Youth Arise

God is calling the youth of Poland to make a choice! 

Choose life, choose to serve God alone, and live! 

Choose to step into your destiny, and shake what can be shaken.

A year ago, I would never imagine myself speaking to youth, especially youth from a different country. When I was asked to help with children and youth in Poland, I was really stretched. I've worked with kids since I was a kid, but youth is another story. That hasn't been my strong suit, and I really didn't know how to minister to youth. Youth are kind of in that awkward stage of life, especially if they're in middle school. They have so much coming at them, and can seem hard to reach sometimes. Now don't get me wrong, I have a lot of people that are youth that I love. I've just never stepped out and worked with a youth group before. What was even more funny to me is when I was asked to speak on youth ministry in Warsaw. I've been in youth ministry 0 years! Hahahahahahaha! I must confess, I made an emergency phone call to my good friend Lisa Demeo back in February just for the occasion. God was not going to let me get out of this no matter what, He was the one putting me in the hot spot. I could call Lisa Demeo all I want, but I was going to be the one doing the teaching. I needed to dig this out for myself, and do it. So the end of this tale is, "Never say never." If you told God, "I'll do anything you need me to do," well don't be surprised when the need arises, and you get the call. 

I was really surprised how much I had invested in me concerning youth ministry. I had seen the right way to do a youth ministry, and knew what my pattern was going to be. I had seen Pastor James and Jill Kopang lead youth for years, and got proven results. I saw Lisa Demeo work along side of them, and be a key person in the lives of many youth. I saw Will McCubbins and his team lead youth for a couple of years now, and see the great fruit that is being produced. So, it was just a matter of testing out my ideas, theories, and putting them into practice. So far we in Warsaw have had two successful youth services. It doesn't mean everything went perfect, that is not what I was looking for. As we are building and creating, I need to see what works for this group and what doesn't. These are Polish youth, not American, and what might work in America may not work here in Poland. I need to see Polish youth arise into their destiny, and grab hold of God themselves. I need to see them have an encounter with God that redirects them into who they are called to be. God is calling the youth of Poland to make a choice! Choose life, choose to serve God alone, and live! Choose to step into your destiny, and shake what can be shaken.

In both meetings that we have had, I saw God stretch the youth. I saw youth having a real encounter with God, and watched the Holy Spirit touch hearts. When I was speaking this past Saturday night, I saw tears welling up in their eyes as I spoke. These youth in Poland are hungry for something real, and hungry for something radical. They don't want to play church, and are ready to do things for God. They're very talented, well educated, and need as many opportunities as possible to get more of God. I saw one girl walk into the meeting a little sad, and walled up. She wasn't free to worship, and didn't seem to be enjoying herself. God began to put her on my heart, and at the right moment I felt led to speak to her. God picked her out of the crowd, and begin to melt that heart. He said that she was a leader, and mighty woman of God. She doesn't feel that she is good enough, but God looks on the heart. At the end of the message, there was such a good response for prayer. Even that that girl I was talking about came up for prayer. I was very proud of her, because that was a big step. The next morning I saw her at church, and she didn't look like the same person. She looked freer, and happier. I would say that the Holy Spirit did an awesome job, and the youth did what was right. 

Again,  I would have never imagined that I would have this opportunity to speak to youth in Poland, and was surprised to see what I had in me. I remember what it is like to be a youth, and all the stuff they go through. The youth of today need a new message, and one they can relate to. Not a message that cuts corners, or gives them a watered down version of Christianity. They can handle the truth, and they need opportunities to run after Jesus. As of now, I have one more service with this group in a few weeks, and I'm interested to see what God does in their lives. Please lift up the youth of Warsaw, and the youth in Poland. It's time to see them arise into their destiny, and shake what can be shaken!

*Thank you to Aneta Szuba, Damian and Kaisa Gołoś for your heart for the youth of Poland.

