KC Bound

I hope everyone who reads this had a great Christmas and New Years with your family and loved ones. I celebrated my one year mark in Poland on December 23rd, 2015. It was so incredible for me to see what was accomplished in 2015. I simply responded to the Holy Spirit's intense call to return to Poland, and it was the best decision. I remained in the center of God's will all year long, and ended the year very thankful. I came to this incredible nation not really knowing the language, the culture, the history, or the condition of the church. Each month I was thrown into the faith corner with God, and lived by pure grace. Many if not all the opportunities I was given, were things in which I was not experienced. I had received amazing training, was full of teachings, and had my beliefs on how things should go. Here I am, a single woman from Missouri, simply depending on God. I didn't have time to back out or back down, I just had to step out there, and trust that God was more than enough for me. Each time, no matter how big the challenge was, God faithfully backed me up. In the storm and the trial, I was never truly alone, because He was with me. When enemies against revival would arise, God was right there to terrify them. I was here to take the land for God, and my ships were burnt on the shore.

Really all I did was continue to live the standard I had been living in Kansas City, and allow God to stretch me. Of course I made some mistakes along the way, but I kept going. I persevered, and through the hard times God was making me whole in my character. I know that this life is a life anyone can live, if they are willing to set themselves apart, and walk by faith. I am amazed at the lives that were touched and changed. I saw God move on hungry and desperate Poles, who just wanted to have a real encounter with a real God. I saw the standard at the Cieszyn church continue to rise, and watched as God's presence increased weekly. Even recently I visited their church for Christmas, and I was so proud of them. They have taken ownership of creating a place where God is King, and the standard is set high. Their worship is so powerful, and they have arisen in 2015. The same thing has been happening here in Warsaw as well. The standard was definitely raised, and we experienced an increase of God in the services. I am still hearing reports of God coming down in the children's ministry, and how the adults are overwhelmed in a good way.

2016 already feels great, and we've only begun. I am pleased that in a presidential election year, hope is in air! I do agree that this will be a year of new beginnings for many people, and that should give people a lot of strength. I believe this is the year of miracles, and anything could happen. I believe in miracles, just like the late Katherine Kuhlman. I believe that is it time for some things in our lives to just break open, and change. Remember, hope changes everything, and we serve a God where nothing is impossible. There are a lot of people who need to hear a message like that this year. Just because it was like that in 2015, doesn't mean that's the way it's going to be in 2016! It's time to aim our faith for what is right, and for us to position ourselves for something good.

Next week I get the privilege and honor to hop on a plane, and fly to Kansas City, MO! I'm really excited to see all my loved ones in Kansas City, and get all caught up. I got an extra week before the Arise Women's conference, and I will be looking forward to a great time. I fly back to Warsaw on Sunday, January 31st, and already I have some opportunities waiting for me when I get back. I'll be taking two days off, and then traveling down to Wisła for a youth camp. In addition, I'll be visiting another place to do some children's ministry training. So it will be great to be back in the States, eat some American food, and stand among friends. So this American missionary girl is KC bound starting next week, and I fully expect it to be a great time!

When It's Real Revival

I wanted to share a quick testimony, of how revival is taking root even deeper at Kocioł Chwały (Church of Glory) Warsaw. The saying is true, "it isn't real revival, until the children get it." That was one of my goals coming to Poland, was to bring true revival to this land. I knew that the children had to experience it for themselves, and be carriers of it. I saw God do great things down in the Cieszyn church with their children's ministry. So, my faith was big that God could do it all over Poland. I know what I experienced this past Sunday was not happenstance. I know that for almost a year now, the children have been taught how to worship. They are experiencing good teaching and training in their children's ministries. Plus, they have parents that are training them at home.

