Tuesday, June 30, 2009

We are still alive...just tired and working hard

So guys, we are still alive but working really hard. Camps have officially started! The camp that is currently underway is Junior English 1. It has been such a blessing to know that God is able to use us in many ways. What those ways are we still do not really know but we do know that it is awesome.

I (Erich) and currently sitting in the Willa trying to get this done and give a quick update. My kids just went to sleep and I was able to get away for a little while and update and check emails. But I need to get back just in case something is needed, as well as me getting some sleep for another fun day!

Please keep praying for the camps and kids that come in. Some of them are really amazing. More to come in a few days.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Ok, so like 13 hours...

Tomorrow, it all begins. Campers will arrive at 12:00 noon, and I am so excited. We have been waiting for this all summer. Junior English camp is first, followed by one of the Fishart camps. I’m pumped. Erich is leading a group, with our friend Tom as an assistant (and translator), and I will be assisting Adam Sokoł’s group. Adam is another one of those guys that I have been truly blessed through conversations, so I am excited to draw a little closer to him this coming week.


Another group from the states arrived today. There are about 9 or 10 people who work in the children’s ministry at Southeast, and we’ve already begun conversations. They have taken a team to this camp every year (I think) for quite a while now. I’m excited about the dimensions they bring to the teaching portions of the week.


Lastly we caught up on the Truth Project tonight. Once again, the concept seems to flow out of what I was reading. This morning I read a passage talking about our story and the effect it has on unbelievers. Thought the Truth Project didn’t talk about this specifically, it discussed history and the importance of recognizing it. Dell talked about the importance of not having near-sightedness, in order to follow the metanarrative (God’s grand story). I was thinking early today that this is somewhat what I has been laid on my heart to talk about in our morning meeting, so this definitely reaffirmed my thoughts.


Lastly, we moved into the cabins today. I’m all the way out in the last cabin and Erich is in the second to last. We don’t have internet out there, so we may not be updating every day. We’ll see once we get going.


Please be praying for the children that are coming this week, that their hearts are soft to what God needs to teach them. Also, please continue to pray that we are effective, through both communication and just plain serving. We love you all!


-Dane

Friday, June 26, 2009

We're Alive & Ready!

Conference was great this past week. I honestly had never listened to Bob Russell speak before (I know, crazy) so to hear him 6 times in a matter of 3 days, and to converse one on one over breakfast was great encouragement. It’s so interesting to see his vision behind Southeast’s ministry. It gave me such an understanding for where it is today, and well as how churches can continue to be effective in the future.


After a ceremony honoring the different churches and their leaders yesterday afternoon, everyone left. We have spent the past twenty-four hours cleaning Zakościele and preparing for camps this next week. I’m SOOO ready for camps to kick into gear. I’ve heard some stories of White Mills  High School camp this past week (the camp I normally work at back home), and it makes me so excited to see what is in store for Poland.


Also, we walked with the new interns to the church down the street last night to get some fresh air. I think it was more beautiful than it was the first time. We spent about an hour wandering the graveyard and I feel closer to the culture of Poland because of it. Another sidenote, I watched Defiance during a long break the other day. It was a great movie that gave me a lot of insight to the Polish culture as well. Adam Śmoriek and I talk about the themes seen throughout the film afterward. His insight was soooo helpful. He has been blessed with such an eye for certain things.


Everything else is going well. We are just preparing for Sunday. Erich and I are leading counselor devotions every morning next week, so please be in prayer for that. We will be planning most of it tomorrow afternoon.


I hope everything is going well back home. We continue to learn each day. I started a book today called “Sabbath”, by Dan Allender. The first chapter was so refreshing. I hope to tell you more about it as I continue to read. The line that hooked me simply said:


“What has happened for me in working with this manuscript is a transposition of the Sabbath from RULE and COMMANDED OBSERVANCE to HOLY ROMP and SECRET PLAYGROUND where each visit only ADDS another level of DELIGHT.”


He goes on to say:


“We enter DELIGHT only as we gaze equally and simultaneously at creation and redemption, IN SPITE of the darkness that surrounds us and constantly clamors to be truer than God.”


What a beautiful picture. I hope that resounds with you today. May God bless you with a personal encounter with his DELIGHT sometime this week.


-Dane

Power Outages...

So the past few days we have not had internet because of some wicked storms that blew the power out. Here is an update that I made two days prior.