Nobin Samson: Meeting a new face on the front lines

Pastor Nobin Samson speaking at Church of Glory-Ciesyzn

 "Decisions determine destiny.
Your obedience to God is one of your greatest weapons." Nobin Samson





After a very busy week of setting up new children's ministries in Warsaw, I went straight into a conference. Pastor Marcin invited back to Poland, Pastor Nobin Samson from West London, England. He and his wife Kay pastor a church called "New Dawn," and he also travels the world preaching the message of revival. I had heard a lot of good feedback from many people who had heard him speak in November of 2014. I was very excited to see what he had to say, and make his acquaintance. While working in the office on children's ministry projects, we met and became good friends. He had attended bible college in Southern California, and of course we got along swimmingly. He understood my California culture, and my American jokes. Hey, it's not easy being an American girl living in a Polish world sometimes. There are just some jokes people in Europe don't get, it's nothing personal. For those of you who have lived abroad, you know what I'm talking about. So, anyways, it was refreshing to have a laugh, and talk In and Out Burger with Pastor Nobin. Plus, I taught him all the Kansas City slang he needed to know. So friends in Kansas City, this guy is ready for a visit. He's a good friend, and will fit into the World Revival Church family big time. Saturday I got to hear him speak, and instantly knew that this was a 'kingdom guy." Trust me, after listening to Steve Gray and other leaders in revival, you recognize the message of the Kingdom of God. Everything he said was spot on, and it was refreshing to hear someone preach 'that' message. This guy came in with "the broom," and cleaned house. He talked about honoring the pastors, getting God's house in order, the effects of rebellion, and staying under godly authority. You could feel that things were being clicked into place, and put in order. The more he spoke, the more peace came into the services. Many people were deeply touched by the words he spoke.

On Monday I had the privilege of traveling down with him to Ciesyzn, Poland where I had worked for over three months. It was good to be back in Cieszyn, and to see everyone. I got to see how this church not only maintained all that had been poured into it, but they raised the standard even more. They upgraded their hospitality room, added new chairs, everyone was on time, and in position. Ushers and greeters were ready, and the prayer cloth ladies were set. I was so proud of them, and how the whole church moved in the power of all. I had the privilege to sing on the worship team with Pastor Gosia, and ministered a bit during worship. The first night we had a group of about twenty from a city called Tarnów, plus other visitors from the surrounding area. The church was packed out, and there was an expectancy in the room. Pastor Nobin ended up preaching everything that the Ciesyzn group needed to hear, and we were all so amazed at what he was saying! This guy was a God send to what we have been trying to do since I got to Poland. He confirmed a lot of what we had been preaching, and validating the changes we had made. This message was not just for Ciesyzn, it was for the church in Poland! He publicly honored Pastor Slawek in various ways, and spoke very encouragingly to him. Tuesday night Patrycja translated for Pastor Nobin, and she did a fantastic job. Again Pastor Nobin hit that attitude of rebellion against authority, especially the people God has placed over our lives. It was a message that needed to be spoken, and you could feel the conviction in the air. 

I'm so glad that I got to meet a new face on my adventure in God. Again it goes to show that God is raising up new leaders in this generation to carry revival. He is stirring people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's to step out, and be the new face on the front lines. He has people in reserve that haven't bowed their knee to a powerless gospel. This new friend and his wife are establishing in London a house in order, and a house of God's power. They are in the trenches, and are helping people around the world connect with the living God. I'm truly grateful for what he did at Pastor Marcin and Sławek's churches. He brought the message of the Kingdom of God, and promoted God's agenda. That has been a prayer in my heart to meet new faces on the front lines, people who are taking the Kingdom of God seriously. God definitely answered that prayer by sending a new friend in revival! I'm excited to what God does in his and his wife's ministry there in London, and am expecting only the best for their future!

Patrycja Polok translated for Pastor Nobin Tuesdsay evening

Children's Ministries On The Rise

It has been a very successful and productive week! I put together four new children's ministries for Church of Glory-Warsaw, and worked with the best team. We will have a new baby room/nursing mother's room for 0-1 year olds. The toddlers ministry is called, "Explorers," and is for children ages 2-4. On Friday nights we have a group called "Club Adventure." All the pictures I have posted are of this ministry. On Sundays, we will have "Kids in Action," and it will be the Polish version of Firehouse. We wanted a service for children where they could get revival training. We spent all week purchasing supplies for all the ministries, contacting people, running around Warsaw, typing up documentation, using Facebook to send messages, translating like crazy, cleaning, organizing, eating Thai food, staying up to 2am, and had the most fun ever doing all these things.
Tonight my friend Natalia T. was my translator, and she did an awesome job helping me. She was with me all day running around, and decorating our room. We were determined to have everything ready to go before the kids got there. We had a great group of volunteers helping throughout the day, shopping for me, grabbing me Kabab for lunch, and bending over backwards for these kids. When the kids got in the room they were so excited! Everything was brand new, and full of life. We ended the night by singing (in Polish) 'The Cha Cha Song!' The kids loved it, and I felt I was back in Firehouse all over again. I would give this week a 10 out of 10, and say that Club Adventure was a hit!
In Club Adventure, the kids are all going on an adventure with God through the bible. We're starting in Genesis, and working our way to Exodus. We have a map that we're following, and it will take us all the way to the story of Joseph. When the kids have a craft, we made a Passport for them. They yelled with delight  when their passports got stamped. It was such an easy idea, and it made a big impact on these kids. Going over the top for these kids paid off, and I know they can't wait until next Friday.

