Neratov, Czech Republic--a small town with a big heart

Elder and Sister Holt, Humanitarian senior missionaries for the Czech Republic, requested the help of Public Affairs to assist them with their goal to create a video for LDS Charities.  So, Elder G and I went with them to a most unique, small hamlet in the Czech mountains near Poland, called Neratov.

The town is unique because almost half its citizens--and more than half its employees--are handicapped.  Overseen by the Neratov Association, an NGO, this hamlet has proven that the handicapped can not only be taught a skill, but then these newly skilled people can be employed, thus promoting both self-reliance and a feeling of self-worth.  These special people work in a variety of capacities:  Some work in the local pension and cafeteria.

The pension can accommodate up to 100 people, 
providing surprisingly comfortable housing.

The cafeteria provides all three meals, with lunch being the largest of the day.

Many workers assist the professional cook.

They run a laundry, not only servicing the pension
 but also taking in laundry from a nearby hotel.

They run a small store attached to a hospital in a nearby town.

They recently remodeled an old farm house and turned it into a workshop. 

Inside, the workers make four kinds of crafts:  various basket items,

stuffed dolls and animals,

woven mats and rugs,

and pottery. 

The items are then either sold in their onsite gift shop or they are on direct order from large companies which purchase the items as promotional gifts for their employees.

Furthermore, the Church recently furnished a commercial oven, mixer, and baking supplies for the newly created bakery above the workshop.  Shortly, more people will be employed to make all the baked goods used at the cafeteria as well as sold at the gift shop.  

Workers are hired to supply the cafeteria with fruit grown in their orchard

 and vegetables grown in their garden.

Other people are hired to weed and/or mow lawns; others cut and sell firewood.

In the summer they run a special camp for the handicapped, and in the winter they run two rope-tows taking people up the nearby hillsides, where they are able to head out

and do cross-country skiing. 

Our favorite stop of this visit was the Special School for the Handicapped, where twelve students--ages 3 to 23--are being taught.

 The goal is to educate them as well as to teach them a skill that will eventually enable them to be employed.  So far, the Church has assisted this school in two projects:  

one, providing new tables, chairs, and cupboards; 

and two, providing nine computers.   

The school’s next goal is to remodel attic space in order to enlarge the school enough to accept those needy students whom they’ve had to turn away.

When asked which business in Neratov was the most profitable, we were surprised to be told it was the 355 year-old church.  This church, the site of a number of miraculous healings hundreds of years ago, became a destination for religious pilgrimages.  It, too, was forced to undergo its own healing process due to damage suffered at the end of WWII.  The only reason it survived demolition was because there wasn't enough money to tear it down.  

And since the visitors had been enjoying "direct access" to God through its open roof, it was decided that the repairs would include installing a beautiful, unique glass ceiling.

Now, over 30,000 people a year come to view this famous church with the glass ceiling and to hike or ski its beautiful hillsides.  It is this influx of tourists that drives the need for—as well as the success of—all the other businesses in this little town.

We were truly touched by the spirit of everyone we met--
the senior missionaries, the Holts and their LDS translator, Eliska;

Neratov's various directors; even the Association's Chairman of the Board, Antonin;

and particularly the local priest, Monsignor Josef Suchar, who had played among the ruins of the church as a boy and promised God he would one day rebuild it 
if the Communists ever left.

But we were especially touched by being in the presence of the special handicapped people who make Neratov the truly amazing place that it is.  There was an unmistakable feeling of peace and love in that tiny village.  Frowns are constantly being turned to smiles.  

This village, the church, and the people will forever be a true highlight

and a most fond memory of our mission!