Things are clicking along

This past week I picked up where I left off in June. I settled back into the church office, and began to review the children's ministries I created. The toddler and the Friday night elementary groups were completely brand new, and the Sunday morning children's service was had also undergone changes. It was time to meet with the leaders, and do some observations. I was really impressed with how these teams survived the summer, and how they stuck with what was created. I really wanted to work on people's character, integrity, and give them a chance to rise up. I'm used to being in a children's ministry that rarely ever changes teachers. For example, prior to being sent to Poland, I had worked with Karen Dehaven for over ten years. We had a few people come and go, but I want to say it was just a few. It was rare for our group to get a new person, but in doing so a new person is usually a good thing. They bring a strength that was probably missing from our group, and it also gives them a chance to rise up. Now that it is September, almost October, it was time to review, and verify if any changes need to occur. I did see people stretch, their character get built, and saw an increase of integrity. That is a natural part of participating in any ministry, and especially children's ministry.

Ela Panek teaching in Kids In Action

Gabbie Pikul helping lead kids in worship

I had worked hard with Ela Panek, the overseer of the children's ministry in Warsaw, to find the right people to fit into the different children's ministries. That in itself was a task.We had to find people that fit the right age groups, and had the heart to want to minister to kids. Though once we found the right people, it helped these ministries flow smoothly. As of now, we have stable, commited people, who minister to children each weekend. There are things that need to tighten up, but for the most part I was really impressed! I think after I am able to make these few changes in each ministry, each group will really be able to take off to a new level. My next step is to help with what teachers call, "classroom management." Then I want to start raising up the kids in elementary group to become more active in ministry. I will also be raising up new praise and worship teams for each elementary ministry.

My goal is to have the children be released to minister in a regular adult service. I want to get them to the level where they can pray as a group for the adults. So we are starting a kids version of pre-service prayer on Sunday mornings. We're going to talk about how we are to behave in the main sanctuary, and have them pray for their own service. I feel the more we get them involved doing something, the more it will change their lives.They are in the process of getting their spiritual 'muscles' built for the first time. It's a lot of hard work for them, but in just a few weeks it will pay off. There is also talk of having a children's conference, and of course I want to have the kids ready to minister at that event. So, we have a lot of work on our hands in the next few weeks, but I am confident that we will see deeper changes in our kids. 

This week also marks 9 MONTHS of being in Poland!!! I left Kansas City, MO on December 23rd, 2014, and it feels like I've been here just a few weeks. It's crazy to think that I've been here for 9 months, and all that has been accomplished. If I could describe what it has been like to be here, I would say pure grace. Grace is not the picture of the cat haning by it's claws, but it is God's favor backing you up. God throws me into situations where I have no experience (i.e., speaking at a women's conference about raising children, helping lead a youth group, speaking at a youth camp), and backs me up all the way. I have no idea how He does it, but I'm always willing to step into whatever He's put before me. It's pure grace for a girl who's a nobody from nowhere. So things are clicking along really good, and are on schedule. Today I spoke at the school of leaders on children's ministry, and am still amazed that I get to do what I'm doing. This is a total dream come true, and I am living the dream. I'm sharing my heart and passion about children's ministry, and stretching peoples' faith concerning children. Who would have thought that this could be possible, but it goes to show that God does hear the cry of hearts. How He delivers the dream, and fullfills it is truly amazing. As always, if He did it for me, He is more than willing to do it for you.  

Church of Glory Warsaw Children's Ministry Video