Deacon Jan Billek was a member of the Unity of the Brethren and a close friend of Bishop John Amos Comenius. Billek was forced to relocate to Poland after the Brethren were banished from Bohemia. After Albrecht von Wallenstein's army was routed at the Battle of Alte Veste by the Swedes and their Grantville allies, Billek learned that Grantville promoted religious tolerance. Billek reunited with Comenius in order to discuss Grantiville. Billek offered to act as an emissary to the town, with the goal of allying the Brethren with the Americans. Comenius agreed on the condition that Billek consider receiving his ordination and taking a congregation.