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!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A Beautiful Morning!
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!
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!
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!
You can check the link on the side of this page each day this week!
pics
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
"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."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Verse of the Day!
Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
God is answering prayers!
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...
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...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Rest Day!
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!
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!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Matthew 7:24-27
"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!Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A Heart of Worship
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Hebrews 10:23,24
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!
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!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Ephesians 3:14-19
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!
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!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Proverbs 3:5,6
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!
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!
Friday, July 18, 2008
we always love pics!
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!)
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
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!
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!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Psalm 111:10
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
3 John 2
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
some pics from today...
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
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!
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!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
pics...
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!!)
This is from the talent show this past Thursday. They were singing a song learned.
The line-up for banquet.
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.Saturday, July 12, 2008
Philippians 1:9-11
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!
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
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.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Wrapping up the week...
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!).
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
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.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
pics...
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!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Hebrews 11:1
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!
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
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
more pics...
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
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!
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!
Monday, July 7, 2008
A few pics
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!!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Multi-sport camp
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!
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!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
We made it!
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
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
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Psalm 18:46
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
John 17: 20-26
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."
"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."
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Psalm 141:3,4
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!
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!
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