On Sunday, there was a row of children, and they were really worshiping God. I walked over to be with them, because my heart was so touched. All during praise and worship, this group of children praised with strength, and worshiped harder then some of the adults. I know that this is the fruit of what they are experiencing in their children's ministries. They are learning to honor God in His house, and to worship with siła (strength). One little girl in particular really impressed me. Her family just started coming to the church in March, and she came in as a very timid little girl. Over the course of this year, I've seen her transform into a bold little girl. She came up to the front and worshiped with all her strength for the entire service. This was not the same girl I met in the spring, she has been revived.
To be honest this is a very new phenomenon in Poland, and it is changing church culture. I don't think a lot of people have ever really seen children go deep in praise and worship. I don't think they knew what children were capable of, if they raised the standard. You could feel in the room how awkward it was to have a row of children worshiping with strength. However, those feelings that were being released in the atmosphere, were overridden by what the children were doing. They were on the 'spiritual front lines' building God a stronghold of praise (Psalm 8:2-3). They were pushing away God's enemies, and ushering in His presence. I know if we continue to head in this direction, more and more people will get comfortable with this Kingdom culture. It's different, but it is right! In my opinion, this is the beginnings of a real Polish revival.

Also, I wanted to share something that is on my heart for churches internationally. A lot of people may not really know what do with their children during worship. This is my advice as a spiritual mother. Children need to be parented during worship. I believe if you are a parent, it is your responsibility to parent your children during worship. They don't need a million water breaks or bathroom breaks. They need to stand next to you, and stay next to you. If they can sit still through Star Wars or cartoons, they can sit still in church too. They need to stand to their feet, and worship their God with strength. We as adults shouldn't be soooooo lost in worship, that we loose sight of what is happening in the chair next to us. In my opinion, if we have kids, we are responsible for them in worship, until they are mature enough to worship themselves. That's great if we're parenting them in homework, and other areas of their life. The parenting they desire even more is to be parented in God. Remember, teach a child when they are young, and they won't forget it when they're older. So allowing them to run around during worship, run up to the stage, tear things apart, fall asleep, distract the people around them, or not worship at all is dishonorable. We can't be raising our hands singing, "God I honor you," and our children are being dishonorable to God. Heaven sees this and it sends a mixed message. You know what is honorable to God? Parenting your children during church. That is the most spiritual thing we can do if we have kids. That way God is really getting all the glory He deserves, and the kids are getting the message that this is important. Once the kids get this in them, then it's real revival.
This is revival, when we raise the standard of worship, even with our kids. We must be responsible to remove all the distractions in a service, and focus on the One who really matters. If our kids are distracted during worship, or causing distractions, how is that showing honor to God? As parents we can take control over this, and remove the dishonor. This is easy, and it draws us closer to our children, and to God. These are the moments they'll always treasure, when mom or dad grabbed their little hand, and sang to God in church. Then when they are older, we can stand next to them, and enjoy the labors of godly parenting.

Lights, Camera, Action! Kids Arising!

This past weekend I had the priviledge of helping shoot some kid testimonies. God is really touching the lives of the children at Church of Glory Warsaw. I am amazed that just after half a year I'm seeing so much change in their lives. Some of these kids are becoming speakers for God at school, and really being the 'light of the world.' One girl was helping comfort one of her classmates who had gotten her feelings hurt. She told her friend, " don't speak out those words (I am nothing, I will not manage to do this performance in a expected way), because words are powerfull - just stop crying, it won't help you anyway!" The advice was godly, and timely. I'm so proud of her for not backing down. I have seen this girl really change, and come to life at church. When I first met her she was very shy, and withdrawn. Now she is one of the strongest kids in our children's ministry. Her and her siblings (who are all attending the children's ministries of Church of Glory) are all changing. Her little brother, who is 5 years old, is a little 'Noah' at his school. He is always reaching out, and standing up for what is right. I love seeing the fruit of what was sown, and what has been established this year. So now, it's lights, camera, action for the kids in Warsaw. No one can deny the testimony of child, because of their innocence. All of these kids had fantastic testimonies of what they are doing with the teachings they receive at Church of Glory. It's incredible to see how some are helping friends with words of life, and some are even seeing prayer breakthroughs. 

