Archives by: Gary Hoag

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

“How incalculably would the tone of conversation be improved, if we would make it a rule
never to speak of a man’s virtues to his face, nor of his faults behind his back; the observance of which would at once banish flattery and defamation from the earth. Conversation being a joint and common property, everyone should take a share in it; and yet there may be societies in which silence will be our best contribution.”

Horace Smith (1779–1849) a British humorist often known by his pen name, Paul Chatfield, in Day’s Collacon, compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 133.

When I was in Czech Republic last week, I learned one of their rich sayings. “To speak is silver; to be silent is gold.” How often do we offer silver when gold could be richly dispensed?

It requires great discipline. The Psalmwriter cries out to the Lord to put a watch and guard on his lips. What if each of us did this? Today, let’s consider how silence might be our best contribution.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

“Men [and women] of the noblest dispositions think themselves happiest when others share their happiness with them.”

Jeremy Taylor in Day’s Collacon, compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 195.

I am learning the power of empathy, compassion, and sharing happiness. God blesses us to be a blessing, but some of us are better at this than others. And very few in my estimation “think themselves happiest” when sharing happiness with others.

The Polish participants at the Prague Summit last week touched me deeply associated with their passion to welcome the millions of refuges flooding across their border. They appeared as the happiest to share their happiness, thanks to Jesus, of course.

You may not have a Ukrainian knocking on your door, but if you are happy, find someone around you whom you might lift up in the name of Jesus. In so doing, “sharing happiness” might become the happiest aspect of your generosity today. Who knows? It might even become a habit.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28

“A vain man’s motto is: Win gold and wear it. A generous man’s: Win gold and share it. A miser’s: Win gold and spare it. A profligate’s: Win gold and spend it. A broker’s: Win gold and lend it. A fool’s: Win gold and end it. A gambler’s: Win gold and lose it. A wise man’s: Win gold and use it.”

William Wotton in Day’s Collacon, compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 330.

I am departing from Prague shortly. I’ve learned a lot on this trip. Also how mottos or ways of thinking shape societies.

For example, I learned this one this trip. “Under Communism: What’s yours is mine. And with Christianity: what’s mine is yours.”

One young man also told me that the system taught them to steal which is why generosity with accountability is so hard.

He said, Gary, in our home growing up we said, “If we do not steal from the government, we steal from our family.”

At the European Great Commission Collaboration Summit 92 people from 11 countries came together to proclaim a new motto.

Together we want to encourage collaborative generosity and accelerate ministry sustainability. If that sounds to deep, let me say it this way.

We want to try to multiply faithful people and shape the future of culture by not being overcome by the brokenness but by overcoming it with good as the collective Church.

Just like Paul had to teach the Ephesians, this generation wants to write a new story about gold that glorifies God.

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8

Donald R. McClarey writes this about John of Nepomuk:

“The more he shunned the esteem of men the more it followed him. He however accepted soon after the office of almoner of the court, which could only give him an authority and assistance the better to perform his duty as preacher to the court, and enable him in a private capacity to assist the poor, and to gain souls to God. Nor had this charge either the distractions, or the riches or honours, which had so much affrighted him in the dignities before mentioned.

Thus humility fixed him in the court whither ambition leads others. He appeared there the same man he had been in his private life. His apartment was the rendezvous of all that were in affliction or distress. He declared himself their general advocate, and the father of the poor, and of all who suffered by unjust oppressions.

His charity was also sagacious in finding out, and secretly reconciling all dissensions which arose in the court or city: of many whereof authentic monuments are still preserved, in which the patience of this great man, his penetration and judgment, and the equity of his decisions are equally admired. He found time for everything, because the saints, who in temporal concerns forget themselves, find more leisure than other men for the service of their neighbours.”

John of Nepomuk (1345-1393) pictured above on the Charles Bridge in the heart of Prague.

I mention John of Nepomuk today as it is the last day of my meetings on my first visit to Prague before departing tomorrow, and because I participated in a widely known activity.

“It’s a long-held tradition among tourists that touching the Statue of John of Nepomuk, the oldest and only bronze figure on the Charles Bridge, is said to bring good fortune and a swift return to Prague.”

I hope to return to Prague as this visit sparked work linked to GTP worth noting tomorrow. But today, let us gain at least three insights from the charity of this saint for our generosity.

Firstly, “His apartment was the rendezvous of all that were in affliction or distress.” This inspires us to have a ministry of hospitality. To make our home a space filled with grace.

At dinner last night, I learned a negative perception that some have of Americans links to the pattern that foreigners are rarely invited into their home for dinner.

Secondly, John was a “general advocate, and the father of the poor, and of all who suffered by unjust oppressions.” By his interaction he was “secretly reconciling all dissensions.”