Today was an interesting day. The day started off normal with breakfast and then a message morning session. The conference of pastors and elders from all around Poland is being held here at camp and Bob Russell is the main speaker for most sessions. This morning's session was good from what I can remember (preaching the Word boldly...based on a verse in Ephesians) though I do not remember the main points that were mentioned. Part of the reason why is because I had to leave early and go to Tomaszów to help film the rules video.

This consisted of most of my day. There was a lot of acting, costume changes and a lot of re-takes. By the end though, all clips had been filmed and we were all tired of the process. Once back to camp I had enough time to eat and read a little bit in time to catch the last session of Bob's. The session, although all of them have been geared towards leaders and preaching, this one was very rewarding to hear. I do not know why it has been rewarding considering that it just got out, but it made me think of a few things.

First thing that made me think was a saying that Bob said. It was "If you act the way you wish you felt, you will eventually feel the way you act." I think about this and see so many times in my life when I do not act energetically or with enthusiasm, although I want to feel that and act that way. But if I were to act the way I wish I felt, I would eventually act that way. Sometimes you have to put on the happy face, or act differently than the way you feel because you know that if you don't, it will effect your ministry.

Another thing that stood out was the saying that the minister/pastor sets the mood. But this can be taken to many more aspects of life. The teacher, the missionary, the volunteer or who ever it may be, sets the mood and effects the way the experience will really be felt. If you want to make an experience memorable, or enjoyable it can all be effected by the mood you present it with.

I think the point that stood out to me the most is that the message that we preach is the same. Always the same, but the way of presenting it has to change. Bob gave the illustration of a Wheaties box and how he used to eat it with his hero Mickey Mantel on the cover. Now it's Tiger Woods. Wheaties still tastes the same but the box looks different. Why? Because you have to adapt with the changes of this world. Satan is constantly changing his methods of attacking, why should we as Christians stay stagnant and not adapt to Satan's methods, with methods of our own? Bob gave some examples and the saying that stood out above all that he said was that, "It is easier to recover from trying something new than trying to recover from staying stagnant." How true this is. Staying stagnant, you have no way of knowing what the problem is. But if you take a risk then you can always fall back on the way you used to do things. That is, if it doesn't work.

It was good to see a familiar face. It brought a little bit of Louisville back to Poland and made Poland feel more like home. The longer I stay here, the more people I meet and the more conversations I have, the more I do not want to leave. Camps start this Sunday. Dane and I are excited to get this started to see more sides of the ministry that Proem does.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Fill us up, and send us out.

Dzien Dobry!

It's great to be here. We've had a fairly busy weekend (as Erich described) but we've also had some time to relax and learn. The students from the youth conference left yesterday morning and after cleaning for a few hours, we welcomed some elders and leaders of Christian churches across Poland. They are here for a conference that lasts until Thursday. It's been great to see a lot of familiar faces from previous conferences we have had.

Speaking of familiar faces, our dear friend Bob Russell arrived yesterday afternoon. He is doing the teaching for the conference this week, and it's been a blessing to listen to him so far. Sometimes it's crazy how small of a world it really is. We also have been able to welcome two new interns (Malisa, from Louisville, and Jake, from Dayton). Jake is staying with us in the Willa for the month he is here.

In response to the weekend, the most incredible part was definitely seeing a generation rising for His glory. I have watched a lot of the youth in America for the past few years and wondered whether there was something missing in our teaching. This weekend really cleared up a lot of my questions. I think it's evident to see that a lot of American society has become completely numb to gospel of Christ. They are so used to hearing it (everywhere) that it doesn't even affect them.

On the contrary, the Polish youth has grown up in a society that is surrounded by tradition, and the recognition of God as a living, approachable God truly resonates with them. To hear students 3-6 years younger than me shouting prayers in unison following songs, because the Spirit has moved them to approach God above, is a complete blessing.

I hope to be challenged through this, and I hope it encourages those reading this. I think a lot of people within the States look at open prayer as a weird charismatic tradition. It's not. We are called to approach God, with our hands raised to him and pray on behalf of the hurting and broken. I know if anything, my concept of prayer has been changed through the simple obedience of some high school students.

As we have the leadership throughout Poland here for the week, please keep them in your prayers. We pray that they leave encouraged and inspired to continue preaching the gospel with boldness to the people of Poland.

