H7 Story: Jim and Laurie Barnes Missionary Update
Christmas Update from Prague: Gospel Light at Crossroads Center
Many of you may remember Jim and Laurie Barnes, who serve with Open Door Libraries at the Crossroads Center in Prague, Czech Republic. Crossroads is a gospel-centered library, Christian community center, and outreach hub located in the heart of the city, welcoming Czech and international students as well as expats living in Prague.
This Christmas season, the Barnes family shared an encouraging update on how God continues to work through this ministry. We’re grateful for the opportunity to pass along their news and invite you to pray with them.
Many of you may remember Jim and Laurie Barnes, who serve with Open Door Libraries at the Crossroads Center in Prague, Czech Republic. Crossroads is a gospel-centered library, Christian community center, and outreach hub located in the heart of the city, welcoming Czech and international students as well as expats living in Prague.
This Christmas season, the Barnes family shared an encouraging update on how God continues to work through this ministry. We’re grateful for the opportunity to pass along their news and invite you to pray with them.
A Season of Meaningful Conversations
December was a busy and fruitful month at the Crossroads library. Many members and visitors stopped in to borrow and purchase books, opening the door to meaningful spiritual conversations. The themes of Christmas naturally led to discussions about hope, incarnation, and the gospel — conversations the Barnes family sees unfolding almost daily.
During Advent, Crossroads partnered with Pluska, a growing student ministry that meets regularly in the space for Bible studies and outreach events. Jim and Laurie were able to support Pluska’s special Advent service, and they ask for prayer for continued growth and lasting Kingdom impact through this partnership.
December was a busy and fruitful month at the Crossroads library. Many members and visitors stopped in to borrow and purchase books, opening the door to meaningful spiritual conversations. The themes of Christmas naturally led to discussions about hope, incarnation, and the gospel — conversations the Barnes family sees unfolding almost daily.
During Advent, Crossroads partnered with Pluska, a growing student ministry that meets regularly in the space for Bible studies and outreach events. Jim and Laurie were able to support Pluska’s special Advent service, and they ask for prayer for continued growth and lasting Kingdom impact through this partnership.
Investing in the Next Generation
One of the highlights of the season was the annual “Christmas Kidz Life Story Hour.” Children enjoyed storytelling, crafts, and a birthday cake for Jesus, along with a reading of Santa’s Favorite Story — a book that intentionally reframes the secular view of Christmas to point children back to Christ. The team hopes to translate and publish similar Christ-centered materials in Czech to help families better understand the true meaning of Christmas.
One of the highlights of the season was the annual “Christmas Kidz Life Story Hour.” Children enjoyed storytelling, crafts, and a birthday cake for Jesus, along with a reading of Santa’s Favorite Story — a book that intentionally reframes the secular view of Christmas to point children back to Christ. The team hopes to translate and publish similar Christ-centered materials in Czech to help families better understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Several ongoing programs continue to flourish:
Time for Tales, a Wednesday morning preschool program, is welcoming new moms and children each week. Erika, who has led the program with excellence since September, brings fresh themes and strong engagement. One recent theme, “Who Is Coming to Our House?”, introduced children to the animals present at Jesus’ birth.
The International Women’s Association of Prague (IWAP) Book Club, led by Laurie, has been meeting for 25 years. This monthly gathering creates space for deep conversation, spiritual reflection, and relationship-building. December’s meeting included a festive brunch and a book exchange.
Although the Czech Republic is considered one of the most atheistic countries in the world, Christmas traditions remain deeply woven into the culture. These traditions provide natural opportunities for gospel conversations.
In Czech culture, Baby Jesus — not Santa Claus — is believed to bring the gifts, though often without emphasis on Jesus as the gift of Christmas. Families traditionally eat carp on Christmas Eve, sometimes keeping the fish alive in the bathtub until the meal. Scales from the carp are saved and placed in wallets for financial prosperity in the New Year. Throughout Prague, Christmas markets display elaborate nativity scenes, known as betlémy.
Time for Tales, a Wednesday morning preschool program, is welcoming new moms and children each week. Erika, who has led the program with excellence since September, brings fresh themes and strong engagement. One recent theme, “Who Is Coming to Our House?”, introduced children to the animals present at Jesus’ birth.
The International Women’s Association of Prague (IWAP) Book Club, led by Laurie, has been meeting for 25 years. This monthly gathering creates space for deep conversation, spiritual reflection, and relationship-building. December’s meeting included a festive brunch and a book exchange.
Although the Czech Republic is considered one of the most atheistic countries in the world, Christmas traditions remain deeply woven into the culture. These traditions provide natural opportunities for gospel conversations.
In Czech culture, Baby Jesus — not Santa Claus — is believed to bring the gifts, though often without emphasis on Jesus as the gift of Christmas. Families traditionally eat carp on Christmas Eve, sometimes keeping the fish alive in the bathtub until the meal. Scales from the carp are saved and placed in wallets for financial prosperity in the New Year. Throughout Prague, Christmas markets display elaborate nativity scenes, known as betlémy.
Jim and Laurie see these traditions as open doors to gently shift understanding toward Jesus as the true gift of Christmas. Beyond the library walls, they remain active in the community, attending local carol services and Advent celebrations with international churches throughout Prague.
How You Can Pray
Thank you for continuing to support and pray for Jim and Laurie as they faithfully shine the light of Christ in Prague.
How You Can Pray
- Please join us in praying for the Barnes family and the Crossroads ministry:
- Wisdom and strength as they navigate daily ministry opportunities
- Ongoing spiritual conversations with guests and visitors
- Provision to hire Czech staff for a consistent local presence
- An additional $2,500 per month would cover the salary of a full-time local staff member
- Facility needs, including:
- Electrical repairs
- HVAC/heating system replacement
- Security gate repairs
- Outdoor signage for the children’s library
- Toy storage and cozy seating
- A complete library website overhaul
- New board games for outreach events
- Personal prayer request: The Barnes family is grieving the loss of Laurie’s father, who passed away in early December. They ask for comfort, peace, and a deep sense of God’s presence during this season.
Thank you for continuing to support and pray for Jim and Laurie as they faithfully shine the light of Christ in Prague.
Posted in Tell the Story