So, John not only opened his home, but he made himself available to others. What comes into view is the practice of hospitality associated with his dwelling and his service.

Thirdly, as saints “in temporal concerns forget themselves” he seemed to live in a manner that trusted God to sort his needs while he emptied himself in service to his neighbors.

As I depart Prague tomorrow, this saint inspires me (and I hope you too) to practice hospitality, to make room in our hearts and schedules for others, and to forget ourselves.

In so doing, God will take care of us. Others may throw us of a bridge for such living (as John was martyred). But our charity may live on, like John of Nepomuk, to inspire others.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:32-35

“Another vision of Count Zinzendorf’s was that of the restoration of Apostolic community. He labored to establish a community of saints that loved and supported one another through prayer, encouragement and accountability. To a great extent Zinzendorf’s vision became a reality in the small village of Herrnhut. A deep sense of community was maintained through small groups based on common needs and interests, original and unifying hymns and continual prayer meetings. In 1738 John Wesley visited “this happy place” and was so impressed that he commented in his journal. “I would gladly have spent my life here . . . Oh, when shall this Christianity cover the earth as water covers the sea?”

Excerpt from “Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians: Prayer Makes History.”

As I was reading about saints from the region today known as Czech Republic, Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf comes into view as a key player.

This section struck me as the recipe for apostolic community: prayer, encouragement, and accountability. The prayer part implies it’s only possible with God’s help.

The encouragement and accountability pieces help preserve the authenticity and integrity of the community as it grows. And what strikes me is how this links to my visit.

The European Great Commission Collaboration aims to encourage such apostolic community through rallying strategic generosity but a missing piece has been accountability.

This is where GTP can help. Please continue to pray for fruitful meetings with influential national workers from across Europe aiming to follow in the footsteps of Zinzendorf.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

“In Europe, a Countess with close friends among kings, emperors and princes, famous for her brilliant gifts and witty conversation, found that none of her amusements and recreations satisfied her any longer. A humble Moravian shoemaker came into her presence and she was struck with his remarkable cheerfulness. She asked him why he was so happy and he replied that ‘Jesus has forgiven my sins. He forgives me every day and He loves me and that makes me happy through all the hours.’ The Countess thought about that and began to pray. Conviction led her into the same joyful faith and she became a great witness for Christ among titled people.”

Whilst I cannot locate the names of the characters, savor this scene between the Countess and the Moravian Shoemaker that I located when researching Nicolaus Zinzendorf and the Moravians this morning.

About a half century before Martin Luther, Jan “John” Hus sparked the first protestant church movement in Bohemia and Moravia, urging people to live out their faith like early church. The faith of the Moravians spread far and wide.

The good news of forgivenes of sins through Jesus Christ not only results in contagious happiness. It positions us to be generous. Though the Countess was known for her gifts, the shoemaker gave the greatest gift that day.

When this posts I will be attending the European Great Commission Collaboration Prague Summit 2022. As I get to know the group, it’s just a bunch of countesses and shoemakers celebrating the greatest gift and considering how to share it.

God infect us with contagious happiness for generously sharing the good news of forgiveness of sins.

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12

Who were Cyril and Methodius?

According to Christian History: “When the Moravian Prince Ratislav requested that the Byzantine Emperor Michael III send missionaries to Moravia “to explain to us the Christian truths in our own language,” it was the brothers Cyril and Methodius who were sent. They had already developed a reputation as keen thinkers and administrators. By the end of their lives, they were well on the way to becoming the most celebrated missionary team in Eastern Orthodox history.

They were born “Constantine” and “Michael” to a high ranking officer in the Byzantine Army, and both studied at the Imperial School of Constantinople. They each carved out a successful career: Constantine (later Cyril) as professor of philosophy at the Imperial school; Michael, first as governor in Macedonia and then abbot of a monastery in Asia Minor (where he took the name Methodius).

In 863, when they started their work among the Slavs, they began using Slavonic in the liturgy. They translated the Bible into the language later known as Old Church Slavonic (or Old Bulgarian) and invented a Slavic alphabet based on Greek characters, which in its final Cyrillic form is still in use as the alphabet for a number of Slavic languages.

International politics soon swirled around their little mission. The German archbishop of Salzburg claimed that Cyril and Methodius had invaded his ecclesiastical territory. Jealous for the church in Rome, the archbishop insisted that Latin, not Slavonic, be used in the liturgy.

So in 868, the brothers found themselves in Rome explaining themselves to Pope Adrian II, who took their side and formally authorized the use of the Slavonic liturgy. Though Cyril died in Rome, Methodius was sent back to the Slavs as Adrian’s legate and as archbishop of Sirmium, a province that included all of Moravia.

