It doesn't end with the Camp
Hanka stayed in Kenya after last year's camps and made deeper connections in the community through Pastor Paul's relationships and ministry. She teaches music at the church's local theological school, assists as needed with music instruction at the primary school, and seeks out opportunities to teach at the school for future teachers, in addition to sharing teaching about God's call to discipleship and practising discipleship triads at the same institution. She is currently seeking God's will for her future. God seems to be opening the door for her to return here next year to serve for an extended period of time in collaboration with another Czech couple, the Matushkas. They have been called here for a long-term mission in the local community.
a few words FROM HANKA
I desire to share my life, my faith in Jesus Christ, and the gifts I have received in my life, including my musical training and teaching experience. I want to live in the midst of their community, learn from relationships with local people, support their own culture, be sensitive to their needs, adapt to them and to offer them what I can enrich them with. I would like us to be able to learn from and inspire each other.
someone might be thinking, WHY GO TO KENYA WITH ART, WHEN THE PEOPLE THERE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT...
In 2023, I was thinking the same thing. But when I was on site, I saw that people were very interested in learning new skills. I also saw that people from all walks of life are interested in music and that it is the "language of their heart" that can connect them to God and help them through the difficult situations they face. I realised that art and creativity is not a luxury for those who have a secure life but instead, it is a potential that allows for a broadening of perspective and can ultimately lead to a change in outlook on life for both the individual and the community. This is why I think that developing creativity where all basic needs are not met is important.
There is a lot of poverty in Kenya, but not everyone is poor. However, material security is not the most important thing. There is despair among the people, they don't see a chance for a better future, and many people are mired in addictions to forget and escape from reality (similar to Europe, although we are much better off materially). I think they need to find and grasp the hope and freedom that Jesus Christ offers us, to see the potential that God has placed in them and sees in them.
I want to encourage them to see that potential as well and, with God's help, to use it for themselves and for the good of their community. I want to encourage them in personal, practical and spiritual growth as God prepares it. In the area of music, and in general, I am still on a journey of finding out exactly what their needs look like. I am all about practical support for local individuals and communities to pass on their enriched musical skills to "their" people, without cultural barriers.
HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE… SO I GO
This is my personal declaration, which leads me to follow Christ on a path that is a challenge, a hope and a lesson of faith for me.
I am supported in my ministry by my home congregation, Church of the Brethren Network Prague, and the national Christian choir, Effatha. If the project appeals to you, you can make a financial contribution to the account on my business card (see above) or to the ArtCamp account. When ArtCamp needs are met, the funds raised will go to my ministry and specific people in need in Kenya. Thank you for your favour and support.