PARTNERS FOR POLAND

Another New Beginning....

2012-02-25T16:44:00.002-08:00

Last year around this time, we began making plans to return to Poland for the summer. Unfortunately, we had to set those plans aside due to some conflicts in summer schedules and such. Little did we know that God knew quite well what was up.... for THIS year. We made it well known that we would be returning to Poland this summer, but had no idea that God would be calling us to extend our time for an entire year!

About a month ago we were approached by ProEm ministries to come work and serve alongside them for a year. After much thought, consideration and prayer, we knew that our next step included going for the year. To basically sum up the last week prior to the day of our final decision... it was soul wrenching! When you are confronted with all your fears, it is tough to relinquish them, even though you know that the best thing you can do is give them up to Him! In our own separate ways, we had to wrestle over our decision and go before Him. In the end, we both walked away with knowing 100% that God was calling us to go.

Sharing the news with family and friends has been for the most part a blessing. We've received words of encouragement and support and many responses of "I was just waiting for this to happen!"

At the moment, most are unaware that I've started this blog up again. In time, word will spread and all can join us in the journey through the blog once again. I figured it made most sense to just pick up where we had left off!!!

Blessings...

Rumblings....

2011-03-13T18:21:00.001-07:00

There are God rumblings... and we are excited to see what will come of these rumblings! Will post more later!!!

We're Back

2008-08-20T02:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we've been back for two days. I didn't have access to wireless internet once we left the camp on Saturday and I was swamped with so many things yesterday. Hence the reason for not posting anything until now.

After miraculously making our plane (with luggage and all) on Monday, we arrived in Chicago around 3:30pm. It takes awhile getting through passport control & customs. So we didn't end up pulling out of O'Hare until 4:45pm. I remember distinctly because I looked at the clock! We appreciate our friend, Ed Green, who came and picked us up in our van. Trying to stay awake for the 3 hour drive back (remember, rush hour traffic in Chicago as well!) was not fun! The girls slept most of the way home. They also had both slept on the plane for about 2-3 hours. Needless to say, 3:00 am came and they were awake. Josh and I then were awake as well. We had gone straight to bed when we got home at 9pm. I had a good 6 hour rest! Neither of us could sleep. So what does a family do at 3 am in the morning?! The girls played and we started laundry and unpacking our 7 bags. By 8:30 am we were out the door! I took Kaylor to meet her kindergarten teacher and see her classroom. Then we went school supply shopping and food shopping! Josh and Lauren headed to Taylorville and out to the farm.

So, yesterday was a very busy day getting things back into order and Kaylor ready for school. It's now 4 am on Wednesday. I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't sleep. I stayed in bed, but tossed and turned. Then Kaylor came in to the room. She fell asleep, but I got up. No sooner at 3 am did Lauren wake up! I gave her a little milk and then ushered her back upstairs. I laid down with her, but she tossed and turned. Then who shows up back in her room, but Kaylor! So here I was laying in the middle of the girls...both of them tossing and turning because they can't sleep. I made the executive decision that it was time to get up and here we are at 4:45 am up and about! I was so worried that the girls would be so tired and I wouldn't be able to get Kaylor up and ready to make the school bus at 7:30 am. HA! We've got plenty of time!

In wrapping up my last post for awhile, I again thank all of you out there who have been following our time in Poland and for faithfully praying for us and the work in Poland. I will periodically post happenings of ProEm when I learn of things, so you can check back any time.

It's nice being home and in our own beds (for the short amount of time we are actually sleeping in them!). Have a blessed year!

Our last night in the "suite"

2008-08-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's our last official night in the hotel "suite" at Zakosciele Youth Center. So sad. I have to admit, however, that I'm ready for some space. Because they are renting out the camp to a group next week, we will be staying at Crozier's home tomorrow til Monday when we fly out at noon. When we got back from our stay in Warsaw today, we began packing up our stuff. We've got one big bag of dirty laundry. I just decided that it wasn't worth trying to wash it all up and bank on it all drying before we left. It's weird having all the luggage out and around the room. I also can't wait for the luxury of having a dryer again!!

So, Warsaw in the evening is beautiful. When we got up to Warsaw, we went into the Old Town for supper. We ate at the best peroigi (totally butchered the spelling!) place. The girls loved it as well. We walked around and Maui gave us some good pieces of history. Maui has a particular love for the girls. It's so cute. He took them for ice cream and cookies near their home while we enjoyed some relaxing on their back porch before we went into Old Town. On Saturday, we went down to where the Embassies are located. There is a HUGE, beautiful, old park located near there. It was a park that was for the kings. There are beautiful old stone summer homes still standing. We eventually found a "park" with playground equipment on one corner of the park. We made it into a treasure hunt for the girls while we walked and walked! It was beautiful and sunny... and a bit warm. Thankfully there are lots of trees which made the walking that much cooler. It was so peaceful (minus Lauren whining that she couldn't walk anymore!!!).

I appreciated the time with Maui and Ewa. I learned some more basics in Polish (grammar stuff, and wow...there's a lot to remember!!) with Ewa on our ride home and Josh heard some really neat stories from Maui.

I wanted to post for my brother, the meteorologist, that there was a tornado in Katowice (near Krakow, so in southern Poland) today. This is unheard of, so big news. We had a big storm brew in this evening as well, but nothing like what they had. So Brent, perhaps you've already heard of the tornado in Poland! I have been quite surprised with all the nasty storms they've had here this summer. Why don't you check into all of that?!!

So there is a river that runs along the camp. I don't see people fishing in the river around the camp, but I've noticed people fishing in other places along the river when we drive to Tomascow. So, unfortunately, no "fishing" in Poland for me. I did see someone use a fishing pole in a skit here, so maybe someone on staff does?!!

The girls have indeed had a summer like no other! I think they'll miss their freedom of running around the camp with who knows who! Every time I see them their with different friends (counselors and campers and children of the staff). They will most certainly miss the snack shack, but I won't miss the "snack shack is open, can we go?!!! They've learned some Polish songs and English ones, which will be fun to teach others! I know it's been fun for the staff to have two little girls running around and they'll certainly be missed....until next year!!

Time to go to bed and get some rest before saying goodbye to room 101!

Ephesians 3:20,21

2008-08-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

A cloudy and cool day thus far. We just took the camp picture. Discovery gave each camper a really cool t-shirt. Kaylor and Lauren both got one...maybe I'll be able to fit into it?!!

We're heading up to Warsaw later today and will come back on Friday for the closing activities. We will be staying with ProEm's director and his wife.

Group picture from last week

2008-08-12T13:04:00.001-07:00

Taken in Krakow as we were leaving. Note the sun in the background!!!

Have a great day!

2008-08-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Acts 2: 42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who where being saved.

I didn't get a chance to put up today's scripture until now (as I'm heading off to bed). BUT, you are still in the middle of day back home.

The week is going well thus far. The weather is nice, which helps with 150 campers. A church from California (Discovery in Simi Valley) is here this week with a fantastic team of talented people! They have this cool program for the morning teaching time. They use something put out by KidsStuff based in Georgia I think. It's so cool and interactive and really makes the Bible come alive!

I have to share a funny story that happened today. Ok, maybe it wasn't so funny at the time. Magda, a ProEm staffer and I worked for almost 3 hours preparing 4 different cards for the stamping club. We have never done it quite like this: VERY ORGANIZED. Each table was a separate station with pre-cut paper to make that particular card. We had the stamp that was to be used for that card as well as the ink. Because we can get a high number of kids, we had it set up that they would be able to choose to make 2 cards and then create a bookmark...and that was IT. It was (going to be) so cool. WELL... the club was SUPPOSE to start at 5 pm. I come down stairs to the room at 5 til and found a mass of people....with a chaotic mess. I looked only briefly (as my eyes could bear no more!) and saw pieces of paper and ink and stamps allllll over the room. I walked immediately out of the room...not knowing if I would cry or scream (I tend to cry out of frustration!). As soon as I went into the dining hall I saw Magda. Not only had people gone in and done this without anyone there, apparently she came in the room 20 minutes to five and it had already begun. She, too, had to leave the room immediately. All our hard work had been destroyed. There was no going back.