I have no clue in the world how I was able to get this huge project completed in a week, but I think I just experienced the grace of God first hand. The grace of God is not hanging on by your fingernails, like that ridiculous picture of the cat hanging on a rope with it's claws. It is running as hard as you can for God, and him backing you up with unlimited power. It is his favor opening up the way for you, and providing things beyond your ability. God provided everything I needed, despite the fact that I'm not fluent yet in Polish. When I mean everything, I mean everything! I am blown away at what happened this week, and what happened in the room with the kids. This is only just the beginning, and I'm excited to see the fruit that begins to come forth from these kids.

Special thanks to the Firehouse group at World Revival Church for your prayers!!! They were felt in Warsaw Poland today! You are touching the nations kids! Thanks to Teresa "the adventurer", Teresa "the office mom," Gabby, Natalia T., Maggie "The magnificent of Tarnov," Paweł, Damian, and all the other people volunteered this week. 

Ministry Trip to Lublin, Poland

Greetings from Lublin, Poland!

I just finished up a ministry trip with two friends from the Warsaw church (Church of Glory-Warsaw). My friend Eva and Pastor Ula's husband Peter. Peter was my driver, roadie, back up singer, catcher, and anything else I needed. Eva was my translator, and we flowed together very well. The three of us made an awesome team, and we had a lot of fun together. Let me back up just a little bit though before I share some great things. I met with Pastors Marcin and Ula last week, and we went over some of the ministry opportunities I would be doing. We wasted no time putting me to work, and I have been very busy in the past few days. I observed the children's ministries at Church of Glory-Warsaw, and met with the children's workers on Tuesday evening. I saw some great fruit in what they already have, and they are eager to upgrade to the next level. I shared the principals of having a world class children's ministry with the workers. They were amazed at what I shared, and are looking forward to the changes that will be coming. I meet with the leader of the youth tomorrow, and will be sharing some ideas on getting the youth on fire. In addition to working with children and youth, Pastor Marcin would like me to take trips all over Poland, and do some 'real missionary' work. Now, I've been at World Revival Church for the past 14 years, and the message I have in me is not your average message. It is the message of revival, honor for God, and being an empowered disciple. This is the message for Poland now, and the people are ready for  it. So, Pastor Marcin set up a quick ministry trip for me to go to Lublin, Poland. I had never been there, nor had I ever heard of this city. I would recommend getting your map of Poland out, and looking up the history of this city. It is marvelous, and hosts a population of about 1/2 a million people. Some interesting facts, the first Polish (or non-Italian/from Rome) Pope came from Lublin. That was a big deal, and obviously the city is primarily Catholic. It wasn't destroyed during WW2, so the medieval portion of the city still remains. Finally, an attraction I wasn't aware of, a full-blown concentration camp is right in their backyard.

Israeli Jews on a tour of Majdanek Concentration Camp

Unlike Auschwitz, the Nazis' did not remove the population of the city, and build a camp. No, they built it very close to the heart of the city, so it was in plain sight. When Jews or prisoners were shipped to the camp, they were shipped to the interior of the city. Then they were escorted to the camp. What was happening to the Jews was known by all, and it kept the citizens of this Catholic city in check. This was not only a work camp, but also a death camp. I personally saw the crematorium, with a group of Israeli Jews, who were also visiting the camp. For those of you who were not aware, Poland was full of death and concentration camps. There were many, not just Auschwitz. This camp was huge, and proof that there is a little bit of evil in everyone. Unlike some other camps that were destroyed by the Nazis (ie., Treblinka), this camp remains intact, as if this atrocity happened yesterday. It would be good for people in America to see this place, and let their hearts be aroused for the Jews. This week marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, but we must do more than just remember. When we hear of anti-semitism (especially in Europe) we should be alarmed! We should pray, and push that evil back! These places remind us that this could happen again, and we can put a stop to it!

