Together in Poland

The Light of the World

Dave and I have just finished a wonderful 3 weeks with our 5 musician friends from Poland and we are thanking God for His provision and blessing. We traveled throughout the Midwest, performing music and sharing testimony in homes, churches, a culture club, and the National Missionary Convention. Thanks to many of you who supported this tour in various ways .. and mostly in prayer. We are confident that God will continue to bear fruit as a result of our time together.

And now we turn our attention to the holidays. As you know, as part of GMM we work closely with messianic Jewish ministries. We have been sending out greeting cards to some of our Jewish friends overseas because this Tuesday evening (Dec. 4) marks the beginning of Hanukkah. Dave and I weren't raised celebrating Hanukkah .. actually, it's only been in the last few years that we have begun to appreciate and enjoy the significance of this Jewish holiday. So, I thought it might be interesting and helpful to write a brief explanation of Hanukkah. I've added it as an attachment for your reading pleasure. :) I hope it will be an encouragement to you!

May God's love, joy, hope, and peace permeate our homes and hearts during the holiday season.

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. 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, 168 years before the birth of Jesus. Antiochus IV, a Seleucid 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.

In 165 B.C., 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. 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” (“Hanukkah” means “dedication”) -- and has been celebrated ever since (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 lamp stand 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.

As we partner with messianic ministries in Central and Eastern Europe, we can appreciate our Jewish heritage and grow in our understanding of God and His ways. Even now as we see greeting cards in the stores and Hanukkah candles in the windows, we remember the story behind the holiday, give praise to God for His faithfulness, and rededicate ourselves anew to Him.

What an Amazing Summer '07 (part IV)

This summer Kezia and I spent over a week together at two different camps in Ukraine with Oksana. She was our translator last year and again this year. She returned to Zhitomir with Kezia. She shared with us her testimony and we requested that she write it down so that we could share it with you. She is a committed believer to exudes God's grace and mercy through her smile and her life. Please enjoy her testimony of coming to faith and walking daily with God.

Oksana's testimony

“…How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

(Romans 11:33)

I live in a small village in Ukraine called Stryzhivka. This is where I took my first steps, said my first word, and tasted life in all its beauty and danger. When I was small, I was not deprived of parental love. My elder brother and I always had all that we needed. I thought that my family was perfect. Only later when I became older I understood that I was entirely wrong.

Since my birth my parents quarreled with each other. My father preferred alcohol in pubs to family dinners and dating other women to his wife’s love. When I was 13, he left us. The sufferings that my mother faced were unbelievable. All this caused a depression in my life. I could not understand why it happened to my family. Additionally, I did not have real friends with whom I could speak about this or simply cry. Only my brother tried to cheer me up.

A few years later he got married and his wife became like a sister to me. They began to visit a Protestant church. It was unexpected. I had heard about such churches but was against them. I considered myself to be an orthodox like my mother. That is why everything was very confusing, but I was curious to find out the truth for myself. When my brother invited me to the church, I agreed without any hesitation. I continued visiting because I wanted to know the answers to all my questions. These were my first steps to God. Later, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and began a new life.

I told my mother everything. At first she had no objections to me visiting the church, but then she realized that I was serious. She forbade me even to speak about going to the church or the small group. My mother was afraid of what people would say about her and her children. While she could not forbid my brother to do such things, she considered me too young to understand what I was doing. I was 16 and obeyed her. It was very difficult for me to live without communication with believers. My brother’s family was my only support.

One year later I entered the university in Ostroh and went to live there. I found a church and started visiting it. Of course, I told my mother about it. It seemed she was not against my attending. Every time I came home, we prayed before the meal and sometimes read the Bible together. When I grew up spiritually, I made a decision to be baptized. This began a new period of problems in my life. My mother begged me not to do this “sin.”

Sometimes it is very difficult to understand why she opposes this choice that I have made. She should be happy for me. I could be mixed up in something bad, but instead I know God who protects me from troubles. My mother knows that, but does not want to accept it. This hurts me so much because she is very precious to me.