So, we laughed and hugged and vented to one another. She got to talk with the camp director because apparently a counselor had been with the kids and allowed it. Magda was NOT happy about that! So, I took care of the clean up after dinner. Nothing was left or salvageable! I couldn't believe it, but I just chalked it up to "yet-another-way-of-being-flexible-and-showing-grace". Worse things could happen I guess. :)

Finishing Up

2008-08-11T02:24:00.000-07:00

Last week was a great week with our team. I wish that I had had more time to post pictures, post thoughts, etc. Of all the weeks that you all would like constant "stuff", last week would've been it and it was the toughest week for me to get stuff posted!! I think we all understand "why", so I can breathe a bit, but I just wanted to follow-up from last week.

If something needed to be done at the last minute, people stepped up no questions asked. People were flexible and had great attitudes! It was clearly evident that they established relationships that impacted the children (not only the children, but themselves as well) and even if they kids only remember one new English word or phrase from the whole week, they'll remember their teachers.

Myself, Ed, Elizabeth and Mary Ellis gave the morning devotions for the staff meetings. Barbara, Brad, Rachel and Ed taught the morning Bible lessons. Then following our English classes in the morning, some of the group hung out with the handicap group and talked politics, made some crafts, played games and even practiced English. Two times a day for an hour, they had "watch" duty...which basically meant they either sat at the basketball court, playground, deck overlooking the river, bridge or tent that has carpet ball. This may have been the only "free" time they had, but they willingly took on those duties.

Following a busy week (that literally flew by!), we left early Saturday morning on a packed bus for Auschwitz and Krakow. We weren't 10 minutes on the road and we had someone throw up! Not to mention that the team had been battling a stomach virus (it was going around the camp) and two had been up during the night in the bathroom! We then left sunshine and drove into rain. Despite walking through Auschwitz in the rain., being cold, etc., I know everyone was glad to have gone. The sicknesses seemed to subside (or at least they made it through!) and we left with the sun peaking out of the clouds. They got to shop in Krakow and check out some really old churches. Josh and I enjoyed a "date" (we had a babysitter with them at camp) at a really good Italian restaurant in Krakow. Just the two of us!!! Others ate pizza, kebabs from a street vendor or something from the many outdoor cafe's (although it was better to find something indoors because of the rain!) All in all, it was a great day and they were troopers through it all.

Both churches (Westside Christian and Rochester Christian) should be proud of those who represented them. Thanks, team, for making it a great week!

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

2008-08-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

This is a good reminder for me today. It just brings me back to what truly is my foundation: Christ. Not my abilities (or maybe my lack of!!), not my plans, dreams or ambitions...nor education. As Josh and I contemplate, pray, and think about what we want our life to look like, we want it to grounded in Him.

We've learned a few things this summer, ok, maybe more than a "few" things. :) We also know that the process of "learning" never stops. We are excited for our return home, not because we want to leave, but because we know some exciting things will be taking place this next year! There's much to be done in our community and I know God is moving in a mighty way through our church family. We also praise Him for allowing us the opportunity to join Him in what He is doing in this world and for giving us an opportunity to continue to dream of how we can continue to be used by and for Him! So, with these verses in mind, we build upon the foundation which has already been laid and it's my prayer for you today that you continue to build your life upon the foundation of Jesus Christ as well!

Goodbyes...

2008-08-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Ed and Anna saying goodbye to their group of students. Each student recieved a diploma for completing the English classes! Will write again later!

11 Peter 1:5-8

2008-08-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control perseverance; to to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 9:19-21

2008-08-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We had around 79 decisions (out of almost 150 campers) last night. Once Zaba (the camp director this week) sits down with the counselors today, we'll know better what the decisions were. But 79 stayed following the message to pray. It was very exciting!

Yesterday, we were able to take our group into Tomascow and show them the new Tomy Church. This is a very exciting week for the Tomy Church as they are working with a Polish organization called Real Hope. Churches from the states and from Holland are here working throughout the city doing various work projects that the city gave Tomy to do! This week-long project is called Real Action. Each evening they have a time of worship and teaching (in a different part of the city I believe), which people from the city are welcome to come and attend. We got to see two groups working yesterday while in Tomascow. One was painting the fence around a soccer field and the other was installing a beautiful, large playground area. This playground area is right below the McDonald's (it sits on a hill), with the walking path going right by it into a park. We got to see people stopping and asking the workers questions, etc. Tonight they are having a concert in the park at 8pm. I believe it's a hip hop Christian artist! We have the campfire tonight and then the talent show, so I know we'll be staying around here...but would you pray for the Real Action Group and the impact this week is having on the community?

God is so good. Let's pray that we would all focus on storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven!!!!

class pictures

2008-08-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

Mary Ellen and her daughter, Sara, teaching their classes together!
Sue helping a group of boys finish up with a project!

Ed working with his group before a fun activity!

Abbie with the pre-beginner group!

Elizabeth and Lauren playing a "greeting" game!

Up on stage are Brad (left side) and Anna (middle from right) who recited the verses for the day! The kids love it!!!

Philippians 2:14

2008-08-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

Do everything without complaining or arguing.

It's that simple!

Everyone's better...yippee!!!

Prayer

2008-08-05T04:52:00.000-07:00

I hope this isn't an indicator of what's to come for our group...but Josh and Mary Ellen were both down this morning with stomach issues. Please pray! It's VERY windy here today.... we'll take it verses the rain of course! It threatened to rain during our afternoon class yesterday, but we made it through the hour and it DOWN POURED 5 minutes after they ended! It then stormed again around 5pm when everyone was at the basketball courts. The kids all took cover. Kaylor and Lauren were in a different place than Josh or I. Kaylor came in to the meeting hall (with most of the kids) soaked and carried in by Siemon, one of the Polish counselors. One of Lauren and Kaylor's favorite girl counselors, Magda, whisked Lauren into safety. She called another person on a cell phone to let me know she was safe. I was relieved to say the least!

So, needless to say, we've had a bit of excitement here! And pray for our team to stay healthy!!!

II Corinthians 9:8

2008-08-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

pics from the morning worship

2008-08-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Stewart girls leading worship with "Our God is a big, big God."

The crew listening to the teaching during the morning Bible lesson!

Anna Green is the front left puppet. Mary Stewart is the front right puppet. Ed Green is the back left puppet and Mary Ellis is the back right puppet. They did a great job!

Prayer Requests:

We have two girls who are struggling with health issues. Please pray that Sara Oglesby heals quickly (I ended up teaching her classes today because she was so sick. She's been fighting a stomach virus.) Pray for Mary Ellis who is fighting a sinus infection (she was fighting it even before coming). I of all people know how frustrating it can be not being on the "top of your game." I have been, thankfully, doing very well and feel little to no pain with my back. Finally!!

The team is doing a great job! They are filling in whenever and wherever and have great attitudes. It's always scary teaching for the first time, but I think everyone has enjoyed their classes and students. For the first time this summer, the Americans are being included in the two team that compete against eachother all week for points. This means they are memorizing Scripture (they get to come up on stage and recite) and for big-time bonus points for their team, they can recite it in Polish! We'll see!

Gotta run as it's now quiet outside... that means everyone is heading to the evening worship time! Have a great day!

1 Peter 4:7-11

2008-08-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

The end of things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I will try and post more this evening...it's been NONSTOP as we're in charge and have tons of responsibilities!

The team has arrived!

2008-08-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

We made it back from our visit to Krakow today and the team from Westside Christian Church and Rochester Christian Church arrived safely from a long flight from Chicago! Although they took a direct flight, they ended up sitting on the plane, then runway for an hour and a half. They heard a rumor that it was about luggage. Well, there was two girls who didn't receive luggage and a few who didn't get the extra supply bags. We hope they'll make it tomorrow! The team is off to the cabins and getting some much needed shut eye. There are 5 individuals that are wide awake and as I type this, they are enjoying some time playing cards. For those from my church, I just wanted to quickly post that the team made it!! Will post more tomorrow when I get a chance!