I was sent with my dynamic duo (Peter and Eva) to a small group connected with Church of Glory. They are not officially a church yet, but are a great group of people. They were hungry, open, and responsive. Over the past two days (Wednesday and Thursday), I spoke on the anointing, and the presence of God. Each night God moved in healing, He set people free, He encouraged people, and demonstrated His power. The first night, I couldn't even continue leading worship, because He impressed me so deep to pray for healing. I knew in advance that God wanted to minister to a woman specifically, but I wasn't sure about what. During a song I was prompted to stop, and ask if there was a woman who needed healing. I felt it was for pain, and one of the women in the room began to cry. She bent her head over, and just cried. I called her up to the piano, and I prayed over her. God totally healed her of the pain, and came upon her in a mighty way. Then I went back to singing some songs, but God was not done. I could feel in my heart that He was not through yet, and there was something else He wanted to do. Quickly, I felt that I was to pray for all the women in the room, for a fresh touch of his presence. There was a woman, she looked to be in her 60's, and I wasn't sure how she would respond. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that she was broken inside, and I began to pray for restoration. The room was dimly lit, but I could see tears on her collarbone. God began to mend and sow this woman up, and restore her before my very eyes. 

The next service we had, I wasn't sure how things were going to go. I felt that I needed to speak on the presence of God, and that's all I had. During worship I trained the people how to open up, and use God's word to worship. I grabbed Psalms 18, and taught them how to grab words to push up towards God. "God you're my Rock, my Savior, You're exalted!" The people (in Polish) began to do this, and God came very strong in the room. Towards the end of worship, the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart to pray for someone's back. There was a woman in the room who was having back pain, and a blockage in her thigh area. I had her face the group, with her back to me. I encouraged the group to 'aim their faith' at her, and assist me in prayer. I began to pray for her back, and I could feel God's healing power touching her. I kept praying for her until I felt a release in my spirit. Then I had her try to see if something had changed. She began to lift her leg, and said it felt better. Her back and thigh were healed!!! She walked around the room, and jumped! It was amazing to see God move with such power! I finished off the evening with talking about the presence of God, and having a right response. To end the night, I began to stretch the people. I had them group up, and cry out to God for more. I said, "I don't want this to come from your head, I want you to be real, and dig deep in your heart." The people did their very best, because they had never really done this before. Before long, people were getting on their knees, tears were running down their faces, and people were opening up to God. They were hungry for more, and were ready to receive. I carefully prayed over each person, and asked God to fill them with his presence. Each person received so well, and went deeper into God's presence. After awhile I felt I wasn't in Poland anymore, it was as if we had been transported to the sanctuary of World Revival Church. The room was filled with God's presence, and his peace. No one talked, and probably for the first time people just sat and enjoyed God.

Coming to Lublin, I lived Dustin Smith's song "Home." "Home, this is home, where heaven screams through your bones." I know that when I'm in the presence of God, I'm home. The people I met in Lublin barely spoke English, but they were so open to the message of revival. As we sat together quietly in God's presence, and I felt I was at home. This was the same presence I had felt on the prayer floor of World Revival Church for 14 years, and now we were all experiencing that same presence together. These people could easily fit in at World Revival Church, and it goes to show that all over the world God has people in reserve. As we cry out for the nations, there are people who are ready for the message of revival. We don't have to speak the same language to experience God's presence. His presence is for everyone in every nation, and Poland is ready for a real move of the Holy Spirit. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to minister to these people, and for what God did in their lives. He backed me up tremendously, and moved powerfully.

#PolandArise

 

Warsaw! The Next Leg of the Journey

Palace of Culture. Warsaw, Poland.

I made it safely to Warsaw this week, and am getting settled in. I got a transportation card yesterday, and that means I can ride all the Warsaw modes of transit for a month. This includes the streetcars, trams, trains, and buses. It's an adjustment for me as an American to get used to not having a car, but this is the European life. Everyone uses public transportation, and walks. Warsaw has great public transportation, and it is very safe!  I love riding the streetcars in Warsaw, and getting used to my new surroundings. If you like the big the city, you'll love Warsaw. It has just about everything, and is very clean. In a way it sort of reminds me of Paris, and before the war was considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Today it rises from the rubble and ash of the past conflicts, a mighty and strong city.