Also, I need to brag on our children's workers. I walked into the Club Adventure room to give the book of Genesis awards that were made. The kids on Friday nights just completed the entire book of Genesis, and will be moving onto Exodus next. If you see a map in the background, that is the book of Genesis cartoonized in a map. They follow that map on their weekly God adventure through the bible. Anyways, I asked if they needed any help, and they were just fine. What I felt from them was that a group of people took OWNERSHIP of this ministry. This is what I had been hoping for, and now it has become reality. It was no longer my vision, but it has become theirs. The same is happening in the toddler ministry as well. They are taking ownership of that ministry, and the toddlers are receiving great ministry. In fact, we'll be picking lessons for the next year out of the Light Church manual of World Revival Church. The teachers are so excited to use this material, and invest in the toddlers.

Just like Noah built the ark in advance for the rain, I believe that these ministries have been prepared for a coming harvest of people. I am so thankful to have someone like Pastor Marcin who has opted for 'world class' instead of 'popsicle stick religion.' These kids are having a blast on Friday nights and Sunday mornings. I love hearing all the testimonies from parents and teachers alike. It's not just the kids that are changing, but I'm seeing the teachers arise as well. To me that is the most rewarding thing, watching all of them rise up to the call. I believe God is preparing both kids and teachers for something greater. These kids will be in position not just to be receivers, but to be ministers themselves. I'm excited for what 2016 holds in store for them, and the new kids God is going to bring to our ministry!

Happy Thanksgiving...from Poland?

From left to right: Marta W., myself, Ania S. & Pastor Janusz S.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday have come and gone, and now Christmas is just days away. I must brag on my Polish friends, they are really awesome. I wasn't quite sure how I would spend this all-American holiday (Thanksgiving) while being in Poland. Since it was the first time I've ever been out of America for this holiday, it was something to consider. No football, no pumpkin pie, and no black Friday shopping in Lee's Summit, MO. My friend Marta invited me over to her flat, and we decided to have our very first Polish-American Thanksgiving. In my opinion, you can celebrate Thanksgiving just about anywhere in the world, and I was so happy to share this special tradition with some great people. I made my first ever turkey, homemade stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Everyone brought something I suggested (ie., cranberry sauce, rolls, etc.), and we had a very American Thanksgiving! It was so much fun explaining to Pastor Janusz, since he was only guy at the meal, he took on the roll of the traditional American father. He had several important jobs:

1. Pretend to watch American football in the living room, while all the ladies where in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the food. Marta doesn't have a TV, so that's why it was pretend. I guess the Green Bay Packers game would have been a good choice, if we had TV. 

2.Cut the turkey

3. Say the blessing

4. Insist that I help eat the additional piece of dessert (Polish tradition) 

Pastor Janusz with the turkey

 In honor of my friend Derek Schwindt, I taught my Polish comrades about an important part of Thanksgiving, "Sleepy Thanksgiving." Derek came up with a brilliant idea to take pictures of people after they have gorged themselves on Thanksgiving foods, and have fallen asleep. Since it is so much fun to take pictures of people (who are sleeping) in random places, the Thanksgiving inspired sleepy selfies have continued beyond the holiday. So we all were careful to stay awake, and to avoid this particular tradition.

I also got to explain "Black Friday" to my Polish friends, because Poland has recently started doing this tradition. In fact, I was on the metro the other day, and I saw advertisements for Black Friday. For a moment there, I forgot I was in Poland, and I was magically transported back to the U.S. I was told that Poles love our great savings on Black Friday, and would buy things online in the U.S. So, Polish merchandisers decided to give Black Friday a try in their shops, and it is a hit. I was just in the mall today, and was passing all the Black Friday advertisements. As far as I know, no Poles have been trampled or stampeded by other Poles in order to get great savings. Let's pray that doesn't start here, or things are going to get really interesting.

