God on earth

Two millennia ago our world experienced a dramatic collision of seismic proportion. Heaven met earth; eternity met time and space; the Creator became the created; God became man. In a humble stable, the Lord of the cosmos invaded our planet. The “radiance of God’s glory and the exact image of His character” was born by woman and laid in a trough. Son of God now Son of man. The fullness of God wrapped in swaddling cloths.

For centuries, the prophets had foretold his arrival and for as long the people had waited. Born to be a King, heir of David’s throne, his coming brought freedom for the captives, hope for the hopeless, and the promise of a kingdom without end. The impact of the incarnation cannot be measured. No man has moved feeling or influenced thought like this God/Man – Jesus. And when he returns, the full impact of God on earth will be realized.

During this holiday season, we pray that the “radiance of God’s glory” will fill your hearts with joy. May the wonderful reality of “Immanuel - God with us” impact you like never before. Thank you SO much for your ongoing prayers and support on behalf of GMM-Impact Europe. Please pray that the good news of our blessed Messiah will continue to impact the hearts of men, women, and children throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

From our family to yours ... Merry Christmas!!!

ENGAGED!!

Dave and I are SO happy to announce that our son, Josiah, is engaged to Jorjette Heid!! From the early days of Josiah's life, we have prayed that God would provide a godly wife to love and encourage him ... and God has answered our prayers. Jorjette is a beautiful young woman with a servant's heart. Graduates of Taylor University, they both are currently in leadership positions on campus while Josiah finishes the "MAHE" program (master of higher education). They will be married in May of 2011!! WOO-HOO!! God is good.

Happy Hanukkah

As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded not only of the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world, but also of another festival of lights -- Hanukkah (“Chanukah”). Although Hanukkah is often mistakenly viewed as a “Christmas alternative for Jewish people,” it is a holiday of much deeper significance.

Travel in your mind to Jerusalem, 160-some years before the birth of Jesus. Antiochus IV, a Greco-Syrian king, has invaded the land, looted the Temple, massacred Jews, and forbidden worship of the God of Israel. He even goes so far as to erect an altar to Zeus in the Temple, itself! Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons (including Judah, the Maccabee), rise up and lead a rebellion against Antiochus. After three years of fighting, Judah and a handful of men and their followers successfully defeat the armies of Antiochus, liberate the Temple, and rededicate it to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (164 B.C.). It is an amazing testimony of God’s mighty hand at work to protect His people and to preserve the honor of His Name. This defining moment in Israel’s history is remembered during the “Feast of Dedication” (“Chanukah” means “dedication”) -- and has been celebrated ever since on the 25th day of the month of Kislev (see John 10:22-23 -- the feast during the time of Jesus).

According to Jewish tradition, when the Temple was rededicated and the lights of the lampstand were to be rekindled, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to last for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days and the light filled the Temple. Accordingly, candles are lit each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. It is a special time to remember the faithfulness and holiness of our God and that His light endures and triumphs over the darkness of evil. It is a reminder for each of us, as “temples” of the most high God, to get rid of any “idols” in our hearts and to re-dedicate ourselves to purity and holiness before God.

So, to all of you, our dear friends and family ... Happy Hanukkah! May the Light of the world, Jesus the Messiah, shine His face upon you and fill your hearts with peace. May His light shine forth into all the nations of the earth, dispelling darkness and establishing His glorious kingdom!

WOW

WOW! In just a few short weeks Dave and I have had the opportunity to connect with many new friends throughout the Midwest. Taylor University (Upland, IN) hosted their annual WOW event (World Opportunities Week), so it was a great time, hanging out in the dining commons, meeting students (possible interns?), reuniting with last semester's Poland team, speaking in class, etc. It was SO encouraging to converse with students who are passionate for the things of God and eager to engage the global community. We're currently making all the necessary arrangements for another Taylor team to join us in Poland in March 2011. Nie możemy się doczekać! (We can't wait! :))

As bookends to the Taylor week, we visited two of our supporting churches -- Post Road Christian Church in Indianapolis, and Rockville Christian Church in Rockville, Indiana. Post Road hosted a "GPS" Sunday ("Global Partners Sunday"), complete with a flag processional, silent auction, and yummy international foods. It was wonderful to interact with many other missionaries supported by this church. Rockville has sent teams to Poland the last few summers and they continue to give sacrificially to further the kingdom work in Central Europe. Dave's parents serve at this church, so it's always an extra treat to be with them!

