Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday
This will need to be brief, because we're heading out the door soon. So here we go ..... Thanks to my wonderful son Ben, we got the picture uploading problem solved. Hopefully I will have time to post many pictures later today. Sorry I can't do it right now, but we're getting ready to leave for the morning.
Yesterday the English workshops went great. Just great. More people came, the gospel was shared in numerous groups, people listened intently, they sang their hearts out during worship, and we had a great time together playing games, etc. Lunch was served for us at the ministry center by Jola, Patrycja and Ella: pork cutlets, Polish salad, and boiled potatoes. Yummy. After lunch, the teens got on a bus and went to a park to play kickball. Levi and I stayed behind for a much needed nap.
The construction guys ran into some major problems yesterday, so they had to end their day early (while a Polish man resolved a few issues). So the construction guys got to go to the park as well. Everyone loved the ministry there, because it was similar to the early days we've spent in Poland. Many kids gathered to play. It was fun. Ryan (a young, local Int'l Messengers missionary) shared his testimony. Levi told me about it; it impacted him. I am amazed at how these people continue to speak God's truth in every situation ... public, private, in personal relationships, while teaching, etc. It is awesome to see.
Like I already alluded to, the construction guys ran into some snags yesterday. However, they are up and ready to mix/pour concrete today. They will mix it one bucket at a time and carry it up to the house. I hear thunder outside and rain ready to begin. Please pray that they can get their work done!
I wish I could write more, but I must get down to the lobby for breakfast. I'll write more details later.
Oh, one last thing ... We all went over to Edyta's last night so the teens could see her bathroom before the construction there begins tomorrow. They were moved by how small her living space is, but how much ministry those girls do in that apartment -- with much love. Edyta and Wiktoria are great leaders and are an inspiration.
Sorry for any errors - I have no time to proofread this!
Yesterday the English workshops went great. Just great. More people came, the gospel was shared in numerous groups, people listened intently, they sang their hearts out during worship, and we had a great time together playing games, etc. Lunch was served for us at the ministry center by Jola, Patrycja and Ella: pork cutlets, Polish salad, and boiled potatoes. Yummy. After lunch, the teens got on a bus and went to a park to play kickball. Levi and I stayed behind for a much needed nap.
The construction guys ran into some major problems yesterday, so they had to end their day early (while a Polish man resolved a few issues). So the construction guys got to go to the park as well. Everyone loved the ministry there, because it was similar to the early days we've spent in Poland. Many kids gathered to play. It was fun. Ryan (a young, local Int'l Messengers missionary) shared his testimony. Levi told me about it; it impacted him. I am amazed at how these people continue to speak God's truth in every situation ... public, private, in personal relationships, while teaching, etc. It is awesome to see.
Like I already alluded to, the construction guys ran into some snags yesterday. However, they are up and ready to mix/pour concrete today. They will mix it one bucket at a time and carry it up to the house. I hear thunder outside and rain ready to begin. Please pray that they can get their work done!
I wish I could write more, but I must get down to the lobby for breakfast. I'll write more details later.
Oh, one last thing ... We all went over to Edyta's last night so the teens could see her bathroom before the construction there begins tomorrow. They were moved by how small her living space is, but how much ministry those girls do in that apartment -- with much love. Edyta and Wiktoria are great leaders and are an inspiration.
Sorry for any errors - I have no time to proofread this!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday
Again, my computer is refusing to upload photos. I've tried doing what I know how to do ... any suggestions would be wonderful! Meanwhile, I will continue to update you on what is going on here.
The construction team (Dan Thoen, Tom Tenney, Joe Sellers and Dave Perry) came back to the hotel last night covered in cement dust. They worked HARD yesterday jackhammering out old cement, both by machine and by hand. It was difficult work, but they handled it well. The rest of us had training yesterday for conducting the evangelistic, English workshops. Then we had our own private planning session. Lucyna Pomaranska hosted the entire team for dinner last night. She served a feast. Her son, Piotr, and her daughter, Marta, were there, along with Szymon Kurbiel. We had a great time eating, laughing, and telling stories. It was a delightful evening. After dinner, some of us went to the church for music rehearsal. Needless to say, it was a long day ... and we were all ready for a good night of sleep last night.