We love you all. Thanks again for your support!

-Dane

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Rested and Ready to Go

So we have been back from Prague for a couple of days now and it has been such a great time. Prague was beautiful, just like everyone said it was. I am so glad that we were able to go there before having to endure/enjoy the busyness of camps.

After getting back to Zakościele Friday night we got some much needed rest. I for sure enjoyed getting to sleep for a while. After that we started to help with the camp rule video. We are still in the process of making it so once we are done we might see if it will be online or not. But it should be funny, and was very enjoyable to help make.

A conference is going on right now where a bunch of people, mainly high school and college age, from around Poland are getting together. Some of these people are leaders for the camps so it is good to get some names and faces to see who will be here for the summer. We are kind of just helping with things that need to be done but also getting to meet people and have great conversations. After this group leaves, another group of elders and pastors will be here to have a conference. I am excited about this mainly because it will be awesome to see all the older believers in Poland as well as seeing Bob Russell.

Yesterday Dane and I proceeded to leave the luxury of our hotel room to move to the Willa, which is the oldest structure on camp. The Willa is where the Snack Shack is located and also a meeting room. But upstairs is where a few rooms are. I thought at first it was not a good thing that we were moving but after spending the night there last night, I am actually glad to be there. It is bigger than our other room and is quite cozy. Also, we don't have to keep track of a key all the time.

As I finish this, I am amazed at how fast it seems that all this has gone by. Although it didn't seem fast at first, I was looking at how long we have been in Poland and it has actually been really fast. 5 weeks, 7 to go. I don't like counting that down. I keep thinking of all the people I am meeting and the effort being put in to learn the language and keep wondering what it is all for if this is just for 12 weeks. Maybe it is something more, but I know that both Dane and I are in constant prayer for God to open a door if this is where He wants us. Please continue to pray for the camps and campers that come in, that they may know God on a deeper level and create such a meaningful relationship with Him. Also pray for the staff of PROem. They are doing so many amazing things and I just love to see where they are continually taking ministry.

Friday, June 19, 2009

We're back!!! Kind of...

So we are back from Prague. We arrived at about 7:30 this morning, but are without a ride back to Zakościele until late tonight. So, for now, we are sitting Starbucks trying to catch some rest. I'm typing this blog from my iPod because we are computer-less, so I will probably give you a short update of our journey.

Prague was gorgeous! Words can't even begin to describe it. We got in Prague about 7 am Wednesday morning and, thanks to some help from out Nigerian friend Kingsley, we were checked into the Hostel by 8 am. We caught a tram across town and met our wonderful tour guide (and friend) Noel Garrett (some of you may know her twin sister Holly Garrett, and yes, they look exactly alike). We went on a killer hike, seeing almost every major monument in Prague by 5 pm. We also had time for some Czech coffee and conversation. Some sites inculded Old Town, the Charles Bridge and Prague castle (pictures to be uploaded soon!).

We closed out the night with my Birthday dinner, where I has one of my new favorite meals of all time: Spinach Fettucci Alfredo with Salmon. Unbelievable! The next morning Erich and I did some exploring of our own by visiting Old Town once again, and then we stopped by some local markets. We met up with Noel at noon and took another monster hike to a church on a hill. It gave such a beautiful view of the city. We spent most of our time there wandering a monumental graveyard. It was so neat to see, and had so much history. This was probably one of my favorite parts.

We closed our time with Noel by sharing some ice cream and coffee over great conversation. We talked about what the church is doing in Czech, what it is doing in Poland and what it is doing in the US. We said our goodbyes, and went off to the train station. Erin and I made the easy decision to pay an extra $19 for beds on the train. I got adaquate sleep, but Erich experienced some motion sickness so we're recovering in Starbucks right now.

We will probably venture down the street to Old Town Warsaw in an hour or so. We'll have more updates to come when we arrive in Zakościele either tonight or tomorrow. Hope all is well where ever you are. We appreciate your support!

-Dane

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

We're off to Prague!!!

Well, we are about to head out of Zakościele and make our way to Warsaw to catch the midnight train to the Czech Republic. This will be a fun adventure for us before camps start up.

