History
The land known today as the Czech Republic was originally settled by Celtic
and Germanic tribes. After them, came Slavic tribes from the east, and conquering
Mongolian Avars later on. The Avars were driven out when Samo, one of the
first strong leaders of the land, emerged in 623. The land became known
as Moravia and then Bohemia as the years went by. Religious conflicts in
the 1400s changed the face of religion and government.
The nation of Czechoslovakia was formed at the close of World War I. German
culture, politics, and residents were a major influence in Czechoslovakia
with the result that Germany took control of it even before the start of
World War II. When the Nazis were defeated in 1945, Communism began to take
root throughout much of the country. Communism lasted in Czechoslovakia
until 1989. Free elections were held soon after.
Against popular opinion, the Czechoslovakian government decided to split
the country into two nations, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. Since
then, the Czech Republic has enjoyed relative economic success and a stable
political climate.
Church
History
The first Christian missionaries arrived in Czechoslovakia in 863 A.D. at
the invitation of Ratislav, a Moravian ruler. Christianity continued in
the country, and the modern Pentecostal movement in The Czech Republic started
in 1905. The movement grew and believers all over the country joined to
form the Resolute Christian Fellowship. That fellowship’s name has
since been changed to the Apostolic Church of the Czech Republic.
In the 1960s, Rev. Bob Mackish—one of the best known American missionaries
to Eastern Europe—began to explore ministry opportunities in Czechoslovakia.
For 25 years, he visited the country often and helped strengthen the church.
Because of Rev. Mackish’s work in the country, the Assemblies of God
forged a partnership with the Pentecostal Movement in Czechoslovakia in
the 1990s.
The
Movement Today
Today, Assemblies of God missionaries provide help, encouragement and many
other forms of assistance to national churches in the Czech Republic. The
Apostolic Church reports the following statistics for the Czech Republic:
80 ministers, 35 churches and preaching points, 4,354 members and adherents,
and one Bible school with an extension program totaling 70 students.
Additional
Facts About The Czech Republic
Capital:
Prague
Area:
30,387 square miles
Population:
10,250,000
Ethnic Groups: Czech (94 percent), Slovak (three percent)
Agriculture:
Wheat, sugar beets, barley, corn, hops, rye,
potatoes, fruits and flax
Industry: Machinery, oil products, woven fabrics, paper,
crude iron, pig steel and footwear |
