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.