Today we had another all staff meeting with PROem. Today was a day of biblical reminders as to how to hold yourself, how to act and how to represent Christ during the camps. We also discussed how to build each other up and be true to one another treating them with respect, love, kindness and honor. One of the other topics of discussion was kids and their cell phones. In Poland it is against the law to take away the cell phone of a kid and PROem doesn't want the kids to be on their phone or MP3 player during messages or quiet time, so they were thinking of ways to discourage them from having them. There are nice benefits to the kids having their cell phones but there are also disadvatages. I don't think there was a definite answer as to how this can be accomplished. One thing I just thought of this minute is that you could take the battery away and allow them to still have their cell phone...

After lunch we unloaded another truck full of food, this time it was about 8 tons of food that would be held in storage at the camp. We also helped stock some of the refrigerators of masło i ser (butter and cheese). It was a really great experience and looking back I wish I had the flip camera to get a video shot of the assembly line. Just something to have to remember.

Well we are off to Warsaw in 30 minutes. We appreciate your prayers and look forward to sharing a little bit of Prague with you when we get back!

Erich

Monday, June 15, 2009

Polish to English through Spanish

Just finished packing (oh yeah!). We're off to Prague tomorrow. I'm actually a little freaked at the prospect of traveling the night train, just because of all the stories I've heard. It should be a great experience though.

Today we had our weekly meeting with John. Chad is in Florida for vacation, so it was just me, John and Erich. We talked about the book of John, and the significance he stresses on believing. Belief tends to be the foundation his entire gospel is based on, as well as the door frame to eternal life. I see lack of belief resonating in my life all too often, so it's great to put that back into perspective.

After meeting, we did some camp clean up and starting changing some routes on the rock wall. There are some holds that have become loose and some routes that are impossible for kids, so we wanted to make one a little more kid friendly.

Tonight we taught two English classes at the TOMY Center, and came home to pack for tomorrow. The classes went pretty well. The first group was great and the second was a little more shy. We played some Uno (I know, it's Spanish), and worked on some food and drink with the kids. It was quite enjoyable. It's crazy how we are able to communicate with the kids speaking purely English. Very humbling.

Thanks for the prayers and support. We love you all back home. Please be in prayer over travels the next few days. We might get a blog out tomorrow, but if not look for some short updates while we are there.

Thanks again!

-Dane

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Many countdowns happening...

So there are a few countdowns going on right now for Dane and myself...but before I get into that let me give you and update to what is going on in Poland as of this fine and beautiful Sunday.

Today was just fantastic. We went to church and I had the privilege to participate in helping lead worship with the band. It's so amazing to give glory to God and worship Him in any way possible. After that we went over to John and Zaba's for lunch. We helped assemble a kite with Dawid and successfully flew it for about 5 seconds. It then after a few more falls broke. Our meal was fantastic! Salad, Garlic Bread and Spaghetti...it was so good! In fact I at so much that I am not even hungry tonight and am passing on my helping of deli meat and bread for dinner. Other than that it has been a time to catch up with some items we needed to take care of...such as our countdowns.

In 2 days we are going to be leaving for Prague in the Czek Republic. I am excited about taking the night train and staying in a hostel. Needless to say, it will slightly remind me of London.

In 6 days we will be having a conference/retreat at the camp for leaders of camps and my friend Melissa will be arriving in Poland for her 6 week stay.

In 7 or 8 days we will be having another retreat coming into the camp and the one and only Bob Russell will be here. I will get a picture with him just to prove it.

In about 2 weeks camps will be starting. Our busy-ness will be increased a hundredfold and will be exhausted all the time. I am looking forward to it.

I suggest that you check out our counterparts blog. They have some amazing things to say about what they did last week. I have seen some of the pictures and it is amazing. Hope that everyone is doing great and until next time...

~Erich

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Górski's, Gofry & Good Times













It has been the perfect ‘lay under the covers weather’. Rain has lightly drizzled all day and has proved to be a great time to sit back and relax. Reading, writing, and experiencing a little Gofry.


Yesterday was day two of the church from Warsaw’s retreat. It was yet another day of operating the snack shack, with a little rock climbing mixed in. Erich had the chance to talk with a few people from the church for a while. They asked hard questions, like “why are you in Poland” and “why don’t American’s try and share the gospel in America.” They were asked wholeheartedly (and with complete sincerity), but definitely made me think about my purpose a little more.


We closed out the night by sneaking away to Górski’s with Paweł, Ewa and Gosza. It was my first time and was quite the experience. Gorski’s can be described as the nicest ‘truck stop’ you’ve ever been to, with a fire grill and fantastic meat. I had the Pork. I really wish you could try some.


