Friday, March 30, 2012

Welcome Korytkowski's!!


We are SO happy to welcome Andrzej Korytkowski to Ostróda as our new camp director! Andrzej and April, with their children, Lidia, Ben, and Klara, arrived in early March and have begun getting settled into their home. Andrzej, born in Poland, had a life-changing encounter with Jesus at Ostróda Camp when he was a young man. He later met April at the camp when she came with a short-term mission team from the States to build bunks for the cabins. They married and lived in Poland for a time before moving to the States. Andrzej has served as a pastor in Connecticut for the last 7 years, but now he and April have answered the call to return to Poland to serve in Ostróda. We were glad to be in Poland to welcome them and to assist them as they prepare for the camp season. Please join us in praying for this dear family as they commit to the growth of God's kingdom in Poland.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Taylor Time


This spring we had the great opportunity to once again host a team of students from Taylor University (Upland, IN). Twelve students with their team leaders, Mike and Ann Saunier, arrived Sunday morning, March 18, at the Warsaw airport. After attending a worship service and spending some time in Warsaw, we took the Polski Bus to Ostróda Camp. The students gave two full days of hard labor, scraping and painting in our new camp director's home as well as preparing the camp for the summer season. One of the local church leaders is an English teacher in the public high school and he invited the Taylor team to participate in his classes for two days. It was quite an experience to meet students all day long, conversing on a wide range of subjects. We invited the students to a pizza party on Friday night at the camp. We weren't sure how many, if any, would come since a Protestant group such as ours is often viewed as a "sect." So, you can imagine our excitement when 36 high school students (ages 17-19) showed up for the party! We played games, sang, performed a drama, and shared testimony -- and, of course, ate pizza. Many of them stayed late, hanging out in the cafe. What an amazing night! We collected their names and email addresses for follow-up in the weeks ahead. We give thanks to God for the impact that the Taylor students had upon the community of Ostróda -- seeds were planted that will produce a harvest in the months and years to come. Thanks, Taylor students! You're awesome! :)

Monday, March 5, 2012

May Praise Arise!


One of our greatest prayers for Poland is that worship would arise amongst the churches in spirit and truth. I (Sandy) was thankful to be a part of CSM (Christian School of Music) in southern Poland this past weekend. Our dear friend, Adam Kosewski, is the director of this school. God has placed a strong vision on Adam and the leaders of CSM to provide training and inspiration for church worship leaders in Poland. This year 35 students plus teachers and staff gather each month Friday-Sunday for teaching and worship. I had the opportunity to teach at the main sessions -- from the practical aspects of planning/leading a worship service, to the big picture of who Jesus is as the coming King, to the heart of David as a worshiper and warrior. I was so encouraged by the atmosphere of worship, love, and humility amongst these young worship leaders. It gives me great confidence for the future of Poland as these trained musicians go forth to lead the way with songs of hope and life. May Your praise be glorious in Poland, O God!