Parmenter Missions - April 2008

SHARING THE CROWN OF LIFE

Parmenters and the Mission to the Czech Republic

UPDATE

(adam@parmenterclan.com)

In March, time seemed to stand still or perhaps evaporate, and suddenly it's half way through April. As I've written earlier, in March, Marge's father, Henry Blunier, died and passed on to eternal life with Jesus Christ our Lord. Marge has been healing emotionally as has the rest of the family.

Then mid March my father, Allen Parmenter, was getting treatment for a leg ulcer and leg pain. The pain medication made him dizzy and he fell and hit his head resulting in a head injury. I was there for two weeks at their winter Arizona home to help get him out of the nursing home and deal with some serious patient care issues. I'm happy to say that mom and dad are now in their summer home in LaGrange, IN and dad is receiving care in their home. It will take several months of recovery for both the leg wound and the head injury. Right now family and paid helpers are providing 24X7 assistance. Marge and I are going there tonight (Friday) to stay over night.

Please pray that my parents will not only be able to focus on dad's recovery, but that they can enjoy their time with each other.

On The Road

We had the privilege of sharing in the ministry at East Arlington Baptist Church in Lawrence, MI on April 13th in both Adult Sunday school and the morning service. We shared our testimonies, the spiritual condition of the Czech Republic and our desire to share the gospel in the Czech Republic.

ONLINE

Each week I try to post up something new at http://www.sharethecrown.com/. One new item is ShareTheCrown "Radio". We will regularly add new material, hopefully each month. Click here to listen.

God is Kind To Us

Even with the two week break in support raising, our support level went up to 17%. We are grateful.

If you aren't already part of our financial support team, we want you to join. Please send me an e-mail if you would like more information on how to be one of our financial supporters.

More important than the money, is our need for a team of people to join us in taking time each week to pray for us. This past weekend, two more couples joined our prayer team. We are excited to have the additional support. If you aren't already part of it, and are willing to take some time each each week to pray for us, please send me an e-mail. I'll add you to our prayer watch.

THE CZECH REPUBLIC - "Is Jesus Accepted in the Czech Republic?"

That was the question posted to a Czech message board. I have permission to post the response of an individual with the screen name of "eso".

This is my favorite topic, so I will answer with long post:

"Czech republic has very big number of atheists (or agnostics or somethingism). In 2001 census was all citizens of Czech republic asked about religion (and many other things) and 6,039,991 citizens (59 %) responded "no religion". Czech republic is often considered as most atheistic/secular country in the world and many Czechs are proud of it."

For the full article visit the Journey to Missions Blog. My thanks to eso for letting me reprint his posting. It is informative and interesting.

GIVING THANKS

• Safe travel around West Michigan.
• We are thankful that my dad is home

PLEASE PRAY

• That I'll be able to set up a full schedule of church visits so that we can share the exciting news that God is beginning to work in the hearts of Czech people.
• We will put our house up for sale when the children start summer break. We don't expect to make much, because of the housing market. Pray that we will make enough to cover our financial obligations.
• As always, please pray that each day our focus will be on Christ and that we would each have a desire to know and please Him.

PRE-FIELD PREPARATIONS

Speaking engagements:

*20-April Bethel Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI -- Morning Service

30-April Heritage Academy - Chapel

Financial Support

Currently we are at about 17.30% of our required $6,638.33 monthly financial support and 12.52% of our Outfit and Passage support.

Send checks to:

ATTN: Parmenter Support #013408

ABWE, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585

Remember to mark it as monthly support if you plan to give each month.

Thanks for taking the time to read and pray for us.

Kind regards,

Adam, Marge & the Kids

1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Cell (269) 762-2202

Home (269) 373-5402

e-mail: parmenters@abwe.cc

This message was sent from Adam Parmenter to adammparmenter.journey2missions@blogger.com. It was sent from: ABWE Czech, 1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

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Is Jesus Accepted in the Czech?

Is Jesus Accepted in the Czech?