Today started with a morning run for me, and as I was arriving on the premises, it started to rain. It hasn’t stopped since then. The group from Warsaw left at about 2 PM and after hanging out at camp for a while, Erich, Paweł and I went into Spała to eat some Gofry (pictured above). Again, this was a first for me (and for Erich). Gofry is like a big waffle, covered with whipped cream and whatever toppings you want. I chose toffee and bits of chocolate. Fantastic!


We are in the room now, and I am about to Skype in with the family. Today was my brother’s graduation, so my entire family is over at our house to celebrate. I’m going to check in with them and see what’s going on back home. Afterward, we are going to watch Airplane!. Paweł has never seen it, and since it is my favorite movie, we told him we were going to watch it.


Tomorrow Erich is playing bass at church again (I wasn’t good enough, so they cut me loose... just kidding). We are also finalizing plans for our Prague trip, so please be praying for safety there. We will taking a night train, which is known for much theft and such.


Hope all is well. We are doing great here. Thanks for caring enough to check in on us!


-Dane

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Amazingly intrigued by today...

What started off to feel like a different day actually turned out to be just that. Last night I slept horribly. I could not really fall asleep. I do not know if it had something to do with the stupid mosquito in our room that I could keep hearing or if it was the acid reflux from Capone's pizza. Regardless, I did not sleep well at all. After waking up and finding the few bites that our little pesky friend made (I'm starting to think that mosquitoes should glow in the dark that way it is easy to kill them while trying to sleep), I started reading our chapters from Luke that is part of the daily reading that all PROem staff is doing. I was struck by 2 sets of verses. Luke 21:27 and Luke 21:34-36.

Luke 21:27 - And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:34-36 - But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.


I am not entirely sure why I was struck by these verses, but something tells me that it pertains to this summer. Part of me needs to constantly remember that the Son of Man has such power and great glory and who am I to forget that. And I also need to stay on guard here in Poland. Though I may start to think I am doing God's work and His calling, I cannot fall asleep and I cannot be concerned with the worries of this world. Though I may be in another country, the same struggles, the same worries, the same situations will continue to attack me and weigh me down.

Just a little recap of the day. Like I started off this post, it was different. We spent the entire day in the snack shack selling snacks and drinks. To me this seemed like torture. I love to go out and do things and be active, but this was just sitting around and waiting for people to come in. But as the day progressed I started to enjoy it. As customers came in I got to work on my Polish (which sucks) and got to study. It was better than I thought it would be. Though there were times I wanted to just escape, it was not bad at all.

Tomorrow will probably be the same. I think we can endure another day of this. Though it doesn't seem fun and may seem like it is not beneficial, the truth is that it allows us to create some cool relationships with people. Just like today we met 2 guys who are living here. One guy owns his own business and the other guy is from Canada and works for the church. It was interesting to talk to them. And then there is Dominik, whom will probably be there again tomorrow, who continually talked to us in Polish and laughed at us. It was annoying but also good to start to pick up on some Polish. Pray that we don't get too frustrated with him tomorrow.

Keep praying for the Kenya team. It sounded like in their last post that they were going to be travelling all this week. Pray for safe travels, and make sure to check out their blog.

Love you guys
-Erich

Sorry if some of this seems random and incoherent...I am tired and am about to go to sleep.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

By this, all people will know...

Good Afternoon! We are currently unwinding, and about to go to bed. Yesterday we experienced another group of kids coming to camp, we wished them off today, went into Tomaszów for the evening and we are all worn out.


Yesterday morning about eighty 14-15 year old kids arrived. We played baseball with them (yet again) and they were stinking good. Like denting the wiffle balls and knocking them over trees. We were sitting there thinking, “These kids HAD to have played before.” It was a lot more fun to watch than it had been with the elementary kids. After baseball, it rained HARD the rest of the afternoon. Some kids played carpet ball and cornhole in the tent, some of them hung out in the cabins, while some of the girls came and flirted with our cute young Proem friend Kuba in the snack shack. Of course Kuba loved the attention, so he continued to flirt back, and left the girls hanging by not showing up the next day. Later we had a heart-to-heart, explaining why you don’t lead girls on. Oh, young love...


