Alexander Flek, who completed his Master of Theology in Biblical Studies at the International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, is the chief translator of a new contemporary Czech version of the Bible. When its revision was recently published, he and several colleagues came upon an idea for getting Czechs, who are predominately atheists, to read it. He and his friends decided to read the New Testament through – aloud – on the street near Prague's Mustek Metro subway station. During the 17-hour reading Czech radio personnel appeared to broadcast portions and to interview people. As volunteers read under a sign that said, "The Bible for All People," some ridiculed. However, Alexander invited some who listened, including atheists, to read a paragraph or two aloud, as a part of the marathon reading, and some did. An actress came after her nightly theater performance, was invited to read a paragraph, and ended up reading six chapters from Hebrews. Many passers-by had never read or heard a paragraph of the Bible before. Numerous conversations and questions were answered on the sidelines, and copies of the New Testament distributed. Since surveys show that over 70 percent of Czech adults are atheists, this initiative may be seen as both innovative and courageous. Pray that many who heard a portion may be moved to read more for themselves and may be led to repentance and faith in Christ.
