Pray 4 Rzeszów

2010-08-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Rzeszow!

2010-06-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Top(from left to right): Kaitlyn, Anthony, Daren (in back), Kerri, Justin (in back), Ashley, Luke
Bottom: Amber, the long-term missionary

These past two weeks have been packed-full with orientation, planning, and learning. Here are a few highlights of what the team has been up to lately:

-A day in the capital city, Warsaw. Here we got our first taste of Polish language and culture and visited a museum about the Polish Uprising.

-Several days getting used to our new home for the summer, Rzeszow (pronounced zhe-shoov). We have experienced several delicious Polish meals (typically some sort of meat, salad, and potatoes), walked around the town square, and spent time with new friends.

-A three day trip to the "cultural capital" of the country, Krakow. We enjoyed the vibrant town square and beautiful architecture and also learned much about Poland's rich history and devout Catholic beliefs. We were able to walk through Wawel Castle and its cathedral, where many of Poland's most important leaders are buried. A difficult day was spent at Auschwitz, the world's largest death camp, in use during the time of the Holocaust.

Overall, the team is busy but well! Amber is doing a wonderful job hosting and helping all of us learn about and experience the culture here in Poland.

Here's a look at the upcoming week:
-Daily Polish lessons
-Spending time with locals and continuing to build relationships
-Involvement in the local church - this week Anthony will be preaching and the the team will be leading worship
-Prayer walks around the city

We are grateful for your support and prayers and thankful for your partnership in this new ministry God has called us to. We look forward to sharing what He continues to do here in Poland!

Z Bogiem (with God),

The Mountain Team

Top: St. Mary's Cathedral in downtown Krakow

Bottom: Downtown Krakow

Top: Overlooking Krakow from the belltower of Wawel Castle

Bottom: One of the most delicious meals here in Poland - Zurek (sour soup) in a bread bowl

Remains of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Perspectives of the Mountain Team: Our first week in Poland

2010-06-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

There is an obliviousness to the Heart of this place. Everyone seems to be convinced that they are going somewhere; some sweet place promised to them by a forgotten hope salesman left down the road of broken dreams, disappointments, and failed relationships. Each new advertisement, cigarette, and girlfriend brings something yet explored; awakens the very desire they so desperately tried to kill the last time their hopes rose, only to fail them. Signs on church buildings prohibit the entry of the scandalously dressed, never letting us escape the reminder that Jesus Christ is only for the “righteous enough,” only for the pious, only for those wealthy enough to afford clothes. He is NOT for the promiscuous, the broken, the whores, the abused, the hurting, the alcoholics, the womanizers, and those caught in the asphyxiating grips of their sin. Here, we must be well dressed to pay homage to the temples men have built. It was Voltaire who once said, “God made man in His own image, and now man returns the favor.” Hope here is a flicker, but it is a flicker not easily blown out.
Jesus’ words are wooing as He beckons these people to bring their weary souls to find rest in Him alone. That way is hard: it is hard to love a God your culture sees as out-dated, obsolete, and as boring as the stained glass depictions of bearded men on crosses portrayed on the sinless folks’ buildings. It is hard to leave sex, marijuana, the pursuit of money, and alcohol when they have been kind enough to provide you with a name, a purpose, and to take up your thoughts and your time. Jesus never said that the Easy Way was not beautiful, enticing, and full of the people that you want to be just like. He never said that the hard way was glamorous, either, but it is GLORIOUS.
When Jesus came, to where was it? May we be reminded of these words, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” As Christ, pure goodness and beauty, superimposed Himself with the broken and the ugly, so these two Ways, while spiritually set apart by an ocean of Grace and waves of Holiness; torrents of pain and rainbows of promised joy, are physically intertwined like two lovers sharing their first embrace. As the multitude of Poles head to an eternity of sorrow and “what-if’s,” may the Redeemed forsake all of life’s trifles and fight to tear down the walls of Jericho in the hearts of the lost; the Babel’s of confusion in the minds of the hurting. May we come out of our church buildings and our “Kingdom-of-one’s” to look the countless “I-never-knew-you’s” in the face and tell them of a Treasure buried in a field that is worth selling everything we have to possess. May we lose our lives that they may live. May we be captivated by the seductive words of a Savior: “Follow me.” Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. May we be precious!
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” EVERYONE.

by Daren Fomin

In Memoriam

2010-04-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

A great heaviness lies upon me,
My heart weighed down in grief.
The wounds of a nation,
The everlasting sorrow of death.

