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!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

As we celebrate the amazing truth that Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh, we commit ourselves afresh to live only for Him. The One who spoke the world into existence is the same One who speaks life into our spirits. We are forever thankful that He has called us and written our names in His book of life. Jesus, the Messiah, is our hope, our peace, and our very life.

We are SO thankful for each of you who pray for us and encourage us as together we proclaim our Beloved to the nations. We pray that you will have a very blessed Christmas, filled with special moments and simple delights. May you experience anew the wonders of His love.

Merry Christmas!!
...David, Sandy, Kezia, Josiah, and Kenan

Back Home

I've been home a little over a week now ... but it didn't really hit home until today (Labor Day) when I sunk my teeth into a juicy ear of corn-on-the-cob. Yes, we see corn from time-to-time in Poland (e.g., as a topping on our pizza!), but never as corn-on-the-cob. So, although the transition back to life in the States is sometimes difficult, I must admit that the corn today tasted mighty good!! :)

As you know, Dave and I were separated for 12 weeks during the summer as he spent 6 weeks in Poland, we enjoyed one week of "overlap" in Poland together, and then I finished out the summer in Poland for the final 6 weeks. It wasn't easy, but we both came away with thankful hearts and glowing reports on the goodness and faithfulness of God.

During my time in Poland, I was able to serve at the Polish children's camp in Ostroda, the Polish family camp, as well as the Missio Musica summer workshops for musicians and worship leaders. The music camp is always a highlight for me, since I love to teach and mentor these young worship leaders. We finished the camp by performing two gospel concerts -- one in Ostroda and one in Barczewo, a small town where a new church is being planted. What joy we experienced as we declared the praises of God in the town square!

This summer's trip, more than ever before, provided opportunities for me to interact with several unbelieving individuals -- people I met on planes, in apartments, on the street, etc. I was amazed at the number of encounters God arranged. I was stretched in my faith and had to rely completely on the Spirit of God to help me articulate the hope that is within me. I traveled quite a bit, meeting many new people and engaging more and more in Polish culture. It's strange, but Poland is beginning to feel like "home" ... as though we live there. We are in relationship with so many people and are becoming more deeply involved in ongoing ministry. We thank God for the way He is opening doors and leading the way.

So now we're both home together and getting reacquainted. :) We sat down and looked at our calendars and realized life and ministry are ongoing!! Just because we're on this side of the ocean doesn't mean ministry stops. Au-contraire!! Besides all the GMM meetings, traveling to raise support, speaking at women's meetings, leading Bible studies, writing newsletter articles, etc., etc., we are also in daily communication with our friends and co-workers overseas. Our work of encouraging, pastoring, building bridges, providing resources, teaching, etc., continues and even increases. Our days are full.

For a few hours of non-stop excitement :), please click on the following links. You'll find photo albums of my trip to southern Poland, the music camp, plus a collection of some of my favorite "snapshots of Poland."
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032450&id=1042840549&l=84c79049c0
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032213&id=1042840549&l=a441519875
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032348&id=1042840549&l=402dd9d4c9
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032434&id=1042840549&l=4b875beff8

It is SUCH a blessing for us to come home to a group of people who love us, care about us, and are genuinely concerned for our spiritual welfare. It is a huge encouragement to be in relationship with people like you -- people who cry out for the kingdom of God to break into our world. We thank you for your prayers. May we continue to spur one another on as we see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:25).

Love,
...Sandy

2009 May/June

Partners in Prayer,

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and intercession. As we return to Poland with interns and short term teams to minister the gospel with our partners in ministry there we ask for your prayer cover to continue and even increase. Our desire is for II Corinthians 4:6 to be the reality for our summer in Poland. It says “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” Later, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul says that believers in Jesus will “shine like stars” in a “crooked and depraved generation” as the “Word of God” is proclaimed. Please pray that the light of Christ will overcome the darkness of the evil one and that it will happen through His people. What a great privilege and opportunity we have to be His lights, revealing His truth to the lost, hurting and dying.

*Please pray for the first three camps in Ostroda.

*Pray for the campers who are believers who have invited their unbelieving friends.

*Pray for the salvation of every soul and an acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

*Pray for commitments to be made in faith and baptism.

*Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Date of camp Focus of Camp Short Term Team

May 31-June 10, 2009 Seniors Camp Rockville, IN and Champaign, IL

June 13-22, 2009 Children’s camp for 8-14 year olds Coleraine, Ireland and Michigan

June 27-July 7 English camp for 14-22 year olds ) Mystic, CT

*Pray for traveling mercies in planes, on trains, cars, buses, trams, etc.

*Pray for timely preaching and teaching in these camps and local churches.

Date Church and Pastor

May 31 Ostroda Church (Pavel)

June 7 Kolobrzeg Church (Piotr)

June 14 Olsztyn Church (Marcin)

June 21 Grudziadz Church (Andrzej)

June 28 Gydnia Church (Richard)

Check out the attachments for more prayer needs. Pray for the success of the work project (new bathroom in Cabin #1 in Pic 114). Pray for campers to have open hearts for the things of God (like Christina did last year in Pic 134).

Thanks again for praying for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in all that is done. May God be exalted and glorified.

Z Bogiem,

David and Sandy