Summer Summary

It’s not every day that you have the chance to see God do incredible things. You know He’s at work at all times, but you don’t always see the fruit. This summer, my mind was blown by all that God was doing in the lives of those around me.

  I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your     wonderful deeds. ~ Psalm 9:1

 During the week of Bible camp, I had the privilege of serving right alongside the Polish counselors. These young men and    women are strong, dedicated, and talented servants of Christ. Without a doubt, God could easily use them to turn Poland upside down with the gospel! There was such unity across the entire leadership staff (Polish, American, young, old, etc.), and together we served the campers. By the end of the week, 7 campers accepted Christ and many more made changes to walk closer to God.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor
~ Romans 12:10

 

The next week of ministry was jam-packed. While my team of 3 American girls and the  English teachers who live in Poland taught at English Camp, I filled in at the Preschool. This was special for me. I loved seeing my former coworkers. I loved spending time with and teaching my former students. I loved seeing the growth and hearing how God was using the preschool. It’s taken 3 long years in this predominately Roman Catholic area, but the reputation of this Protestant preschool has gone from suspect to outstanding. The Head of Education in Jaworzno recommends it, saying it’s the best preschool in the area!

English Camp was a success, and one girl accepted Christ. Even more children heard the gospel in the afternoons as we worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to run 5 Day Clubs in 4 different parks. Here again, I saw God alive and active in Poland. What a privilege to work with these knowledgeable and gifted men and women of CEF, and be a part of their ministry! Parents and children were more receptive than ever before. We had clubs that were as small as 6 children and as large as 40.

Another place where I witnessed God’s hand was in the home of my friends Kris and Mariola Kolt. I recognize that it is  impossible for most people to know a missionary they support as well as I know the Kolts. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity. Seeing God use them first-hand has had one of the greatest impacts on my life. They extend hospitality, love, and correction in a way that I rarely see elsewhere. At points this summer, 14 people were living in their home, and they cared for all of them like their own children. While they impacted many this summer, I will mention only 2 of them.

Peppe, their 9 year-old grandson from Canada, came to stay with Kris and Mariola for the summer. They have been sharing the gospel with him for years during visits and over skype. One day, completely on his own, he trusted in Christ. He’s been growing like a weed. He began praying for his parents’ salvation, asking me to tell him Bible stories, and listening carefully to his grandparents’ instructions.
Andrzej (the young man on the right) is another trophy of grace. He comes from a difficult background and a life of self-indulgence. Miraculously, the correctional facility where Andrzej lives gave Kris and Mariola permission to host him during vacations and holidays. They patiently loved him and brought him to Bible camp. There he observed the counselors’ love for God and listened to the preaching. After talking with one of the counselors, He made Christ the Lord of his life! It’s been a joy to watch him read the Word every night, change his lifestyle, and boldly witness to people in parks or on the bus. Please pray that these young men would continue to be passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.

What an opportunity to watch the Lord change lives as his servants, Kris and Mariola, intentionally made disciples. Because they were obedient to the Great Commission, God used them.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:5

I was challenged and overwhelmed this summer by the power of God and the faithfulness of His servants in Poland. I pray that the Lord would continue His work around the globe and in my heart.

Thank you for your part in both. To God be the glory!

For Prayer

Friends and family, I’m not only excited to be leaving for Poland in a few hours, but I’m also overwhelmed with gratitude. So many of you have shown your support through finances and prayer. Thank you! Before I  leave, here are some specific things for which I’m praying. Thank you for keeping them in mind.

Team unity – This entire month is going to be a culture and personality mash up. Please pray that we would find our unity in the gospel and clothe ourselves with humility and love.

Changed lives – During the weeks of Bible and English camp it is my prayer that children and teens would make the choice to either begin or earnestly pursue a relationship with God.

Renewed view of God – To paraphrase a good friend, during this month I’m asking the Lord to blow my mind with understanding of Him so that thoughts about myself would shrink to nonexistence. I know that only then will I be focused on giving God glory. I know that only then will I be able to serve and encourage those around me.

Why pray for these things? For the sake of His NAME.

“For from the rising of the sun to its setting My name will be great among the nations…” ~Malachi 1:11

Going back!