Do you want to know some interesting facts about Poland? Poland has tornados and buffaloes. Their tornado issue is actually recent in the past few years, but they are more like big micro bursts. Yes, they have buffalo, and they're called, "zubr." Yes, I know, I can't believe it, but it's true. So basically Poland is the 'mid-west' of Europe, and Warsaw is the 'Kansas City, MO' of Poland. So I really don't feel like I left Kansas City in some ways, but in some ways it's pretty obvious that I am in a foreign country. For example, don't send me to buy meat at a meat store, and the grandma lady (who doesn't speak ENGLISH) is working. Thank you LORD I can count to 5 in Polish, because that is all the kielbasa I would be able to buy.

Our Polish-American Thanksgiving

I hope that everyone back in the states had a wonderful Thanksgiving 2015 with their family, friends, and loved ones. I also celebrate 11 months in Poland this week, and am about to hit the one year mark! I'm really thankful for my pastors, Steve and Kathy Gray for allowing me to be here. I'm thankful for friends who have been praying for me, the churches, and for Poland. It's pretty exciting to see how much has been accomplished this year, and how many lives are being impacted. I'm especially thankful for those who have given or sent me things to Poland. It has really touched my heart to receive cards, letters from kids in Kansas City, gifts, and well wishes. I do not take these things for granted, because they have greatly touched my heart. People are really our treasure, and boy do I have a treasure chest back in Kansas City. I am so thankful for the church in Cieszyn, and for them allowing me to come down there. I learned so much, and had an incredible journey with them this year. I'm also thankful for the Warsaw Church, and their pastors.

This was so incredible to celebrate Thanksgiving in Poland with my amazing hostess Marta, and the Szarzecs. They really enjoyed our style of food, and our crazy traditions. We are one of the only countries (that I'm aware of) that has a day set apart to be thankful. Really my heart is cascading with thanks to God, and for the people in my life! So....Happy Thanksgiving from Poland!!!!

No Limits Young Adults, and Kingdom Kids Middle School Group

Karolina Kruba preaching on "standing the test of time"

Hot off the plane from Prague, I was back in Warsaw doing what I do best...working hard. Saturday, November 14th was our 2nd young adult service (No Limits). It was so powerful, and I was very proud of our No Limits leadership team. Worship was anointed, and the message was timely. Just hours after what happened in Paris, you could feel the effect it has had on Europe. My Friend Karolina Kruba spoke out of the book of Daniel, and shared about the character Daniel and his friends had. They didn't defile themselves, and they didn't bow to fear. We want to be young adults who are stable, committed, faithful, and unshakable. When other 'Christians' in Europe are bowing and compromising, we want to be a group that stands for Christ. Karolina Kruba has been with Church of Glory for many years, and has 'stood the test of time.' She also talked about staying faithful, waiting for God's promises to come through. Her message was something she has lived. It was great to see all that had been poured into her, come out to empower the group.

Karolina C. and Marysia B.  during testimony time

 In addition to the great message, Marysia Brzezinska led the group for the night and did a fantastic job. She was the first of the group to do testimonies, and our testimonies were outstanding. One girl, Karolina C., gave a testimony of how she was the girl who had it all. Job, fiance, flat, but left it all to follow Jesus. She left her town (near Lublin, Poland), and came to the School of Leaders at Church of Glory. She was like a modern day Abraham or a disciple. Her life is getting stronger, she's getting more freedom, and God is using her mightily. We had some powerful testimonies, plus a powerful time of prayer. I'm believing that God will increase this group, and touch the lives of young adults in Warsaw. It's a meeting full of God's power and life, and peoples lives are being changed. 