They weep as those who have no hope,
Clinging to false gods, will they turn to You?
They seek answers and understanding
Will You make Yourself known?

I hardly know where to start,
I long to offer comfort but know not how.
Lead me Father, to offer Your grace,
To those who have never heard.

Bind Your Church in one accord,
Send forth Your Light into this dark land.
“Help us”, we pray fervently to You,
As the darkness closes in.

Funeral dirges play on the radio,
In tongues numerous and varied.
What comes next for this forgotten land,
For the Void longing to be filled?

Will You once again sweep away despair,
And replace it with joyous mirth?
Through deep grief capture hearts,
Draw them to Your loving arms.

To You who understands time and seasons,
Who creates life and takes it away,
Be glory everlasting in the midst of doubt,
Praise in this time of distress.

“Polish nation arise, Jesus we thank you,”
For who You are and what You will do.
We trust in Your faithfulness,
You will never let us fall.

“Poland has not yet perished.”

Update from the BBC

2010-04-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to further information on what is happening in Poland. In the article, there is also a list of a few of those killed in this tragic event. Thank you for praying for Poland at this time.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8616895.stm

Tragedy in Poland

2010-04-12T13:41:00.001-07:00

Please pray for the Polish nation during these difficult times. Pray for the families of the victims, wisdom for government leaders, unity for believers, and that Christ will be made known in this country.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8614021.stm

The Prayer

2010-03-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Youth Event

2010-03-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

Please pray this weekend as we will be holding a youth event in Tarnow. Pray that the Lord will be made known to the kids who join us and that they will want to come back to English Camp this summer.

Please pray also for the teams in the US and Canada preparing to serve in Rzeszow this summer.

Thanks!

Rzeszow Video 1

2010-01-31T04:45:00.000-08:00

Pray for New Team Members

2009-12-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

Please pray as we look for new team members to join us in Poland! I will be attending a conference from 3rd-8th Jan. and am hoping for good meetings with new PI candidates and mobilization staff. Please pray that I will represent the area of Eastern Central Europe well.

Thanks!

Team

2009-10-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Please pray that the Lord will raise up a team in Rzeszow. There is so much potential here, yet it seems no one is interested in coming to Poland. Pray that the Lord will raise interest in this needy country and that Poland will not be overlooked as a field of ministry. Pray that the few believers here will be encouraged in Christ and that, together, we can reach out to those who have never heard.

Thanks!

2009-08-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

Last week a team from Across Ministries came to Rzeszow to run an English Course for children. The kids had a great time learning English, playing games, and hearing Bible stories. On the last day, we had special evening program for the kids and their parents. When we thanked the director of the school we used for the course, she was very happy. Her daughter had attended the course all week and was very happy with what we did. The director invited us to return next year to hold another English course and hopes that more kids can come. We do too! Please pray for these kids and their parents. Praise the Lord for the good connections He made this week between the Baptist Church and the city and school director.

English Camp 2009

2009-07-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

English Camp was incredible! By the end of the week we were all exhausted from playing crazy games, having English classes, and meeting new friends. Praise the Lord for a new believer and for those who would like to begin studying the Bible. Please pray as we begin follow-up at the end of the summer, kicking off fall programs with a party where we'll show the camp video. We've invited the kids to join us for a weekly meeting to practice English for their high school exams and are in the process of planning a youth group meeting. Pray for wisdom as we work out the details. Pray that what the kids learned this week will stick with them and that they will desire a relationship with Christ. Thanks to the Canadian team and Fala team members for putting on such a great camp!

The Canadians Arrive Tomorrow!

2009-06-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the team from Canada that will be coming to Rzeszow to lead English Camp. They will arrive Thurs. evening and spend a couple days in Rzeszow. Then, we will meet the campers Monday morning and head to the mountains. They have lots of great stuff planned for the camp. Please pray that they will get good rest after their travels, adjust quickly to Poland, and will have willing hearts to do whatever is required. Pray also for unity between the Canadian and Polish teams of workers and that we have many opportunities to share the love of Christ with the Polish youth. Please pray also for safety during the camp, energy for the workers (and campers), and that strong relationships will be formed.

