After a five-year absence begun by the COVID-19 pandemic, Salem Covenant Church once again sent our own full mission team to the Czech Republic for the purpose of teaching English and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the local population of the South Bohemian town of Trhové Sviny.

Salem Mission teams have served at six English Camps in Trhové Sviny in previous years and as before, this year’s five-member team taught a daily two-hour block of English classes followed by a one-hour block of English reading and discussion topics based upon the Bible. This year the Bible discussion centered around verses focused on the topics of hope, peace, love, forgiveness, and joy.

The English camp also included daily activities such as: outdoor games and activities, a scavenger hunt, a hike to a local landmark (Holy Trinity Church), a campfire, skits, a quiz game, trivia bingo, crafts, and board games. The team also joined the local Czech “Brethren Church” that invited us for two Sunday worship services, one of which was led by the American Team (including the team leader, Mark Nygaard, preaching a sermon related to the topics discussed in the daily Bible study time). This year’s English camp was attended by approximately 30 students; 5 of whom had attended in previous years.

During the time in the Czech Republic the mission team was also able to re-connect with several other students who had attended these camps in the past and some of these students were able to attend the worship services.