I am not going to give up, especially after so many blessings that God sent to me. He created a new person inside me and absolutely changed my life. Like bright morning sunbeam fills a dark room with light, so did God with me. He became my Father, my Friend, my Lord, my Teacher, my Savior, and my Life!!! I know that He has a special plan for me. Even if I can’t give a meaning to it, I know that everything leads to my growth in God because He intends only the best for His children. I want to serve Him with all my heart, my mind, and my skills! I want to be ready every minute to accomplish His tasks and obey His will.

I’m going to be baptized this winter and believe that nothing will prevent me from this because God is on my side. Everything depends on Him. As for my mother, she knows about my desire and the choice is hers whether or not to agree. All that I can do is to pray for this situation. I am sure that my Lord will never leave me or forsake me! Thank you for listening.

What an Amazing Summer '07 (part II)

Join us in celebrating God’s grace in extending salvation to these seven ladies from Kaliningrad, Russia. Halelujah!!!

Also, pray for safe journey today from Detroit to Warsaw via Chicago for Vickey and Joshua Priest, Marsha Wade and Dave Hatfield.

God’s loving kindness endures forever.

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Hi, Dave!

I just wanted to tell you that there have been 7 women altogether who have surrendered to Jesus during this camp. All of them are from Kaliningrad. They are: Mariyah, Ludmila, Ludmila, Vera, Nadiezhda, Lidya, and Olga. We met with them this morning. They will return to Kaliningrad and will be discipled and many are already talking about when they will be baptized. We prayed with them and took their picture, telling them we would pray specifically for them by name ... and that many of our friends and family in America would join us in these prayers. There were tears and joy and it was a special time. The Kaliningrad group has already left ... so now it's just us and the group from Belarus. We will celebrate Shabbat together tonight ... a smaller, more intimate group.

Our prayers are with you today as you travel!!

Love you!

...Sandy

What an Amazing Summer '07 (part I)

Greetings again from Ostroda, Poland.

Yesterday I was asked to teach the morning lesson here at the camp. Paula and I prayed about what I should teach. Last night I stayed up late, preparing a lesson. I decided to teach on Jesus as the Alpha and Omega. I traced him from before the foundations of the earth until that day when He will return and reign in Jerusalem. For 45 minutes I spoke only of Yeshua, as Creator, as appearing in the O.T., as teacher and healer, as the one who died and resurrected, and the one who is coming again. I gave testimony in my own life and finished by saying that it is the most important question we must answer ... who is this Jesus? (I admit I was feeling a bit frazzled since I had such short notice, but God gave me power and the words to declare the truth of Jesus with clarity and passion.) When the lesson was over, many people were standing around talking. Two women came up to me, one holding the arm of the other. They spoke intently to me, in Russian. I asked for George Repetski's help in translation. The woman said, motioning to her friend, "My friend, Mariya, wants to accept Yeshua (Jesus) as her Lord." I was so surprised and so happpy! There had been no formal invitation ...it was just a class setting (with about 60 people)... but the truth had spoken to her heart and she had responded. Many women gathered around her and George R. asked her many questions and she confessed her faith and desire to surrender to Jesus. He led her in a formal confession. We prayed more and there was much weeping. Mariya is from Kaliningrad. There are several unbelievers who have come ... but now there is one less. :)

So .... we are praising God in Ostroda!!!! And I am overwhelmed. It doesn't matter about us .. we are nothing ... but when we speak the truth of Jesus, there is power. When people get a picture of Him, how can they not respond?

May each of us live in such a way as to give a clear picture of our Lord Jesus .. We give glory to You, O Lord!!!!

Keep praying ... He is answering!
...Sandy

Pray with us and pray for us

To the Faithful Who Pray,

Sandy and I are so thankful for you who have been praying for us. We do remember you and our hearts rejoice when we think about your commitment to remember us in your prayers. On the one hand it is quite humbling, yet on the other hand, it is the foundation on which we minister and share the gospel. Pray for the power of God to be released in ways that will glorify Him and advance His kingdom here on earth. Thank you again for praying.

On Monday evening, May 21^st we will be gathering at our home on Culver Road from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to pray for our summer camps and conferences, our many travels with short term teams and the new contacts that we will make in church leaders and youth in Belarus, Poland, Ukraine and Czech Republic. You are invited to come even if you cannot come for the entire time. We hope to see and share with many of you on this evening.