Thanks!

Amber

Praise for God is Good!

2009-06-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today (June 16 &17th) we welcomed Tom and Beata to Rzeszow to discuss the English Day Camp (Course) that will take place in Rzeszow at the end of July. Pastor Adam worked hard to find a school for the event, but when the first school found out that we're with the Baptist Church they decided not to let us use their facilities. So...we had to trust the Lord to provide another location. He did! We had meetings today with the school director and passed out fliers inviting the children to come. The director was very helpful and will likely attend the camp herself to see what exactly we'll be doing.

Please pray that many children will come and that the American team will get great opportunities to show love in a practical way.

Pray for wisdom for me as I serve as "camp coordinator" during the week of July 20-24.

Pray that we will find 10 volunteers who speak Polish and English who can help the American team and who will be responsible to help care for children.

Praise the Lord for what He is doing!

Thanks,
Amber

Hostetlers on Furough

2009-06-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Paul & Sherilyn and their children while they are on furlough this summer in the US. Pray that they will re-adjust well to life in America, that they will be greatly refreshed, and that all of their appointments, meetings, and plans will be successful. Pray that the Lord will encourage their hearts, give them the rest they need, and provide His wisdom as they continue to follow Him in ministry.

Baptism, English Camp '09, and Beyond

2009-05-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

After returning to Poland from the PI Eurasian Conference, we traveled to Krynice the following day to witness the baptism of a new church member and others from our sister church in Tarnow. It was a moving event, especially for Tomasz, who was baptized and his wife, Agnieszka. Please pray that the Lord will continue to grow their faith and that He will protect them as young believers.

We began promoting this year's English Camp on Friday. We are hoping to visit all (or most) of the jr. high and high schools in Rzeszow. We met with the secretaries or directors of about ten schools on Friday and will be returning to several schools this week to visit classes. We will prepare a lesson for the kids including games and concluding with last year's camp video and an invitation to attend this year. We will also visit 24 more schools in the coming weeks. Please pray that we will have good reception in schools, that God will provide strong contacts with teachers and administration that will lead to further ministry, and that many students will come to camp this summer. Please pray also for the Josiah Venture team coming from Canada to lead the camp.

For more on English Camp, check out:
http://www.englishcamp.pl/rzeszow2009/Galeria/galeria.html for photos of last year's camp.

Thanks for praying!

Amber for PI Rzeszow

Praising Him!

2009-04-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

So much has been happening in Rzeszow lately! We are praising the Lord for working above and beyond what we can imagine. Thank you for praying. Here are some highlights:

Last Wednesday Paul and Pastor Adam met with the city president. He has been very supportive of the Baptist Church here and is in the process of helping us find land on which to build a church of our own. To this point, we have been sharing a store front-style room with another church. When informed of our summer plans, including an English Camp for teens and a day camp for children, the president offered the free use of a school for the day camp.

Several additional meetings with the city president will need to be arranged, so please pray that the church will continue to find favor with him and the city council. Pray also for Adam and Paul as they lead the church.

Recently, Sherilyn and Amber attended a Women's conference along with three other women from the church. The focus was on learning how to pray. The ladies were very encouraged and enjoyed spending time in fellowship with other believing sisters. Five women in attendence accepted Christ. Pray that the lessons learned at the conference will continue to affect our prayer lives and will have an influence on the church. Pray for Sherilyn as she leads monthly women's meetings and that the Lord will further the friendships of the ladies in the church. (see photo)

The Lord has opened doors for Amber to teach English several times in a local high school. She has been able to gain experience in teaching and has gotten to know several teachers. Pray for continued favor with this school and for wisdom in maintaining professionalism while knowing what to say when asked questions about why she chooses to volunteer in such a capacity. Pray also for clear direction as she continues to pursue this opportunity.

On Wednesday (Apr. 22nd) the team will be traveling to Croatia for PIONEERS' bi-annual Eurasian conference. Please pray for safety in travel, that the Lord will teach us much from this conference, and that we will have a great time of refreshment with other teams in our area. Pray for the kids, that they will enjoy their classes and will be able to catch up on school work once they return to Poland.