Sowing the Seed

2008-07-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Luke 8:5-15
A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown. When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand." This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believed and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who heart, but as they go away on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

This is of course true with all of those campers here this week. This is also true about ourselves. We need to ask ourselves where we see ourselves in this parable.

We are getting ready to leave for Krakow this morning. We'll be staying in another family's apartment in Krakow. I wanted to post the following before I left though! God blessed me with three students, Kasia, Marysia, Sylvia in my English group this week. Because they are well advanced in their English, it was easy for us to converse outside of class as well. Yesterday, Kasia and Marysia spent time with me teaching me Polish. Basic phrases and pronunciation. Although each letter makes only one sound (all the time) in Polish, their words are very long and have these accent marks that may change a sound. They also have some sounds that we don't have in English that make me feel so incredibly silly trying to practice it! I am of course a huge advocate for any person going into another country to try and learn their language. A) you appreciate the difficulty of other people learning English B) you gain/earn respect by the people C) you WILL learn something! We had fun...but I'm not sure how well I'll retain it!

Following our Polish lesson, I found Sylvia and we ended up talking about her life and her walk with God for long time. She's the most proficient of the three and wants to be a translator when she gets older. She's well on her way! We discovered that she and I were both at our first camp together up in Moshaki (spelling is wrong!) in 1998. She was 7 then! She's come ever since. She's grown up in the Catholic Church and has had a tough life, but has clung to her relationship with God. I look forward to watching her grow in faith and how she'll chose to let God use her. I've discovered that many of the counselors also began their faith's journey at a young age when they attended camp up in Moshaki in 1998. It made me feel really old, but incredibly honored that I was now seeing their lives being used by God. It was like me! I credit much of who I am due to my camp experiences at a small Bible camp in Iowa.... and because it had impacted my life so much, I wanted to give back and work there. It's just like these kids!

Have a great day!

A Beautiful Morning!

2008-07-29T23:28:00.001-07:00

The Scripture of the day is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 and it reads:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

It's another beautiful morning! Tonight is invitation night and we've been asked to spend 15 minutes to pray for the hearts of the campers and for God to speak directly to their hearts and minds! Would you pray along with us? By the time you get up and going, it'll be later afternoon here and coming close to our evening service!

Check this out!

2008-07-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

During FishArt camp this week, one of the groups has created a blog and updating it. Check it out! http://www.fishart2008.blogspot.com

You can check the link on the side of this page each day this week!

pics

2008-07-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

Ann with her group of students during our English club, using the Narnia movie this week. These girls are fantastic! They know English very well and want more practice speaking it (hence, why they came to our 5pm club!). The girls are (from left to right): Mia, Kasia, Marysia, (me), Sylvia. We've formed a great friendship and I was even able to name the 50 US states. They've not known one American to do so!!! (I'm so proud!) We are going to be meeting tomorrow at 2:30 during break time to teach me some Polish. I would love to be able to find out more of where they are spiritually, so please pray for open doors tomorrow!

For those of you who met Adam, our Polish friend who visited the States for the first time right before we left for Poland), this is Marta, his fiance. They get married in September. They took us to the best pizza place in Tomascow over the weekend. This is Lauren and Marta outside the restaurant. Kaylor didn't want to leave the birthday party we had gone to, so she stayed behind and played with the kids while Lauren went with us.

Yes, it's all done by hand. We saw field after field with (I'm assuming) families working together! This shot was taken right as you come out of the camp.

Josh and Ann in the center of Tomascow. The Tomy Church (new) is located right up the road behind us.

This is Lauren's favorite Polish boy, Kuba. He is the son of one of ProEm's staff. There's 10 years difference between them, but they said they'd be more than happy to have Kuba wait for her until she's at least 20!! :)

Prayer before every basketball game during International Basketball Camp (last week).

Our last banquet dinner with Adrienne and Maciek Moryn, friends we've grown to love from Poland! We get to visit them in Indiana after we return from Poland. They left on Monday to visit her family (his first visit to the states) for a month.

Little Agotka's 3rd birthday. Kaylor and Lauren attended their first Polish birthday party!

Numbers 6:24-26

2008-07-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Verse of the Day!

2008-07-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

God is answering prayers!

2008-07-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, so for all you praying for my back to heal, THANK YOU! I woke up this morning (Monday) and it felt considerably better. Resting has helped! I was even able to get out of bed without the hunched back! Walking isn't as painful. I am finding today that I just can't sit for a very long time. Please continue to pray. I just have to also tell you that on top of the back, I ended up with stomach problems which kept me up all night Sat and into Sunday morning. This is a problem I've been dealing with for a little over a year and am on medicine for as well. Needless to say, I missed church yesterday sleeping and trying to recuperate. God got me through the ordeal and I know that He was carrying me through it with your prayers. I was spent emotionally with it by the end of yesterday. Thankfully, once I got into Tomascow and was able to get some bland food, my stomach felt a lot better.

BUT... let's not talk about my physical problems any longer!!!! The weather the last few days has been absolutely gorgeous (I'm sorry to hear there's so much heat and humidity back in the states in the midwest!) and much to be thankful for. I appreciate the encouraging postings and we can't believe the team from Westside and Rochester arrive on Saturday. Our time has gone by so quickly!!

We are being wisked away on Thursday to go to Krakow with another ProEm family and will meet our team back at the camp on Saturday evening. Elizbeth (a gal from Westside serving here this summer) along with the ProEm director will meet the team in Warsaw. They'll visit OldTown Warsaw, have a nice lunch and do some sight-seeing (with jet lag!) Then they'll head down to the camp in the evening. We've got another full camp this week with teenagers who have the creative streak! They choose to learn about drama, art, choir, media, digital photography, blogging, cinemetography, etc. They get in these tracks two times a day. This gives Josh a break this week. I will be helping this week in an English club in the afternoons. I'm working with the same group with Greater Europe Mission using Narnia. It's a different format, so a bit of a stretch for them to adapt. I'm so used to this type of style having worked at the camps for many years, so I'm much better at "winging" it need be!

I do so appreciate your prayers for my health, but please continue to pray for the lives of these teenagers here this week...that their hearts are open to receiving the love of Christ and that we all here can display it in a positive way! Pray for the staff....it's hotter and they are continuing to work very hard. Love to you all...

Rest Day!

2008-07-26T02:39:00.000-07:00

It's "rest day" in so may ways!!!

Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

It's a great verse for me today. I ended up having to miss out on the last day of Narnia yesterday because of my back. I have a problem with a disc that tends to bulge out if it gets aggravated enough. This is the second time this year. Instead of coming on in one sudden painful moment, as it did this spring as I tried to pick up Kaylor, I felt my back hurting on Wednesday. Thinking if I just eased off on holding the girls and carrying them or things, then it would get better. It hasn't. I brought some pain medicine with me and took some yesterday morning as it really hurt. I became so dizzy at breakfast that I ended up having to lay down and sleep. My back hurt so bad that I could hardly walk. I have been "resting" and doing my best not to sit for a long period of time. I took some ibuprofren and it has helped me tolerate the pain better as I walk and stand. There's not much I can really do but rest, so I'm thankful for a lazy Saturday! I'm glad Josh is a team player as he's helped me a great deal!

So... I "wait patiently" for the pain to subside and God to heal my back. Pray for God's healing to quickly do its job. So many of the Enemy's attacks comes through physical problems. I ask God to be victorious in preventing him of setting me back any more than I have been from participating and being all that I can be for Him!

Matthew 7:24-27

2008-07-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

This was a verse that really struck me while I was in highschool. It wasn't until a few years ago when we were going through a really tough seaon of life that this verse actually became applicable. I'm thankful for having Him as our rock and foundation of life. I couldn't imagine not having hope and His promises such as these words.