That was the question posted to a Czech message board. I have permissions to post the response of an individual with the screen name of "eso". Eso lives in the Czech Republic. His perspective is informative.

This is my favourite topic, so I will answer with looong post

Czech republic has very big number of atheists (or agnostics or somethingism /this term I will explain lately). In 2001 census was all citizens of Czech republic asked about religion (and many other things) and 6,039,991 citizens (59 %) responded "no religion". Czech republic is often considered as most atheistic/secular country in the world and many Czechs are proud of it.


Foreigners sometimes assume, that it's because communist past. This is wrong assumption, because our post-communist neighbours, like Poland or Slovakia (Which was up to 1993 united with Czech republic into one country) are despite similar comunnist expirience mostly Catholic (Slovakia 69%, Poland 75-90%). Roots of Czech scepticism to organized religion (no necessarily to specific god, goddess or gods) are dated since 15th century.

Key history moments (compressed - you can look up details via Google)
1414-15 Prague priest Jan Hus, who criticized bad things in church is called to church congreation in Kostnice, he is accussed of heresy and then he is burned to death. This act raised husite rebellion. Church reacted to rebellion with 5 crusades against Czechs. Army of husites fought with crusaders and allways won.
1611... - After death of emperor Rudolf II discords again started between Catholics and reformists.
1618-20 - Bila hora battle. Czech army is defeated and protestants are punished. 27 Czech lords are publicly executed. Thirty year's war (1618-1648) decimate Czech nation from 3.000.000 to 800.000 people. Many Czechs are forced to leave country. Forced recatolization started. Many books were banned and burned.
1918 - "First republic" - First really independent democratic Czechoslovak state is established. First president T.G.Masaryk, national hero, is outspoken rationalist and humanist. He considered catholicism as anti-national power, which suffocated everything positive and valuable in Czech history.
From 1938-1945 was country under rule of Nazi ideology.
From 1948-1989 under communist ideology, which continuously changed from stalinism to "human-face socialism" to "normalization socialism" with Soviet tanks intervention as bonus in 1968. Through these 50 years, when lived under permanent censorship, Czechs learnt to identify propaganda and to distrust to any ideology. During communism every church partially colaborated with regime in order to preserve its existence. In context of Czech history isn't big surprise, that Czechs are distrustful to church.

Last 16 years After fall of communism, church should have chance to change its reputation, but failed. Instead of spiritual subjects, church dignitaries were more interested in acquisition of land estates and realties. After long lawsuit, Catholic church won famous St. Vitus Cathedral. Imediatelly after that they started collect a fee for chapel visit.

That was local church, but what about foreign missionaries and evangelists? They came. Especially in late nineties they roamed in Prague - Jehova witnesses, Church of Christ, World Changers, ESI, Christian Associates Int, all of them. But they experienced some problems. Besides of mentioned history, Czech people are rather pragmatic, realistic, material and cool headed than emotional, spiritual or believing. If you will exclaim: "Jesus will save you!", they tend to answer with inappropriate questions like "From what?" or "Do you have proof?". Some missionaries don't understant, that there can exists someone, who allready know story about Jesus, last supper, Golgota and ressurection, but for all that he choose to not believe. Some find out, that if they dance and jump and cry in public: "Jesus is great!", common no-emotional Czechs see him like he is little crazy. And of course - language barriere is big problem.

Few actual quotes: Young Czechs have a physical reaction of fear when you bring up the subject of religion or faith. Church is not a good or positive concept in their minds. Religion has been associated negatively with each oppressive party over the Czech Republic. John Philpott, anglican vicar in Prague

When you say church in Prague it closes doors. Jonathan and Daniela Augustine (www.ProjectAntioch.com)

Czech Thinking: · Passive · Closed · Logical, sort of an engineering mind set Artie Sposaro - Grace Ministries Prague

I can post links to diaries of frustrated missionaries in Czech republic, if you want Of course, there is complete religion freedom in Czech republic. Everyone can believe in whatever he wants. But maybe he doesn't want Generaly in Europe, faith is considered as personal thing and majority don't talk about it in public very much. But if you want to loudly thank to God and prays publicly, the worst you can experienced may be surprised smile of passers-by.