English in Schools

2009-03-31T07:03:00.001-07:00

Please praise the Lord for opportunities He has provided for serving the community. I have been invited to visit two high schools in Rzeszow and am hoping for more such opportunities. As a team, we will be starting a group to help students prepare for their English exams. Please pray that we are effective in helping these students practice their English and also that we are able to build strong friendships with students and teachers in Rzeszow. Thanks! AS

Return to Rzeszow

2009-03-09T04:57:00.001-07:00

After a restful furlough and many happy meetings I have returned to Rzeszow.

In the next week, I hope to meet with several contacts here and am planning to observe some English classes at the University of Rzeszow on Tuesday. Please pray for these meetings as they may help determine what my ministry will look like in the future.

I met a lady today who would like me to tutor her neice in English. I am expecting to do a good amount of tutoring, but want to balance that with other teaching opportunities too. Please pray for wisdom in determining where the Lord would have me serve. I want to serve the community and the church and desire that whatever I do will work towards church-planting here in Rzeszow.

Thanks for praying! Amber

Am I the Only One?

2009-01-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

Recently, a story I wrote for PI was featured on the "front page" of the January edition of The Bottom Line. Check it out at www.movefurther.org

Amber

Story '08 and other Great News!

2009-01-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Story '08 Conference has ended, but I am praying the results will last a long time. The seminar on the "Unreligious" people groups of Europe (focusing on Poland) went very well and many afterwards told my teammate and I that they learned a lot and had never realized that Europe has such great needs.

I was so blessed during the conference to meet a young couple who are absolutely excited about coming to Poland. They are hoping to use this summer to survey both teams and discover whether God may be calling them to join one of the teams long-term. Please pray for them as they seek God's will and begin preparing for their time in Poland this summer.

Saturday, I will be heading to the Tampa area to visit a church there. I am looking forward to re-connecting with a family there, speaking at the church, and am hoping to encourage the believers there.

Sunday, I will be returning to Orlando as a representative during Pioneers' Candidate Orientation. This will be one of the largest groups to come through orientation and many have not yet determined where they would like to serve. Please pray for the candidates as they spend time here, that the Lord will give them His peace and work in their hearts. Pray that even more people would be interested in Poland.

Praise Him for what He is doing in Poland!

Amber

STORY '08

2008-12-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Please pray for the upcoming Story '08 Conference. I'm making final preparations before Christmas and hoping that the Lord will use this conference in the lives of many. Please pray that my teammate, Katie, and I will represent PI Poland well and that God will prepare the hearts of those who will choose to join us in Poland.

Wesolych Swiat a Szczescliwego Nowego Roku
(Happy Holidays and Happy New Year)

Amber

Return to Poland

2008-12-08T12:36:00.001-08:00

Please pray that the Lord will provide the additional support I need to raise so that I can return quickly to Poland.

Amber

Pawel

2008-11-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

Pray for Pawel, a friend of mine, that I will be able to show the love of Christ to him.

Paul

Rutherfordton and Beyond

2008-10-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I had an opportunity to speak about Poland at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton, NC (pictured). It was very encouraging to visit the church again and to feel so welcomed there.

Tomorrow (Oct. 12) I'll be speaking at Cornerstone Community Church in Brookfield, IL. I look forward to visiting again to share what God is doing in Poland.

Tuesday-Friday (Oct. 14-18) I will be returning to Moody Bible Institute to represent Pioneers and my team. There, I will be leading two seminars and hope to stir up an awareness for the vast needs that exist in Poland as well as to recruit potential new team members and launch the new Internship Program.

Please pray about these upcoming events, that God will provide the words to say, provide divine appointments, and that He will raise up workers for this Forgotten Country.

Thanks!
Amber

New Contacts

2008-09-22T03:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a text message from a guy I met on our street, he is interested in studying English with me. He also has a friend that would like to study with him. We praise God for this opportunity.

Also Paul will be having a meeting with a social worker on Thursday. Pray for a good meeting and for wisdom as we seek to help the disadvantage in our city.

Paul

Chicago

2008-09-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've spent several great weeks in Ohio and will be traveling Thursday to Chicago. I will spend about a month there. I'm excited about the opportunity I've been given to speak about Poland at Moody Bible Institute during their missions conference. I will be leading two seminars during the conference and really look forward to it. Please continue praying as I'm on furlough. Pray also that many will be interested in the new internship program we are starting up. May the Lord send more workers to Poland!