I don't have the numbers of how many made decisions last night following the invitation message, but I know of one girl that is from Tomascow. Adrienne and Machek apparently have built a relationship with her while she would come to the basketball leagues on Saturdays to watch the guys play. She made a decision that she wanted Christ at the center of her life! I don't have her name (duh, I should've asked!!), but pray for her through this above Scripture!

Here's the four guys we've been praying for from the Tomascow basketball league!

A Heart of Worship

2008-07-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

I know I post a lot of the "stuff" we're doing... and it's all great stuff. For instance, you know we have a time of worship and a message each evening. However, I haven't shared what it's really like during that time. I think it's because it's hard to put into words what it's like to worship God in another language. But not only the worshipping through music, it's the testimonies people share and the messages given. Tonight, tears clouded my eyes. We've been here for almost 3 weeks and I'm now beginning to be able to sing along in Polish. I don't know what it all means, but I do feel like I'm worshiping. I felt God's Spirit moving and the tears clouded my eyes because I felt very humbled. I am but one mere person who is loved by the Creator of the Universe. What an awesome honor to be in this land, experiencing God here and seeing His spirit moving among His people to draw more to Himself... and to worship Him through another language is so very cool (at least it is for me!!!).

You know... I love knowing that I am helping God reach people here. God wants to be known and glorified among all nations. Although I know Poland has been rooted and established in the church (and it's been interesting to learn more about the role of the church here and how communism affected things), there are so many people struggling to understand and make sense of what it means to truly know Him, to love Him and to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved BY Him. The way I've understood it to be, the Catholic Church here in Poland does not do a very good job in creating the environment that says it's ok to ask questions, to seek out truth, to know that we all have personal access to God Himself through prayer. (I at least see that in America.) I also get the impression that tradition and loyalty to the Catholic Church is of more importance than actually following Him or seeking to follow Him. That breaks my heart and I'm sure it has broken God's.

BUT... I've heard story after story of how individuals have met people from PROeM, from the Tomy Church (the camps, women's outreach conferences, English outreach programs like the one I'm helping with, etc) and realize they, too, want that personal relationship with God through Jesus and are being a light in a dark place. So I do count it an honor to be able to be a part of what God is doing here in Poland.

And may I just add, for all of you who have been walking this road with Josh and I from the very beginning, through the prayers, the financial support, the encouragement in whatever form it has been given... you, too, are a part of what God is doing here. The same goes to all of you who have joined us along the way! We have such a mighty and awesome God, don't we?!!!

We have a little more than 3 more weeks to serve here. We've met some really incredible people along the way. Those who know me, you know I like to "pick people's brains" and get into what their thinking, what God is doing in their lives, etc. So I've enjoyed "picking the brains" of some of the interns who are here serving. Some of the people are here for a mission's trip and some are people from other countries coming to camp for the first time (and they speak English enough for me to "pick"!). I love to see the wheels turning in people's heads and hearts... the wrestling that takes place when you experience God in another land.

The joke here is, "So when are you coming back?" (meaning: long-term). Most people leave with an incredible experience, yet it may be a "starry eyed" experience. Life is tough. Ministry is tough no matter what country you live in. Making a decision to come long-term is not one to take lightly. At this point in our lives, we believe serving Him in a long-term mission's trip setting (like what we're doing now) is productive for the Kingdom (God's!) and healthy for our family. It's been good for us to experience this together. I LOVE hearing the girls playing and singing the worship songs we get to sing all together. As they get older, they'll begin asking the question of "why do we go to Poland?" and I can't wait to explain it to them!

I can't wait to see God working in these next three weeks!

Hebrews 10:23,24

2008-07-22T07:51:00.001-07:00

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Sorry about missing yesterday's posting. All I can say is that this week is non-stop. I leave as soon as I eat breakfast. I get back and eat at 2:15 pm. Then I meet with the guy I teach with and we plan out the next day's lesson. I'm stealing some time away now to blog, but I'm missing all the basketball games (Poland and America played today & the match with Josh's tea). However, I felt it was more important to blog and ask for additional prayer!

Continue to pray for the four guys mentioned earlier, but please also be praying for this guy named Chris. He was at camp last week, but apparently he purposely tried to miss the evening worship sessions. He's a very bitter guy with a lot to be be bitter about. Some of you have met Adam, the Polish guy who stayed with us and visited the States for the first time just a few weeks ago. Adam was the one who told me about Chris. Chris, along with his counselor, Robert, prayed and stayed up a long time last night. Please continue to pray for whatever God is doing in his life!

So, I just wanted to get that out there and just say we SOOO appreciate your comments and prayers. For some reason I can't post a foll0w-up comment (the computer takes forever to do so and thus I just have to abandon it altogether), so all you who have commented... I really appreciate them and bring smiles to my face!

Blessings to all!

Ephesians 3:14-19

2008-07-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

This is a particularly important verse as we start the new camp week. I have four guys from the Tomascow basketball league that are not followers of Christ that I want us all to be praying for. There are about 160 basketball players, plus an extra 100 people (counselors, staff, narnia-english, media challenge,etc), but please pray for these four guys: Sebastian, Pshemek, Seimon, Uglosh (I know I totally botched spellings!!) Machek has been building a relationship with these four guys through basketball and them coming was an answer to prayer. Pray through this verse for these guys to "grasp how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ... and to know that His love surpassess knowledge.

It was a wild night with the "draft" of the basketball teams. It was so loud and crazy, but somehow Kaylor managed to fall asleep! Josh is coaching a team made up of guys from different countries... and he's the shortest one! This one guy, tallest and best player in camp, from Belarus totally towered over Josh! I think Josh said he's about 6'11 and from Belarus. Josh came up to his chest!!! He's excited about having a pretty good team, the Houston Rockets! Go Rockets!

I will head out to Tomascow in the morning and begin the English course using the Narnia movie. The movie (in answering my brother's question) is shown in segments each day and based off those clips, we'll teach English. Each lesson has two themes we'll be teaching (based from the clips) and we're focusing on vocabulary building and then communicative activities. I am helping a father and son from Colorado Springs, CO who work with Greater European Mission. We'll be teaching intermediates. Tomorrow's themes are greetings and clothing. I'm looking forward to seeing more how this works. There are spiritual components written into the curriculum based on the movie, just not in day 1 (as I've only really read through lesson 1). I'm there to assist these guys since they've never done this kind of thing tomorrow. It'll be interesting! I know there are 30 kids (10-14 years old) registered and none go to the Tomy Church, so that's really cool! So, I'll probably have more info this week on how they use the movie. I also love these movies. I liked the 2nd one better!

It's a late night and time for me to "hit the hay". Blessings to all!

Proverbs 3:5,6

2008-07-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Today is our day "off". The girls will hang out with the Crozier's (Tomek and Dawid) while we go into Tomascow with Machek and Adrian. This week will be a CRAZY week! There's rumored to be 260 campers for International Basketball Camp (Belgium, Latvia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, America), not including the American team to help (28). Plus, there's a Euro Team putting on an English camp in Tomascow using the Narnia movie from 10-1 every day. I'll be helping them. There's about 7 of them. AND THEN... there's a group here called the Media Challenge that works throughout Poland utilizing students/interns to create Christian media presentations. They'll be staying at the camp and filming worship, basketball and other things off the camp grounds. Apparently they put beds in every space available!!!!

SO... we are all looking forward to a quiet day! Have a great day yourselves!

we always love pics!

2008-07-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

In viewing these pictures, please start from the bottom and scroll up.... it's in chronological order that way!! Here's a view of the campfire area.

Kaylor singing and dancing to some of the worship songs at the campfire

I had to take a picture! The girls wanted chocolate milk with their happy meal (and yes, it's Kungfu Panda just like in the States, but they got to chose their toy!). The straw is filled with these chocolate beads!

This is the worship area. It was once a theater. I got to see it before the renovation. They will open it up for public use for recitals, concerts, etc. There's nothing like it in the Tomascow area.

