Master Restorer

This past weekend David and I were in Ohio, speaking at churches about the work God is doing in Poland. We stayed overnight with a couple whom we were meeting for the first time. As we began talking, the husband told us that he restores old cars. He then invited us downstairs to the show room where we stood in awe of several beautiful automobiles - a 1974 Mercedes, a 1966 Chrysler 300, a 1988 BMW, a 1934 Plymouth "mafia" car, and many more. He does all the body work, painting, and restoration. He then led us into the shop where a few old cars were waiting to be restored. One car was in such poor condition, covered with rust and falling apart. He told us that one day this car will be one of those beautiful, shiny cars out in the show room. I was amazed! I couldn't imagine that car being anywhere but in a junk pile! I asked him if there is ever a car that is "beyond repair." To my surprise, he smiled and shook his head, "No." He said he has taken cars half-buried in the ground and covered with rust and has completely restored them to their original beauty. Through hours of tedious work and loving care, he basically re-builds the car. I saw the twinkle in his eye and realized that it's his life's passion.

As I stood looking at that old car, my heart was deeply touched by the mercy of God. He is the Master Restorer. He is the One who takes us when we are "beyond hope" and creates in us something beautiful. There is no life that is "beyond repair." With a twinkle in His eye, He heals the deepest wound, softens the hardest heart, cleanses the worst of sinners, and renews us from the inside out. It's His life's passion.

How I thank you, God, for your mercy! Restore our lives and the lives of our friends and family. As we yield ourselves to You, re-create us in Your image and we will give you all the glory!

So Thankful

What a treat to have all our family home for Thanksgiving! With Kezia driving 12 hours from Kansas City, Josiah and Jorjette coming up from Indiana, and Kenan on break from Grand Valley State University, this was one of our first years to stay in Michigan for the holiday. We spent three full days together ... laughing, chillin', playing Wii, tossing a football, watching a private "Nefarious" screening, and simply catching up on each others' lives. On Thanksgiving Day, we savored the turkey and all the trimmings, but the most satisfying part of the meal was the time of "giving thanks." We took turns sharing those things for which we are most thankful and it was good to hear each other's hearts. It isn't often that all six of us can be together, so we cherish these moments. We are so thankful to God for His kindness, faithfulness, and provision to us as a family.

My Favorite Feast

Autumn is my favorite season. I simply love the splashes of yellow and orange against an azure sky. I love picking apples and baking pies and drinking cider. I even enjoy the crisp weather and switching over to cozy sweaters and warm socks. Yet amongst all these delights, what tops the list are the fall holidays of the Lord. There are three: the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These fall festivals provide a cycle of repentance, re-commitment, and rejoicing that I look forward to every year. This year we celebrated the Feast of Trumpets with our friends in Kansas City – hearing the ram’s horn cry out, “Wake up! Repent! Seek God! Be alert, for the King is coming!” And then 10 days later we celebrated a day of fasting and prayer – sitting on my mom’s deck, thanking God that the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, has made atonement for my sin and I am now welcome to enter the very throne room of God. Our names are written in the Book of Life! Amazing! And now we’re back in Michigan, just in time for my favorite feast – Sukkot. Dave helped me erect our little “tabernacle” on our back patio and for the last few days we have enjoyed sitting under the sukkah and meeting with God. Yes, it’s just PVC pipe with sheets attached for walls and pine branches draped across as a roof – but somehow, as we dedicate this temporary structure to God and ask Him to come, He does. Actually, He’s the one who set the date, so He has been waiting to meet with us. We eat, pray, read, sing, rejoice, gaze on the moon and stars, and contemplate the reality of God’s presence. The Ancient of Days has been faithful to dwell among His people throughout the ages – and now He dwells within us through His Spirit. Jewish people throughout the world are celebrating this festival under their “sukkot;” it’s a time of joy and thanksgiving. Dave and I pray that just as Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, Jesus will reveal Himself to his brothers during this special holiday. We long for the day when both Jew and Gentile will honor Him as the Messiah and all nations will go up to Jerusalem (Zech. 14:16-19) to celebrate my favorite feast.