The National Missionary Convention in Lexington, KY, was a significant event for all of us linked to Poland. Impact Canada/Impact Europe made its grand debut and a constant stream of visitors stopped by our booth to discuss ministry opportunities. It was great to have time to interact with other missionaries from both Poland and Israel with whom we partner. Joining 1,000's of committed missionaries in worship and prayer in Rupp Arena was a special highlight. God strengthened us in our inner man and gave us renewed vision for the days ahead.

We thank God for every church, group, and individual who have expressed interest in the work God is doing in Central Europe. We are convinced that God is building His "spiritual house" and we look forward to how He will put everything in place. May each of us be willing and obedient, ready to serve whenever and wherever He leads. Chała Bogu!! (Praise to God!)

Big Sky Country

Hey! This is Dave. I just returned from an awesome trip in the Northwest. How would I describe it? Breathtaking!! Majestic!! Panoramic!! Mega-scenic!! I was blown away by Flathead Lake, the City of Eagles, Mount Hood, the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River, Puget Sound, Klamath Falls AND the Beavers (#1) and the Broncos (#2) home towns of Eugene, OREGON and BOISE, Idaho, AND a herd of bighorn sheep (35-40 of them) in the middle of the highway! We serve an awesome and creative God
who does not hold back any of His goodness and grace from those who walk with Him.

During my 32-day journey, I was privileged to share a GMM powerpoint
presentation with 22 different audiences and to speak with 9 other smaller groups about our mission in Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks goes to the Northwest School of Missions who set up the majority of these opportunities. From Seattle to Montana to Idaho to Oregon to California and back to Washington, I traveled just under 4,000 miles. While the rivers and mountains spoke volumes of God's goodness, it was the
churches and the families who hosted me that I will long remember. Ninety-six individuals signed up to receive our monthly prayer email and fifty-eight will now be receiving our bimonthly newsletter. God's goodness and kindness were expressed through them as they opened up their homes and their hearts to me as I traveled through the Big Sky country.

I pray that all of God's purposes were completed as He allowed me to enjoy Him, His creation, and His people in the Northwest. Click here for pics of my journey:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082111&id=1009001672&l=fe6d20d838

Road Trip

I love road trips! :) Recently, while Dave was still out in the Northwest, I took off for Illinois and Missouri. I represented our mission work at College Park Christian Church in Bloomington/Normal and also at the internship fair at LCU (Lincoln Christian Univ.). I was thankful to have some time with my mom ... and then I drove to Kansas City to spend a week with Kezia, our daughter. Kezia's work with Exodus Cry (see link) is intense, but I see that God has her just where He wants her. I was blessed to pray with her staff and become more aware of the call God has on that ministry. And then there was the prophetic ministry I received one afternoon in the prayer room at IHOP (International House of Prayer). I am amazed by the working of the Holy Spirit as He speaks specifically into our lives, giving encouragement and direction. God is on the move and He is looking for faithful servants who are willing to give Him their wholehearted adoration and commitment. He goes before us to prepare the way and will be faithful to establish His kingdom on the earth.

Rest in the Whirlwind

You'd think after being overseas for several months and then returning home, we'd have lots of time for kickin' back and catching our breath. Actually, we often hear the question, "So now that you're back in the States, what do you do?" -- a legitimate question, I guess. But wow! The minute we arrived home we jumped right into the "Stateside pastoral ministry mode" that has always been our life. We've performed weddings, spoken at women's meetings, led Monday night Bible study group, made counseling calls, conducted an outdoor baptism service, and on and on. Of course, there's also the day-to-day correspondence with our partners and friends in Central/Eastern Europe, Israel, Canada, Ireland, etc., plus all the details that go along with mission presentations, coordinating university short-term trips and internships, and making preparations for "the next things" overseas.