The night rounded out with some Kiełbasa over a fire and a slight dance party in the snack shack. Some Lady GaGa and Lou Bega were the sounds of the night.


After wishing the students off this morning, Erich and I went into Tomaszów to hang out at ...I-Cafe. I got to talk to a student named Paweł for little about English and his studies. He does a lot of Tech stuff at the church and it was really cool to hear about his commitment to what Tomy Church and Proem are doing.


We also had a little bit of time to study Polish in before Kuba introduced us to his friends, Martyna and Claudyna. When I asked what things they like to do, they said nothing really and followed that by saying they are going to Claudyna’s grandma’s house that evening. Later, I asked, “So there is really nothing you like doing?” Claudyna responded, “No. I said we are going to my grandmother’s house tonight.” At that point I realized they thought I was asking them what they would like to do with us, which made everything a little akward. I quickly explained myself, only to find out they enjoy windsurfing and snowboarding. Pretty awesome.


Rounded out the night with some more Capone’s pizza (it’s SOOO good). We’re off to bed in a few, and a 180 person group is coming in tomorrow. Also, tomorrow is Corpus Christi (or Holy Thursday), which is a public holiday in Poland. It’s a Roman Catholic tradition very similar to Easter in that it honors the Eucharist. It also commemorates Christ’s new commandment (John 13:34), the washing of the disciples feet and the agony of the Garden of Gethsemane. All the stores and schools are closed down for this feast celebrating the Holy Communion. You might consider reading John 13:1-35 tomorrow and share in washing someone’s feet. I think we are going to do that. 


Lastly, we found out we are going to travel next Tuesday through Friday. We believe we will be going to Prague. Exciting! We’ll keep you updated.


Pray for the group this weekend, and have a great rest of the week! We love you all!


-Dane

Monday, June 8, 2009

Constant reminders...

Today was a really interesting day for me. I don't know what it is that has set this apart from all the others but it has been a day that meant a lot to me. We started the morning off meeting with John and Chad. We started off our meeting by going to Spała and getting cappuccino from a girl who really did not want to be working. She seemed very unhappy. Anyways we started off by reading Luke 7: 36-50. This verse is very interesting when looking at it in the context of what is going on now. Here are a few highlights that we touched on that were very interesting.

  • This woman was probably a prostitute, and by dumping her alabaster flask of ointment on Jesus' feet was giving up the very thing that she used in her profession.
  • She wept so much that it made Jesus' feet wet. Those are not fake tears, they are true tears and a lot of them.
  • Jesus' feet were probably not the cleanest and best smelling and yet this woman was kneeling at His feet. This is a huge act of submission and humility.
  • Simon was quick to judge this woman, and Jesus then showed him that we was judging, but is not always right in his judgment.
  • It was the woman's faith alone that saved her.
But the part that really got me was the following:

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven-for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.

I look at this verse and realize how much in my life I have been forgiven, and yet I don't love as much as I should.

We then discussed about missions. And for the past week I have been trying to figure out where God wants me, and if it is in Poland. I know that this is not for me to decide, but each day I am constantly seeing God moving some way. Right now what holds me back is the language and being comfortable. Right now I am comfortable where I am, but that is because I know that it is only 3 months. But if it were longer, would I be comfortable? I often wonder if I am trying to fight God in this.

Anyways...after cleaning the stairs and eating lunch we then proceeded to unload about 15 tons of food into the storage rooms. Most of this food will be used for different ministries that Proem works with. Some of these ministries work with homeless and low income families. It made me appreciate Proem even more.

I am about to go climbing, finish laundry and then watch the Truth Project. After that, maybe some language study. Tomorrow we are going to play sports with some kids that are coming in and then go play soccer in Tomaszów. I don't play soccer so it will be interesting for me. Let's hope I do not embarrass myself.

~Erich

Sunday, June 7, 2009

A Place I Never Thought I Would Be...

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, FOR MY NAME’S SAKE, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life!


I read this verse from Matthew yesterday. I’ve read it before, but it truly resonated yesterday. I know this isn’t my goal. My goal never has been and never can be to inherit eternal life because, the selfishness of such a goal takes power and glory away from God, Jesus Christ and the cross. But I still see this as a call on my life, as well as others.


Every day I have grown in a deeper understanding of my personal strengths and it’s become obvious that I thrive and fuel myself through quiet study and listening to or watching others. This only makes sense to me. I don’t think anyone else is like that. Anyway, it has filled my head with ideas about future.