Midwest Tour

Dave and I just returned from what we fondly call our “Midwest Tour” (Sept. 25 – Oct. 9). After soaking up as much wisdom and advice as possible during our first night at Dave’s parents in Indiana, we made our way to Kansas City to see Kezia. Kezia lives across the street from the International House of Prayer (IHOP) where prayer and worship have continued non-stop (24/7) for more than a decade. It was refreshing to have time to be in the prayer room, joining with 100’s of others in worship and intercession before God. We met for prayer with the staff at Exodus Cry where she works (anti-human trafficking organization), connected with team members who came to Poland this past summer, saw the screening of EC’s documentary “Nefarious,” and experienced significant times of prayer and prophecy.
During the next week we gave updates on our work with Impact Europe to five churches (mission teams) (Mt. Sterling, Taylorville, Bloomington-Normal, Lincoln, and Concord, IL) as well as to several individuals who support us. It was refreshing to be in “farm country,” where hard work, home-cooked food, and hearty hand-shakes are staples of life. On Thursday, we participated in Lincoln Christian University’s internship fair and it’s always encouraging to meet so many inter-cultural majors who are eager to serve overseas. We spent the week at my mom’s in Bloomington and I thought we would have a few days to read, study, write, and prepare for upcoming events – but God arranged meetings daily with people interested in our mission. We believe many important connections were made and we thank God for the spiritual renewal we experienced. For a few pictures w/captions, see: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2387296275475.2128221.1042840549&type=1&l=8d689a1ab7

History Makers

Last week I (Sandy) began reading Norman Davies’ God’s Playground: A History of Poland. The two volumes include 1250 pages of detailed historical narrative. I am just now finishing the first volume, which means my mind is filled with the names, dates, places, and images from the Poland/Lithuanian Republic before 1795. I’m learning so much and am asking God to show me the significance of various events as they relate to Poland today. Obviously, as we study history it helps us understand the current situation, and hopefully we will learn from the past and enter the future with greater wisdom.

I am also reminded that each day we are making history. And what is my attitude about this? Am I content to simply “let it happen” – whatever that may look like … or do I have a calling from God to be a history maker? Has He placed you and me in this world at this particular time for a specific purpose? Are we not called to live in such a way that makes an impact upon our friends, our families, our communities, our very nation? You may wonder how you, a normal person living a quiet life, can affect the history of nations. It all begins with prayer – there is no limit to what God will do in answer to the humble cry of His children on their knees!

One of my favorite verses is found in Acts 13:36 (NIV):
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”

David was faithful to serve the purpose of God in his own generation. That is my desire! I want to know God’s purpose for this generation and give my life to see it fulfilled! I truly believe that when God’s people in every nation come together to humbly seek His face, He will reveal His heart and His purposes. In answer to our prayers, He will act. And we will stand in grateful amazement as the nations of the earth realize their destinies according to the plan of God.

Time to Pray

As I sit here at our kitchen table in Brighton, Michigan, my mind is full of thoughts and images from our summer in Poland. How to begin to process all that we experienced and all that God revealed? It was a full summer -- undoubtedly one of the best yet. We participated in several camps, interacted with many national leaders, served the poor, hosted teams, and so much more. From the ladies on the streets of Katowice to the orphans on Dave's lap in Ukraine, we saw the hand of God at work in marvelous ways. Our ties to Israel grew deeper still as we served Holocaust survivors and Israeli teens in Ostróda, and as our friend, Asher Intrater, joined us in Poland for the first time. We spent time with worship leaders and offered encouragement for the school of music/worship. And it was so good to spend time with both Kezia and Kenan for a couple weeks of ministry together. Throughout the summer, God broadened our vision and gave us dreams for the future. And now as we catch up on correspondence, assemble reports, touch base with supporters, build teams for 2012, and serve our neighbors in Brighton -- we don't want to go too far forward without first prayerfully processing all that just took place. He has entrusted us with individuals, churches, leaders, government officials, and nations -- so we must be diligent in prayer. We believe God has much to say to us, so it is time to quiet ourselves and listen. Things are happening quickly in our world, and we who know His voice must train ourselves to watch and pray. We thank God for each of you who join us on our knees.