Yet in the midst of our non-stop lifestyle, God has ordained rest in the whirlwind. His "appointed times" offer refreshment and spiritual renewal. We celebrated the Feast of Trumpets and were reminded to "wake up!" and seek the God of Abraham. During the Days of Awe we sought His face and asked for cleansing of any unrighteousness in the deep places of our hearts. On Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) we honored God in His holiness and rejoiced in the salvation that is ours through our High Priest who entered the holy place once and for all through His blood. And during the Feast of Tabernacles we built a "sukkah" (3-sided hut - see photo) on our patio and rejoiced that God dwells with us and that His Son, Yeshua, will come again and bring peace on earth. Hallelujah!!

Life is full. Life is hard.
God is complete. God is good.
He is our refuge and rest.

Summer 2010

Summer 2010 in Poland was a great experience!

The Russian children's camp is always an amazing time, and this year was no exception. 21 children stepped forward to say "Yes!" to Yeshua. We are thankful. And for the first time at Ostróda Camp, we hosted teens from Israel! It was quite an international event - 50 from Israel; 4 from St. Petersburg, Russia, 12 from Ireland; 3 from Germany; 2 from Ukraine; 4 from the States; and 2 from Poland. How we praise God for making it possible for Jews and Gentiles to gather together in His name in Poland! We also "enjoyed" scraping, painting, and working alongside our wonderful summer interns from Ukraine as we finished several work projects at the camp. Later in July we had the opportunity to join our musician friends in the mountains of SW Poland for a time of seeking God and glorifying Him through concerts. Throughout the summer, we were able to preach, testify, and worship in several local churches. We thank God for His provision and guidance. May the seeds of the Gospel that were sown bear much fruit in the days ahead.

Now we are home for a season. This week we moved Kenan into Grand Valley State University near Grand Rapids, MI, so we are officially "empty nesters." Although it feels strange to be back in the States and even stranger to be in an empty house, these days at home in Brighton are very important for us. It is a time of refining our vision, refueling on God's Word, and being refreshed in His presence. We have found that it is only in seeing God that our spirits are renewed.

The world is changing at an ever-increasing speed and now more than ever we must hear the voice of God and be quick to obey. So as we assemble powerpoint presentations, write DVD scripts, study and prepare teachings, email, skype, and blog, our greatest desire is that we stay in step with the Spirit. O God, we long to join You in Your work so that Your kingdom may be established in the hearts of men and women!

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. May the Lord bless you, keep you, shine His face on you, be gracious to you, and give you "shalom."

Strong Tower

On February 17 I flew to Warsaw and spent 7 weeks in Poland. Every single day was filled with significant activity and encounters! I studied 4 weeks in Warsaw at a Polish language school (10 students in my group from 9 different countries!); taught at our Christian School of Music (CSM) on two separate weekends; visited my translator, Ola, in Poznan; spoke at churches, met with leaders, etc.; had countless 'divine appointments' with people on trains, buses, trams, and on the streets; and simply "lived" in Poland. Dave joined me at the end of March and together we hosted a team of 19 from Taylor University (Upland, IN) during their spring break. We worked at an English school in Kraków, served at an orphanage, did some work projects at Ostróda Camp, and performed music/drama at various churches. It was an amazing time!

Now it's April and I've been home almost 3 weeks. Dave is still in Poland -- he's been working at Ostróda Camp (lots of grunt work ... you know, pouring concrete, sawing block, taking down trees -- what a man!!) -- plus he's been preaching, teaching, and developing relationships with the believers in the NE regions of Poland. He comes home on May 3 and it will be good to be together again.