Today we began with prayer at the Snyders' home. It was good to have everyone there together, Polish and American teams alike. We hosted our first English workshop this morning. Brittanie, Alex, Sidney, Luke, Caleb, Lydia, Lou and Ben are all teaching small groups of 'students' wanting to learn English. A different Scripture passage is used each day for reading and discussion. Caleb, Brittanie, Alex and Levi are leading worship. Sherri is coordinating, doing power point, and running the 'game' portion of the these workshops. The daily workshops are from 10 am to 1 pm. After today's workshop, we headed over to the ministry center, where Bernatka and Kendall had prepared a wonderful spaghetti lunch for us. The construction guys are fed by Marysia every day.
After lunch, Lou and Ben joined the construction crew. They are stripping off 'flour' wallpaper, wiping down walls and helping do prep work for jobs that will be done tomorrow. The teens are playing 'capture the flag' in the park with the English class participants from 4-6 pm today, to build relationships and share the love of Christ. I (Sherri) am staying in the room so I can update the blog and do some planning. Tonight we will gather as a team and have a time of prayer and sharing about the day. It is 'different' this trip, as we are always working at two different locations. We want to hear how each team is getting along, and pray together about needs.
Speaking of prayer ... Please continue to lift up our whole team -- spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Everyone is doing very well, but the construction work is physically demanding, and there are other minor physical health needs that need tended to in the group. Spiritually, please continue to pray that Christ would be glorified in all we do, and that the gospel would be shared effectively with those we come in contact with. Team dynamics are good -- everyone is getting along very well. We are thankful for this .... but keep praying that we remain unified as we grow tired!
God is planting many seeds. Pray for fertile soil, both in our hearts and in the Poles' hearts!
The construction team (Dan Thoen, Tom Tenney, Joe Sellers and Dave Perry) came back to the hotel last night covered in cement dust. They worked HARD yesterday jackhammering out old cement, both by machine and by hand. It was difficult work, but they handled it well. The rest of us had training yesterday for conducting the evangelistic, English workshops. Then we had our own private planning session. Lucyna Pomaranska hosted the entire team for dinner last night. She served a feast. Her son, Piotr, and her daughter, Marta, were there, along with Szymon Kurbiel. We had a great time eating, laughing, and telling stories. It was a delightful evening. After dinner, some of us went to the church for music rehearsal. Needless to say, it was a long day ... and we were all ready for a good night of sleep last night.
Today we began with prayer at the Snyders' home. It was good to have everyone there together, Polish and American teams alike. We hosted our first English workshop this morning. Brittanie, Alex, Sidney, Luke, Caleb, Lydia, Lou and Ben are all teaching small groups of 'students' wanting to learn English. A different Scripture passage is used each day for reading and discussion. Caleb, Brittanie, Alex and Levi are leading worship. Sherri is coordinating, doing power point, and running the 'game' portion of the these workshops. The daily workshops are from 10 am to 1 pm. After today's workshop, we headed over to the ministry center, where Bernatka and Kendall had prepared a wonderful spaghetti lunch for us. The construction guys are fed by Marysia every day.
After lunch, Lou and Ben joined the construction crew. They are stripping off 'flour' wallpaper, wiping down walls and helping do prep work for jobs that will be done tomorrow. The teens are playing 'capture the flag' in the park with the English class participants from 4-6 pm today, to build relationships and share the love of Christ. I (Sherri) am staying in the room so I can update the blog and do some planning. Tonight we will gather as a team and have a time of prayer and sharing about the day. It is 'different' this trip, as we are always working at two different locations. We want to hear how each team is getting along, and pray together about needs.
