Returning from a mission trip to the Czech Republic, Jacob Cavett knew he wanted to go back someday.
Cavett, a 2019 graduate of the Anderson University College of Arts and Sciences, will be teaching at the Christian International School of Prague starting in August. As of May 2021, the visa process was still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however Cavett is optimistic that it will open before he’s scheduled to travel there.
He served in Prague in 2018 through Summer LINK, doing campus evangelism.
“My team met all sorts of people, had a lot of conversations about the gospel and learned of many new belief systems … it was an incredible experience,” he said, adding that the Czech Republic, formerly an Eastern Bloc communist state, is one of the least religious countries in the world.
“A lot of Czechs call themselves atheists, but when you talk to them, they’ll admit they do believe in something—they just don’t know what,” he said. “It makes for great conversations because the Czechs I’ve talked to ask good, deep questions.”
Among the places Cavett visited included an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom at a public Czech high school.
“Ever since being in that classroom environment, I knew I wanted to return to Prague in some sort of classroom environment,” he said.
One of the teachers he met in Prague suggested that he look into TeachBeyond, a Christian organization that connects teachers, school administrators and others with educational opportunities around the world.
At first, Cavett thought he would be an ESL teacher, but since CISP is an English-speaking school, he has the opportunity to teach any of several different courses.
“I couldn’t be more excited to teach both English and Bible. Not only are these subjects two of my greatest passions, but they teach students how to think deeply about who Jesus is and what that means for them,” he said.
CISP includes both Christian and non-Christian students. Among their student body are Czechs, children of missionaries, and expats from more than 30 countries. Since many students have little to no knowledge of scripture, CISP provides the perfect environment for ministry.
Before Cavett leaves in August, he must first build a team of ministry partners who will support him in prayer and funding. In fact, his whole livelihood will come from faithful supporterswho seek to be a part of the Lord’s work in Prague.
Cavett studied English, creative writing and communication (digital media), graduating from Anderson University in 2019. He then joined the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities as an admissions field liaison. When the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to recruiting trips across the state, he became a communication specialist with Proactive MD, a health care clinic provider.
Passionate about learning, Cavett wants to be a college professor some day.
“I’ve known I wanted to go to Prague for a while,” he said. “I didn’t think it would be this soon, but I believe the Lord has shown me it’s time.”