As all the world is well-aware, Poland has recently suffered an immense loss. On April 10, 2010, as a large delegation of Poland's official leadership traveled to Smolensk, Russia, to honor those who were murdered at Katyn, their plane crashed and all were killed. Poland's President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, and 94 other of Poland's elite perished. A week of mourning ensued. Many remain in a state of shock and unbelief. We must pray that God will protect this country and provide stable leadership in the coming days. May He bring comfort and hope to these people who have suffered so much. May the name of Jesus be a strong tower for those who mourn. May His name be exalted above all others and may the people of Poland find their hope in Him!

Dream for Poland

An army of worshipers, strong in prayer, trained and equipped with the word of God, mighty in the Spirit’s power, washed clean and pure, dressed in the armor of God, ready for battle, marching to love‘s cadence, committed to their King, longing for His kingdom on earth, watching for His return, and hanging on His every word. This army stretches the length and width of Poland, overflowing the borders, and reproducing itself in neighboring lands. Justice, mercy, and humility characterize its ranks and blessing follows in its path. Hearts ablaze for their Servant-King, they stand strong; faithful in adversity, patient in trial, loyal in love. Heads lifted high, hearts sealed by love, their eyes are fixed on the One emblazoned on the banner before them: the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God.

O God, would you raise up such an army??

Sneak Preview

It's official. Expedia confirms that Sandra S. Hatfield will depart Detroit Metro Airport on Feb. 17, 2010, en route to Warsaw, Poland.

Yes, we're headed back to Poland. I'll be in Poland for seven weeks (Feb. 17 - Apr. 7). As originally planned, I will serve at two weekend sessions of our Christian School of Music (CSM) plus visit several churches/groups/individuals with whom we minister in Poland. And then just this week an unexpected opportunity became available and now I've been accepted into a 4-week intensive Polish language course in Warsaw (Mar. 1 - 24)! I will attend classes Mon.-Fri. mornings and then be free on weekends for travel. I't's a full schedule and I'll be a busy girl ... just the way I like it! :)

Dave will join me on March 25, a few days before a 20-member team from Taylor University (Indiana) will arrive in Poland. Dave and I will host these students as we assist at an English language school, an orphanage, and our ministry center in Ostroda. Various work projects are scheduled for April, so Dave will stay to help coordinate these efforts. He will also visit several churches and attend two CSM sessions. Dave will return to Michigan the first week of May.

So, that's a sneak preview of what's to come. Thank you for all the prayers as we finalize plans and arrange the details. The task before us can be overwhelming, but we are reminded that it is "...His energy which so powerfully works in us" (Col. 1:29) It is God who has called us and it is God who will do it. Blessed be His name!

Who wudda thunk?

One of the delights of ministry overseas is developing lasting relationships with people from all over the world. Sasha is one such friend. Both in Ukraine and Poland, Sasha has been one of our treasured translators. Her faithful service and godly testimony have been such an inspiration to all of us.

And guess what? Sasha is now in the States, serving as a nanny for a family in western Michigan! She will be here for at least a year and is adjusting to life in this big country. She had a free weekend, so we brought her to our home in Brighton. How fun is that?? We introduced her to the Polish market in Troy, a multi-ethnic congregation in Detroit, "Sonic" America's Drive-In, the historic Brighton millpond, and more.

As we sat with Sasha in our living room, studying the Word together and thanking God for His saving grace, it struck us once again how gracious is our God. He brings dear people into our lives and then makes arrangements for us to spend time together. It doesn't seem to matter to Him that they live half-way across the world.

Sasha in our house!! Who wudda thunk??

Eyes Fixed

Is it just me, or does life seem to be whizzing by at ever-increasing speed? With each passing day the headlines reveal a changing world that seems to be reeling out-of-control.

It's in times like these that Scripture takes on new meaning ...
Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength .... therefore we will not fear ... Be still and know that I am God ... I will be exalted among the nations ... the Lord Almighty is with us ... the God of Jacob is our fortress"

As we enter this new year of 2010, may we fix our eyes on the Faithful One who goes before us. He reigns over the nations. He is seated on his holy throne. His kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting. O God, we look to you with hope and in anticipation of all You will accomplish this year. May Your name be proclaimed to the ends of the earth!