Speaking of prayer ... Please continue to lift up our whole team -- spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Everyone is doing very well, but the construction work is physically demanding, and there are other minor physical health needs that need tended to in the group. Spiritually, please continue to pray that Christ would be glorified in all we do, and that the gospel would be shared effectively with those we come in contact with. Team dynamics are good -- everyone is getting along very well. We are thankful for this .... but keep praying that we remain unified as we grow tired!
God is planting many seeds. Pray for fertile soil, both in our hearts and in the Poles' hearts!
Monday, July 11, 2011
At Home in Radom
You all need to come to Radom some day ... if only to experience the greeting at the train station. Polish flag waving, happy smiles there to greet you, hugs from old friends and new friends alike ... they all feel like family in an instant. Our brothers and sisters in Radom go out of their way here to make us feel welcome, to make us feel at home. It is a wonderful experience.
I hope to update you more fully tomorrow and upload some more photos. Our days have been very full, and it's difficult to find time to write. For now, we are safe in Radom, loving the people, and trying not to count the days 'till we have to leave. Thursday, July 21, will come too soon.
Dave, Dan, Tom and Joe began construction at Marysia's house today. They returned to the hotel covered in cement dust, took quick showers, and joined the rest of us to go to Lucyna's house for a delicious Polish meal. Piotr and Marta were there to help their mother :) We had a nice time, and of course, the food was as amazing as always.
Ben, Lou, the teens and I spent the day training for the English classes that begin tomorrow. Lessons are prepared, power point done, music rehearsed and ready, and games planned. Ready, set, go! Please pray that God's will is accomplished and that we listen carefully to the Holy Spirit. This is His gigue, not ours! We will meet at the Snyers for prayer in the morning. Looking forward to all God has in store.
Do jutra! (See you tomorrow)
Sherri
I hope to update you more fully tomorrow and upload some more photos. Our days have been very full, and it's difficult to find time to write. For now, we are safe in Radom, loving the people, and trying not to count the days 'till we have to leave. Thursday, July 21, will come too soon.
Dave, Dan, Tom and Joe began construction at Marysia's house today. They returned to the hotel covered in cement dust, took quick showers, and joined the rest of us to go to Lucyna's house for a delicious Polish meal. Piotr and Marta were there to help their mother :) We had a nice time, and of course, the food was as amazing as always.
Ben, Lou, the teens and I spent the day training for the English classes that begin tomorrow. Lessons are prepared, power point done, music rehearsed and ready, and games planned. Ready, set, go! Please pray that God's will is accomplished and that we listen carefully to the Holy Spirit. This is His gigue, not ours! We will meet at the Snyers for prayer in the morning. Looking forward to all God has in store.
Do jutra! (See you tomorrow)
Sherri
Friday, July 8, 2011
Safe in Krakow
After a delicoius (and huge) meal in Old Town Warsaw with Nate & Ola Berry, a three-hour train ride, and lots of logistics (not to mention all of the other hours the team has already traveled), we are finally safe in Krakow! Everyone is taking showers, unpacking at the hostel, and getting ready to go out on the town!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Arriving
We are leaving Radom in a few minutes to drive to the Warsaw Airport. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our American teammates!! Together we will spend some time in the Old Town portion of Warsaw today, and then most of us will board a train for Krakow. Dave and Dan Thoen will not go to Krakow, but will return to Radom to begin construction work. The rest of us will spend the evening and tomorrow in the beautiful, historic city of Krakow. Sunday we will tour Auschwitz and then will return via train to Radom. Monday morning we'll begin ministry.
There will be no more pictures posted on here until we return from Krakow, because I won't have internet access for my camera. So .... see you later!! Dave will post on here, or facebook, about our time in Warsaw today.
Blessings!
There will be no more pictures posted on here until we return from Krakow, because I won't have internet access for my camera. So .... see you later!! Dave will post on here, or facebook, about our time in Warsaw today.
Blessings!