When power in Moravia fell into new hands, Methodius was abandoned by the government; he was accused of usurping the Catholic archbishops’ authority and of the “scandalous use of the Slavonic language” in the liturgy. He was brutally treated and jailed, and only freed by the intervention of Pope John VIII.

Unfortunately, after Methodius’ death, Pope Stephen V reversed John VIII’s ruling and forbade the use of the Slavonic liturgy. Wiching, Methodius’s successor, drove the disciples of Cyril and Methodius into exile.

The exile only facilitated the spread of their work. “One cannot estimate the significance, for the future of Orthodoxy, of the Slavonic translations,” said Orthodox apologist Timothy Ware. The Slavonic liturgy and Bible made their way all over Eastern Europe and gave birth to the Bulgarian and Serbian Orthodox churches (which still use the Slavonic liturgy). Russia, which converted to Orthodoxy about a century after Methodius died, continues to use his Cyrillic alphabet to this day.”

Cyril (815-885) and Methodius (815-885)

Known widely as the “Apostles to the Slavs”, think of them as the ones who stirred the movement that inspired and birthed the Christian faith of Ludmila, Wenceslas, and Adalbert of Prague. It also would help Christianity reach the Bulgarians, the Serbians, and the Russians. That’s impact!

And it’s a good transition to what I am doing in Prague.

The European Great Commission Collaboration is an informal network of like-minded Christian givers who want to reverse the decline of Christianity in Europe through strategic generosity and to resource God’s Kingdom in Europe.

Imagine a gathering of generous givers and trusted ministry workers. So, why am I here?

The EGCC has set up a due diligence process for vetting ministries in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and neighboring countries to determine if they follow standards and should receive support from the collaboration. This is where GTP comes in.

EGCC wants GTP to help set up peer accountability groups for these countries similar to ECFA in the USA. Prior to Covid we started conversations. We will continue those this week. If you want to see an infographic that shows how we do this in countries, click here.

For now, please pray for fruitful meetings on 28-30 April 2022. Please also consider making a gift to GTP to help cover the costs of this trip, around $3,000 USD. To give, click here. Your gift fuels this collaborative work that aims to stir a gospel movement like Cyril and Methodius did in their day. Thank you.

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. Proverbs 22:11

Who is Good King Wenceslas?

Tracy A. Burns reports: “The first Czech saint and the patron saint of the Czech state, Wenceslas (Václav in Czech) served as duke of Bohemia from 921 until his death in 935. Though he died young, this martyr’s accomplishments were many. He built numerous churches in Bohemia and was deeply respected as a pious, moral, educated and intelligent man who promoted the Christian faith and took care of the poor, the sick, the widowed and the orphaned by doing charitable deeds. He even founded the rotunda of Saint Vitus at Prague Castle.”

Elizabeth Davis adds that one 12th-century preacher said: “His deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty.”

We recognize this patron saint for the song “Good King Wenceslas” written by John Mason Neale in 1853. Be sure to read all the way through to the last stanza.

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even;

Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gath’ring winter fuel.

‘Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?’

‘Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.’

‘Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
Bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear them thither.’

Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth they went together,
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
And the bitter weather.

‘Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.’

‘Mark my footsteps, good my page,
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.’

In his master’s steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed.

Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

Thanks for your prayers. I have safely arrived in Prague. I delayed the delivery of this post to confirm my safe arrival. And I wanted to visit Wenceslas Square to shoot this photo of his famous statue. I’d like to offer two comments about Wenceslas for your consideration.

Firstly, notice his reputation for nocturnal benevolence. That means this was likely a repeated pattern learned from his Grandmother. Wenceslas would go out 2×2 with a companion and serve “the poor, the sick, the widowed and the orphaned by doing charitable deeds.” Despite his short life, he aimed to serve others day and night.

It also inspires me that in a time of turmoil and crisis, he focused on building up churches. Do we, through our giving and sacrifice of time and resources, work to strengthen God’s work where He has placed us? That’s my inspiration today from the heart of Prague.

Pray for good meetings tomorrow with 4D Ministries. They approached us at GTP to partner on projects including translating GTP Diagnostic Tool and Templates into Czech to strengthen churches and ministries. We get to announce this new resource at the EGCC event here in Prague on 28-30 April 2022.

Click here to make a gift to GTP today to contribute to this effort for Eastern Europe. This is a critical time to help the churches and ministries in this region because of the flood of refuges from Ukraine. Thanks for your support, and in return (with Wenceslas), I pray you find rich blessing.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5

Who was Ludmila of Bohemia?

