The Power of Prayer

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be astounded.
They will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40

This is my prayer and declaration of faith. Please join me in prayer for this mission, the youth in Policka, Pastor Jan, and my own strength, inspiration, and patience. Let me know that you are praying, and I'll add your name to my prayer wall (in the right column of my blog) so that I can in turn pray for you and give thanks to God.

Would you like to sponsor this mission?

Some people have requested that I post the information for donating supplies and funds to our mission in Policka. I will have a better idea of the material needs of the program once we get started, but shipping builds up such an expense that sending supplies from the US may prove to be counterproductive. I would like to bring some board games and movies in English to CZ. If you have something you would like to donate, shoot me an email and I'll be happy to talk to you about whether I can fit it in my suitcase or if we should ship it straight to CZ.

My address in Policka:
Kati Salmons
Dus Family
nabrezi svobody 561
Policka 572 01
Czech Republic

Pastor Jan has estimated our expenses to give you a better idea of our financial needs:
My health insurance: $1200
other insurances: $250
Room and Board: $4000
Teaching aids: $4200 ($350 a month)
My stipend for pocket money: $2400 ($200 a month)
Air ticket: $1500
Total cost for the project: 13,550
Jan's family has decided to provide the room and board for free ($4000). My parents are willing to pay for my air-ticket. The congregation in Policka is brave enough to run into debt and to cover the difference, but is asking for help. (For your information, the total expected income of the congregation of this year is $19125.) So, as you see, any help will be more than welcome.

Checks should be made payable to "Ceskobratrska cirkev evangelicka Policka" (that is the name of the congregation) and can be mailed to:
Ceskobratrska cirkev evangelicka Policka
nabrezi svobody 561
Policka 572 01
Czech Republic
As soon as the congregation receives the check, Jan will send you an official certification from the congregation that can be used as tax deductible.

More information about the congregation can be found at http://policka.evangnet.cz (click on the British flag for English).

I'm so proud

This weekend some of my students played in a recital at Ward Brodt. I'm so proud of them! They played and sang so well!

Choral Collage

This semester I've had an internship with the University Chorus where I conduct one piece and lead sectionals and warm-ups when Laura, the conductor, needs my help. Here is a picture of me conducting on our concert two weeks ago. I hope to post a recording soon!

Where?

Here is a picture of the Church and School in Policka.

My Biography

I am extremely excited about going to the Czech Republic to teach English and build relationships with the youth in Poliĉka. I love working with youth and I am looking forward to sharing my culture and experiencing a new one. Most of my experience with youth comes from teaching private flute lessons. Over the past ten years my students have ranged from beginning to advanced and second grade to older adult. Two of my students have been Chinese boys that barely spoke any English when they came to me. I was challenged to creatively explain things in simple English and visual directions as I started their musical training. As they progressed on the flute, they exercised their English and improved their communication abilities. Now, the boy, who wouldn't say a word to me when he began, comes to his lesson excited to tell me about his week.

I also currently work with two other young adults to lead a middle school girls' bible study at Christ Presbyterian Church in

Madison, WI. In the meetings we play games and talk about life, the problems we face, and God. During these last two years, deep friendships have developed between the leaders and the girls, who began strongly divided into cliques. They now see the church as a community of support and church members as loving, fun, and cool people.

I have a degree in Flute Performance from

Oklahoma State University and I am currently studying music education at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, working towards a career in music ministry. Other ways that I have worked with youth include leading mission trips, tutoring students with learning disabilities, teaching in vacation bible school, and helping at various church youth events at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison and First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma. From 2001-2003 I also served as Chaplin (worship and bible study leader) for the OSU chapter of Kappa Phi, a Christian Women's Service Organization. This position prepared me for working with small and large groups while relating to people of various personalities, cultures, and beliefs.

My most relevant church history begins in

Oklahoma. I moved to Ponca City with my family in 1992, and we immediately became active members at the First Presbyterian Church. I played in the youth and adult hand bell choirs, sang with the youth and adult choirs, and went on several youth mission trips. I served as the Young Adult Delegate for the Cimarron Presbytery to the General Assembly in 1999. Also in 1999, I moved to Stillwater to attend Oklahoma State where I attended the First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater. During my senior year of college(2002-2003), I played and assisted with the Hand Bell Choir.

I moved to

Madison, WI in 2003 and quickly found myself at home at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison. I sing in the choir that contributes to the traditional service, and I also sing with the worship team that contributes to the contemporary service. I have acted as lay worship leader in both services. I lead a bible study along with two other young women for middle school girls, and I help with monthly youth events. I was one of three youth leaders on a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico

in the summer of 2005. I volunteer with Interfaith Hospitality Network, a program where we host 4-5 homeless families in our church four times a year. I also help organize events for C-YA, a group of college students and young adults.

I have three main passions: God, Music, and People. Everything in my life points to my fascination with and love for them. Know this and you know me.