Poland Arise: The Power of Answered Prayer-CIESZYN

This week marks a one year anniversary of when I very first came to Poland. So much has changed in a year, so much was done, and so much still needs to be done. It's incredible to think that the reason we have accomplished so much, is because of prayer! Yes, we physically did the leg work, we had training, we preached, we instructed during worship, we dug in, we paid a price, and we fought for what was right. I know for a fact though who really deserves a huge thanks, and that's God Himself. He has backed up this adventure from the very beginning, and I stand amazed at what He has done thus far. I know that the reason we have been able to accomplish so much, has literally been because of people praying. There is a group of friends that receive the prayer newsletter, and faithfully pray for what is happening in Poland. By the way, anyone can subscribe, it's not exclusive by any means. There is the group of children and adults, in the Firehouse elementary ministry of World Revival Church, that support us here in prayer. Many people have all been a part of pushing at some point this year in prayer for the church in Cieszyn and in Warsaw. I can say without a doubt, your prayers have made all the difference.

I come from a church culture that honors leadership, and honors pastors. That is something I've had in my heart since I was a little girl. When I came to my church in Kansas City, I met Pastor Steve who has the most incredible heart for ministry leaders. This is almost unheard of in most American churches, and sad to say in Polish churches as well. He himself had gone through hard things as a pastor, and has such a compassion for people in the ministry. Obviously, he set a standard in our church culture to be honorable towards those in the ministry. When people, such as pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and so forth come to our church, they are blown away by our treatment of leadership. Most do not receive this type of treatment in their own places of worship, though it is very biblical to do so. Of course, this is so deep in me, that I can't help but want to honor the pastors here in Poland. It is my heart that they, the pastors in Cieszyn arise in every area of their lives, and start operating in the goodness of God. I'm not preaching this to them personally, I'm simply living the lifestyle I came from. It's a different attitude, and a different standard. It is absolutely right, and living like this enables these ministry leaders to arise all the more.

As I came back to Cieszyn in the beginning of July, I knew the word for the church there was "upgrade." Especially an upgrade for the pastors in every area of their lives. It was my greatest desire that as they were moving forward in revival, that they would begin to enjoy the benefits of their sowing. To me it is absolutely right for those who are in the ministry to enjoy the blessings of the labor. The bible talks about 'double honor,' and that is like a foreign concept in Poland. I think people are aware of it, but it's rare to see it actually in operation. This is a piece of revival/Kingdom culture I want to cultivate here in Poland. I wanted to see the pastors in Cieszyn personally blessed, and I wanted to see them enter a breakthrough in their ministry. They have faithfully served in this area for over a decade, and have a right 'spirit.' When I heard that they landed a building in Cieszyn, and all that it came with, I was ecstatic. This was major answered prayer for them, and their ministry here in this area of Poland. It means increase, growth, and upgrade. It is exactly what they've needed for a long time, and now they are ready to start a new chapter in their lives. They have brand new kids ministries, phenomenal corporate prayer on Thursday nights, anointed worship, original songs, and faithful people. The people of this church are treasures, and it's time for new treasures to be added to group.

It was incredible to stand on the stage, where the band will be in a few weeks. I overlooked the renovation with Pastor Gosia, and realized I was standing on answered prayer. I could only imagine what was passing through Pastor Gosia's mind as she surveyed the interior of her new church. The power of answered prayer nullifies every doubt, unbelieving thing, and every negative word. Despite the opposition we faced on a weekly basis sometimes, the victory of answered prayer overshadowed everything. It showed that there is a God in Poland, and He is on the move. If He can do this for these pastors, it's a prophecy for other pastors in Poland. It's a power that will give them hope for their ministry, and for their community. Every time there is answered prayer of any kind, it is proof that the Kingdom of God is at work. It is proof that hope, faith, the Word of God, the promises of God are for us today. It is international, and it doesn't matter how 'hard' the spiritual climate is in a particular area. So major congratulations to Senior Pastors Sławek and Gosia, and to God. Major thanks also to Pastors Steve and Kathy for allowing me to come to Poland, and witness for myself the power of answered prayer!