Amber

English Camp

2008-09-05T02:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our follow-up meeting for English Camp. Please pray that we will have a good turn out and that we would be able to reconnect with the students.

Thanks.

In the US

2008-08-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have arrived in the US for furlough and am looking forward to meetings coming up this week at Pioneers. Among other things, we are looking forward to introducing our new Internship Program. This program will have summer, 1 Year, and 2 Year options and two different tracks for participants to choose from. I have also recently found out that I will be able to represent Poland at the Story '08 conference. Please pray for these huge opportunities.

Amber

www.story08.com

English Camp

2008-08-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you for praying for English camp last week. We thank the Lord for the spiritual conversations that took place, and we pray that they will continue. We ask you to pray for wisdom as we follow-up with these young people.

Irena Sendler

2008-08-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Non-Stop Excitement at English Camp

2008-07-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

Some of the kids at English Camp

Monday: Cowboy Day

Tuesday: Field Trip to the mountains

Wednesday: Nerd/Weird Hair Day

As you can tell from the photos, we've had a lot of strange characters running around at Camp. Canadians, Poles, and Americans have all tried their best to dress to fit the theme days and have had lots of fun in English classes and playing all sorts of crazy games.

Yesterday, the evening session and discussion groups were a bit more serious as we began talking about the problem of sin and the fact that each of us failed.

Tonight is "Decision Night" and the Canadian students and Polish volunteers will be sharing God's message of salvation with the campers. They will be performing the "Everything" skit, set to Lifehouse's song of the same title. It is a powerful skit and we are expecting it to be a moving experience for the campers. Eva, a Polish volunteer will be sharing her testimony as well and has been feeling lots of spiritual pressure. Please pray very hard today for the campers and united team of volunteers who will be running everything. Pray for safety and protection from spiritual attack as well.

Thank you!

Great Start to English Camp

2008-07-27T03:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had a great start to English Camp. The Canadian and Polish teams did a wonderful job teaching English, leading games, leading discussion groups, and getting to know the students. The weather has been beautiful too...and hot!

Please continue to pray for the hearts of the kids who are coming to camp, for unity of the believers leading the camp, and for safety.

Pray also for Karolina, Filip, Marcin, and Sabina, four of the kids at camp by name that they have fun, meet friends, and learn about faith.

We're having a blast and looking forward to the rest of the week. Pray that our energy levels remain high and we can get to know even more kids!

English Camp

2008-07-24T22:16:00.001-07:00

English Camp starts tomorrow. We will be finishing the last minute details today. Pray that we will have good weather. It has been raining all week.

Paul

Bike Ride

2008-07-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Just did a 55KM (34 miles) bike ride with one of my English students. Please continue to pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ.

Thanks.

Paul

Exciting Times!

2008-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

There is so much happening in Rzeszow this summer! In a few weeks we will be welcoming a team from Canada that will be leading an English Camp. We are also seeking God's wisdom in new ministry opportunities. Several school teachers have said that they want to work with us, and we are hoping to meet with these teachers this summer to come up with a plan for the next year.

We are also initiating a new Internship Program for those who want gain ministry experience over a summer or 1-2 year term. Interns will have the several ministry tracks to choose from. Please pray as we develop this program. We are hoping to welcome the first interns as early as next summer.

In September, I (Amber) will be returning to the US for my first furlough. While I'm there, I will be raising support, recruiting new team members, and visiting supporters and churches. I am very excited about the opportunity I have to represent Pioneers and my team at Moody Bible Institute's missions conference in October. I am looking forward to meeting students and sharing about ministry opportunities in Poland.

Thank you for praying!

English camp

2008-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Pray that we will meet our goal of 100 students to be a part of the English camp at the end of the month.

Here is a picture when we visited a school promoting the English camp.

Baptism

2008-05-22T03:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the baptism that we had last Sunday. We praise and thank God for this.

Moving Soon!

2008-05-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hi! I just wanted to update the blog on what's going on with my upcoming move to Rzeszow.

