Jen Thigpen has lived in the Czech Republic serving as an MK teacher to the Barnes children since 2006. She is from Ohio and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a great asset to the family as well as to the ministry in Ceske Budejovice. After serving for a year and a half, the Lord has laid it on her heart that she will continue to serve here in Czech as a career missionary. Jen will return to the States in June 2008 in order to raise support for her to return permanently. She is very eager to begin her work here as a career missionary and to continue ministering to the people of Czech Republic.

If you ask Jen today what brought her to the Czech Republic, she will tell you that she never desired to come to Europe. Upon graduation, Jen began searching for a teaching job in the States. She spent some time substitute teaching but knew in her heart that it was not God's calling for her. Soon Ron contacted her about coming to the Czech Republic and serving as his children's home school teacher. Jen accepted the position and originally planned to come for nine months, or one full school year. But after arriving and spending some time here Jen felt a calling to stay longer and extended her stay for another nine months. It was during this time that she began praying about staying in the Czech as a career missionary and received the affirmation that this was in fact God's will for her life. She is now beginning the process of planning for her career here, which includes returning to the States to gather full support and attending classes with ABWE for on the field training.
Since first coming to Ceske Budejovice, Jen has been involved in numerous ministries and outreaches. Aside from homeschooling the children, Jen helps establish curriculum for the Children's program at the church and coordinates the teaching schedule for the program. She also disciples the young single women of the church by spending time with them in prayer and study. Jen has also taught summer English classes for the students at the Biblical Seminary and assists with classes in Ceske Krumlov. She is huge asset to the Barnes family as she helps with outreaches, team visits, classes, and church events.
After returning to Czech as a career missionary, Jen will oversee education and will focus on English classes within the community. Through English outreach, the ministry is able to build relationships with the locals and earn their friendship. This proves to be a vital resource in reaching Czech with the Gospel.
During her furlough to the States, Jen will spend her time working and visiting churches in order to raise support. Her needs are numerous right now, as she will need to raise 100% of her support before she can begin her ministry in Czech

Below are areas that you can pray about or possibly contribute financially to her ministry. Please consider how you can be involved in this amazing opportunity.

How Can You Help?
-Do you know churches or individuals who would like to support her financially? Visit the "Contact Us" page and let us know!
-Pray for support to come in quickly so that she can return as soon as possible!
-Pray for a vehicle and a job opportunity while in the States.
-Pray for Jen as she attends classes and training with ABWE for field preparation.