Susan Halstead writes: “The daughter of a prince named Slavibor, Ludmila was born around 860 in Mělník and married at an early age to Bořivoj I, Duke of Bohemia. It was probably through the efforts of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the ‘apostles of the Slavs’ that the couple were converted to Christianity in 874, becoming the first Christian rulers of the dukedom. However, their attempts to convert their subjects were greeted with such hostility that for a time they were driven out of the land, but after a while they were able to return and ruled in peace for several years before retiring to Tetín, near Beroun, leaving their son Spytihněv to rule in his father’s place.

However, after only two years Spytihněv died, and his brother Vratislav succeeded to the dukedom. Vratislav’s wife Drahomíra had remained a pagan, and grew increasingly resentful of the influence of Ludmila over their son Václav. She had been largely responsible for the upbringing of her grandson, and when Vratislav died in 921, Ludmila, now a widow, acted as regent for the young Václav [also known as Wenceslas]. Drahomíra’s jealousy became so intense that on 15 September 921 she despatched two assassins to murder Ludmila in her castle at Tetín; tradition has it that they strangled her with her own veil. Her body was initially buried in the castle church of St. Michael, but at some date before 1100 it was reinterred in the basilica of St. George in Prague.”

According to Legenda Christiani: “She was generous with alms, persevering in nocturnal devotions, devout in prayers, and perfect in charity and humble among the unknowing. She was so willing in her care for God’s servants that to those to whom she was unable to offer help during the light of day, she would send urgent help through her servants during the dark of night…This mother to orphans, consoler to widows, and indefatigable visitor of the fettered and imprisoned was perfect in all good deeds.”

Ludmila of Bohemia (860-921).

If there was richness in the faith of Timothy, the “true son” of the Apostle Paul, it flowed from the faith of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. Pause and thank God for your mother and grandmother(s) (if they are still living) forward this email to them and express gratitude.

I’ve posted quotes from Cyril and Methodius in the past but this is the first about Ludmila. I want to point out her influence as a mother and grandmother. Speaking of influence, I give thanks for my wife, Jenni, who is the greatest mother ever and now she’s a grandmother!

It’s a good and yet dangerous thing when people of influence, like Ludmila, seek to turn the people of their land toward Christ. That’s her story. She and her husband were the first Christian rulers of Bohemia. They were driven away for this, but then later returned.

Notice that Ludmila’s reputation was “mother to orphans, consoler to widows, and indefatigable visitor of the fettered and imprisoned was perfect in all good deeds” and that as a grandmother she “acted as regent for the young Václav.”

You might ask, what impact did she have? It’s true her life was cut short. So, as I board my flight today for Frankfurt and then connect to Prague, I want to keep you in suspense. But I will offer this clue. Her grandson that she helped raise, Václav, is also known as Wenceslas.

Sometimes the greatest impact and the most generous contribution we can make in the world is being a indefatigable mother to children and a grandmother to grandchildren or indefatigable father to children and grandfather to grandchildren.

And please pray for my safe travel to Prague today. Thank you. I will share more on the purpose of the trip tomorrow.

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Colossians 4:17-18

In these last days the thoughts of Hus turned once more to his old friend and comrade in past struggles, Christian Prachaticz. Christian unfortunately had somewhat fallen away. We feel the shadow of this fall cast over this last brief letter of Hus to one who had been at one period his closest correspondent.

Letter LXXII To Master Christian (dated to 22 June 1415)

“Master Christian, my master and particular benefactor, take your stand on Christ’s truth and cling to the faithful. Do not be afraid; for the Lord will shortly grant you a defense and increase the number of Christ’s faithful ones. Be kind to the poor, as you have ever been. You have, I hope, kept your chastity and fled avarice; continue to flee it, and for your own sake to not be a pluralist. Ever hold fast to the Church that the faithful may flock to you as to a kind father. Greet affectionately Master Jakoubec and all the friends of the truth. Written in chains in expectation of being burnt.”

John Hus (1369-1415) in The Letters of John Hus, with introductions and explanatory notes by Herbert B. Workman and R. Martin Pope (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1904) 249-250.

I am enjoying reading about saints related to Prague and Czech Republic (the land formerly known as Bohemia) where I head on Monday. If you don’t know his, it’s worth reading a summary here, John Hus: Faithful unto Death.

The Archbishop of Prague pressured him to stop preaching, Hus persisted. He valued biblical teaching above all use. Despite imprisonment and an offer of freedom, he said, “I would not, for a chapel full of gold, recede from the truth.”

He not only remained committed to Christ to the end, he wanted others like Christian to fear not, to care for the poor and flee avarice, and to hold fast to the Church and to truth. His words seem to echo Paul to Archippus. Take your stand and finish well.