Garage Sale Update: Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! There are so many who have contributed to the Garage Sale with their donations and their time. It has been a huge success because of everyone’s effort and contribution. Bill and Vivian Nylund were fantastic hosts. From the set up, the coffee, the Tent, and Bill’s jokes to the tear down it was God honoring and God pleasing (a sweet aroma to His nostrils). The rainiest day (Thursday, April 26^th) saw the most “garage salers” out. It was amazing. We even unloaded Dan and Deb Kelbert’s iron gates and cedar posts to a local farmer. They (the farmers) were so excited to find these at a garage sale. God has blessed us with enough funds to cover 25 children (over $3,000). The Barrieault’s (4688 Kenicott in Brighton) will be extending the Garage Sale this Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon (May 10-12). You can drop off any thing you would like to contribute to the sale at their home any time this week (preferably by Friday morning).

Our 2007 Summer Itinerary

1) Pray for safe journeys

2) Pray Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:29-5:2 for us and for those we lead

May 24^th: Sandy leaves with Paula Styles for Ostroda, Poland

May 27^th- June 7^th Bible Camp for seniors from Russia, Belarus, and Poland (40 adults

expected) West Cypress Christian, CA,, short term team will assist the first few days

June 8^th: Dave leaves with Marsha Wade, Vickey and Joshua Priest for Ostroda, Poland

June 10^th: Ostroda Christian Church

June 11-20^th Bible Camp for youth from Kaliningrad, Russia (60 campers)

Brighton, MI and Temecula, California, short term team will assist

(June 16^th-24^th Kenan travels with short term team from Brighton Christian to Costa Rica)

*June 24^th-July 6^th Dad and Mom Hatfield with Josiah and Kenan in Michigan

June 24^th: Pulaska Church in Warsaw; Dave, Sandy, Paula, and George Repetski will be traveling from Warsaw, Poland to Kobryn, Belarus

June 24^th- 28^th Pearl Camp near Kobryn, Belarus (185 campers expected)
June 29^th: Travel from Kobryn to Minsk, Belarus
June 29^th: Shabbat with Vladimir Hasin and his congregation
June 30^th AM: Leadership Conference at Good News Church (Dema & Lena Lazuta)
Donovan and Lana Grey, Azusa Pacific University professor and wife will team with Sandy and Dave to lead this training.
June 30^th PM: Messianic congregation in Minsk
July 1^st: Good News Church in Minsk
July 2^nd-5^th: Visit Timur, Dema, Vlad, and others from Minsk

July 6^th: Travel from Minsk, Belarus to Warsaw, Poland (without George Repetski)

July 6^th: Kenan leaves from Detroit for Warsaw, Poland (alone)

July 8^th: Paula returns home/Attend Warsaw North Church Fellowship, Krzysztof Zaremba

July 9^th-19^th Bible Camp for Junior age youth from Poland at Ostroda Camp

July 13^th: Travel to Koszalin (northwest Poland on the Baltic Sea)

July 14^th: Messianic Congregation in Koszalin

July 15^th: Kolobrzeg Church with Peter Karol (then return to Ostroda)

July 21^st: Kenan returns to Michigan

July 21^st-August 15^th Dad and Mom Hatfield with Josiah and Kenan in Michigan

July 26^th: Travel to Kovel, Ukraine

July 27^th and 28^th: Leadership Training: Children’s Ministry and Worship Leaders

Pavel’s church and Natasha’s church (both near Kovel)

July 29^th: Churches in Kovel, Ukraine

July 30^th –August 3^rd Camp near Kovel, Ukraine, with youth from Kovel churches

August 4^th: Travel from Kovel, Ukraine to Katowice, Poland

August 5^th: Church in Wroclaw, Poland

August 9^th -13^th Prague, Czech Republic

August 12^th: Prague Church, Daniel is the pastor

August 14^th: Travel from Prague to Warsaw

August 15^th: David returns to Michigan

August 16^th: Sandy travels from Warsaw to Ostroda (prepares for worship conference)
August 17^th-26^th: Worship Conference for worship leaders, vocalists and musicians at Ostroda Camp (120 attendees expected). Sandy is one of three main teachers.

