Tuesday, November 17th, will be the 20th anniversary for freedom in the Czech and Slovak republics. 20 years ago this month, the Czechoslovak citizens protested against the Communist regime, removing them from power. The Velvet Revolution had occurred over a six week period in 1989. Hundreds of Czechs, and many of them students, crowded a number of places in Prague, protesting against an oppressive government.
The protest began as a legal rally, but soon turned into a demonstration at Narodni Trida, and almost 170 students were injured. On November 26th there was a huge demonstration of 750,000 people at Letna Park, followed by a strike on November 27th. These two acts were devastating to the Communist regime. The Czechoslovak government was totally unprepared for the public support for the students' cause, and within 6 weeks, stepped down. The people came back night after night to Wensalas' Square, Letna Park and Narodni Trida to gingle their keys, wave their flags and shout, "Uz je to tady!" which sinply means - "It's here!" Freedom had come to the Czechoslovak people.
Last week I made a stop to Narodni Trida, to one of my favorite department stores . Since I had not been there since the spring months, I was totally unprepared for what changes had been made to the store. The whole first floor had nothing but expensive perfumes and jewelry. All the other floors had all the lastest fashions with prices that I could not even consider. What happened to this store? Prague has changed so much since we made our first trip to visit the country in 1992. The Prague of the old days is gone and all of its culture with it.
I can remember years ago clearly enjoying hopping from one little shop to another, just to be able to stumble through my lousy Czech language to express what I wanted to buy. It was a real challenge (and confusion!) and certainly a great way to meet people and wait for them to ask me where I was from and why we were in their country. Every shop was unique in its own way...the bakery (pekarna), the flowershop (kvetinarstvi), and the coffee shops were wonderful (kavarna) and inexpensive. But now, this side of the world has changed so much since then. There is such a demand to be "like the west." It is a completely different city than it was back then.
As much as there is a desire for "change" in this country, there is also the desire NOT to change. Just this last week I had a second Bible study with a sweet young university student. She believes, like so many others, that there simply is no God, no Jesus, no law, no God's Word, and creation is only a fairytale. Yet, for some reason, she has been willing to come to Bible study and listen. Maybe it's a desire for "change" in her life, as so many here desire, but we're thankful that she will come and listen. Our dear Czech members in the mission work here, have been so faithful to PRAY and seek HIS face for revival in their country.
I long for the day when the doors of heaven open and we are able to shout, "Uz je to tady!" which simply means - "It's here!" Freedom is why we are here. John 8:32 says..."And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." REAL freedom is what the Czech Republic needs. Freedom from sin and the bondage to sin.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2.
THANK YOU for your prayers and support - for the FREEDOM for the Czech people.