This last week I was able to do some painting and set-up in my new apartment. For the next two weeks, I'll be packing up my apartment in Lublin, painting, cleaning, and saying goodbye to friends...but not goodbyes for long I hope, I'm sure I'll visit Lublin whenever possible. I'm excited and nervous as I think about the big move coming up, but am grateful to God for the many blessings He has provided over the last several weeks.

Please praise Him with me for:
work already accomplished in my Rzeszow apartment
good times spent with friends in Lublin
for providing a free place for me to stay when I have to go to London in June to fulfill visa requirements
help with painting, filling out documents to turn off utilities, and for offers of help from many friends in Lublin in preparation for the move

Please pray:
that I will work hard and get things done quickly in Lublin
that I will be able to spend sweet times of fellowship with friends in Lublin and that I will be able to return often to continue the relationships that God has blessed me with
that my trip to London will go smoothly and that I'll get the stamps on my passport that I need
that the Lord will guide me to the ministries He has planned for me in Rzeszow

Thanks!

AS

May prayer calendar

2008-05-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

Click here to download the May prayer calendar. Thank you for praying!

Team Leaders' Retreat

2008-04-30T00:51:00.000-07:00

Last night we just got back from the team leaders' retreat. It was a very profitable time and the kids had a really great time with their friends. Here is a group picture of the team leaders in our area.

Pastors' Conference

2008-04-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

We praise God for the Pastors' Conference and the encouragement that the pastors received from the fellowship, sessions and prayer times. Here's a group picture from the conference. Thank you for praying.

Pastors' Conference

2008-04-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I leave for the pastors' conference with Adam, our Polish partner. Please pray for us as we travel and that it would be a profitable time for us. In addition to this please pray that many pastors would come and that it would be a good time to network with the other pastors.

Paul

Moving to Rzeszow

2008-04-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi!

This is my first blog ever!

I wanted to post something to express my excitement about moving to Rzeszow. I'll be there at the end of May, and although I'm a bit nervous about all of the details of the move, saying goodbye to friends in Lublin, etc. I'm joyful over the Lord's leading and what He will have for us as a team.

I've been blessed in the last several weeks in many ways. Unexpectedly, I was given the keys to my NEW apartment in Rzeszow on Saturday and told that I can begin painting, working on the apartment, and moving things in before I begin living there...and I won't have to pay rent until June. My landlords are also going to replace the old windows in the apartment. I am grateful to have Christian landlords and for the warmth and hospitality they have shown me already!

When I was in town over this past weekend, we all got to spend more time with new friends, Kazimierz and Ula. They played their guitars for us and we had a great time together. We're hoping to meet with them and others more often starting this summer and are hoping that this will turn into something more...perhaps a home group or Bible study. Please pray for these two friends!

I'm looking forward to moving to Rzeszow. Please pray that all of the details of the move won't be too stressful, that I'll be able to spend good time with friends in Lublin before I leave, that the transition will be a quick one, and that the Lord will show where He will have me serve once I move. Please also pray for a Gospel choir coming to Rzeszow in June and an English camp that will take place in late July.

Thanks for praying4Rzeszow!

April prayer calendar

2008-04-01T03:26:00.000-07:00

Here’s our April prayer calendar. Click here to download it. Thank you for praying!

March prayer calendar

2008-03-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Click here to download the March prayer calendar. Thank you for praying!

February prayer calendar

2008-02-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

Click here to download the February prayer calendar. Thank you for praying!

Party for English Students

2008-01-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

Please pray that we will have a good turnout for the party for the English students tomorrow evening, and that we will have good conversations with them.

January Prayer Calendar

2007-12-31T23:18:00.000-08:00

Click here to down load the January prayer calendar. Thank you for praying!

Going to high school

2007-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
Through God's gracious hand of supreme networking, we have an open door on Tuesday. We will be sharing with four English classes in high school number 9 how we celebreate Christmas in America! Please pray for us as we put the program together, and pray with us that many of these teenagers will come to the English camp the church will be hosting through Josiah Venture. Praise God with us as well for this opportunity. Pray also for a good relationship with the teacher(s) that we come into contast with there! =) Sarah Jean

Kids Prayer Boxes

2007-12-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

We just finished the video about Poland for our kids prayer boxes and will be sending them out right after Christmas. We are so excited to get more kids praying for Poland and see how God uses their prayers in the ministry here! If you have not yet signed up, they are intended for 1st-6th graders in SS classes, Christian schools, and homeschoolers. Pray with us that these kids will remember to consistently pray for Poland! =)