August 30^th: Sandy returns to Michigan

Six camps with teaching responsibilities and leading a short term team (four)

Picture # 1: pray for the children who will come to the camps

Pray for Kazik and Dorota who help to gather many of the children (upper left in pic)

Picture # 2: pray for Vlad and his wife (we will be with them in Belarus)

Picture # 3: pray for T (pastor in Belarus)
Picture # 4: pray for our children (Kezia, Josiah, and Kenan)
We will be separated from them for most of the Summer

We will be able to stay in touch this summer via email for most of the weeks. If you have prayers, Scriptures, questions or answers please feel free to contact us at dave.hatfield@sbcglobal.net or sandy.hatfield@sbcglobal.net.

It has been an incredible journey so far. We are anticipating great days ahead for what God has prepared for us to do.

Excited to Serve our King,

Dave and Sandy Hatfield

What an Amazing Summer '07 (part III)

Hello, all my friends!

All I can say is that this music camp is simply amazing! Yesterday I taught on how to plan a worship set .. and then used the band to demonstrate. It went really well and the music was just great (I mean, when you have Adam, Ewa, Ewa, Kacper, and others .. how can you go wrong?). I feel that all my experience in worship is being passed on to these young worshipers and they are receiving it so well. Even Mariusz S. (a leader in Missio Musica) said I have renewed vision in him and he wants to ask me more about my thoughts on worship. After supper we had another service and Adam and his band led 1 1/2 hours of worship last night. It was incredible. I don't have words to describe it. Of course, the music itself was great, but all of us were worshiping with all of our might and we were before the throne of God in such a powerful way. Afterward Janusz spoke and many people came forward for prayer. At the end, they sang a song written by Ewa G. about the promised land -- real upbeat and just great. We were dancing and celebrating!! What a great way to end a day. I have become so close to these young people and it's going to be hard to say goodbye. The Spirit among us is so sweet and precious. It gives me great hope for the country of Poland to be with these young people. I will savor the next couple of days .. the camp ends on Sunday after lunch. We have a concert on Saturday night and have invited all the people in this neighborhood of Ostroda to come. I hope many will attend. So .... I am finished with my formal teaching (lectures), and now I can just relax and enjoy. Tomorrow night is a "humor" night, so I'm involved in a couple crazy performances .. should be a good time. :) There have been many highlights this summer, but I must say this week is at the top of the list. It's all just so "right" for me and I feel God is using me significantly. I am blessed, humbled, and thankful to be here. God is good!!!!!!!!
...Sandy

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August 17, 2007

Subject: pray at 11:00

Hello, dear prayer partners!!

David left Poland on Wednesday and is now in Michigan with the boys. I must admit, I was a bit weepy when he left, since I, too, would like to see my family again. But I will remain in Poland for 2 more weeks, and I am convinced that this may be one of the most significant times for me to be here.

I am in Ostroda, Poland, and today began the music/worship camp. The camp is packed to its maximum limit and students have been arriving all day from all over Poland (plus a group of 8 from Belarus). There are approximately 90 students. They come with backpacks strapped to their backs and instruments in hand. We are praying that they will not only improve in their musical skill, but their hearts will be purified and refined before God as they seek to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

And so I ask you to pray. Each day there will be workshops throughout the day, both focusing on specific instrument training and also teaching worship bands how to work together musically. Then at 5:00 pm (11:00 am Michigan time) there will be the main teaching lecture for the day. It will last for about 1 1/2 hours. They have asked me to be the main lecturer for Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday! It is a large responsibility and I am both excited and nervous about it.

My basic topics are:

Saturday: What is worship? (an expression of devotion to God .. a lifestyle)

Sunday: Who I must be as a worship leader (e.g., living in purity and holiness before God)

Monday: What I do as a worship leader (e.g., practical advice for leading worship)

Tuesday: How to plan a worship service (step by step, plus listening to Holy Spirit, etc.)

A lot of my material will be new for these young leaders (and for the churches in Poland and Belarus). Most of all I pray that I will hear from God and He will anoint my words. They have also asked me to do a "panel," where I will have a team of musicians and will actually "lead" a rehearsal and all the students will watch how it is done. Then I will lead worship with this team. Please pray for God's presence in all of this.

SO..... I would LOVE to know you are praying for me the next 4 days as I teach. 11:00 am until 12:30 pm (Eastern time). Your prayers will make such a difference, I know.

I love you all ... and look forward to seeing many of you in a couple weeks.

Blessings!

...Sandy