This past Sunday I celebrated my first Polish Easter, and it was great! I spent it with Patrycja's family, and ate amazing food. We finished off the feast with a lot of chocolate, and talked into the afternoon. It actually felt more like Christmas, because it snowed throughout the day. My joke was that I wanted to go outside and build a snow bunny. Our last service together at Church of Glory-Ciesyzn was incredible, and God moved very powerfully. We did Dustin Smith's song, "He's Alive," in Polish, and it was a hit. It was the perfect song for the morning, and another tool for their worship team. I'm so grateful for the people in Ciesyzn, and miss them already.

I had some great opportunities to meet with Pastors Ula and Marcin. They are an amazing couple, and have done everything possible to make my stay in Warsaw a comfortable one. I'm staying in a very nice home, in the outskirts of the main city. There's a bus station not too far away from the house, and I'll be using it quite a bit to get to the church. I'm so excited at the things I get to do at the Church of Glory-Warsaw church. After meeting with Pastor Marcin I found out that I'll have lots to do. I'll be working with children and youth, the worship team, and doing some ministry trips. I'll also be speaking at the school of ministry, and am waiting for more details concerning this. Twice a month the youth will have a meeting, and I'll get the opportunity to minister in those meetings. Plus, anything else the church has need of, I'll be available.

I believe this next leg of the journey is going to bring about some personal growth for me, as well as some changes. I'm eager to learn from these pioneers, and glean what I can. The best people who know how to reach Poles...are Poles. They know the context of their culture, and the keys to open hearts. I need every 'key' and every bit of favor I can get my hands on. This is for the sake of the Kingdom of God, and for the sake of these people. I believe that God wants to bring them a much needed upgrade, and put some pieces in place for them. They are very loyal to Steve and Kathy, and World Revival Church. They share stories with deep affection, and are so appreciative that someone from that church is here. They are very much like World Revival Church, because they are a Kingdom of God church. Different culture, different location, but same attitude.

Thank you again to those of you who pray for this God adventure, and for the people of Poland. I want to encourage those of you who read this blog, but don't receive my monthly prayer email to sign up for it. I never ask for anything financial, and have lots of good testimonies concerning answered prayer. Each month I send prayer requests that are specific, and things that the people in Poland actually need. Prayer has been the tool that has opened the heavens, broke through the opposition, and brought lasting change in the lives of Polish people. Please consider signing up, and being a part of what God is doing here, and join with me on this God adventure. Again, many thanks for the prayers and answers we have received. The church in Ciesyzn is not the same, and God shows up in powerful ways. Please continue to lift them up, and lift up the leadership.

Also, if anyone has any testimonies of something you prayed for, and it was reported in the newsletter, please let me know! I would love to not only share that with my friends here, but in the blogs. I love answered prayer, and sharing testimonies of the good things God is doing!

D&T (Update On The New Children's Ministry)

Working with Patrycja's sister on the expectations poster

It has been a great week, and I've gotten a lot done in a little bit of time. I spent this week training my friend 'Sgt. Iza' to lead the new kids ministry "D&T" or kids in training. We bought new supplies for the children's ministry, and put a lot of time into planning the layout of the service. I wrote several marches that declare who God says the kids are, and even had one from the I&T ministry (at WRC) translated into Polish.  We went with a military theme, and everything is about raising these kids up to be soldiers for God. The teachers are sergeants, and the kids are the soldiers. They have mission marches, and it gives them a chance to move around. Plus, they’re declaring God’s Word over their lives. We have an action phrase, and it is the phrase of the night that points them to their mission. For example, their action phrase tonight was, “be strong in the LORD, and in His mighty power.” Every time they hear “action phrase,” they’re to stand up, and say the phrase! They had a short teaching from the Word of God, and they learned about the armor of God. Part of the training they receive is in prayer. They will have weekly prayer targets that go along with the theme of the night. Tonight they prayed about each piece of the armor of God, and it was powerful. To end the night, they are being trained in worship. We're training these kids how to have faith, believe, and pray with authority. If COG-Cieszyn sticks with D&T and Light Kids, they will have powerful generations in God.

