We saw many people saved, healed and delivered. Churches were planted and an organization established. Pastors and leaders were raised up to continue in the vision. On top of this, we were privileged to see a regional revival among the Gypsy people in Slovakia!
Often in life there are times of change and transition. This is true for all of us, but perhaps more so for those in full time ministry. In ministry we have seen a lot of interesting developments; starting 17 years ago as pastors of our first church in Eugene, Oregon, transitioning to missionaries in the Czech Republic and now, relocating back to the United States.
We feel that our time in Czech was richly blessed and has run its course. We saw many people saved, healed and delivered. Churches were planted and an organization established. Pastors and leaders were raised up to continue in the vision. On top of this, we were privileged to see a regional revival among the Gypsy people in Slovakia!
Our lives will be indelibly changed and affected by what we were graced to see and do. I would not exchange the experience for anything on this earth. However, after much prayer and agonizing, we feel it is now time to reassume “normal” life in America. There usually comes a time with most missionaries when the work they were sent to do comes to a natural conclusion. One of the main goals of the missionary is to train and raise up the nationals. Once this is accomplished the missionary will usually return to the U.S. or go to a different field.
For us, it feels right in the Holy Spirit to return to the U.S. to live. As most of you know, we have spent the last several months in Oregon on furlough; resting, praying and seeking the will of the Lord. During this time we began attending church in the city of Bend. The Lord led us to Father’s House. Pastor Randy and Sheila Wills lead a thriving, growing and vibrant community of believers who love God and are impacting their community.
Pastor Randy recently asked me to join the staff of the church as an associate pastor. After prayer and consideration, I have accepted this position. This is going to be quite a change, but I am looking forward to it. It is great to be part of something so vibrant and progressive and we are looking to the future with great anticipation.
Of course, we will continue to be involved with Czech and Slovakia. In fact, I am planning a trip there in the fall to be part of the first official Conference of New Hope Fellowship of Churches. We will also continue to serve the churches and pastors in Poland, Hungary, and where ever the Lord leads.
We have appreciated your prayers, financial support and friendship over these last several years. It has been an adventure we will never forget. Thank you for being part of it.
Mark and Valerie Zechin, Missionaries to Slovakia
Project Number 0650800
© 2009 Church of God World Missions