At the 2005 District Conference, members voted to enter into a three-year partnership with the United Methodist Churches of the Czech Republic through a General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) program called “In Mission Together.” Under the terms of this partnership, the Johnson City District agreed to provide $3,600 per year in financial support to the Czech Republic District, money which will be used to support their missions and programs.
In addition to providing financial help we have chosen to become very involved in serving the Czech District through Volunteer in Mission teams. However, perhaps the most important part of this partnership is that we have covenanted with the United Methodists of the Czech Republic to support them with our prayers, and to maintain a connection with them via letters, emails, phone calls, etc.
The fall of the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia in 1989 provided Christianity in the Czech and Slovak Republics with a unique opportunity to renew its strength. The task is daunting. Two generations have been indoctrinated with the Marxist idea that religion is the opiate of the masses, leaving the area with the highest rate of atheism in all of Europe. Surveys show that 67.9% of the population of the Czech Republic claims no religious affiliation. Nearly 60% of the 1500 members of Methodist churches there have become Christians since the fall of Communism in 1989. The Church is considered by many to be a cult, and Christians are often viewed as lunatics. For more information on "In Mission Together", visit the GBGM website.
Click the play button below to view a video describing our partnership.