On Sunday I again helped out in our Kingdom Kids, Middle School Ministry. Our focus for the week was "Who I am in Christ." We had a fun drama, went over our bible homework, and then my good friend Damian Gołos preached a fantastic sermon. Afterwards Damian and his wife Kasia, prayed for all the kids. Already I'm seeing lots of great changes in the kids. I think that the expectation of this group is exceeding the perception the youth had. Maybe they thought is was going to be just 'another service' for their age group. However, it's not! It is fun and powerful!!! I think that the adults leading the group are having fun too, and that's really important.

Ela, me, Kasia, Eliza, and Damian

Ela, me, and Damian holding up our 'signs' of who we are in Christ

Damian preaching to the middle schoolers

Doing a little baby sitting while Damian preaches

Hello Prague!

 This week it's all about Prague in the Czech Republic! 

It's time to take a trip outside of Poland, and do some sight seeing. 

Come along with my friend Gabriella and I as we hit the streets of this beautiful city.

Thursday, November 12th, 2015

Our first stop (besides checking in at the hotel) was a  traditional Czech restaurant. It was full of locals that greeted at the door with, "Ahoj!" It sounded like I was greeted by pirates, but no...they were just Czech's. Dinner was super cheap (by American standards), and yummy. Next, we went in search of public transit, and some famous sites. We were able to not only locate the trams, but found ourselves in one of the most famous of spots, Wenceslas Sqaure. Wenceslas Square has been the traditional site for many historical gatherings for the Czech people. In the more recent history, it was a place of Nazi parades , Communist demonstrations after WW2, and anti-Communist demonstration in 1989. It was a place that saw oppressors roll in, and saw them roll right out. Towards the end of the street, is a famous statue of King/Duke Wenceslas. He was one of the most greatest leaders of the Czech people, and has his own Christmas song. It was an interesting experience, and was wonderful to see it in person. I have done lots of research (in preparation for my trip) on sites to see, and this was one of my top sites. If you ever get a chance to come to Prague, don't miss it!

Friday, November 13th, 2015

Who said Friday the 13th had to be a bad luck kind of day? In the Kingdom of God, there's no such thing as 'bad luck,' only FAVOR. Let me tell you, the day was full of it. Blue skies, get November weather, and lots of memories made. Our first stop of the day was the Jewish District of Prague. Please take a look at the Vlog, and pictures of the different sites we visited. There were lots of information on the holocaust, the local concentration camp (Terezin), and whole collections of Jewish items rescued from Nazi destruction.


 Jewish District and its Synagogues 

 

Spanish Synagogue Altar area

A listing of the major concentration camps

Prague Jewish  Cemetery

Infamous Jewish Star of David

Standing in front of 3 Torahs

Meet Gabriella

After Gabbie and I finished up in the Jewish district, we headed over to the main square. There's so much to see in one area, and lots of Czech food to experience. Sorry Poland, but their kielbasa was AMAZING. So go Czech's in your awesome traditional foods and meats! Everything you would want to see, Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and other famous sites are very close together. Plus, you can see them for free! Just across the Charles Bridge is the Prague Castle complex. It boasts of Notre Dame styled Gothic cathedral, and an amazing view of the city. Gabbie and I had a great time walking around the cathedral, and the palace complex. Everything was absolutely gorgeous. I am now convinced that Prague is pretty much just like Paris in so many ways. Everything is so lovely, and ornate. The buildings are hundreds of years old, and have so much character to them. Prague by day or night, is a great experience. One of the reasons Prague is so captivating is that it was not destroyed in WW2. Unlike Warsaw, Prague was left untouched by the Nazi's, and stands as a representation of what Europe was like prior to the 1930's.

 

Yummy Trdelńkl

Charles Bridge

Massive pieces of meat on the grill

 
 


This has been an absolutely great trip to Prague, and I would highly recommend it. It's very affordable, and you can get a lot done in just two days. Then, you should hop on a plane and come to Poland for a visit! In fact, that's just what I'll be doinging next! Gabbie and I hop on plane for Warsaw, because we have lots more to do back in Poland! Our 2nd Young Adult meeting or "No Limits" group, meets Saturday, November 14th at 6pm. It's going to be a powerful night, and lives will be changed. So if you're a young married/adult, you live in Poland, you should find "No Limit's" on Facebook to get all the information, and come. If you're not in Poland, I hope you enjoyed this week's blog. Tune in next week as I share more updates from Poland!


