Entrust in Slovakia
An Overview
The ministry of Entrust (initially known as BEE International - BEEI) in Czechoslovakia started in the mid 1980's through contacts with trusted Protestant leaders and pastors. During this decade attempts were made to reach almost all evangelical denominations. In the region of Slovakia, the first groups were started in Žilina (northeast), Bratislava (southeast), Banska Bystrica (central) and in a few other locations.
In the late 80s and early 90s more than 12 Entrust small groups operated around the country in almost all the major cities, primarily among the Brethren and Baptist groups. With the approval and encouragement of the Bishop and leaders of the Slovak Lutheran Church, a three-year training program was established for church workers in Bratislava, Zvolen and the eastern city of Prešov. After Czechoslovakia split in 1993, Entrust was the main source for teachers and materials when the first Slovak Protestant Evangelical Theological School began in Banska Bystrica.
In the early 90s, a deep and growing relationship was established between Entrust and the Baptist Union under its president, Tomas Kriška. This has continued to grow so that today, almost all Baptist pastors and interns are part of one of the four Baptist groups scattered across the country.
Also in the early 90s a women's group began in Bratislava. Several Entrust staff facilitated the first groups, and Ester Krišková was the main organizer. Two years ago Entrust approached Ester and asked her to be involved a the ground level with a renewed thrust designed to train Slovak women.
In the late 2007, the women began studying the course, Walking with Christ. This course was completed in January 2009, and several women are already beginning second-generation groups, while continuing on with Discovery Bible Study in the core group. Included in this core group are a few local missionaries, who will pass the training on in their own context in Slovakia, with a potential for further multiplication.