You know how a boomerang works. It just keeps coming back.

It’s like me and Poland. I just can’t stay away. Although I fully embrace my teaching position in the States, part of my heart is still in Poland. I am thrilled to return for the month of July to serve alongside missionaries Kris and Mariola Kolt. I look forward to seeing former students and good friends again in addition to meeting new ones. Many of the details are still falling into place, but I am excited to do whatever is needed whether that be in the preschool, Bible camp, and/or English camp. Because of the language barrier, I cannot be the person giving the gospel to unsaved children and teens. However, my goal is to serve in ways that encourage and enable others to do so.

I am not officially raising funds through an organization this year, but if you feel led to participate in my ministry this summer via finances I do not want to deny you that opportunity. Please contact me personally for further details.

I covet the prayers of my friends and family at all times, but especially when serving abroad. The culture, people, and situations present me with different kinds of challenges, and I must depend on Father in a special way. Thank you for providing the accountability and prayer support that I need.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Summer Schedule

Summer is here and it’s a busy time of ministry for us. Here’s the line-up of events so that through prayer, you can have a part of what God is doing.

July 7-11 — Bible Camp for Juniors and Teens
This year we have great facilities, great leaders, and great speakers. We are excited to see God work in the lives of the campers.

July 14-18 — Preparations for English Camp and service projects at the preschool
A team of 5 girls from the States will be here for the entire month of July. I’m delighted to serve alongside them in the various ministries.

July 21-25 — English Camp in the mornings and outdoor 5-Day Klubs with CEF in the afternoons
Coordinating the English Camp has been a big undertaking, but details are coming together. Please do be in prayer for our facilities. We were informed on Friday that we may not have access to the school we reserved and wrote as our location on all the fliers and posters. We will receive a final answer on Thursday. We know that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord”, and we’re praying that we will be allowed to use the school. English camp is such a strong evangelism tool, so we’re praying for a miracle.

July 31 — Fly Home

 

Colossians 4:2-3a
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…”

Thank you for your prayers! The gospel changes lives. I’ve seen it before, and I’m excited to see it again!

Missions: the day to day

About a week before I graduated from college and received my diploma and towel, I had a wonderful conversation with a missionary to China. I’ll never forget what he said as we parted. “Get that towel dirty in Poland!” If Jesus Christ, the greatest person in the universe, took a towel and washed the dirty feet of his disciples, how much more should I serve those around me? After all, Hebrews 12:2 calls me to live my life “…looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith.” I fix my eyes on Jesus and follow His example. If he served, so should I.

Over the last few months I’ve been studying the book of Hebrews. The Lord has convicted me and taught me much. This post is the result of His work in my life through His Word. Chapter 12 says to “run the race that is set before us.” I specifically remember a chapel message at school in which the speaker explained this phrase. He said we could also read it as “run the race that is right at the end of your toes.” What’s at the tip of my toes when my feet hit the floor in the morning? What does missions look like every day? It’s studying Polish, preparing lesson plans, cutting/coloring illustrations, cleaning up messes, tying shoes, serving soup and goulash, washing dishes, reading stories, and singing the ABC’s a million times! Running the race with my eyes fixed on Jesus is every moment finding joy in His good pleasure…no matter what I’m doing.

I know full well that hundreds of people will not come to know Christ because I prepare a good lesson plan. However, I’m temporarily part of a team here whose goal is to provide quality education as a means to develop relationships with children and their families. It’s all a process…a long process. I may not see any fruit. THAT is why my joy is not found in “results.” My sense of worth and accomplishment must be found solely in God’s pleasure. When I lay my head on the pillow at night these are the questions that matter: How did I impress others with CHRIST? Did Christ take pleasure in me today? How dirty did I get that towel?  

“I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

“Jesus said to them ‘my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work’.” John 4:34

 

My Top 5

It’s been a little over a year since I started this blog. I laugh now at the name. When I began Polska2013, I obviously had no intention of being in Poland longer than the summer, but God had other ideas. I’ve now been living here for almost 10 months, and it’s about time to document and share for what and whom I’m the most thankful. There’s no hierarchy; it’s just a list.