A Miracle for Ola

Ola is our dear friend. For the last few years she has faithfully translated the "prayer and fasting" email that I send out weekly to our Polish friends. But since she was a young girl, Ola has been struggling with heart arrhythmia. Her condition has left her weak, struggling to breathe, and often she would faint while at school or going about her daily routine. Because of this, her activities have been limited. The hospital became her second home. Frequent surgical attempts proved futile and disappointing. She was trying to adjust to the sobering reality that this could be her lot in life. She continued to cry out to God and even in the midst of her despair, she ministered hope to those who were likewise suffering in the hospital. BUT GOD heard the prayers of Ola and so many others who were praying on her behalf. Just this summer she began to feel much better! The doctors ran some tests and were amazed at the results! They took her off all her medication - the first time in 8 years! Dave and I met Ola in Warsaw and enjoyed watching her smile as she relayed the good news. How we thank God for Ola's renewed health! Please join us in praying that she will continue to enjoy this "new life" that she has been given. God is good -- all the time!

Go Bananas!!!

When I (David) looked into the eyes of 92 children in a camp near Dubechno, Ukraine, I could see a hunger and thirst for life. I prayed, "God, help us to feed this hunger and quench this thirst." I knew the only remedy was the power and presence of God. Only salvation that comes through Jesus could provide the hope they need and adequately feed this hunger and quench this thirst. I prayed again, "God, what do you want us to do? Teach a lesson or preach a sermon? Sing a song or share our testimony?" God is always surprising me with how He answers our prayers. What we think is the best answer is not always His answer. Our first opportunity to engage with the children in a large group had us singing a silly song with them. It is called, "The Banana Song". It is such a silly song. "Peel banana, peel, peel banana. Cut banana, cut, cut banana. Moosh banana, moosh, moosh banana. Go bananas, go, go bananas." We sang this song with full hand motions and the children loved it. What I realized was the entire team (from Brighton, Michigan, Indiana intern and two Polish translators) had just connected with the campers. God used "a silly song" to build a bridge of communication that lasted for the entire camp. One of the eleven small groups of children even chose "The Banana Song" as their group's theme song (see pic). God used this song to establish relationships with the children but He also allowed us to lead in devotions, lead all the craft activities, share some of our testimonies around the campfire, in small groups and just before bedtime, and teach the children two English worship songs. We led in morning exercises and games and recreation as well but perhaps the most meaningful times spent with the children were those informal times of rollerblading or pushing a swing or jumping on the trampoline. My prayer is that these children will never be the same. My prayer is that they will "Go Bananas" for Jesus and have their hunger forever fed and their thirst forever quenched.

All Significant

Dave and I consider ourselves "global" Christians. We have a heart for the nations and daily pray that God would enlarge our vision to mirror His. We pray "big" prayers for "big" things -- e.g., that Jesus would rule as King over Poland; that spiritual strongholds would crumble at His Name; that the Bride would be prepared for His return. We host people from all over the world at our center in Ostróda and pray that lives would be changed and churches established in every nation. We meet with church leaders and people in prominent positions to discuss current world events and to pray for God's kingdom to advance. And yet, in the midst of all this, God is faithful to keep things in perspective. This summer He led us down the side streets of Ostróda to places we seldom notice as we hurry from one event to the next. Walking down roads not far from our camp, we found a former alcoholic, living in a one-room apartment, badly in need of repair; children in abusive situations, hungry for affection; and single mothers, desperate to make ends meet. "Realna Akcja" (Real Action) was a week set aside to serve the community of Ostróda. More than 100 volunteers came from several countries to join in this endeavor (including our son, Kenan, and a team from our hometown, Brighton). We cleaned and painted apartments, painted a mural for the city, led a 5-day "day camp" for 80 needy children, painted curbs and cemetery fences, and much more. Many lives were touched, both those who served and those who were served. But for Dave and myself, the week took on special meaning as we encountered the people of Ostróda on a deeper level and as we were reminded to be faithful in both the big and small things. Whether praying for the Prime Minister or scraping paint from a poor man's floor, it's all significant in the kingdom of God.