For our first service, D&T turned out to be a great success. All that hard work over the past few weeks paid off, and the kids did amazing! The kids came into D&T and were ready for some action! We went over what we expect, did the marches, checked their energy for God, taught about the armor of God, and they learned how to pray together as a group. Plus, you could sense God's presence in the room! These kids had so much fun praying and declaring; the room was just filled with joy. On a personal note, it felt so good to be back in a children's ministry, and it was incredible to see how quickly these kids grabbed hold of what we taught them. These are not the same kids that I met back in August, and I can tell that they have been getting great teaching in Light Kids. My hat goes off to Patrycja and our friend Natalia T. Those two ladies have done a fantastic job ministering to the children, and you can see the fruit. Patrycja and her team of children's workers are making a huge difference in the lives the children, and years from now we shall see generations of Poles moving in the Power of God. 

Ok, Ok, why am I going on and on about this kids ministry? As I'm getting to know more about the charismatic move in Poland, I see there is a huge need for ministries like this. First of all, most of Poland is Catholic, and a small percentage is Protestant. An even smaller number are the Pentecostals, and Charismatics. Many people who find the real Jesus, want to leave their Polish-Catholic background, face persecution. To a Polish-Catholic, a person who leaves Catholicism to attend a church that is going after God, that person is joining a 'sect.' A lot of the people I meet in charismatic churches in Poland are first generation or second generation Christians. They have not had the freedom or resources that many places in the world have had. People like Pastor Marcin, Pastor Ula, and Pastor Janusz are trailblazers in this country. A lot of people that are attending bible believing, spirit-filled churches in Poland are pioneers, and went through difficult times in their families to achieve what they have now. So to have a ministry like D&T, a ministry that trains and equips children in the power of God is ground breaking. 

 This is my last week at COG-Ciesyzn, and then I'll be heading up to Warsaw next week. It is so incredible to see what God has done, and the change that is occurring in peoples lives. I am so grateful to those who have taken care of me, and looked after me while I was here. I'm thankful for my Pastors in Kansas City, MO for sending me, and for my WRC family that supports me. I am thankful for Maria and Becky who watch over my home, and for those who faithfully pray for this endeavor. As I head up to Warsaw, hope explodes in my heart; a confident expectation of something good. God has done a good work in the people of Cieszyn, and I know he has even greater things in store for those in Warsaw.

****Special thanks to Pastors Slawek i Gosia, Patrycja, and Iza M.)****

Polish Life...Gotta Love It!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Easter
March 23rd marked my third month being in Poland!!! That's right, I flew on December 23rd, 2014 just in time for my first Polish Christmas. Now I'm just a couple weeks away from my first Polish Easter. I'm getting really excited because the Poles are traditionally awesome when it comes to celebrating Easter. Poland is mostly a Catholic nation, old school European Catholic mind you. So Easter is a pretty big deal, and you know that there is going to be some awesome food involved as well. As I'm investigating how the Poles celebrate Easter, I'm coming across some interesting traditions.  

1. Lamb cake. Now not every Polish person does this, but it is pretty popular. Yes, a 3D cake made in the shape of a lamb. It beats American Easter cakes with a big Polish stick. Cake boss step aside, it's time for lamb cake. So, I'm pretty excited to have my first lamb cake, and hopefully I'll get some footage of this Polish tradition to share with the folks back home. Why is this cake in the shape of lamb you might ask? Easy, Jesus was the 'Lamb of God,' so there you go...lamb cake. Mary had a little lamb...oh yeah! Hahahahhaa.

Lamb Cake

2. The day after Easter is also a holiday, and everyone has the day off. Not bad, not bad. Wait there's more, it has been reported that the Poles like to throw water on people, random people for no reason on this day. Per Pastor Ula (the dark haired Ula) one day she was wearing an expensive brand new coat, and some random person got her with water on this day. Boys usually do this to girls they like, and teens rampage random strangers. It has nothing to do with Easter, and no one really knows why people do it. It happens all over the country, and Poles have been doing it for centuries. So I have two options...a) barricade myself with water guns in my room, b) carry water guns with me everywhere I go on the day after Easter. Come on, I'm an American, ain't no one got time for this. I'm kinda hoping for an American-Polish version of this holiday (pending on good weather), and start a new tradition of capture the flag with water guns. To me that is logical as to why people should be wet on the day after Easter. If you're going to get wet, you might as well have water guns! Tak? 3. The legendary Polish food (besides the lamb cake) is supposed to be spectacular, and prepared just for Easter. This includes Easter eggs, chocolate, hams, salads, and all kinds of goodies.I hope to have a spectacular Easter version of the Poland Arise blog, so keep your eyes peeled for that issue. I'm interested to see what they do the same, and what they do different as far as Easter traditions are concerned. Either way, this American girl is going to be having a good time no matter what!