Handicapped Ministry

2007-12-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

Praise God for the open door with the handicapped ministry! Please remember us this Friday as we go out to their Christmas festival. We praise God for the warm welcome they have given us and look forward to serving the parents with teaching conversational English! Praise God with us for this open door, and pray with us as we look to the New Year and this new ministry! Sj

Team retreat

2007-12-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend our team will meet with the other team at a camp in the center of Poland to have meetings and enjoy one anothers company. Please pray for safety in travel and good fellowship! Praise God with us for a couple and one single who are on survey trips, and plan to join the Szczecinek team once they have their support!

December Prayer Calendar

2007-11-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

Click here to down load the December prayer calendar. Thank you for praying!

Follow-up meeting for the Luis Palau Outreach

2007-11-28T00:18:00.000-08:00

We had 22 guest at the follow-up meeting and 11 believers. Please continue to pray for those people that made a decision, that they would be involved in a bible study that will be offered.

This Saturday

2007-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Praise God for His faithfulness in walking with us! God showed me a lot during the Luis Palau outrech meetings, and I am thankful for the example of believers who are more mature than me, showing me how to walk after Him more fully! Please pray with us about the upcoming "Next Step" meeting. 51 people signed up to come! We will watch the movie "Most" which means bridge. It is a great example of how God has given His Son so that many can be reconciled to Him! Pray that even more than 51 people will come. All 167 people who attended these meetings last week were given invitations for this Saturday's meeting. It will begin at 5pm Polish time which is 10am central time. We thank you! Sarah Jean

Picture from one of our meetings

2007-11-20T09:11:00.001-08:00

Luis Palau Evangelistic Meetings

2007-11-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your prayers! The Luis Palau evangelistic meetings were well received. Many people were interested in learning more. There will be a follow up meeting on Saturday, so please continue to pray that the Lord would be at work in these lives.

Evangelistic Meetings

2007-11-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 15^th

In Rzeszów with Dr. Tim Robnet

18.00 Supper for parents of children from Samaritan Purse

(25 people)

Friday, November 16^th

In Rzeszów with Dr. Tim Robnet

13.00 Homeless & poor people Lunch (30 people)

19.00 Youth Pizza Party (40 People)

Saturday 17^th November

In Rzeszów with Dr. Tim Robnet

10.00 Women's breakfast (30 people)

14.00 Lunch for teachers (40 people)

18.00 Supper for married couples (50 people)

Sunday 18^th November

In Rzeszów with Dr. Tim Robnet

13.00 Lunch for parents of disabled people (50 people)

17.00 Businessmen Supper (40 people)

Thanksgiving

2007-11-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Please be praying for us as we are planning who we will invite over to our houses for Thanksgiving. The holidays are always a great way to share God's love in practical ways, and people are more open about spiritual topics.

Thank you

2007-11-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your faithful prayers. The church meeting went well on Sunday, although there remain some issues to be worked out among the leadership. Please continue to pray for unity. We have another meeting scheduled in two weeks.

November Prayer Calendar

2007-11-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Sarah has put together a prayer calendar for the month of November. Many of the requests are centered on the upcoming Luis Palau Evangelistic Meetings. Please join us in prayer! Click here to download.

Church Meeting Postponed

2007-11-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

The church meeting that we asked for prayer for was postponed until this coming Sunday. We are trusting God's timing for this meeting. Please keep praying!

Church Leaders Meeting

2007-10-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Praise God that we have men in this church plant to lead! Please now pray with us as UNITY is needed to go forward. Please pray for "Marty (one of the leaders)," who seems to be oppossed to changes, church growth and development. Pray that the church guiding counsel will go forward in unity.

The pastor over all of the churches in the area will be here Thursday evening for a meeting. Please pray with us that God will untangle things and change us in this process. Pray that we will be unified in love. John 17:21

Youth Group

2007-10-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Praise GOD for how well youth group has started off! Continue to pray for Kasia as she leads! Every Friday evening at 6pm Polish time we meet. Pray for Tomek who has started to come to some events. Pray that God will capture his heart and bring him into relationship with Himself! Tomek is a law student. Pray that he will become a person who will bring righteousness into law making and court decisions! Thank you for joining with us on this venture to be Christ's hands and feet in Rzeszow, Poland! Sj

Michal

2007-10-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the salvation of Michal (me-how). His parents Mirtek and Krystyna attend the church plant here in Rzeszow, but Michal has a hard heart and desires to live life according to his own rules. He is 18. Pray that God will capture his heart, no matter what lengths He may have to go to.