This is the foyer area where they'll have an internet cafe for public use. Staff will rotate working the cafe and building relationships with people. There's also a wall that separates it to the main worship area and they'll create a space for children who come with parents to the cafe and be able to play... child friendly!

This is the outside of the new Tomy Church (where the man with the bike is).

This is a view of their kitchen area. Notice their washer next to the stove! These apartments are bought and when you buy them, all you get is the walls and concrete. That alone cost $100,000 and then you have to "dress it up" so you can live in it! The price has doubled in one year. The prices for homes, aparments, land, etc. has gone up drastically in the last few years. It was really shocking to me. Thanks to the Euro!

Here's Josh enjoying some of the yummy treats we got to eat!

This is a new apartment complex. We visted with Rafal and his wife Agneishka there yesterday. The people on the balcony is where their apartment is located.

Another shot of food... as you can see, we are fed very well here!

This gray car is the "Opal". It finally died on us. It wouldn't start! Either battery or no gas! The red "bus" transported the interns into town.

Miss Lauren asked for a watermellon the other morning. The president of proEm, Maui, and his wife, Ewa, picked up one just for her! (I have some stories I want to share about Maui...with the history of ProEm... for another day!)

1 Corinthians 1:27-30

2008-07-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things- and the things that are not- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom, holiness, and redemption.

I wanted to give an update on my friend, Natalia, and her 5 girls who I asked you to pray for. God heard your prayers! Not only are the girls now wanting to hang out with her, but they've made some evident changes in their lives (always easier to do at camp of course, the challenge comes in staying the course when they get home). Ironically enough (an obvious God thing, really!), there was another group in her cabin who had come for the first time. I just learned that these girls (also named Kasia and Patrycia) are the ones who Kaylor has attached herself to! I posted a picture of Kaylor with two of them this week (Kaylor was wearing a head scarf)... I didn't realize until yesterday that Natalia also had them in her cabin and I had been praying for them as well! Wednesday evening following the message and invitation, all those girls we had been praying for stayed and rededicated their lives to Christ. Thank you for your prayers and Natalia is humbled by your prayers as well.

24 made decisions (accepting Christ, rededicating their lives to Christ or making some type of decision, etc.) this week. 62 made some type of decision last week. #'s are of course great, but each # has a name and a face and a life story. Pray for all the youth that come through these weeks of camps... God has a great and special plan for them all and may they grasp "making His name great among all the nations!"

Have a great day!

Psalm 111:10

2008-07-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Thursday at camp in Poland means it's campfire night! Instead of eating a meal in the dining hall or on the deck with all the bees, we get to cook kielbasa (Polish sausage and I have no idea if I spelled it correctly!) over the fire pit. We also get this traditional Polish dish that's pretty much a mixture of all the food from the week. It may not look particularly appetizing, but it's very delicious! Because we have youth camp this week, there will be karaoke later in the evening. Usually the Americans have to come up and make fools of themselves! I think the girls will have to be in bed by that time?!! (smile!)

We got to go into Tomascow today with the group of interns who are serving here at camp this summer. We first stopped at the new church building and got a tour of the renovation. For myself who has seen it the week they purchased the once theater building (2 years ago), to last summer's tour of the renovation to today... it was really amazing. I will get the pictures downloaded and post them on the blog either tonight or sometime tomorrow. Then we enjoyed some coffee, tea, ice cream and Polish desserts at Rafal and Agneiska's flat. He is the preacher for the Tomy Church. It was definitely a treat! Because we were there, we missed lunch at the camp and therefore "had" to go to McDonald's! It is a very nice McDonald's and located near the new church building. The girls were very excited to be there! The gal who traveled over with us and who is staying for a few weeks after us, Elizabeth, turned 29 today. We treated her to a McDonald's Birthday Meal! She was brought up to the stage in worship this morning and had the Polish and English version of Happy Birthday sung to her...now how fun is that?!!

Unfortunately I have to close this up because Lauren is having a melt down and with the thin walls here at the lodge, I don't want to make others bear hearing her! I'll post more later! Have a wonderful day!

3 John 2

2008-07-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

some pics from today...

2008-07-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today's 11:00 am activity was competitive team frisbee. This match was Polish counselors versus the Americans! We won by one point!

Kaylor has attached herself to these two girls...They wrapped her with one of their pretty scarves!

James 3:17, 18

2008-07-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure: then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

It's been a busy last few days and not a whole lot of time to post the happenings of this week's camp. Although we have high school youth (around 100), the schedule is about the same with minor changes. The biggest change is that there's more free-time. Here's the basic schedule from week to week thus far!

7:30am- staff devotions (Josh and I rotate to stay in the room with the girls since they sleep till about then)
8:30am-breakfast
9:15am- morning Bible lesson/worship
10:00am- quiet time/personal study (in your rooms)
11:00am-group activity/game
12:00pm-free time or those who want to make videos with media team do so
1:00pm- lunch
"rest" time until 3pm (we like our rest!!!)- counselors meet and interns at camp meet
3pm- clubs (stamping or English or some American sport, wall climbing)
4pm- beach or sport game
5pm- free time
7pm- dinner
8pm- evening worship and message
9-9:30pm they have three places they can go to eat (a decorated deck called a pizzeria (we made pizzas last night and decorated tables with candles), the "grill" (meat, sausages, etc that takes place in the outdoor eating area by the snack shack), and then any snack from the snack shack itself.
10:30pm to cabins
11:00pm lights out

So obviously this week is a "late night" week with activities. We learned quickly that we have to put the girls to bed right after the worship portion ends and before the message is given. That puts them to bed about 8:30pm. We are fortunate enough to be able to have them sleep and have the door open. We all periodically check on them, even though we're located right down stairs in the lodge.

I want to ask you to pray for 5 girls in a cabin that my good friend, Natalia, is overseeing. These girls have been coming to camps/ weekend retreats, etc. for many years and are basically very complacent in their faith. They come to camp for the social aspect and have not shown Natalia any indication that they care to discuss spiritual things or grow in their faith. I'm trying to encourage her right now & ask you to pray for Natalia: that God would open up some doors in order for her to gain trust and respect with the girls and things that they may mutually have in common. Secondly, pray that she stays encouraged. Thirdly, pray for these girls (Patrycia, Basia, Gosia, Ola, Zuzia). I am praying that God would speak to them this week, that He would open their hearts so that He would impact them in a personal and real way. I just wish every child or youth would hear the message that God has a purpose for their life, that God can use them in a powerful way to impact our world! But most just need to hear that they can be and are loved unconditionally....and that's what I'm trying to encourage Natalia to do with these girls. Join me as we pray.

Another prayer request: two friends (our married couple who took us to Tomascow the other day) that we've gotten to know very well need prayer for their future. Pray for God to speak clearly to them about what His plan is for using them with ProEm ministries and in general. They are newly married and I think one of God's plans of using me (us) this summer is to be a listening friend and offer advise and wisdom (if I have any!!!) I thank God for speaking through me and helping in any way that I can in working through some of the "muddy" waters in life. I know Josh would speak the same. They will be leaving at the end of the month to go to the states for a month... which will be sad for us!!

So use the verse of the day as we all pray!

Proverbs 16:16

2008-07-14T03:18:00.000-07:00

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

pics...

2008-07-13T07:12:00.001-07:00

This is the Tomy Center. They've rented this building out from the very beginning. They utilize it for: church (Tomy Church on Sundays), a Christian pre-school by day, Speak-Up (English language school) by night, an internet cafe, etc. They have another building which they purchased a few years ago. It is being renovated to be their church. They'll continue to use this current one as the pre-school and language school. They need $100,000 more dollars to complete the church renovation (it was the old theater downtown). A church in KY is matching any donation (up to $50,000) given towards the completion of the church! If you are interested in learning how you can help or someone who may like to help, let me know!

Inside the Tomy Center, Rafal, their preacher, is giving the communion message. The church is getting ready for a week-long service project throughout the city. It will be during the same week our team from Westside and RCC come to the camp! We'll make sure to take them to Tomascow to see this church serving the city. They've never done anything like this, so it will be really neat to see what God does through it!

