H7 Story: God's Work in a Different Part of the World
In November 2024, the life group led by Chris and Crystal Oakes held their regular Sunday night meeting at a local restaurant rather than their home. They had invited Jim and Laurie Barnes to join them.
The Barneses are FCC-supported missionaries to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. During dinner that night, Jim and Laurie shared about their work over the past three decades in what is known as one of the least religious countries in Europe. They explained how they had relocated to Prague from the U.S. when their daughter was just 18 months old. Their primary ministry work in Prague has been establishing Open Door Libraries, a community center and library where locals and international guests can relax, have a cup of coffee, and find Christian books and resources to “investigate Christianity at their own pace.”
Seventeen-year-old Cate Oakes heard the Barneses share stories about their ministry and three things resonated: books, ministry, and Europe. Cate loves books. She had also wanted to go on a short-term mission trip for awhile, but hadn’t had much success making a trip work with her schedule. She thought the library ministry might be just what she had been praying for.
In March, Cate contacted Laurie about a summer visit, but interns were already scheduled for the summer. Then Cate asked about a week in May, in between her two graduation ceremonies. Laurie said those dates would work perfectly!
The Barneses are FCC-supported missionaries to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. During dinner that night, Jim and Laurie shared about their work over the past three decades in what is known as one of the least religious countries in Europe. They explained how they had relocated to Prague from the U.S. when their daughter was just 18 months old. Their primary ministry work in Prague has been establishing Open Door Libraries, a community center and library where locals and international guests can relax, have a cup of coffee, and find Christian books and resources to “investigate Christianity at their own pace.”
Seventeen-year-old Cate Oakes heard the Barneses share stories about their ministry and three things resonated: books, ministry, and Europe. Cate loves books. She had also wanted to go on a short-term mission trip for awhile, but hadn’t had much success making a trip work with her schedule. She thought the library ministry might be just what she had been praying for.
In March, Cate contacted Laurie about a summer visit, but interns were already scheduled for the summer. Then Cate asked about a week in May, in between her two graduation ceremonies. Laurie said those dates would work perfectly!
Cate and her dad, Chris, left on May 12 for Prague. Laurie greeted them at the airport and then ushered them through the city’s public transportation to the Barnes’ guest flat. The next morning, Cate began helping with the ministry and outreach work. During the week, she helped inventory and shelf library books; joined a Young Life meetup; took part in a prayer walk; planned, prepared, and helped lead a library event for young children; worshiped with the Barnes at the International Church of Prague; helped set up books for checkout and sale at the church; and sat in on the first night of an apologetics seminar co-sponsored by the library and the church. (After the library closed each day, Cate got to tour the city with her dad, too!)
In her thank you letter to prayer and financial supporters, Cate said about her time in Prague, “I witnessed the beauty of quiet ministry – how small acts of love can open the door to deep conversations about Jesus. In a culture where Christianity is not always understood or embraced, I saw how patient, consistent love can plant seeds in hearts over time. I was also reminded that God is at work everywhere, even in places that may seem spiritually distant or where God is not even wanted.”
Since returning from Prague, Cate has begun thinking about the possibility of studying abroad for a semester while in college. She has committed to pray for Baruna, a teenage girl she met at the Young Life meetup. Baruna said she is interested in learning more about Jesus, but she’s not sure she believes in sin and the need for a savior.
Cate is also praying for Ali, the Young Life leader who moved to Prague and teaches at a high school looking for opportunities to develop relationships with teenagers like Baruna. And Cate continues to pray for Jim and Laurie, who faithfully open the library, host events, build friendships, and shine the light of Jesus in the former Communist country, where around 70% of the population does not identify with any religious group.
“My trip to Prague changed my life,” Cate explained. “It deepened my faith and opened my heart in ways I never expected.”
Since returning from Prague, Cate has begun thinking about the possibility of studying abroad for a semester while in college. She has committed to pray for Baruna, a teenage girl she met at the Young Life meetup. Baruna said she is interested in learning more about Jesus, but she’s not sure she believes in sin and the need for a savior.
Cate is also praying for Ali, the Young Life leader who moved to Prague and teaches at a high school looking for opportunities to develop relationships with teenagers like Baruna. And Cate continues to pray for Jim and Laurie, who faithfully open the library, host events, build friendships, and shine the light of Jesus in the former Communist country, where around 70% of the population does not identify with any religious group.
“My trip to Prague changed my life,” Cate explained. “It deepened my faith and opened my heart in ways I never expected.”