#1 – Molly Kaminski
What would I have done without Molly?! She trained me, helped me, and encouraged me continually. We had never met until we became co-teachers, roommates, and travel companions. However, she quickly became my confidant and friend. Molly completed her term here in February and is home preparing to serve in Poland with another ministry for the next 2 years. While I miss her every day, I am so thankful that the Lord brought Molly into my life!

 

#2 – Mariola Kolt
“Priorities!” Mariola says this word to me almost every day at work. More than any other person in my life, she has demonstrated the importance of making people (not a To Do list) the priority. With her work at the preschool and other ministries, she certainly has more than enough to do. However, I have watched her countless times sacrificially invest in the lives of others. God has been so gracious to give me such an incredible example of Christ-like service!

#3 – Trip to Israel
If I were to tell you how every detail fell into place for me to tour Israel in February with a group from the States, we would be here all day. This was not an opportunity I “deserved” or “needed,” it was simply a generous, over-the-top, last-minute blessing from God. The trip has changed the way I read my Bible and view God. Here I am on the Sea of Galilee, one of the most impacting geographical areas for me.

#4 – My infinite God
I fail. I’m limited. I view life in measurable portions. But my God is limited by nothing. His grace and power flow endlessly into my life in stark contrast to my frailty. Over the last few months I’ve clung to this truth. When I am overwhelmed with teaching and ministry responsibilities, when my Polish skills fall short, when I neglect time with my Savior, and when I fail to demonstrate Christ-like love, there is God. He is endlessly superior and endlessly forgiving.

#5 – My Risen Savior! (and chances to talk about Him)
Resurrection Sunday is one week away. Because this is a widely celebrated holiday here in Poland, I am taking the opportunity to speak about it with all of my students this week. Many of the older students know the facts from a Roman Catholic view-point, but I’m praying for opportunities to get a little deeper. What a privilege to teach about the Giver of Life!

There are the top 5 on my thankful list, but God has given me so many other reasons to praise Him! As always, I thank you for your prayers and investment in this ministry.

Hebrews 1:10-12
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning and the heavens are the work of your hands; They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have NO END!”

Five Minutes, Tops!

The holiday activities are in full swing, and I know you’re busy. So here is a quick update you can peruse in less than 5 minutes.

First, would you take one of those minutes and pray for 2 things?
                *The right people
Praise the Lord! The preschool enrollment is growing, but we need wisdom as we bring on teachers to join our team. We especially need another American teacher to come ASAP.
                *The right opportunities
This week I have the privilege of teaching English around the topic of Christmas. Pray for opportunities to magnify Christ!

 

 

 

Did you pray? No, really…please. Thank you!

Now, here are some pictures. There is no rhyme or reason to the order. I just want to share them with you.

Last month in my class we learned about our bodies. We sang a lot of “Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes.” To review, I traced the children and they drew their own eyes, ears, mouths, and noses.

Our Thanksgiving celebration: we helped the missionaries bring Thanksgiving to Poland! We gave many friends a taste of our traditions and American pumpkin pie.

As part of our unit on Thanksgiving, my elementary class made turkeys out of Oreos and candy corn. Can’t get much more American than that!

During our two holiday weekends, my roommate and I visited Prague and Vienna. I loved roaming the cities and learning about their history. Franz Schubert (as was) is to my left there in that first picture; Prague Castle is behind me in the second. 

 

During this Christmas season my prayer for myself, as well as my friends and family, is that we would actually keep our eyes on JESUS “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrew 12:2)

Told ya! If you didn’t lollygag at the pictures, (and you actually took a moment to pray) you should be approaching 3 minutes, 25 seconds.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Autumn Potpourri: A hodgepodge of highlights

                          Happy Birthday, Genesis Przedszokle!
On October 16, 2012 Genesis Preschool officially opened with 2 students. This last Wednesday as I sat at the front desk, I had the privilege of welcoming 21 children as they came through the doors! This week was a special time to reflect on God’s past work in this place, but also to look ahead to how He could use this preschool as a springboard for reaching the community of Jaworzno for Himself. While Genesis is not a Christian preschool by name, many parents know Who we represent. Daily each one of the teachers and volunteers shows Christ to the families we serve. Would you pray for opportunities to share the gospel with parents? Also, would you pray that more and more students would enroll? Regular growth is incredibly important for financial sustainability and for relationship opportunities.

