A few weeks ago, (ok, a month) we returned from our trip to Poland. Returning after only 15 days seemed liked a blink compared to returning after 3 months. Overall, the trip was great. Not in the sense of, “oh ya, we all had a great time”, but rather great as, “God is great” ”I was a part of something greater than me” “We were a part of something greater than us” “There is a great movement of God going on in Poland, and we were able to join it”, great.
As usual, our time in serving in Poland was a learning experience. We took on a new role this year in leading a team of high school students for one English Camp. Honestly, it wasn’t easy. Never having been the shepherd of 15-18 year old sheep, we frequently encountered unforseen challenges. I’m almost a master at corralling 4 year-olds. Teenagers are a different story. We wanted to support and encourage our team, yet had to challenge and discipline them at times. After the camp, we left feeling proud of how our students served and grew and shared the gospel with both words and actions. This camp had much spiritual fruit, with 16 students choosing to place their faith in Christ, and almost every camper expressing they somehow grew closer to God during the week.
Just before we left for Poland, we submitted our applications to become full time missionaries with Josiah Venture in Poland. Throughout our time there, we were able to reonnect with several of the team members whom we love, and they asked us what it was like to be back, now knowing we wanted to serve there full-time. Well, it was a total confirmation. When we arrived for camp in Nowy Tomysl, both Chris and I felt comfortable; normal. I remember shortly after we were married, some friends would ask, “Is it just so exciting and weird and fun to live together and be married?!” My answer was no, actually. It feels normal. This is the way it should be. And that’s sort of how I felt being back in Poland.
One personal highlight for me was observing the ministry going on amongst the Poles. I watched as my friend Hubert helped run the camp and serve his youth group, encouraging them to pour into others. I watched with tears in my eyes, in awe of God’s great work, as my friend Dawid taught a group of young boys gathered around him. They hung onto his every word about God’s truth, and I praised God for raising up a leader like Dawid in that place. After seeing these two men serve, having known them for a few years now, I could not wait to be a part of training and encouraging other young Poles like them, who will someday be leaders in their own towns.
Weronika, Daria, Kelly, Olga
In our day-to-day lives, Chris and I have both felt the growing desire to be in full-time ministry. Our “day jobs” (not that we have night jobs. But if we did, mine would probably involve improv. More on that another time…) are starting to become less fulfilling, as we know that God has something greater for us. However, we also know we have been given this time to serve in this place. And as a side note, not a day goes by that I don’t thank God that I live in Colorado. I mean really, have you seen this place?
For those who pray:
For the ministry of Piotr, Hubert, and Dawid to continue to solidify
For new ministry opportunites in NT to be able to being soon and well
For patience as Chris and I await our official acceptance into Josiah Venure. We are excited to get the ball rolling!
For Olga, a sweet girl I met a camp. That her faith would keep growing, and for boldness and her parents oppose this faith