For Dan & Tom
Dan & Tom - The following four photos will show the walls that have been built for the first bathroom. Sorry it's taken so long to post these for you. Have a safe trip!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Sunday
I'm still working on the photo situation. For now, I will just continue blogging.
Sunday morning, of course, we went to our sister church in Radom: Christian Fellowship. It was wonderful to walk into a room full of familiar faces ... and some new ones. We really do love these people! More hugs, kisses, smiles, and greetings came our way. One special surprise was that Szymon was there; he had come home earlier from Romania than we had expected!
Marek led worship, while Szymon played bass and Daniel Snyder played electric guitar. Yes, 'little' Daniel Snyder is growing up and is quite a good electric guitar player. We sang familiar American worship songs in Polish, with a verses of English sprinkled in: 'Mighty to Save', 'Blessed Be Your Name', and 'Holy is the Lord', to name a few. I am so thankful to have learned the Polish alphabet and phonetic sound combinations. At the very least, I can sing the words, even if I don't know what each one means!
Pastor Tytus is on a much needed sabbatical, but he is still at church each week. Steve Snyder preached, but Tytus did share about the conference in Warsaw he attended last week (led by Andzrej Bajenski and others). It was the 90-year anniversary celebration of the Church of Christ/Christian Fellowship church in Poland. Pastors from all over Poland came for this conference. I will share more about that in another post. I will also share later about Steve's message. My notes are in the other room where people are sleeping right now ;)
After church, we took about a 20 minute break for tea and coffee, and then Szymon shared about his missions experience in Romania. It was very meaningful to us to be there for that. He's had quite a year, and we enjoyed seeing pictures and video of his experiences, and hearing the things God has taught him.
Well ... my battery is running low on this lap top. Sorry to leave you hanging again, but the computer cord is in the same room as my notes from Sunday. I must sign off!
More later - Blessings to you all.
Sunday morning, of course, we went to our sister church in Radom: Christian Fellowship. It was wonderful to walk into a room full of familiar faces ... and some new ones. We really do love these people! More hugs, kisses, smiles, and greetings came our way. One special surprise was that Szymon was there; he had come home earlier from Romania than we had expected!
Marek led worship, while Szymon played bass and Daniel Snyder played electric guitar. Yes, 'little' Daniel Snyder is growing up and is quite a good electric guitar player. We sang familiar American worship songs in Polish, with a verses of English sprinkled in: 'Mighty to Save', 'Blessed Be Your Name', and 'Holy is the Lord', to name a few. I am so thankful to have learned the Polish alphabet and phonetic sound combinations. At the very least, I can sing the words, even if I don't know what each one means!
Pastor Tytus is on a much needed sabbatical, but he is still at church each week. Steve Snyder preached, but Tytus did share about the conference in Warsaw he attended last week (led by Andzrej Bajenski and others). It was the 90-year anniversary celebration of the Church of Christ/Christian Fellowship church in Poland. Pastors from all over Poland came for this conference. I will share more about that in another post. I will also share later about Steve's message. My notes are in the other room where people are sleeping right now ;)
After church, we took about a 20 minute break for tea and coffee, and then Szymon shared about his missions experience in Romania. It was very meaningful to us to be there for that. He's had quite a year, and we enjoyed seeing pictures and video of his experiences, and hearing the things God has taught him.
Well ... my battery is running low on this lap top. Sorry to leave you hanging again, but the computer cord is in the same room as my notes from Sunday. I must sign off!
More later - Blessings to you all.
Saturday
Hello Everyone. For some reason, I am unable to upload photos today, so I'll just update you about what's been going on. I will try to post photos later.
Saturday morning, a slim, fit Piotr Pomaranski picked us up from the Berry's apartment in Warsaw. He looks two years younger and twice as handsome! He was our 'chauffer' to Radom :) On the way, we stopped by the garden wholesale nursery where he works. He gave us a tour. It was great to see him in his work environment. Piotr also has a bedroom in the upstairs of the office building of this nursery; this is where he lives during the week. Dave and Piotr walked through the long row of plants, while Levi and I took goofy pictures among the many shaped trees :) After the 'tour', we ensued our drive to Radom.