                                                   TESL Classes                                                                                                                               
Other wonderful opportunities for building relationships are the English lessons that my roommate and coordinate after our work at the preschool is complete.  I personally get to teach an elementary class as well as several teenagers and adults who love the individualized English sessions. I was so scared of these lessons at first, but now I love working one-on-one with my students studying English and getting to know them.

Language Learning: NOT for perfectionists

Two evenings a week I head to the larger city nearby for Polish class. I’m so thankful for a great teacher and a small class size (only 5 of us!), but I need your prayers. I need discipline to make time for language study during the busy weeks. Also, I so want to tell my new acquaintances about the excellencies of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:9-10)

My English side of the classroom!

Birthday celebration

My personal hair dressers

Music with the younger class

Thank you for your part in my ministry! It’s a privilege to be here and partner with believers to impress the word around us with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace…”  ~ Ephesians 1:5-6  

Hello, Poland!

It’s been a month of learning! I’ve been studying Polish culture, the public transportation system, the art of teaching English, my responsibilities at the preschool, the Polish visa process (eek!), my new roommate and coworkers, the selfless love of Christ, and the art of flexibility. Not having mastered any of these, I look forward to the next few months. Let the process of learning continue!

A couple highlights from July:

• English camp and CEF Bible clubs – So many people from all over Poland and the States came together to organize and carry out these ministries during the first week of July. Numerous children attended and heard the gospel during both events.  CEF now plans to establish 2 more weekly clubs for the children in Jaworzno churches. The English camp was also a success, and I have already begun planning for next summer!
• Bible camp – Rather than working in the preschool, I had the privilege of serving for two weeks of camp for children and teens. This was a stretching time not knowing the language, but it is amazing how much the Lord can work in a through us despite our limitations. At least 10 individuals made professions of faith and the Lord encouraged many hearts. It was a special blessing for me to make connections with campers this year knowing that I will be able to further build those relationships in the coming months.

The school year officially begins in September, so I look forward to August being a month of transitions, preparations, and unknowns. The Lord has blessed me so much with this opportunity, and I absolutely love being here. It will not always be easy. In fact, I can already see big challenges for me up ahead. But I’m so excited to embrace my role in God’s long-term plan for this ministry, for the people of Poland, and for the world. He has called me to build HIS kingdom not my own. It’s not about me. It’s all about HIM!

“…walk worthy of God who has called you unto His kingdom and glory.”  ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12

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“You’re doing what?!”

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” ~ Hebrews 11:6

Dear friends and family,
I am so excited to share how the Lord has worked since my last update. First, I praise the Lord for His provision. Through you all, He has met my financial needs. Thank you, thank you!

Second, I praise the Lord for His guidance. My Polish adventure has changed quite a bit. Rather than staying for the month of July, the Lord has given me the privilege of staying for an entire year! I will have the joy of teaching English and Music at Genesis Preschool. Kris and Mariola started the school last fall as a way to reach out to the community. I toured the building last summer and have been praying for this ministry ever since. However, I had NO idea that I would ever be teaching there.

Are there times when I am afraid and overwhelmed? Definitely! I am not up to this task. It is too much of a responsibility in my own strength. Christ reminds me in John 15:5 that “without me, you can do nothing.” However, Paul encourages me in Philippians 4:13 with the words “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is such a pleasure to serve the Lord in this way. How exciting to step out in faith and to anticipate an incredible display of His power on the platform of my weakness.

I need your prayers more than ever. My departure date is just 14 days away. Thank you for being the body of Christ to me in very tangible ways. Thank you for your role in this ministry and in my life!

By faith and for His pleasure,
Merrilee

My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who walks beside
Who floods my weaknesses with strength
And causes fears to fly
Whose every promise is enough
For every step I take
Sustaining me with arms of love
And crowning me with grace

My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace
Whose every thought is love
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King
So I will give my life my all
To love and follow Him

My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright 2003 Thankyou Music