Accelerating

Dear Ones who faithfully pray for us,

As you know, last week we traveled to Toronto to meet with both GMM (Global Missionary Ministries) and Impact Canada. It was a very productive time. Tuesday evening we shared dinner with George and Vera Bajenski and talked about the plans for the summer. George informed us that there are 10 churches here in the States interested in sending groups and/or individuals to East/Central Europe this summer. Obviously, it will require the coordination of many details, and hopefully we can assist in this. It is exciting to realize the work is beginning to become a reality.

On Wednesday we spent 7 hours in a meeting discussing the possible merger of GMM and Impact Canada. A professional "facilitator" charted the course for us as we candidly explored the various options. It was beneficial to get everything out on the table and look at the pros and cons of a merger. The results of this meeting are being sent to the Board members of each organization, and the matter will be decided officially February 17 when the Board meets. Impact Canada is a church-planting organization that has seen significant success over the past few years. Merging the two organizations together will increase resources and provide for more focused ministry in East Central Europe. Please pray for God's direction in this matter.

(By the way, while in Toronto, my neck "went out" badly, so we are reminded that we need prayer for continued good health. I am doing much better now and am thankful for all of you who were praying for us.)

So ... what's going on right now?? We continue to meet each weekend at our "partnership gatherings," which have been a great encouragement to us. We have two more scheduled the next two Saturday evenings. Our "Covenant Roots" class began this past Monday evening and it was a wonderful time of worship, teaching, and fellowship.

Please pray for us as we make plans for the summer and begin the scheduling process. We so want to be in the center of God's will in all this ... and are asking Him to design our summer schedule according to His plan. Please pray specifically for the following matters:

1. Dave is currently contacting churches (e.g., California) to line up opportunities to share our work. Please pray for significant appointments.
2. We travel to Champaign, Illinois, February 10-11, to speak to 3 groups at the First Christian Church.
3. The GMM Board meeting is February 16-17 in Toronto. It is at this meeting that our position as staff members with GMM will officially be decided. The merger with Impact Canada will also be discussed.
4. I have been invited to join Kazik Barczuk (the Jewish director of the camp ministry) and Zbigniew Chojnacki (the Ostroda camp director) as they travel to Kaliningrad, Russia, on February 20-21. We will meet with the Jewish rabbi and others of the Jewish community to discuss the possibility of bringing 50 Jewish children to Ostroda, Poland, for camp in June. It is a very important meeting and I have been praying for more than a year that these orthodox children would be allowed to attend our camp. I will fly to Poland and then we will take a bus into Russia. While in Poland, I will also have the opportunity to attend a large Missio Musica concert (our friends who are professional, Christian musicians ...with whom I have traveled on tour several times). I will have opportunity to meet with the leaders of
Missio Musica to discuss summer plans. They have asked me to teach on worship at their music camp in August. In order to make this trip, I must first secure a visa to Russia. There are many details involved, and I am currently trying to work through this process. Obviously, there is not much time to prepare, so please pray that the details will come together smoothly.

As you can see, everything is ACCELERATING at a fast speed. There's much to be done and each day presents a new opportunity. We are SO grateful for God's daily care and guidance.

We love you all ... and thank you, as always, for your prayers and support.

Love,
...Sandy (and Dave)