Once in Radom, we arrived at our friends' home, the Bryk family. This is where we will stay until Friday morning. We were greeted with warm hugs, friendly smiles, and delicious food (of course!).
After lunch, we drove into town and spent a few hours at the home of Steve and Bernatka Snyder. Several people showed up there to greet us, and we enjoyed seeing each one of them. The Snyders live in the center of town, and Bernatka's kitchen serves as a meeting place and welcome spot for friends and family alike. Children and adults laughed and gathered around the small kitchen table for snacks and conversation. Dave and Marek had a good conversation about all that's been done at Marysia's home to prepare for the bathroom installation. They have things ready to go!
After a few hours, we came back to the Bryks' home to relax and settle in. We enjoyed a late dinner, listened to jazz, and talked and laughed late into the night. Levi got re-acquainted with Justyna and Iga, while Piotr, Beata, Dave and I shared stories in broken Polish and English. When possible, we used the Polish-English dictionary. When not, we just said, "Tomorrow ... Iwona!" Iwona, our dear friend and translator, would be arriving on Sunday morning and then we would be able to sit around the table and communicate fully!
Meanwhile, it was good to be in Radom, among the warmth of friends. It's a good thing the friendship is warm, because the weather here is cold and rainy -- just like spring in Ohio. And we thought we had left that behind! Oh well, I know our friends won't mind seeing us wear the same pair of jeans and two long-sleeved shirts we packed. They will last until the weather warms up, which hopefully will be SOON!!
Saturday morning, a slim, fit Piotr Pomaranski picked us up from the Berry's apartment in Warsaw. He looks two years younger and twice as handsome! He was our 'chauffer' to Radom :) On the way, we stopped by the garden wholesale nursery where he works. He gave us a tour. It was great to see him in his work environment. Piotr also has a bedroom in the upstairs of the office building of this nursery; this is where he lives during the week. Dave and Piotr walked through the long row of plants, while Levi and I took goofy pictures among the many shaped trees :) After the 'tour', we ensued our drive to Radom.
Once in Radom, we arrived at our friends' home, the Bryk family. This is where we will stay until Friday morning. We were greeted with warm hugs, friendly smiles, and delicious food (of course!).
After lunch, we drove into town and spent a few hours at the home of Steve and Bernatka Snyder. Several people showed up there to greet us, and we enjoyed seeing each one of them. The Snyders live in the center of town, and Bernatka's kitchen serves as a meeting place and welcome spot for friends and family alike. Children and adults laughed and gathered around the small kitchen table for snacks and conversation. Dave and Marek had a good conversation about all that's been done at Marysia's home to prepare for the bathroom installation. They have things ready to go!
After a few hours, we came back to the Bryks' home to relax and settle in. We enjoyed a late dinner, listened to jazz, and talked and laughed late into the night. Levi got re-acquainted with Justyna and Iga, while Piotr, Beata, Dave and I shared stories in broken Polish and English. When possible, we used the Polish-English dictionary. When not, we just said, "Tomorrow ... Iwona!" Iwona, our dear friend and translator, would be arriving on Sunday morning and then we would be able to sit around the table and communicate fully!
Meanwhile, it was good to be in Radom, among the warmth of friends. It's a good thing the friendship is warm, because the weather here is cold and rainy -- just like spring in Ohio. And we thought we had left that behind! Oh well, I know our friends won't mind seeing us wear the same pair of jeans and two long-sleeved shirts we packed. They will last until the weather warms up, which hopefully will be SOON!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sorry for few posts
I am unable to post much. Internet use is sporadic. I will post more as I am able! Hope everyone is well in America. Happy Independence Day!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Welcome to Poland
We are thankful for safe travel. We did sit on the runway for 2 1/2 hours in Chicago, which made our flight to Warsaw seem SOOO much longer. Nonetheless, we managed to get a few hours of sleep on the plane, and we had fun with the people who sat near us.