What else? Oh, I promised to explain, what is somethingism - When ordinary Czechs identify themselves as atheist, they usually don't mean it in the strict sense. When pressed, most Czechs acknowledge they believe in something bigger than themselves to make sense of their lives, not directly connected to any official religion.

Hissing Cockroaches

This is from Maryellen Parmenter:

We went over to the Shertzer's house after attending East Arlington Baptist in Lawrence, MI. They had two parrots, a ton of cockroaches, and two Geckos as pets. We enjoyed having a nice conversation with them, and ate Mrs. Shertzer's delicious meal.

At East Arlington, Dad presented in adult Bible study and in the service. He sang in the offertory, and Mom and Michael played Be Thou My Vision.

At the Shertzer's I was rather revolted by the writhing mass of hissing Cockroaches in their cage. Michael actually dared to touch one. Though I can't say that for myself. I found the larger parrot, Ariel, quite amusing. If she was left alone in a room or was unhappy about something, she would make a shrieking noise. She also liked to eat jelly beans. If let out, the other parrot would fly around the room in circles.

I wish I could have taken some cockroaches home, but my dad said no. He says, when I grow up and get my own house then perhaps I can get some for myself.

Signed,

Maryellen Parmenter

A Different Mission

Last Saturday I arrived at Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix, Arizona. I'm here to help my mother make care arrangements for my father's health. Dad is 86. Several weeks ago, he fell and hit his head. The resulting injury has left him quite confused and weak.

He is in Springdale nursing home in Mesa, AZ and we aren't sure how long his recovery will be.

Last week my brother Mark was here, and this is my week to help my mom navigate the health care system. I've been busier here than I am at home and missions preparations have come to a halt, while I tend to this very important mission.

Please pray for Marge and the kids as I will be won't seem them again until next Thursday, and pray that my father will receive the care that he needs. Also, pray that my dad, mom and I will be an example of how a Christian lives to the people and staff at the nursing home.

I'm making every effort to thank the staff for all that they do, but also I'm persitent in getting the information that I need and getting dad treatment.

Some of you may know my father, and I encourage you to send cards to their home and my mother can take them to dad:

Allen Parmenter
Lot 110
300 South Val Vista
Mesa, AZ 85204

Adam

This message was sent from Adam Parmenter to adammparmenter.journey2missions@blogger.com. It was sent from: ABWE Czech, 1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

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Dad Parmenter in Arizona

I've lost track of when this started. About two weeks ago my dad, who was taking a medication for pain in his legs, got dizzy from the med and fell. We think he hit his head and suffered a subdural hematoma.

Essentially bleeding on the brain. No one is suggesting a surgical procedure, so hopefully that means it isn't as serious as it could be. Sadly, the added pressure on the brain from the blood suppresses brain function. He is often confused and can be combative with the staff at the nursing home where he is supposed to be going through rehabilitation and recovery.

My brother Allen who lives in Phoenix was there the first week, and my brother Mark is there this week. I'm flying out today to take the next week. My parents are both in their 80s and this experience is overwhelming for my mother.

Our job out there is to advocate for consistent and quality care.

It's been hard to sleap frankly. My father was always a kind man, strong disciplinarian, and he was definitely his own boss. It grieves me to see him confused and to see him upset that he just can't leave and go about his business.

I think back to when I was a child, his arms were the strongest and safest place to be. Now we are the ones who are comforting him.

I'm glad to do it, and will happily do what ever it takes to make sure he gets the care he needs.

This has been hard for Marge, just weeks after her own father died and went to be with Jesus. We are thrilled that he is with Christ, but it's lonely to be without him. All of that is brought back fresh for her now that my father is in the hospital.

Pray for our comfort, and for my father's recovery.