Josh with Machek, a friend he's gotten to know. Machek is a "product" of the Tomy Center. He came to their basketball open gym (part of their sports outreach) and became a Christian through that. He is now married to Adrian, an American from Indiana, who also works with ProEm teaching in the preschool and language center at the Tomy Center. Machek works in the preschool now as well. Kaylor and Lauren call him "funny man" and LOVE to play with him.

Every Saturday in Tomascow there is a basketball league (outdoor now insteand of open gym) that is coordinated by Machek. ProEm has invested money in the boards and court to use basketball as a ministry outreach. It's open to anyone in the city and many friendships have been formed through it. Through this contact, there are 3 guys coming to the International Basketball Camp at Zakosciele. I'll get the names of the guys and you can begin praying for them during that week (next week's camp). Machek and Adrian drove their car and we used one the camp's cars. Josh got to drive for the first time... it was fun! While the guys were at the basketball courts, we girls played at the playground, watched people swim in the river and got some groceries. One cultural observance, which is very European... showing skin is never an issue here! Women taking their shirts of and subathing in their bras causes no one to bat an eye (except me in shock of course!!)

The girls on the "merry-go-round".

The following pictures were taken at Machek's Grandmother's home. They invited us all for lunch (Polish pancakes). His Grandmother told us stories of her experience as a young girl (12) during the WWII. My heart hurt for all evil she saw. Typical of Polish culture, the girls received little porcelain ballerina figurines from "Grandma"!

This is from the talent show this past Thursday. They were singing a song learned.

The line-up for banquet.

Philippians 1:9-11

2008-07-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge in depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

I don't have the time right now to share what we we did yesterday, but I will try and get to it later today. I have some pictures I want to post as well. Check back later!

1 Corinthians 2:4,5

2008-07-12T00:20:00.000-07:00

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on man's wisdom, but on God's power.

Wrapping up the week...

2008-07-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the campers will be heading home and we'll have a brief day of rest before the next crew of campers come. It was a fun day to end the week. We just returned from a night walk, which put our girls "out" (they climbed into bed and are sleeping like angels!). It didn't rain at all today and the temperature was much warmer. We all went swimming at the beach (have I ever mentioned there's a river that runs along the camp and a nice sandy beach?!) this afternoon and then got the kids ready for the banquet.

I have to highlight the banquet. This is something they have done from the beginning of camps. I remember it back in 1998. You have to understand that matchmaking is a hobby here... they LOVE to matchmake, which is (what I assume to be) why they encourage kids to take "dates" to the banquet. No matter if you have a date or not, everyone is "suppose to" get dressed up (for guys, cleaned up!). So instead of the afternoon club time of stamping (which I helped with all week), I helped all these little girls get all dolled up. I can't french braid hair for the life of me, so I brushed hair to get them ready for a girl to do their hair. There were tables set up with all kinds of nail polish and make-up (we encourage light application!). It was all very cute. Kaylor and Lauren got to get all dressed up as their good friend, Tomek (picture from yesterday and I'll post one of them from the banquet as well) asked both girls to the banquet. You should've seen us proud parents sitting with them... chaperoning their "1st date". Tomek made his mom bring them flowers (which she dutifully took from their home!).

Kaylor and Lauren with their date, Tomek.

Their last evening worship followed the banquet. It was a very special evening with girls doing some songs. I was very impressed from the talent show last night and then to the talent displayed through worship tonight. The staff of the camp here do a great job in providing as much opportunity as possible to highlight campers. I think everyone desires to be known for something good, and children (the same in America and Poland I've seen) are so vulnerable to feeling they aren't "good enough" or have anything to offer. There was a question posted on the blog that I asked around today. I had an idea of what the answer would be and wasn't surprised of what I found out. The question asked was on the number of children that come from faith-based homes. If you know the history of Poland, you know that the official religion is (and has been) Catholicism. During the rule of communism, about 90-97 % of the population attended Catholic church. This was mainly because the people used church to rebel against communism as it was often preached on and against during mass (political ones, not spiritual). After communism fell in 1989, the percentage of people who went to church dropped to 60%. There is a huge difference between "going or attending" church to living and working out your faith or going because you want and desire to.

So today, we're talking that approximately 75-80 % of the campers coming in these camps come from either no church background or just "going" to church out of tradition, not desire or need. For most of the kids, they are hearing the Gospel message (a message that communicates God accepts you right where you are and you don't have to work or earn your way to heaven & found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.) for the very first time. I count it a privilege to be but a small part in what God is doing here! Thanks for the question! I hoped I answered it clearly!

Romans 7:4

2008-07-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.

pics...

2008-07-10T01:04:00.000-07:00

Kaylor is around... she just doesn't want pictues taken of her!! Notice their hair is french braided...done by someone... not me!! The boy is Tomek, son of John (former college friend) and Zaba. They've stayed with us in the states when visiting. They all are having great fun!

Hebrews 11:1

2008-07-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

It's morning and we've just finished our breakfast. The girls woke up earlier, which must be a sign that they are getting used to the time change. I just hope they don't get up any earlier than 7am!

In response to my brother the meterologist, the hail was pea/rock size. It came so quick and lasted but a few minutes. And I'll spend a few minutes on the other question about the purpose of the camp, goal, etc.

The overall purpose is to see youth come to a decision about Jesus Christ. So yes, it is spiritual. Camps serve as a platform to introduce them to Christ. We have a morning worship and Bible teaching time. The teaching time is centered around the theme for the week (because it's sports camp, they teach the Bible through sports. i.e. applying the rules and regulations of sports like what the Bible instructs us in how to live, etc.) Throughout the day, the children work on memorizing Scripture for points for their teams with their counselors. In the evening we have the second worship time where a message is given. Each night builds up to sharing the Gospel and offering an invitation. Teaching sports, like what Josh has been doing is integrated in the daily activities. There's no secret agenda that you learn about the Bible, etc. although it's advertised as a "multisport" or "English language" camp. ProEm is forthright about their purposes and focus and thus using different "platforms" is a way to draw a variety of youth to attend! It's such neat ministry to be a part of and my plan is to share some of proEm's history and personal stories of some of the staff.

I need to close this up and head to the morning worship time. Have a great day! And remember to focus on the verse of the day.... what faith is!

Colossians 3:12-14

2008-07-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

I think it's safe to say that WE brought the rains from the midwest! Off and on all day today it has rained....then full sunshine... then rain again! In fact, it even hailed! It was crazy! We just ate supper and had these sweet dumplings. It's time for the evening worship session. Tonight they'll talk about grace. Please pray for their hearts to be open to receiving God's love. Please pray for Ardie's campers as they are having a hard time getting along (boys). Pray also for a group of girls who seem to fighting a lot. Pray for the counselors as they handle the situations, but more importantly, that these kids see the example of the love of Jesus. Pray this verse above for the campers, counselors, staff and everyone here!

more pics...

2008-07-08T09:39:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of the Lodge/Hotel (our room is the last one on the right). The dining hall is on the main level. All the staff/help eat out on the deck!

Lauren with her new Polish friend, Mariam.

Here's what we ate tonight...the bread came first...

Polish version of pizza came next! (It was very yummy!)

Philippians 3:14

2008-07-08T07:16:00.001-07:00

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I'm back with the Scriptures! I've missed them myself!! The day began with beautiful sunshine. Josh stayed with the girls as they were sleeping and I went down for devotions with the Polish counselors. Because there are American teams each week helping at the camps, there is someone translating. This morning's devotion was from a Polish man whose wife is helping with worship this week. He also preached last night's message. I liked the devotional thought as it reminded me of our purpose of coming: to serve. We (more than likely) won't have the privilege of personally sharing or explaining the gospel with a child, but our being here for 6 weeks to serve is an important role in helping those who are. While Josh was teaching baseball in the morning session, I took the girls and another boy (who is Polish and the girls' age) out for a walk around the camp and we picked up trash. It's amazing how you can pick up so much trash when there are bins all around the camp grounds! Nonetheless, it's one small way I can serve and have the girls serve as well this week.