2007-10-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had another English camp meeting on Saturday and there were about 15 people who showed up. We thank the Lord for those that came. We are planning on having a conversational English class every other Thursday. Pray that this would be a good time to get to know the students on a deeper level.

OCTOBER 1st - 31st

2007-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

PRAY WITH US THROUGH THIS MONTH!

1- Pray for the church as it develops. Pray for unity in love to reign.
2- Pray for the salvation of Tomasz and Gosia, Tadeusz and Ela, friends of the Hostetlers.
3- Pray for Adam and Ania, our new pastor and his wife. Praise God that they have their support!
4- Pray for the L. Palau outreach in Premysl on Nov. 13th. That seed will be cast and harvested!
5- Pray that God will increase the number of people praying for Poland!
6- Pray for the English camp reunion today! Pray for Sarah's friends Ania and Marta to desire to know Jesus.
7- Pray for the harvest celebration at church today and that we as a church will follow after God more faithfully! Praise Him for His constant provision!
8- Pray that Yarik and Irina will grow in the fear of our Lord!
9- Pray for the beginning of our English class for the students from the summer!
10- Pray for the L. Palau meeting in Debica on Nov.14. Pray that the speaker will be led by the Holy Spirit!
11- Pray for the next church plant; for a place, leaders, and wisdom in this process.
12- Pray for the L. Palau mtg for the poor and homeless. Pray that God will work and change lives!
13- Pray for the L. Palau outreach for women on Nov. 17th. Pray that they will understand His great love!
14- Pray for the L. Palau mtg for the parents of the handicapped on Nov. 18. Pray that they will find true rest.
15- Pray for Paul and Lucyna, the main organizers of the L. Palau outreach.
16- Pray for the handicap home we want to volunteer at, that God's love will be evident.
17- Pray that we will know how to integreate and connect with our communities.
18- Pray fir the L. Palau mtg Nov. 15 for those who received Operation Christmas Child boxes.
19- Pray for Jack our area boss as he visits this weekend, that he will give us wisdom in our work here.
20- Pray for our joint church service the 21st, inspiring us to bring many to the L. Palau mtgs.
21- Pray for the L. Palau mtg for businessman on Nov. 18. Pray Jesus will be their treasure.
22-Pray that our team will work together well, and that we will communicate well.
23- Pray that we will not have to pay federal taxes in Poland, and that the laws will be clear.
24- Pray for our Polish to get better, and that language will not be a barier in friendships.
25- Pray for the church planting council as they plan the spring pastor's conference.
26- Pray for the L. Palau mtg on Nov. 16 for students, that they will hear and follow after truth!
27- Pray for the L. Palau mtg Nov. 17 for teachers. Pray that their lives will be transformed!
28- Pray for the L. Palau mtg for couples on Nov. 17. Pray that God's news will bring them joy!
29- Pray that our kids prayer boxes will stir many hearts to pray for Poland!
30- Pray the the evangelist will be strengthened and led into much prayer before the L. Palau mtgs.
31- Pray that blinders will be taken off as we have the outreach mtgs Nov. 13-18. IICor. 4:4

*for this list in calendar form, email me at mountaingal81@yahoo.com

Oct. 21

2007-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Please pray with us for a motivational speaker for the 21st of October. This is when we will be having our joint church service in preparation for the Luis Palau outreach Novemeber 13-18. There have been a handful of closed doors already; pray that God provides the PERFECT person to fill this place!

Church development

2007-09-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

We thank you all for partnering with us to bring about a church planting movement here in Poland! Please continue to lift up the current church plant's development. We are hitting some bumps in the road, but we are thankful that issues are coming up now and not later down the road. Please pray for unity among the members at church, and that God's love will Lord over all decisions and all things that proceed from our mouths as we discuss the development. Praise God that nothing is too difficult for Him, and that through prayer, all of these issues will be untangled!
~~Sj Bainbridge~~