When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find the baggage process at the Warsaw airport much more expedient than in past days. They have updated a lot of their systems and have built a beautiful new addition at the airport. Expedient baggage service was not our most pleasant greeting at the airport, though. We were pleased to see Nate Berry waiting for us on the other side of Customs. It was great to see a familiar, friendly face on this side of the ocean! Nate drove us to the apartment where he lives with his wife, Ola, and his son, Filip. They currently live with Ola's parents, Andzrej and Urszula Bajenski. The Bajenski's were away for a holiday, so we just enjoyed time with the Berry's. Ola prepared a delicious meal, and we sat around the table and talked and laughed. Nate gave us a quick tour of areas in Warsaw we had not yet seen.
We had hoped to go to the large celebration in Warsaw that evening, with concerts and a huge fireworks display. This was the day that Poland officially took over leadership of the European Union for six months. Thus, there was a huge celebration in Warsaw that night. However, because it was very cold and rainy, we returned to the apartment and enjoyed talking and visiting with each other in warmth and comfort! Nate updated us on the Real Hope ministry. They are focusing on two cities this summer, where hundreds of Christians from Poland (and other countries) will come to do work projects, present concerts, orchestrate games and activities for kids and teens, and share the gospel. It is a beautiful display of Christians working together to improve conditions in these Polish cities -- both spiritually and physically.
Accommodations at the Berry's were wonderful. Sherri slept 9 hours. Dave and Levi had a more difficult time adjusting to the time difference and were up during the night. Nonetheless, we had a great time. It was wonderful to land in Warsaw, and stay somewhere less than ten minutes from the airport on our first night. Thanks to the Berry's for a wonderful welcome to Poland. Who would have known that when God had us cross paths with the Berry's in America, we would one day be sitting in their apartment in Poland.
Nate & Ola will meet the rest of the team when they arrive next Friday!
When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find the baggage process at the Warsaw airport much more expedient than in past days. They have updated a lot of their systems and have built a beautiful new addition at the airport. Expedient baggage service was not our most pleasant greeting at the airport, though. We were pleased to see Nate Berry waiting for us on the other side of Customs. It was great to see a familiar, friendly face on this side of the ocean! Nate drove us to the apartment where he lives with his wife, Ola, and his son, Filip. They currently live with Ola's parents, Andzrej and Urszula Bajenski. The Bajenski's were away for a holiday, so we just enjoyed time with the Berry's. Ola prepared a delicious meal, and we sat around the table and talked and laughed. Nate gave us a quick tour of areas in Warsaw we had not yet seen.
We had hoped to go to the large celebration in Warsaw that evening, with concerts and a huge fireworks display. This was the day that Poland officially took over leadership of the European Union for six months. Thus, there was a huge celebration in Warsaw that night. However, because it was very cold and rainy, we returned to the apartment and enjoyed talking and visiting with each other in warmth and comfort! Nate updated us on the Real Hope ministry. They are focusing on two cities this summer, where hundreds of Christians from Poland (and other countries) will come to do work projects, present concerts, orchestrate games and activities for kids and teens, and share the gospel. It is a beautiful display of Christians working together to improve conditions in these Polish cities -- both spiritually and physically.
Accommodations at the Berry's were wonderful. Sherri slept 9 hours. Dave and Levi had a more difficult time adjusting to the time difference and were up during the night. Nonetheless, we had a great time. It was wonderful to land in Warsaw, and stay somewhere less than ten minutes from the airport on our first night. Thanks to the Berry's for a wonderful welcome to Poland. Who would have known that when God had us cross paths with the Berry's in America, we would one day be sitting in their apartment in Poland.
Nate & Ola will meet the rest of the team when they arrive next Friday!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June 30, 2011 - Phase One Begins
This year's team is divided into two groups. The first group will depart Fredericktown on June 30, and the remainder of the group will depart on July 7. We'll keep you updated as the journey progresses .... Check back periodically for new posts!
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