*This blog is dedicated to my two Czech friends, Jennifer Wyse, and Rhonda Punches. Plus, others who are Czech, that I didn't know you had a Czech background. You know you who you are, so this shout out is for you!*

Childrens, youth, and young adult ministires

This past week I stepped out of working in our Friday night children's ministry, Club Adventure (Klub Przygód). I had been working on raising up worship leaders for this ministry, so that the kids could have live worship. I also worked on the behavioral management for this group as well. In just two months, I noticed a huge change in the kids, and saw them 'self-correcting' themselves. In addition to this, I strengthened the leaders of this group, and watched them arise. Everything I set out to do in September has been taken care of. I created and established these ministries back in the Spring, and it was time to tighten things up. That has been accomplished, and now I leave to work with the youth.

The middle school group (Kingdom Kids) turned out really great this past Sunday. It is basically a new ministry, unlike anything this church has ever had for this age group. The structure and format is completely different, and it will add a new strength to this church. The whole point of this ministry is to give middle schoolers a foundation of the Kingdom of God, and for them to find their identity as a Kingdom citizens. I wish I had this when I was their age, it would have rescued my life. It is a no-nonsense, revival based, middle school ministry, that is aimed to wake these kids up. So I'll be working on establishing that this month on Sundays, and raising up the leaders to grab hold of the vision for this group.

This Saturday I'll be ministering along with the youth leadership, for our November Fishing meeting. I'm expecting God to really soften and touch the lives of these youth. Something that they deal with is being in a society that doesn't feel it has a purpose. I'm believing that purpose, destiny, and God's plan for their life will be revealed to them. It's very important that God can arouse them, and point them in the direction of His plan. In addition to the Fishing meetings, we will be adding a second technical revival training in just a few weeks. We'll be focusing on the 15-19 year olds, and instilling in them practical training for ministry. So God is really strengthening and establishing the youth ministry in this season. I have no doubts that as we progress into 2016, we shall start seeing some great fruit come forth from these kids.

Next Saturday, November 14th marks our 2nd Young Adult meeting. Our group is now officially called "No Limits." It's for young marrieds and singles, ages 20-30ish. The objective is to create a Kingdom culture amongst this age group. My friend Karolina Kruba will be speaking on stability, and standing the test of time. She's been with Church of Glory since she was little, and is a faithful attender. It's going to be a great time, and I'm looking forward to what God will do there. Last time it was incredibly powerful in every aspect. Worship, the teaching, and the release of God's power at the end of the service. I believe this will be a group that God removes every limit, and they can carry that revival to the young adults of Warsaw. I have also heard of some great financial testimonies that are coming forth from this group. One of things we are declaring over 'No Limits,' is that we are going to be some of the  most prosperous young adults in Warsaw. No debts, no lack, no instability, no fear. I see a bunch of young adults getting stable, firm, devoted, and prospering just like Abraham. That is what God wants for these guys, and I've seen it happen in Kansas City. It's not an American thing...it's a Kingdom thing! You do things the Kingdom way, you get Kingdom results. God has no problem blessing those who take good care of His house, and do things according to His will. I'm seeing people in this group take those principals, and do them. So I'm excited to hear the testimonies, and be apart of what's going on.

Next week I fly to Prague, just for the fun of it. I'm taking a quick break, and going to see some sights. The break I need, and the sights I can't wait to see. So if you're on Facebook, check out the pictures. Hey if you lived this close to Prague...you'd fly there too, especially if you set up as many ministries as I have in one year. Hahahahhahhaa! Anyways, I'll be reporting everything next week, and posting some great photos!