The construction of the church is like a fundraiser for the National Theatre, says the preacher

Litomyšl (Svitavsko) - Building a new church is not like realizing a development project financed by banks and at least partially covered by preliminary contracts with future users of the building. The Brethren Church in Litomyšl has entered into the construction of its sanctuary as a considerably adventurous undertaking. So far, it has always been possible to find funds to continue the construction, even though they often come in small streams that together create a river. At the start of construction in November 2008, however, the outcome was far from certain, says pastor Daniel Smetana.
    "At the beginning, we had about two million crowns in our account. However, it was necessary to build the rough structure, to pour the entire concrete part at once. That, however, cost six million. We asked the construction company if they would trust us that we had something promised and would go for it. They agreed, and thanks to God, a miracle happened and the money came in parts just in time so that we never had to stop the construction,” stated Smetana.
    He lists a long list of everyone who contributed to the church. Apart from donations from local members, other congregations, and the church's building fund, the money comes from collections and fundraising events, from the sale of the old prayer house in Litomyšl, from the Wader Foundation in Germany, and from sponsors, the Pardubice Region, and Litomyšl, which also provided the land.
    "Sometimes it resembles a collection for the National Theatre. People stop me in the street and want to give me some money on the spot. Others send perhaps just a few hundred each month. But it fills me with hope that even in today's time, people are thinking not just of themselves but also of something greater than themselves,” says the pastor.
    The total cost of the church will be about 20 million crowns; so far, about three-quarters of the total amount has been collected. The rest of the money is intended to be obtained mainly from grants. "It is also a matter of faith. Suddenly, a sponsor appears and says that they want to help us in some way,” concludes Smetana.