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!!!

God on earth

Two millennia ago our world experienced a dramatic collision of seismic proportion. Heaven met earth; eternity met time and space; the Creator became the created; God became man. In a humble stable, the Lord of the cosmos invaded our planet. The “radiance of God’s glory and the exact image of His character” was born by woman and laid in a trough. Son of God now Son of man. The fullness of God wrapped in swaddling cloths.

For centuries, the prophets had foretold his arrival and for as long the people had waited. Born to be a King, heir of David’s throne, his coming brought freedom for the captives, hope for the hopeless, and the promise of a kingdom without end. The impact of the incarnation cannot be measured. No man has moved feeling or influenced thought like this God/Man – Jesus. And when he returns, the full impact of God on earth will be realized.

During this holiday season, we pray that the “radiance of God’s glory” will fill your hearts with joy. May the wonderful reality of “Immanuel - God with us” impact you like never before. Thank you SO much for your ongoing prayers and support on behalf of GMM-Impact Europe. Please pray that the good news of our blessed Messiah will continue to impact the hearts of men, women, and children throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

From our family to yours ... Merry Christmas!!!

ENGAGED!!

Dave and I are SO happy to announce that our son, Josiah, is engaged to Jorjette Heid!! From the early days of Josiah's life, we have prayed that God would provide a godly wife to love and encourage him ... and God has answered our prayers. Jorjette is a beautiful young woman with a servant's heart. Graduates of Taylor University, they both are currently in leadership positions on campus while Josiah finishes the "MAHE" program (master of higher education). They will be married in May of 2011!! WOO-HOO!! God is good.

Happy Hanukkah

As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded not only of the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world, but also of another festival of lights -- Hanukkah (“Chanukah”). Although Hanukkah is often mistakenly viewed as a “Christmas alternative for Jewish people,” it is a holiday of much deeper significance.

Travel in your mind to Jerusalem, 160-some years before the birth of Jesus. Antiochus IV, a Greco-Syrian king, has invaded the land, looted the Temple, massacred Jews, and forbidden worship of the God of Israel. He even goes so far as to erect an altar to Zeus in the Temple, itself! Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons (including Judah, the Maccabee), rise up and lead a rebellion against Antiochus. After three years of fighting, Judah and a handful of men and their followers successfully defeat the armies of Antiochus, liberate the Temple, and rededicate it to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (164 B.C.). It is an amazing testimony of God’s mighty hand at work to protect His people and to preserve the honor of His Name. This defining moment in Israel’s history is remembered during the “Feast of Dedication” (“Chanukah” means “dedication”) -- and has been celebrated ever since on the 25th day of the month of Kislev (see John 10:22-23 -- the feast during the time of Jesus).

According to Jewish tradition, when the Temple was rededicated and the lights of the lampstand were to be rekindled, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to last for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days and the light filled the Temple. Accordingly, candles are lit each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. It is a special time to remember the faithfulness and holiness of our God and that His light endures and triumphs over the darkness of evil. It is a reminder for each of us, as “temples” of the most high God, to get rid of any “idols” in our hearts and to re-dedicate ourselves to purity and holiness before God.

So, to all of you, our dear friends and family ... Happy Hanukkah! May the Light of the world, Jesus the Messiah, shine His face upon you and fill your hearts with peace. May His light shine forth into all the nations of the earth, dispelling darkness and establishing His glorious kingdom!