From a Mother's Perspective

It was really an honor to spend time with Kezia and the Exodus Cry team in Poland. I must admit, I was freaking out a bit the first night in Warsaw when they slipped off the bus into the dark, rainy night, and 2 1/2 hours later still hadn't returned to the hotel. They weren't able to operate the Polish cell phone I left with them so they couldn't let me know that the Thai cook had led them through her kitchen into the dark stairwell leading to the "red door" where girls were "at work." Nor could they tell me about the guy on the street who asked for a light and received more "Light" than his darkened heart could imagine! :):) And then on to Ostróda where the girls shared their lives and testimonies with the youth from Israel. Kezia's teachings each morning were spoken softly but resounded loudly in each heart. By the end of the week when it was time to leave, hugs and tears abounded. So many seeds planted. The harvest is coming. Our next stop - Katowice. It's hard to describe all that happened in two short days. I watched as a seasoned, war-torn abolitionist was re-inspired by a handful of spirit-filled young women. We learned so much from Sister Anna, but it was painfully evident that she and her co-workers were weary from years of labor. Kezia and her team brought blessing and encouragement, expressed in tears, prayers, and gentle touches from God. We didn't know if they would allow the EC team to minister on the streets, but they decided to let Kezia and Marni go out with a few of their street workers. I remember clearly when Kezia and her partner walked through the door of the apartment. It was after midnight and they had been out on the streets for a couple hours. Their faces were glowing and all they could say was, "It was amazing." The presence of God had been strong and they saw major breakthroughs in several of the girls. I will never forget the moment when the streetworker, sitting on the couch with her arms wrapped around her knees, began weeping as she admitted how discouraged she had been. She was ready to give up. Nothing was happening on the streets. No changes. But she said tonight they prayed with the girls and God came in power-- it was like a new beginning. She has new hope. Amy prophesied over her -- that the desert season was finished and the rains were coming. It was such a powerfully precious moment. God is so good. He is using Kezia and her team in eternally significant ways. It hasn't been easy, e.g., traveling in Central/Eastern Europe is difficult. Standing on a train for 6 hours, hauling luggage up and down flights of stairs, walking everywhere, ... it's quite exhausting. And now the team is in Ukraine where conditions are even more taxing. It was difficult for me to say good-bye at the train station -- watching Kezia's sweet face at the window disappear into the distance. But I am convinced that God goes before them as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Yeshua, the Beautiful One, is at their side -- bringing light into the dark places. And because of that reality, this mother can rest and be at peace. :)

Timely Encounter

Just minutes after I wrote the previous blog, I walked out the door of our room and headed across the campground. I passed a woman who had arrived for the next event; she was wearing a Star of David necklace. I paused to ask her about her necklace. She told me that she lives in Łódż, a city where, before the War, a large Jewish community thrived. In 1968 when the remaining Jews were forced out of Poland, she lost many of her Jewish friends. She missed them desperately. Now she prays to God that He will use her however He desires on behalf of the Jewish people. She is thankful that some Jews have returned to Łódż and she again has a few Jewish friends.
So ... my question was answered quite swiftly. Were there Poles who missed the Jewish people?
Yes ... in Łódż, and doubtless in countless towns and villages throughout Poland. I am encouraged.

I Miss Them (Tęsknię Za Nimi)

I miss them.

For two weeks we laughed, sang, danced, and cried with 34 Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors from Israel. They traveled to Ostróda, Poland, for a time of rest and refreshment. Nine of them live in Sderot, a town only 4 km. from Gaza which has endured 100’s of rocket attacks, so the peaceful tranquility of Ostróda Camp was a welcome relief. Others hail from Jerusalem, Ashkelon, Hadera, and Eilat. Among them were doctors, physicists, engineers, architects -- brilliant minds with painful memories. Each story filled my heart with grief. I am thankful that these dear ones survived. It was a privilege to meet them, to love them, to clasp hands and sing “Am Israel Chai” (the people of Israel live!).