I told myself a month ago that when I left the states, I was done with coffee. I had spent the last three years surrounded by it, and was kind of over it all. I’m beginning to realize I am not. Coffee shops are home to me. They are where I flourish. I find comfort and refreshment there. Alone or meeting others, it’s all gravy (yeah, I just said gravy). I have begun to see the effectiveness of a place like this for conversation and connectedness. It’s a place for culture to collide and life to flourish.


I think I was truly effected by someone I met recently who had used similar circumstances in other areas of the world. I just see my passions and desires coming together with a call inside of me: to leave my home for Christ’s sake alone. I don’t know specifics. Please keep praying for that. I see opportunity to be a part of this in Poland. I see opportunity elsewhere. Just please keep praying for clarity.


We ran the snack shack all day yesterday, but this consisted of time for study and relaxation (for the most part). I had to run a few miles down the street to buy espresso from the market when we realized we were out. The night closed out with me doing some laundry, then lying in bed watching one of the coolest storms I have ever experienced right out the window.


Erich and I were up early to go rehearse music for church today. We were up early enough that we decided to play a quick game of chess before heading out. Church was great, as Rafał spoke about walking wisely in the Lord. Music went great as well. It’s crazy what God does through a little faithful prayer. After church, we went into Łódż with Chad and Amy once again and spent the afternoon bowling, ‘gaping’ and I ate my first Wiener Snitzel. We also met up with Daniel and Edyta while we were there and joined them for afternoon coffee.


Tomorrow morning we are meeting with John Crozier to talk about our experience so far and spend some time in biblical study. It’s been a joy and I keep learning. I’m excited about what this time will bring about in each of us.


The Kenya team had their “Bible Translation Run” yesterday. Make sure to check in with them and their experience. We love you all.


-Dane

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Jesus the Introvert...

Hi All!!! Not much has gone on today and we have been reading and thinking a lot of things. Thus...this might be a longer post than anticipated.

So I know that this will make 2 posts in one day, but this one is technically Saturday's since the last one was done Early Saturday morning/Late Late Friday night. Anyways, something that we discussed last night intrigued me and I really did not process it until a few hours ago. On our way to Łodz we were talking about Introverts/Extroverts. Chad was talking to his brother about this (his brother has a psychology/biblical counseling degree), and his brother said that introverts/extroverts are characterized by the way that they draw "power". Power is such a weird way of putting it so maybe a renewing of energy would be a better way of saying it. Regardless of what word to actually use, the way that an introvert would renew his/her energy is by being withdrawn from people. Whereas the extrovert feels renewed by being amongst people.

This concept at first started to make me think of what I am. Though I always claimed to be an introvert, under the definition stated above, I would technically be an extrovert. That sounds so foreign and not like me. But based on the definition it is true. I find myself renewed by being around the people that I have deep and close relationships with. This can be defined also by my longing to be around those certain people.

But what really hit me today was that based on Scripture, Jesus was an extrovert. Now I know that this may be contradictory to what you may think, and you might be saying that he was totally an extrovert since he was constantly around his disciples, apostles and the crowds. But take a closer look and you will see it differently. Usually Jesus would depart from the crowds and disciples to be secluded and to have His time. He was being renewed by the Father in his seclusion. Jesus was in the desert by himself. He would leave to go to a mountainside to pray. He even went to the Garden in Gethsemane to pray.

This is something that is still fresh in my mind and I am still trying to process it all. Maybe it is pretentious of me to assume that Jesus was an introvert. Quite possibly I could be wrong in thinking that being secluded to pray is a way to be an introvert. But at the same time, it was how Jesus renewed himself. And so the question to myself is that of; "Should I be more introverted and allowing my time with God to be my renewal instead of being around those I have deep relationships with? Should we all be introverts? Just a little something to chew on.

As I end this, we are getting ready to go to sleep. Tomorrow we have the privilege to help lead worship for Tomy church. Please be praying that in this time we are giving all glory to God and allowing Him to be praised and worshiped. Also pray for our nerves to be settled and that regardless of what happens, God reigns above all.

Also, right now I do not know if my allergies are kicking my butt or if I caught a slight cold, but if you could lift up a prayer for quick relief from this, it would be awesome!

Thanks!

Erich

Łódż Visit!
