Living in A Polish World
I have really enjoyed living in Poland, and am loving Polish culture. I recommend visiting Poland, because this country is surprisingly gorgeous. I especially like watching Polish TV (whenever we get a chance to actually do this...which is rare), because their TV shows are hilarious. Now, I am not fluent in Polish yet, but I'm picking up words all the time. So I can understand what is happening by inferring, and catching vocabulary that I know. If Patrycja is with me, then she translates here and there for me. So, it's pretty interesting, and not bad quality. First of all, there is a Polish Catholic priest in almost every show. TV shows are called 'serials,' and they have no commercials in between the show. Instead, they have a long set of commercials or 'reklama' in between new shows. Also, the Catholic priests are viewed a lot differently than American priests or pastors. These priest are saving the day, solving crimes, in people business, and are looked up to. If issues are going to be settled, it's happening during mass! That's very different from the weak and wimpy pastors we see on American TV. Also, on a side note, I saw my first Polish Catholic priest on my way to church last week; I was pretty excited! I see nuns all the time, but it was cool to see the priest especially after watching Polish TV. Not only is watching Polish TV exciting, but going shopping and forgetting that I'm not fluent in Polish is also interesting. I love it when I get thank you and good day mixed up at the cash register. Nothing screams I'm an American like when I have hamburger buns, hamburger patties, and french fries in my collection of groceries. Then I act like I know what the lady is saying at the register, and put my Polish ATM card in the the machine the wrong way. I just look at the lady and say in Polish, "I'm from America."

Priest from the Serial "Ranczo"

Another hilarious moment for me is when I saw this tea commercial the other day. You see in Poland, drinking tea is a big deal. Don't be surprised when you come to Poland and you are asked multiple times if you would like tea. They really like to drink tea, and so do I! Ok, so I was watching this commercial, and it was a 'guy commercial' for tea. It was like watching an advertisement for shaving cream or something manly, except it was for tea. Yes, you will be the most manly of Polish men or European men if you drink TET tea. Ladies, you cannot handle the manliness of this tea, that is why it is tea for men. So go drink some fru fru tea, and let the men drink TET. I laughed so hard, because I had never (in all my life) seen such a manly tea commercial; I loved it! I tried to find it on You Tube, but I couldn't. If I happen to catch it sometime, I'll take a video so you can see what I'm talking about. Polish life, gotta love it. In addition to the manly tea commercial, they have commercials for kielbasa, and they have actors dressed in traditional Polish outfits. I'm in Polish heaven! To the Poles this is normal, no big deal. To the American girl living in a Polish world, I'm eating it up.

Transition Time
I head up to Warsaw on April 7th, and will be 'stationed' there for two months working with Pastor Marcin's group. I'll be living with a great lady named Ala, and she will be my host while I'm in Warsaw. I'm really looking forward to going to Warsaw, and know that this experience will be life changing. There are great people at Pastor Marcin's church, and they are very hungry for God. I feel that yes, I'll be a 'blessing' to them, but I'm looking forward to gleaning what I can from them. Pastor Marcin and Pastor Janusz are pioneers in the realm of Polish charismatic churches, and they have a very powerful church. I'm expecting God to bring them a great harvest, and increase this year. I'm so grateful to be a part of anything they are doing.

It is definitely hard to leave Cieszyn, because these people have become like family to me. We work hard around the clock to make changes, and have gone through a lot together. They have had willing attitudes, and have taken such good care of me. Their church is not the same, and the people have definitely changed. We have established lots of new ministries, upgraded and strengthened the ministries that we already there, established the corporate power of all, and had some amazing times in God's presences. The people worship different, they pray different, and the respond different. This was a great church to invest the principals I have learned at World Revival Church. Their church feels safer, peaceful, strengthened, and unified.

So in the last few days I'm here, I'll be training a new usher, prayer cloth ladies, and starting the brand new kids ministry. I trained my friend Iza last night in the revival children ministry principals, and feel that she is the right person to lead the kids on Thursday nights. We'll be in the room together working with the kids next week, and then she is on her own. So there is still lots to do, and....oh yeah, I have to start packing!!! I couldn't be happier, and grateful to be a missionary in Poland. I thank God all the time for this opportunity to be here, and am grateful for how God faithfully backs me up each week. Polish life is a good life, Polish life with God is a great life!