CZECH REPUBLIC
Missionaries: Mike and Sonja Bowden; Daughters: Taliyah and Jesslyna
Sponsor: The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM)
Purpose: Church planting and discipleship in Eastern Europe
Project: Pickup Truck for Building Contractor

During the past nine years, Mike and Sonja have labored to establish a vibrant Christian community in Podebrady, Czech Republic. After struggling for years to establish a visible presence in the community through a consistent facility, they attained a significant milestone when they broke ground in April 2005. After many setbacks and exciting “God only can” moments, the building opened on November 4, 2007.
Many of the obstacles faced felt overwhelming at the time. They attest “God is faithful!” Throughout this process they and the church have grown personally. They saw the people of St. Mark’s partner in so many creative ways—prayerfully, financially, and through short-term projects. Through St. Mark’s, God has shown His faithfulness to the Bowdens and their church in Podebrady. As an elderly lady from their church prayed. “Father God, for over sixty years we have moved from place to place, waiting and praying and fasting for a building of our own. Today, we are finally here. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.”

Project Opportunity: The builder agreed to provide construction materials and labor in exchange for a used Ford F150 pickup truck. Please consider providing a financial gift toward the purchase and shipping of the truck—an additional $11,000 needs to be raised. How to participate? Contact Mike Bowden or Missions Commission representative Pegi Malnik-Anderson.