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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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.
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.
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
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
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