But now they are gone – the cabins are empty, the dining hall still. Yet I still hear their voices, see their faces. The lilting melodies of their songs linger in my mind. The beautiful artwork, the stimulating discussions, the bent toward neatness and order, the clever wit, the relentless optimism, the seemingly endless energy and creativity -- these are the Jewish people who graced our campground and entered my heart. And now as I gaze over the quiet grounds, I can’t help but wonder ... after World War II in Poland, was there anyone (perhaps one, a dozen, maybe many more?) who felt as I feel now?

When 3.4 million Jewish people disappeared, were they missed?

Our First Wedding!

Dave and I returned to Michigan at the end of April for a very important reason: our son, Josiah, was getting married!! On Friday, May 27 (our daughter, Kezia's, birthday!), we gathered with friends and family in Indianapolis, Indiana, to celebrate the marriage of Josiah Hatfield and Jorjette Heid. Jorjette is a wonderful young woman whom Josiah met while a student at Taylor University. And now they are Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Hatfield! I'm still adjusting to the fact that my little boy is a married man! The wedding was lovely -- outdoors under the trees on one of the few days when it didn't rain in Indy. Dave performed the wedding, so it was a great honor and joy for him (and a real trick to refrain from crying!). Here's a link to some photos of the happy event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1994930306571.2113180.1042840549&l=306900d7bf We are thankful and consider ourselves blessed to now be "in-laws." We pray God will fill their marriage with peace, joy, and love. He is truly the giver of all good things!

Spring Has Sprung!

Our last days in Warsaw have been delightful! The brilliant blue sky and ample sunshine have put a skip in our steps as we have explored the city and prayed along its streets. From the Jewish cemetery to the ghetto memorial, from the presidential palace to the parks filled with people, we have prayed that the hope of our blessed Messiah would fill this place. We believe God has a special calling upon the nation of Poland, and so we pray that each man, woman, and child, as well as the nation as a whole, will call upon the name of the Lord and find their hope in Him. May the God who brings the springtime breathe new life into the hearts of the Polish people!

Humble Servants

I'm a student, a writer, a teacher, a worship leader, a thinker -- but a painter or handy-woman?? ... not so much. But sometimes we have to roll up our sleeves and allow God to stretch us in ways we aren't so familiar with. Thus, I found myself at our camp facility in Ostróda with Dave and a 3-member team of dynamos from the States. Jan and Margaret are two "seasoned" ladies who put me to shame with their endless energy and ability to wield a paint roller for hours at a time. Steve is the kind of guy who knows how to fix everything and can paint a straight border free-hand with no problem. For ten days we labored together, painting the dining hall, stairwell, and upstairs lounge in our main building at the camp. I was sore and exhausted, while my cohorts were cheerful and relentless. :) Dave and I thank God for such dear servants who sacrifice their time, pay the price, and come to Poland to quietly perform some much-needed tasks so that the ministry can continue with excellence and lives can be changed to God's glory. Thanks, Jan, Margaret, and Steve!! You're the bestest!!!

Welcome Taylor!

Dave and I LOVE university students and one of our all-time favorite "jobs" is to host students in Poland. So, we were thrilled to once again welcome a group from Taylor University as they came to assist one of our partner ministries in Kraków. For a week we served as conversation partners and teacher assistants at the Graceland English school, directed by our dear friends, Jay and Colette. We get excited watching God capture young hearts and enlarging their vision for the nations of the world. These students are sponges -- eager to learn the language, the culture, the history, the spiritual climate ... and we are eager to pour into them all that God is teaching us. What a joy to interact with these enthusiastic and committed young adults. It brings fresh motivation and revives our hope that God's work will go forth in power in the generations to come.