Dzien Dobry! Good Morning! We are just rolling out of bed after getting in at 2:30 AM last night. We had a late night in Łódż and it was great.

Rehearsal for church on Sunday was good. It took some getting used to really listening for rhythm and notes, but I eventually caught on. It's just awesome to hear the musicians pour their heart into music, especially music that they have poetically translated themselves.

Yesterday morning, we spent the entire morning teaching baseball to kids. We taught throwing and catching, batting, and fielding. During the time we started playing, 3 different kids grabbed their cell phones and called their parents just to tell them they were, "playing baseball". It's crazy to think most of these children have never touched a baseball glove in their life, but that's culture. I feel like we will be teaching a lot of baseball this summer.

In the afternoon, Chad and Amy picked us up to go to Łódż. They will be a part of the next church plant that is going to take place, and it will be in Łódż. It's such a beautiful, older, urban city. After walking down some streets, we ventured over to a mall (which was unbelievable! I've never seen a mall look this nice.) We had coffee, ate dinner and did some looking around while there. There were a few essentials we had been meaning to get since we arrived in Poland, but we just got the chance to last night.

After some wandering, we went over to the movie theatre to see Angels and Demons. Very interesting movie, with some good twists. I haven't seen the Da Vinci Code, but I thought this movie was extremely interesting. Amy mentioned how the movie completely reminded them that they are 'in Poland'. Based around the Roman Catholic church, the culture truly mirrored that which is prominent in Poland. After the movie, we rounded the night out with an hour ride back to Zakościele. 

Yesterday was great to just relax and see some of the city. It was so neat to see where Proem is going next, and how they can continue to affect the people of Poland. There were a lot of things we saw while in Łódż that encouraged us, and made us think more about the gospel in Poland. 

We're excited about this weekend. Keep praying that we are effective in helping the people sing to the Lord tomorrow!

-Dane

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Wielki jest nasz Pan!

Wielki jest nasz Pan! Wielki jest nasz Pan!

Great is our Lord! Great is our Lord!

I'm at a loss for words! I've spent the past twenty-four hours in such a peace with God and his work. I am sitting in ..I-Cafe reading his word and thinking, "What have I been missing?" How have I not been crying out praises to the father above, in whatever language comes to mind. Singing "You are great! You are my Father, my Saviour!" Joy to the world, for we are SAVED! We are free of it! All anxiety is thrown away.

It's been a normal past couple off days, but I just started listening to a CD and have been renewed in spirit by it. It's funny because this is roughly the same time of year my heart was renewed last year. Maybe it's the season, maybe it's just God's choice, but he is deciding to set me alive in Him once again. I don't get it! I keep wondering, where have I been?

Anyway, we are in ...I-Cafe, about to go rehearse for music on Sunday. Erich and I are both playing, so we need to go through some songs. Keep that in your prayers. That language is (once again) not a barrier and that we can be effective for the kingdom in that way this weekend. Not much else is new. Just more rock-climbing and hanging out at Zakościele with kids.

We are supposed to go to Łódż tomorrow with Chad and Amy. It should be a relaxing night in the city, and we are excited to just spend time with them again. They have been so hospitable to us. 

Enjoy your afternoon! We will be back with you soon!

-Dane

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Take me out to the ball game....

There are about 90 kids on the camp right now. It's kind of fun but also stressful. There is one kid, who yesterday decided to stare at us and talk Polish to us after I told him that I do not speak Polish, that started to get on my nerves. The others are cool, from what I can tell.

Today we started off getting ready for these kids. After lunch we decided to teach the kids how to play baseball. It was really fun to see these kids try to catch a ball and swing a bat. I think we take for granted that not every sport in America is played everywhere else. But what better way to bring America to Poland than baseball?

We then went to Tomaszów to help teach English classes for John. It was really fun and interesting. I am excited to do it more! We then got to hang out with Chad, Amy and Adrienne during the night. For me it was really fun and just encouraging to know that there are some awesome people that are surrounding us in this place. I love how God is moving.

Now we are about to go to bed and wake up in the morning to teach the kids how to play Football Americanski. Oh and by the way, here is the baptism video. It finally loaded!

Love you guys! :*

Monday, June 1, 2009

Free Day

Today was a free day, so we spent the morning studying, then went down the street to an old church and took some pictures. Pretty simple day, but we thought we would share a couple of our favorites. You can see more at THIS site: