion and a growing sense of cultural solidarity. By consolidating power and fostering cooperation, Great Moravia not only gained a strategic edge against external threats but also became a focal point for diplomacy and innovation.

A Cradle of Christianity in Central Europe

Rastislav recognized that adopting Christianity could further unify his people and strengthen ties with the influential Byzantine Empire. He famously invited the Byzantine missionaries Cyril and Methodius, whose groundbreaking work in creating the Glagolitic script enabled the translation of the Bible and liturgical texts into Old Slavonic. Their efforts introduced literacy to many Slavic communities, making Scripture and worship accessible in the local tongue. Rather than an imposed faith, Christianity was increasingly understood and embraced by the population, who could, for the first time, read the Bible in their own language.

Cyril and Methodius also founded the first Slavic schools, ensuring that newly ordained clergy could
guide their congregations in an authentic and contextualized faith. This cultural and educational revolution did more than anchor Christianity in the region; it also boosted the prestige of Great Moravia as a spiritual and intellectual hub. Although the state would later decline under external pressures from the Magyars and internal strife, its pioneering role in Slavic Christianity endured, influencing future Czech and Slovak Christian communities.

Modern Moravia and Historic Regions

Today, Moravia remains one of the three historic regions of the Czech Republic, alongside Bohemia in the west and Czech Silesia in the east near the Polish border. Although it no longer wields the political clout of Great Moravia’s heyday, Moravia’s legacy still resonates in local traditions, cultural pride, and a shared awareness of the region’s formative role in bringing literacy and the Christian faith to the Slavic world.

Reflection

These early relationships—among Slavic tribes themselves and between Slavic and non-Slavic peoples—defined the resilience and adaptability of the Czech/Bohemian peoples. The success of Great Moravia underscores how faith, strategic leadership, and cultural integration can transform fragmented societies into communities capable of thriving despite pressures from all sides. The mission of Cyril and Methodius reminds us that authentic contextualization of the Gospel, coupled with genuine education, fosters both literacy and spiritual depth.

As we consider the Czech Republic’s spiritual heritage today, Great Moravia remains a vivid example of how cultural unity, rooted in a shared faith, can unite diverse groups while respecting each distinct contribution. Through this example, we learn the profound impact of early missionary work on shaping a resilient, literate, and cooperative society—a model that resonates long after empires and states have faded.

Prayer Focus

Let us pray for the Czech Republic, that the unifying spirit exemplified by Great Moravia continues to inspire a strong and cohesive Christian community. May believers today draw fresh encouragement from the legacy of Cyril and Methodius, championing contextualized ministry, genuine fellowship, and the wise integration of faith and culture.

🇨🇿⛪️THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE CZECH LANDS - Chapter 2: 🌿Pre-Christian Slavic Paganism and the Postmodern Resurgence of Neo-Paganism🌿

Long before Christianity brought its transformative message of grace, the people of the Czech Lands practiced a deeply rooted spiritual tradition: Slavic Paganism. This belief system, woven into every aspect of life, reflected their intimate connection to nature, community, and the forces they believed governed existence. Worship was not confined to temples or sermons but flowed into their forests, rivers, and homes, where sacred rituals were performed to honor a rich pantheon of gods, seek their favor, and sustain the fragile balance between the human and divine.

The Slavic Pantheon: Slavic Gods and Their Roles

The Slavic pantheon was diverse, and while its organization varied across regions, the pre-Christian Czechs likely worshiped many of the following Slavic deities:

• Perun - The chief of the gods, Perun was the god of thunder, lightning, and war. He was seen as the protector of the tribe, upholding justice and striking down enemies. Warriors often prayed to him for victory, offering sacrifices of bulls or rams, and sometimes performing

  

  
  rituals on mountaintops or near sacred oak trees, which were thought to be his earthly dwelling.
• Veles (Volos) - Perun’s rival, Veles was the god of the underworld, cattle, commerce, and magic. His domains were fertility, wealth, and the mysteries of life and death. Depictions of Veles often show him as a serpent or dragon, and his worship often included offerings of milk, honey, and cattle. Farmers sought his blessing for their herds, while merchants invoked him for prosperity in trade.
• Mokosh - The goddess of fertility, women, and domestic crafts, Mokosh embodied the nurturing and life-giving aspects of nature. She was revered by women, who would offer flax, wool, or baked goods in her honor. Rituals dedicated to Mokosh often included prayers for healthy childbirths and bountiful harvests, and some ceremonies may have symbolically invoked her fertility through dances or planting rituals.
• Svarog - The celestial smith and god of fire, Svarog was believed to forge the sun and bestow the order of the cosmos. He was a symbol of creation, light, and divine authority. Farmers lit ritual fires to honor Svarog, asking for his blessing to warm their lands and ripen their crops.
• Radegast (Rhadagast) - Associated with hospitality, feasting, and warriors, Radegast was
  worshiped as a deity of joy, abundance, and community. He was particularly venerated in Moravia, where his shrine is believed to have stood on Radhošť Mountain. Offerings to Radegast often included beer, mead, and food, and celebrations in his honor featured feasting, music, and dancing. His enduring legacy is reflected in modern Czech culture, where he is remembered as a symbol of joy and camaraderie, even lending his name to the popular Radegast beer.
• Dazhbog - A solar deity and bringer of prosperity, Dazhbog was seen as a giver of life and blessings. Stories about Dazhbog often depicted him riding across the sky in a fiery chariot, illuminating the world and bestowing fortune upon the people.
• Rod and the Rozhanitsy

  

  - Rod was the primordial god of creation, fate, and family. Alongside him were the Rozhanitsy, a trio of female deities or spirits who determined the fate of individuals at birth. Offerings of bread, cheese, and honey were made to these beings to secure good fortune and a long life.
• Morana - The goddess of death, winter, and decay, Morana symbolized the darker aspects of nature. At the end of winter, effigies of Morana were often burned or drowned in rivers to symbolize the triumph of spring over death and to invite renewal.

Worship in Practice: Rituals, Sacrifices, and Sacred Spaces

The Slavs saw the natural world as infused with spiritual forces. Forests, groves, mountains, and rivers served as their temples. Radhošť Mountain, for example, was a site of pilgrimage to honor Radegast, while oak groves were sacred to Perun. Rivers were believed to house spirits or connect to the underworld, making them key locations for rituals. Archaeological evidence of these spaces includes stone altars, carved idols, and remnants of ceremonial fires.

Animal and Human Sacrifice

Sacrifice was central to Slavic pagan worship, serving as an act of devotion to the gods and a way to ensure the well-being of the community.

• Animal Sacrifice: Ritual slaughter of animals, especially cattle, goats, and horses, was the most common offering. The choice of animal often depended on the deity being honored—bulls or goats for Perun, or cattle and sheep for Veles. These sacrifices were performed with great solemnity, often accompanied by prayers or chants. The meat from the animal was typically consumed in a communal feast, symbolizing a shared bond between the tribe and the divine. The blood, considered sacred, was sprinkled on altars, idols, or the earth to sanctify the ritual space.
• Human Sacrifice: While less common, human sacrifices did occur, often in times of extreme crisis, such as famine, war, or plague, or as part of funerary rites for significant leaders. Captives, slaves, or even volunteers were sometimes sacrificed to appease the gods or secure their favor. These rituals were carried out in sacred groves or near rivers and were seen as the ultimate act of devotion, intended to demonstrate the seriousness of the tribe’s need.

Seasonal Festivals

The Slavic year was marked by festivals tied to the agricultural cycle:

• Kupala Night: This midsummer festival celebrated fertility and purification. Rituals included jumping over bonfires, casting flower wreaths into rivers, and dancing. Some accounts suggest romantic or sexual encounters were encouraged during this festival as a symbolic celebration of life and renewal.
• Spring Equinox: Effigies of Morana were burned or drowned, symbolizing the end of winter and the return of life. This ritual was accompanied by feasts and dances.

The Resurgence of Neo-Paganism in Czechia and Europe

In recent decades since the fall of Communism in 1989, a neo-pagan revival has emerged in Czechia and across Europe. This resurgence reflects a growing interest in reconnecting with pre-Christian traditions due to the spiritual vacuum that has been created in post-post-Christian Czechia, particularly among those seeking spirituality outside of institutional religion. In the Czech Republic, one of the most secular countries in the world, some people have turned to Slavic Rodnovery (literally “Native Faith”) as a way to explore their heritage and identity.

Modern Rodnovery Practices

Much like the beliefs and practices of Pre-Christian/Pre-Roman Great Brittain, little is actually known of Slavic Pre-Christian Pagan beliefs and practices becuase, unlike the Greeks, Romans,
and Egyptians, Slavonic culture did not have a written language prior to their acceptance of Christianity in the 9th and 10th Centuries AD. We will explore this topic more when we come to our chapter on the mission of Greek missionary brothers Cyril & Methodius in the 9th Century, but written language came with and was closely associated with Christianity in the Slavic world.

Neo-pagans today in the Czech Republic often attempt to reconstruct Slavic Pagan rituals and
beliefs based on folklore, scant historical records, and archaeological findings, but their beliefs and practices are often filled in with information from more known Pagan practices from other cultures, as well as a great deal of conjecture. Practices include:

• 

  Worshiping Slavic deities like Perun, Mokosh, and Radegast in sacred natural spaces.
• Reviving seasonal festivals such as Kupala Night and the Winter Solstice.
• Performing rituals involving fire, water, and symbolic offerings.

This movement appeals to those who feel alienated from organized religion and are drawn to nature-focused spirituality, cultural pride, and community traditions.

Neo-Paganism and Cultural Identity

The rise of Slavic and European neo-paganism is also tied to broader cultural and political trends. In some cases, it serves as a form of resistance to globalization, secularism, or the perceived loss of cultural identity. While neo-pagan groups vary widely, many emphasize environmentalism, folk traditions, and a sense of spiritual autonomy.

A Journey from Darkness to Light

The spiritual practices of the pre-Christian Czechs were powerful, rooted in awe and reverence for the forces of nature and the divine in an attempt to explain the unexplainable, with only natural revelation to go off of prior to the light of the Gospel. But they were also burdened with fear—of the gods’ wrath, of imbalance, and of the unknown. The coming of Christianity to the Slavic world brought a new message: one of grace, love, and the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. It transformed not only their worship and culture but their understanding of the divine and humanity’s place within creation.

As the resurgence of neo-paganism in Europe shows, the longing for spiritual connection and meaning remains universal. Yet, it is the Gospel that offers the ultimate fulfilment of this longing—a relationship with the Creator, not through rituals or sacrifices, but through the finished work of Christ.

🙏 Prayer Focus

Pray for the Czech Republic, that the Gospel may continue to illuminate hearts and minds, bringing light and hope where fear and uncertainty once ruled.

🇨🇿⛪️ THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE CZECH LANDS - CHAPTER 1, EXCURSUS: THE LEGEND OF CZECH, LECH, AND RUS

🌍 The Three Brothers Part Ways: A Slavic Origin Tale 🌍

The Slavic peoples share a common legend of their origins. Each Slavic culture has their own version of the story of course, but this story, "The Legend of Czech, Lech, and Rus" provides something of a common bond that transends their differing cultures and languages. The Czech version of the Legends goes something like this:

Long ago, under a vast and ever-changing sky, three brothers—Czech, Lech, and Rus—led their wandering families across the boundless plains of Eastern Europe. For many winters, they journeyed together, guided by sun and moon, following game trails and scouting fresh water sources to sustain their flocks. Each brother possessed a certain strength of spirit: Czech was thoughtful and steadfast, Lech had a keen eye for opportunity, and Rus brimmed with adventurous daring.

Stories say that in those distant days, the world felt both immense and strangely fragile, with no towering cities to break the horizon and few boundaries to define a homeland. Yet the three families moved on as one people—Slavs in search of fertile soil and a safe place to dwell. Though the details vary in each retelling, many accounts describe a fateful moment when the brothers paused at a crossroads, uncertain which direction promised true prosperity.

A Sign from Mount Říp

Czech, older than the others, watched the sky for omens. One dawn, he beheld an azure light that seemed to rest upon a distant rise—later known as Mount Říp. Seeing a beauty in the surrounding Bohemian basin, he felt an inward certainty that this was the land where his kin should settle. Legend holds that he stood upon the hill, gazed over the lush valley of the Vltava River, and proclaimed, “Here shall we remain, for it is good and pleasing.” Moved by his conviction, many of the clan chose to stay with Czech, hoping that these rolling hills and gentle rivers would yield a fruitful life.

Lech’s Departure

Lech, equally keen but guided by a different sign, decided that his destiny lay further north. Some say he followed migrating birds until they soared over the plains that would become Poland. Others claim he saw a great eagle and built his settlement where the bird made its nest, entwining the regal eagle symbol into Polish heraldry. While parting from his elder brother filled him with sorrow, Lech trusted his instincts. He urged those who shared his adventurous heart to follow him, believing their success awaited in the land of wide rivers and rich forests.

Rus’s Frontier

Rus, the youngest, craved even more expansive horizons. With the cold winds calling from the east, he pressed onward. In certain versions of the tale, Rus ventured into vast steppes, eventually shaping territories associated with modern-day Russia and Ukraine. His journey was said to be the most perilous, battling harsh winters and forging new alliances to survive. Yet, undeterred, he laid down roots in these open plains, crafting a domain that would bear his name.

A SHARED HERITAGE, DIVERGENT PATHS

So it was that the three brothers, once bound by a single tribe, parted ways. Czech’s family prospered in the Bohemian basin, Lech’s clan thrived in the north, and Rus’s descendants grew into the east. Over time, each line developed unique customs, languages, and governing systems—yet all traced their lineage back to that moment under the Slavic sky when three siblings looked upon the wide earth and each answered a different call.

In Czech lands, the story of Czech, Lech, and Rus remains a cherished myth of origin, evoking the unity and independence at the heart of Bohemian identity. For many, it explains why the Slavic peoples share kinship yet speak different tongues and follow diverse historical paths. Though historians debate the legend’s veracity, its lasting appeal resides in the notion of free-spirited brothers shaping their own destinies, each forging a homeland according to the sign he perceived.

WHY THIS LEGEND MATTERS

In a society frequently swayed by political upheavals, secular philosophies, and foreign influences, such ancestral tales offer Czechs a sense of belonging older than any empire that swept through their borders. While many Czechs today identify as agnostic or atheistic, they still inherit a cultural bedrock where legends of bold ancestors color their view of homeland, independence, and destiny. Learning this story invites us to understand a thread of national pride that sees itself as both connected to larger Slavic roots and distinctly “Czech” in outlook—a mindset that can subtly influence how Czechs receive and understand outside ideas, including the Gospel.

In brief, the legend of Czech, Lech, and Rus—and its more localized variant focusing on Forefather Čech at Mount Říp—serves as a cultural tapestry through which the Czech people trace their metaphorical beginnings. For anyone seeking to connect with or minister among Czechs, acknowledging these legends demonstrates not just historical awareness but also a warm respect for the imaginations and loyalties that lie deep within the Czech national story.

🇨🇿⛪️ The History of Christianity in the Czech Lands - Chapter 1: Early Societal Structures and the Great Migration of the Czech/Bohemian People

Building upon our prologue in the last ost, the best place to start is at the

Building upon our prologue in the last post, the best place to start is at the beginning, exploring the origins of the early Czech and Bohemian people, and the cultural interactions that have shaped them into who they are. Understanding these elements, especially in the context of the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the ensuing "Great Migration Period", provides a clearer picture of the foundation upon which Christianity would later establish itself.

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire and the Great Migration Period

The decline of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, marked by the deposition of Romulus Augustulus by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, created a power vacuum across Europe. This collapse led to the Great Migration Period (circa 5th to 6th centuries AD), characterized by large-scale movements of tribes, including Germanic, Slavic, and Hunnic groups. The weakened Roman structures made it easier for migrating tribes to settle in former Roman territories, including Central Europe.

Slavic Tribes and the Migration into Bohemia

Originating from regions around modern-day Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus, Slavic tribes were driven by climate changes, invasions, and the search for fertile lands to migrate into present day Bohemia in the 6th century AD. This migration was a cultural and linguistic transformation, blending Celtic legacies with Slavic traditions and interacting with Germanic tribes like the Bavarians and Saxons.

Tribal Organization and Governance

Early Czech/Bohemian society was organized into tribes and clans, each led by chieftains responsible for maintaining order and leading in times of conflict. A Council of Elders provided collective wisdom and guidance, fostering a strong sense of kinship and loyalty essential for survival amidst frequent invasions and other challenges.

Trade, Cultural Exchange, and External Influences

Bohemia's strategic location as a crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe facilitated robust trade and cultural exchanges. These interactions enriched the local culture, leading to a blending of Old Slavonic with Germanic languages and practices, which significantly shaped the development of Czech culture, from language, societal norms, customs, food, architecture, etc.

✨ Reflection

A deepening understanding of Czech history, culture, and societal structures enhances our ability to connect with Czechs about the Gospel. By appreciating their resilient and adaptable nature, we can approach conversations with greater empathy and insight, fostering meaningful engagements that resonate with their unique heritage.

🤝 Gratitude to Our Partners

Your support and prayers empower us to explore these intricate historical relationships, honoring the resilience of the Czech Christian community over many centuries. Together, we celebrate the foundations that have shaped Czech Christianity.

🙏 Prayer Focus

Let us pray for peace and unity in the Czech Republic, that the lessons of history inspire current generations to embrace faith and foster harmonious relationships.

🇨🇿⛪️ Embark on an Epic Journey with Us: The History of Christianity in the Czech Lands 🇨🇿

Hello, dear friends!

We’re thrilled to share a new series with you, where we’ll explore the rich and complex history of Christianity in the Czech Lands together. This series is both a way for us to organize our own thoughts and a means to share what we’re learning about Czech history and culture, and in particular the development of Christianity in Prague, Bohemia, Central Europe, and the broader Slavic world.

SETTING THE STAGE: FROM CELTIC TRIBES TO SLAVIC SETTLERS

Long before the Czechs settled in Bohemia, the region was home to various Celtic and Germanic tribes, whose presence is still evident in archaeological sites and cultural artifacts. These early inhabitants laid the foundational cultural and societal structures that would influence the incoming Slavic tribes during the 5th and 6th Century in what became knowns as "The Great Migration". Driven by factors such as changes in climate, invasions by nomadic groups like the Huns and Magyars, the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and the search for fertile lands, Slavic tribes migrated into Bohemia from around the 6th century AD from somewhere east of the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe. This migration was not merely a physical movement but also a cultural and linguistic transformation, blending Celtic legacies with Slavic traditions.

MYTHICAL ORIGINS AND LEGENDARY FOUNDATIONS

The origins of the Czech and broader Slavic identities are intertwined with rich mythological narratives, and it is dificult to parse history from legend. Legends such as the story of the brothers Czech, Lech, and Rus highlight the intertwined stories of neighboring Slavic nations and the enduring spirit of the Czech people. These stories, while mythical, reflect values of unity, courage, and resilience that have guided the Czech people throughout history. They also emphasize the deep connections between the Czech lands and their Slavic neighbors, fostering a sense of shared heritage and purpose.

📜 WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Heroic Figures & Christian Martyrs: We'll learn about inspiring individuals like "Good King Wenceslas," Jan Hus, Jan Žižka, the 27 Protestant Martyrs of Prague's Old Town Square, Count Zinzendorf, and others whose faith and courage have helped shape Czech Christianity through the centuries.
• Key Historical Events: From the mission of Cyril & Methodius, which first introduced the Gospel to pre-Christian Bohemia and the Slavic world, to the Protestant Reformation, the tumultuous Thirty Years’ War, the Third Reich, Communism, and beyond.
• Influential Movements: We'll discover the impact of the Moravian Church, Count Zinzendorf, and the Czech Brethren Church on global Christianity.
• Villains & Oppressors: Understand the forces that have sought to suppress the Gospel and how Czech Christians responded.
• Cultural Context: We'll gain insight into the origins and societal structures of the Czech/Bohemian people before and after the arrival of Christianity, including the significant influences of Germanic language and culture on Czech language and traditions.

✨ WHY IT MATTERS:

By understanding this history together as partners together in the Gospel, we will not only honor those who came before us but also find inspiration to support and pray for the spread of the Gospel in one of the world’s most secular nations today. The blend of historical facts, cultural influences, and mythical narratives provides a comprehensive view of how Christianity has been woven into the very fabric of Czech identity.

🤝 A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS:

To our friends, family, prayer, and financial partners—you are holding the rope with us in this ministry journey, and we hope that this series will help you feel more connected to how God is at work (and has been at work for centuries!) in the heart of Europe. Your support and prayers are vital as we delve into this important history together.

🙏 JOIN US:

Let’s walk this path together, fostering empathy for the Czech people and a deeper connection to the Czech Christian community. Stay tuned for our first installment where we delve into the origins of the Czech people and their early beliefs. Stay tuned!

#ChristianHistory #CzechRepublic #FaithJourney #PrayForCzechia #PartnersInMinistry #HoldTheRope

📿🪢 Holding the Rope for God’s Mission 🪢📿

Have you ever thought of the mission field as a mine, and the lives touched by the Gospel as treasures, waiting to be uncovered for God’s glory? ⛏️💎 Our ministry in Prague through Faith Community Church is somewhat like that—a mine full of riches for the Gospel, waiting to be unearthed. But to extract these priceless riches of lives transformed by the Gospel of grace, some of us must go down into the pit, while others play the crucial role of “holding the rope” back home. 🤝💡 Thank you for holding the rope for us!

“I will go down into the mine, but you must hold the ropes”. ~William Carey

The Legacy of William Carey & Andrew Fuller: Mining Treasures of God’s Grace for the Gospel

In 1792, as William Carey, the "father of modern missions," began his lifelong mission to India, he understood the immense potential for seeing millions of people from hundreds of unreached people groups in India, reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for God’s glory. But William Carey knew that he couldn't do it alone and that the partnership of those back home in England was absolutely critical for his ministry in India. In particular, Carey’s friend and fellow pastor back in England, Andrew Fuller, whom Carey told in a letter, “I will go down into the mine, but you must hold the ropes”. 🪢📿

William Carey’s role was to be the “miner” or missionary who was called to descend into the mine ⛏️, and Andrew Fuller enthusiastically launched into his role as a “rope holder” back home, providing prayer, encouragement, and financial support, as well as helping to mobilize others to join in holding the rope for Carey and his fellow workers in India. Both of their roles were vitally important callings to take part in God’s mission. In the same way, each one of us today who are Christians are called to either be “goers” or to be “senders” who help hold the rope in support of those the Lord has sent.

Prague: A Post-Post-Christian Landscape

Many American Christians today may be completely unaware of just how deeply secular Europe has become. You might even visit Europe and see beautiful, historic churches all around you, but today, many of these churches sit largely empty with the exception of tourists and a small and aging but devout remnant of believers gathered on a Sunday morning. These ancient and beautiful churches and cathedrals are often monuments to an ancient but fading Christian past whose days are all but forgotten in Europe. Its a stark reminder for us that the Bible's understanding of what a "Church" is ("εκκλησία", or "ekklesia" in the Greek New Testament, meaning "assembly"), is not a building -no matter how beautiful and ancient- but a people.

The Bible-believing Christian population in many European nations today, including the Czech Republic, is often less than 2%—a threshold below which Christianity struggles to grow and sustain itself without the help of foreign missionaries. In William Carey and Andrew Fuller's day, the most critical needs for mission sending and the light of the Gospel were to the so-called "dark continents" of Africa and Asia. But today in the 21st century, after centuries of mission sending and surging indigenous churches in Africa and Asia, the "dark continent" most in need of the light of Christ today has become Europe itself, formerly thought of as "Christendom".

In "post-post-Christian" Prague, Christianity hasn’t just been rejected recently—it’s often not even been considered. Many Czechs and other secular Europeans living in Prague have never encountered a Bible-believing Christian who could share the Gospel with them in a meaningful way. In fact, the percentage of Czech Bible-believing Christians was estimated a decade ago to be just 0.76%, and is probably significantly less today, making Prague one of the most challenging yet critical mission fields for the future of Christianity in Europe and the western world. This makes our mission incredibly urgent and impactful, as we seek to bring the transformative message of Jesus to a community that’s largely unaware and untouched by it.

How You Can "Hold the Rope" for Us in the Mission Field of Central Europe:

🙏 Pray: Lift us up in prayer as well as for those we minister to and come in contact with to hear the Gospel and receive it with gladness.

🤝 Support Financially: Your donations help sustain and expand our ministry efforts. 👉 Give Here: mtw.org/bean

📢 Encourage & Share: Share our ministry in Europe with friends, family, and with your church, to help grow our support network and awareness of how God is at work.

👥 Mobilize Your Community: Invite others to join our Facebook group, share our email updates and blogposts with them, and encourage your church to support our mission through prayer and financial partnership.

Why It Matters:

By holding the rope for us in Prague, you enable us and our team to dig deep, planting and nurturing churches that become lights of the Gospel in Prague, and we hope in the future, beyond into greater Czechia and Central Europe.

Just as Andrew Fuller’s support back home in England was vital for William Carey’s mission in India in creating a lasting church planting movement that continues to this day, your support of our work in Prague today is essential for our efforts to uncover and cultivate the Gospel’s treasures in Prague—all for God’s glory--together. 🤝🌟🙌

Thank you so much for all that you do to “hold the rope” 🪢📿 in supporting the mission of God to draw those who’ve never heard the Gospel to our gracious savior!