Say What?? :)

We're never too old to learn, right?? That's what Dave and I kept asking ourselves as we embarked on a 4-week intensive Polish language course in Warsaw. This was my third such endeavor, but for Dave it was a first. It's amazing how much one can learn in a 3-hour class, 5 days a week. Dave was one of 6 students (from Tunisia, Turkey, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Holland) while I was one-on-one with my instructor. You can imagine each day after 3 hours of non-stop Polish conversation, my brain was ready to implode! :) We are thankful for such "jump-starts" in this beautiful, yet difficult, language. Having a grasp of the native language is so key to effective witness, so we pray that God will supernaturally increase our ability to communicate. Wierzymy, że Bóg będzie wierny nam pomóc (We believe God will be faithful to help us.)

Brussels Prayer Summit

This past weekend Dave and I had the awesome privilege to tour the European Union Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium. Several people from various European countries gathered for a prayer summit hosted by the European Coalition for Israel (ECI). ECI's mandate is to be a "voice" to the EU Parliament on behalf of Israel. They conduct research and provide detailed information so that the members of parliament can make informed decisions that promote peace and stability in the Middle East. We have joined the "prayer shield" that provides prayer coverage for each of the 736 members of the European Union parliament. Each week Dave and I pray for the two members assigned to us. We are praying blessing over them and their families and that God will give them the courage and resolve to make wise, just decisions in support of Israel. As Poland assumes the leadership of the EU in July of this year, it is a critical time for us to pray that her leaders will continue to be friendly toward Israel. Every nation must enter the "valley of decision" (Joel 3) and determine whether they will stand with Israel. It is the ultimate question upon which each nation will be judged. Let us pray that Poland, America, Canada, and all nations will value God's standard and humbly line up with His plan. Only then will true peace be established.

White Fields

Greetings z Polski!!
As you can see, the fields are indeed "white" in Poland! :) This picture was taken in the small village of Pawełki where we gathered this past weekend with the students and staff of our Christian School of Music. In the background you can see a large yellow building -- this is where the school meets each month. During a break in lessons, we ventured out in the cold (less than 10 degrees F.) for a brisk walk along the country road. Wish you could feel the cold air on your face, hear the church bells chiming, and smell the cow "pies" along with us!! :) As I write, we are warm and cozy in our small "office/bedroom" downtown Warsaw -- quite a contrast to Pawełki! Daily we take the bus to the city center for Polish language classes. David attending for the first time and me in an intensive one-on-one with my teacher ... we are both being challenged and stretched! We're learning a lot and developing new relationships t'boot! Almost daily we're meeting new people that God has purposefully introduced and we are amazed at His precise orchestration. Don't worry ... the stories will be forthcoming! :)
Joining God in His work is a continual adventure -- and we are thankful and excited to be a part of His unfolding plan.

Countdown

It's been a cold and snowy January/February, but that hasn't slowed us down! :) We traveled twice to Indiana to meet with Taylor University's Poland spring break team, as well as to Brownstown, IN, to meet with a work team coming to Ostróda in April, and then on to Toronto to meet with our Impact Europe staff. Here in Michigan we've been busy studying and writing lessons, sending prayer emails, preparing tax forms, corresponding with teams and individuals with whom we will be serving in Poland this spring and summer, and taking care of endless details prior to going overseas. Yes ... the countdown has begun and soon we'll be in Poland!

Here's a look at our upcoming schedule:
... 4-week intensive language course in Warsaw
... teaching at the Christian School of Music (CSM)
... worshiping with churches in Torun, Olsztyn, Grudziądz, Ostróda, Warsaw
... attending a prayer summit in Brussels, Belgium
... hosting a team of 15 students and 2 adults from Taylor University (teaching English at Graceland Centrum in Kraków)
... coordinating a work project at Ostróda Camp with volunteers from Indiana and Michigan
... countless opportunities to encourage and pray with various groups and individuals

It's a full schedule and only possible through the strength that God provides. Thank you for your prayers ... they are invaluable to us. When you have a chance, shoot us an email. It's always encouraging to hear from home!! :) Blessings to all!!!