In wrapping up my "bit" for today... we just had a rain down pour! It's been sunny all day with some clouds here and there, but just like yesterday (and maybe the same time?!) down came the rain. However, I think the rain has come and gone. Hope you all have a wonderful day back in the States as it's just beginning for you!

A few pics

2008-07-07T08:03:00.001-07:00

Lauren all set to go on her first international flight!

Picture from our balcony. You can see the Villa which is where the snack shack is located (a popular spot for the girls!)

Josh is helping teach American football. He taught baseball this morning.

He's so in his element right now!

I taught some youngsters how to make a card. Even boys came, which I thought was great!

I have some time to post some of these pictures because it's POURING outside! The soccer games (the ones they couldn't get finished) had to be canceled and I believe the kids are trying to stay dry right now! Kaylor and Lauren went over to a Polish friend's home (Natalia). Little Natalia is the daughter of the camp managers, who I've known since 1998. She is one year older than Kaylor I think. It took a few days for them to warm up, but since this late morning, they've been inseperable! They don't live very far from camp. Hope this finds you all well. Thank you for your comments.

I'll answer one about the food. It's GOOD. Breakfast consists of a basket of bread (different kids, some even have jelly filling), a plate of cheese and meat, cucumbers and tomatoes. There is butter, honey and a homemade cherry jam on the table as well. Drink is either coffee or tea (we get some great oj from the snack shack. Lunch and supper vary, but usually the bread is the first thing to eat. Then a soup of some kind (there's nothing you need to add to it, it's the best I've ever had... and so says Josh!) that consists of a broth, potatoes and some dill weed in it. Usually we have either a meat and side dish of potatoes to go with. Today was a pasta treat. For the staff here, I've heard it's their favorite dish. It's a sauce of meat and cheese over spiral noodles. Last night, we had the noodles, but with this strawberry cream sauce. At first glance, you're like yikes! But when you eat it, oh man, it's good! I'll try and remember the camera and take a picture of dinner tonight!

Keep the questions coming! Oh, and no kickball yet!!

Multi-sport camp

2008-07-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today, around 160 kids arrived at the Zakosciele camp. 50 of those kids were ones who stayed from last week's camp. Apparently there are a lot more boys than girls. This means that I'll be helping with some "clubs" for some girls. You may ask, "Why would a kid come to a week of camp if it's focused activities were sports and they didn't even care for sports?" Well, the answer is that many parents may send their child to camp because it works with "their" schedule...say like vacation without the children?!! You are always prepared for "plan b". That's where I can come in and help. Josh will be busy teaching kids American baseball and helping the church from Sacramento, CA with all the other sports. I think some of the clubs we'll offer for kids who don't want to do the sport thing will be English, stamping, crafts, drama, choir... etc. I obviously don't have the talent for all of those, so I'll just help with the ones that I can! Kaylor and Lauren will be my side kicks... or they'll be Josh's as they enjoyed watching him play ultimate frisbee today.

The girls had a great night of sleep and we even had to wake them up to get up and eat breakfast. Then we left for Tomascow for church. Tomascow is the town near the camp (about a 15 minute drive) and proEm ministries successfully planted a church there through a community center which offered English classes (now a language center), sports outreach and something of a coffee/computer house. I can't remember how many years (maybe 3-5?), but will try and confirm it tomorrow. It's very exciting to see this ministry grow. They started a Christian pre-school which is a huge attraction because they teach not only the Bible in their curriculum but English as well. If you didn't know that English is the global language, you know now, so having English speakers from America (some interns from churches in America) are a huge draw for families and individuals. It's so cool to see God use something so simple as language to draw them to Himself. This fall they'll be offering 1st grade.... so this is an actual private Christian school that they've been able to develop.

I think some of us other Americans who are here (there's another family from Kansas City) will offer a class time for the children during worship service at the church on Sunday's. They don't offer a class for them during the summer, but with two families (with kids!) and another American gal (who traveled with us from Westside Christian Church), I think we can swing something together. We'll rotate as well, so we'll have some worship time with the Tomy church, too.

If you have any questions for us or for the girls (like their favorite thing they've been doing so far or food, etc. just post a comment and we'll answer them for you!) So far Lauren seems to be adjusting to the change in food more so than Kaylor. She seems to wait until the snack shack is open. We're working on that one!!!!

Hope all is well. Sorry again for no Scripture, I'm still working on getting a list from back home!! Blessings to all!

We made it!

2008-07-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I would write the scripture for today, but I seem to have forgotten to bring the prayer calendar with me! How DOES THAT happen?!! I will work on getting it emailed to me, but those of you out there that have one, I'm counting on you to pray through them until I get my hands on one!

In the meantime, here's the scoop on the last few days. I'm going to start in reverse order... what's going on right now: Lauren is sick. Yep.... we were into two hours of sleep last night and she woke up not feeling well. After an hour of keeping me up, I finally prayed, "please just let whatever is making her not feel good just come out." Not anticipating it'd be via mouth, we had a nice mess in our bed (she was by this time sleeping with Josh and I). Not going into any more detail (I'm sure you are saying thank you), let's just say it's been a long night and morning. We have new clean sheets, getting the bed mattress cleaned and Lauren seems to be doing better right now. So what's the most obvious thing you could pray for right now? Restored health. I'm not exactly surprised something like this happened as the Enemy would like to totally ruin the great beginning of our work here!

After
a) not knowing if we'd get on the plane or not because apparently Cheap Tickets didn't reserve our seats with the Polish Lot airline (found this out as we checked in...thank goodness we arrived before the rush of people)
b) a turbulent 9 hour plane ride and
c) a clutch "sticking" in the van that was causing things to overheat
d) heavy traffic in Warsaw (were they allllll trying to go where we wanted to go?!!)

we arrived at the Zakosciele Youth Camp last night right in time for dinner. It was great seeing old friends and introducing them to the girls and Josh. Right as we were trying to get the girls to bed (we have the 1 room "suite) in the Lodge, fireworks brought by the group from KY helping the camp this past week went off right outside the Lodge! We got to celebrate America's Independence Day in Poland. The kids at the camp just loved it!

Seems like there's so much I could write about. The weather is beautiful this morning. We have a "rest" day, which is good so Lauren can rest and recover.

Thank you for praying and we'll get some pictures up soon! Ann

Psalm 18:46

2008-07-03T04:30:00.001-07:00

The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!

Here we go today! We will depart the house around 2pm. With construction and all, we hope to be at the airport around 6:30pm. (You never know how many stops with kids there'll be!) The flight leaves at 9:55pm.

Our summer intern at church, Drew, has graciously agreed to take us up to O'Hare. I just want to say to all of you who have a) watched our kids to help us out to do errands or work or pack b) mowed our lawn this week c) cooked us a meal and d) who will be coming in this evening and washing sheets, towels and cleaning the house.... THANK YOU!!!! Do I not paint the picture of how the body of Christ has come together to accomplish much for Him?! And to all of you who have offered to help and inquired about how to help, we appreciate you asking! Here we go!

Map of Poland!

2008-07-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Check out all the different countries surrounding Poland. Way neat!

John 17: 20-26

2008-07-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

A prayer from Jesus before he was arrested: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the word does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Psalm 141:3,4

2008-07-01T03:31:00.000-07:00

Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.

There's also that verse in the NT about "setting our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ" that I also really love. I'd try to find the verse and post it with this one, but it's 5:30 am in the morning and I woke up with the light coming in. I just went to bed at 1am. AND... may I note that I am not the typical late nighter. I just had been working on packing, organizing our house and repacking items. We have a 44 lb weight limit for the plane. I've found that you can't really pack a whole lot in one bag! Thus, we are now up to 7 bags with one more to spare. The bags are not fully packed, so I know if something happens to be over weight at the airport, we can move things around. I'm "tired"....but I just can't "sleep". Gee, I wonder why?!! As you pray today, if you would pray that God would be my source of energy, that would be fantastic!

