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. :)