Adam

Parmenter Missions - March 2008

SHARING THE CROWN OF LIFE

Parmenters and the Mission to the Czech Republic

http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9680012&msgid=129086&act=WB6Y&c=160848&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharethecrown.com%2F.

UPDATE

We are excited to announce our second supporting church: Heartland Baptist Church, Omaha, NE.

We visited with Heartland Baptist a little over a week ago on Sunday (9-March-08). Marge and I presented a Sunday school called "In The Potter's Hands". It discusses that God shapes the lives of believers, but if we allow it, the world around us can shape us instead. The class, then showed how historical events shaped the Czech nation and how they understand God.

That afternoon, I had the privilege of having lunch with the Omaha Czech Cultural Club and speaking briefly to them.

In the evening we were back at Heartland to speak more about our mission to the Czech. Each of gave our testimonies, and for the children it was the first time to do so in front of such a large group.

We were pleasantly surprised that before the evening was over, the congregation made a decision to become part of our monthly support team.

We are eager to return to the Omaha area and revisit our new friends.

Our goal is to reach 25% of our financial support by the end of April.

We are excited that we are pretty much at 15% of our monthly support goal.

GIVING THANKS

• Safe travel to Nebraska
• Our new supporting church
• There is much to enjoy about pre-field experience. We are enjoying meeting new people, and sharing our mission to the Czech.

PLEASE PRAY

• I will be traveling to AZ 22-March through 31-March to help care for my father (85 years old).
• Pray that God will direct us to churches and individuals that have a passion for the Czech Republic.

PRE-FIELD PREPARATIONS

Speaking engagements:

We are beginning to get dates to present at churches and schools. We also still have plenty of open dates if your church would like us to come and speak.

13-Apr-08	East Arlington Baptist Church Lawrence, MI 49064	269-674-3160
20-April-08	Bethel Baptist / AM Eng Service 402 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49007	269-381-2080
27-Apr-08	Open
Wed 30-Apr-08	Heritage Baptist Academy 6312 Quail Run, Kalamazoo, MI 49009	(269) 372-1400
4-May-08	Open
11-May-08	Open
18-May-08	Open
25-May-08	Open
1-June-08	Open
8-June-08	Open
15-June-08	Open
22-June-08	Parmenter Family
29 -June-08	Alaska Baptist Church 7240 68th St Se, Caledonia, MI 49316	(616) 698-8104
6-July	Open
13-July	Open
20-July	Harrisburg, PA
27-July	Harrisburg, PA
3-August	Open
10-August	Open
17-August	Parmenter Family
24-August	Open
31-August	Open
7-Sep	Open
14-Sep	Open
21-Sep	Open
28-Sep	Open
Mon 30-Sep / Tue 1-Oct	Calvary Baptist Church 220 North Jebavy Dr, Ludington, MI 49431	231-843-44600
5-Oct	Open
12-Oct	Open
19-Oct	Bethel Baptist / Missions Emphasis 402 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49007	269-381-2080

Adam, Marge & the Kids

1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Cell (269) 762-2202

Home (269) 373-5402

e-mail: parmenters@abwe.cc

This message was sent from Adam Parmenter to adammparmenter.journey2missions@blogger.com. It was sent from: ABWE Czech, 1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

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Suddenly its 12 midnight!

It's still a little odd getting used to the time difference between Michigan and the Czech Republic. If I get up and make a call at 5am, that is 11am there. I have a 50/50 chance of getting Pastor Barnes at home.

So then I'm at work and I keep thinking that it would be good to call at about 2pm. If something else doesn't come up and my cell phone gets a descent connection it seems like something else is making the connection garbled. Most often what happens, is I get caught up in what's going on at work and then later I'm home and 6pm here in Michigan (12 midnight in the Czech).

I'm thinking of trying a 3am call. I could write down all of my questions and thoughts ahead of time, set my alarm for 3am. At 3am, I won't likely be very bright and perky, but I could just stick to my prepared questions. It would be 9am for Pastor Barnes, so that would be the right time of the morning to get a hold of him.

Stay posted. I'll let you know if it happens.

Adam