Philippians 1:3-6

2008-06-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

I especially like to use this verse when praying for the missionaries we partner with at our church. Speaking of church... I just want to welcome those who took some our cards with our blog on it at church this past weekend! We are thrilled you desire to be a part of what God is doing not only through our lives this summer, but those youth whom we'll be working with. We are so blessed to be a part of this church family at Rochester Christian Church.... really, you have no idea. Thank you to all of you who are praying for us and so this verse is our "thanks" to our church family and faithful friends and family!

Speaking of praying... we just learned today that there are 180 children from the ages of 6-13 who arrived at ProEm's first week of camp yesterday! They are typically "full" at 140, so you can only imagine what it's like with 180!

Pray for the counselors as they need to focus on developing relationships with about 16 campers they are responsible for.
Pray for the staff as they deal with the "logistical" issues that come with having such a grand number!
Pray for the team from Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. They are helping at the camp this week.

I'm posting a picture of our Polish friend, Adam, who works with ProEm Ministries and has been staying with us the last 4 days. We took him to St. Louis and to Union Station. I think one of his highlights of his first visit to the US is being a part of the Rochester Parade. He was on the church's float throwing out candy... it was a lot of fun! That night he experienced his first American grill-out at our friend's house (Emily Bivens, thanks for inviting us Emily!).

Crazy busy weekend, but having been able to host Adam's visit has been so enjoyable. He now will network with Christians at the Cornerstone Festival (www.cornerstonefestival.com) and try and recruit them to come speak/play over in Poland!

Have a great day!

Psalm 89:2

2008-06-28T09:45:00.001-07:00

We have arrived back from our family vacation. The same day we got back, our friend, Adam from Poland arrived in Chicago. He's staying with us until Monday when Josh will take him over to the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, IL. This is his first time to the US and it's been such a joy having him here and introducing him to some American cultural items. It may be a whirlwind weekend, but it's been fun! That being said, that's why it's taken me a few days to get back to posting our daily scriptures. We had a very relaxing vacation and many memories made!

But let's get to the Scripture for today! Psalm 89:2 reads:

I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Romans 8:28

2008-06-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

This verse always helped "calm" me when things in life didn't make sense. God is true to His Word, whether we accept it or not...that's the beautiful thing I believe. Despite my insecurities, or where I may be doubting my faith or God's goodness... HE IS and WAS and WILL BE. I thus fall back on the truth of Scripture and of His promises. I pray you are able to do the same today.

Side note: We take off for a much needed family vacation after work today. We've packed the van with the bikes, golf clubs and leaving the laptop behind! I highly doubt I'll get to post the daily scriptures here until after the 26th. Maybe I'll miss the computer and do it at my parent's house...but please don't feel neglected. You can let me know you miss it. I hope people are encouraged as I've been from the daily Scriptures!

Psalm 84:1,2

2008-06-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

The English booklet and lessons are done!!!

Matthew 28:16-20

2008-06-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

Most everyone is familiar with this passage... known as the "Great Commission." After Jesus died on the cross, He appeared to many. He instructed the disciples to go to a mountain in Galilee. Before He ascended back into heaven, He left them with these words found in Matthew 28. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Because we love God and worship Him, our natural outflow is to share and show that with/to others. Because Christ left us "instructions" of what His plan was (which included "all nations"), we are doing what we are doing! The really cool thing about this whole process in "going" is that it takes everyone involved to make it happen. All of us are involved in fulfilling the Great Commission! Have a wonderful day!

John 15:5-8 & Galatians 5:22-26

2008-06-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

We were swamped with activities yesterday...that I didn't even have time to write our Scriptures for the day... and boy, did I feel the lack of being in the Word!

John 15:5-8 (Saturday's): "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Galatians 5:22-26 (Today's): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Have a blessed day!

Matthew 7:7-11

2008-06-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

This is another well-known passage!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or it he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?"

Jeremiah 29:11

2008-06-12T03:24:00.000-07:00

Now that our paper route ended this morning ( a bit of a break before we head out, plus we're going on vacation- up north to the fam in Wisconsin- after work next week), no matter how late I stay up... 6:09 am jars my body awake!! Then the flood of "to-do's" comes rolling in. So... I figured jump starting my day in the Word would be the best and here I am typing up the Scripture of the Day!

This particular Scripture has always been special to me. When I became serious about my walk of faith, this Scripture was written in a card to me by a family I really didn't know that well. Their daughter and I were on the gymnastics team together and I had qualified for State. They had given me a card to congratulate me, and it was the first time I was introduced to this Scripture verse. Something about Jeremiah 29:11 gave me great hope for my life even at the age of 16 (was I 16, 17? I can't remember!). Even after all these years of following Him, I've had to cling to this passage. Our journey to Poland is an expression of God's "plans for us". :)

I sit here and I think about all the people in Poland that have struggled with "hope" and having a purpose or plan for their life... just the history of their country alone, and I know why we are drawn to do what we are going to do. They need to hear this Scripture spoken in their life... give them a sense of hope as well. So as you read this verse, pray with us as we pray for all those we'll be serving this summer in Poland. May this verse touch them as it's touched me...and may this verse touch you as it's touched me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "

1 John 4:7-12

2008-06-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today's scripture reads: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God: but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

This is our prayer today for you as well.

24 Days To Go!

2008-06-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

JUNE 10th:
24 days and we'll be flying out. We've finished our prayer calendars (if you see this and have not received one and would like one, drop a comment and we'll send one) and we'll try and post the Scripture listed in our prayer calendar for each day on here as well.

Today's Scripture is Titus 3: 3-8:
" At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out onus generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

We're so thankful for God's mercy. What an honor to be a part of God's global mission... and thank YOU for being a part of it as well! I (Ann) have made a lot of headway on the English lessons for the August week of camp. In fact, I'm almost finished and will then just have to create the handouts and supply list! A big sigh of relief!!!! Have a great day!

44 Days and Counting!

2008-05-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

I just counted up the days until we leave for Poland.... 44 days. To some, that may seem like an eternity. For others, like myself (Ann), this is an inadequate amount of time for all that has to be accomplished! I say that with a huge smile...because I am not a procrastinator and do not operate (or chose by my own doing) from one crisis to another. That being said, I (and I can speak for Josh as well) have been incredibly humbled by God's graciousness and gentle reminders that He alone is in control! We'll be working on getting a prayer calendar ready to go out and will post the prayer on here daily as well. I can't stress enough our desire to have people a part of what God is doing in Poland through our work there. Helping out at the camp seems so minor compared to the front line work of the Polish counselors, but I know that our supportive role helps them be the best that they can be. We want to help, not hinder... we want to add, not take away. We want to be encouragers, not be the ones that need encouraged....(that'll be your role as we are on week number 4!!!).

This is such an exciting time for us and it overshadows all the "things" that need to be completed before we go. If there's one thing that is heavy on me (Ann) right now, it's the English booklet I have been working on (having not enough time to do so is the biggest factor right now) for the Children's English Language Camp the first week of August. I need to have it completed by the end of June to be able to go through it with the team from our church (Rochester Christian Church) and Westside Christian Church. We've been meeting and I'm helping prep them for that week. The booklet was such a great aid in the English teaching done last year and requested for another year. I graciously accepted to do it again! I just don't want to go insane doing it because time has been so limited for me this year!!! So, yeah, you can pray for that!

We hope this finds you just as excited as we are! Blessings... ann

Welcome Partners!

2008-04-30T13:55:00.001-07:00

The Winans family welcomes you to the blog we set up for our partnership in Poland this summer! We look forward to utilizing this blog in order to keep you updated on our preparations, prayers, praises and then post "daily happenings" while Poland. The dates are set! We leave July 3rd from O'Hare with a direct flight to Warsaw. We'll return the 18th of August...just in time for miss Kaylor to begin her first year of Kindergarten. We'll blog in a little bit... just to give a brief history of "how" Poland and "why" Poland! Until then...