It’s now been ten days since your team boarded the plane in Poznan to begin the long journey back to Utah. I’ve had time to reflect on our time together and would like to share the following thoughts:
In this, our 7th year of hosting Short Term Mission Teams, our experience with the 30-member team from Utah was nothing short of a colossal blessing. Here’s how:
- I have never seen a team whose collective value of sharing the Word of God with one another was so high. Your apparent habit of having the Word on your hearts was such a wonderful blessing to Joan and me! It reminded us of our early days of ministry when we and those with whom we ministered were taught and then practiced the same.
- Your tireless serving mentality was present in your leaders as well as in each team member. You might think this is common in every team which comes to Poland but it isn’t. Though you were dealing with a certain level of “culture shock,” you weren’t so paralyzed that you couldn’t serve. We constantly had people either asking us, “What can I do to help?” or just pitching in without being asked to take out the garbage, do the dishes, carry equipment, or set up more chairs.
- To say our kids eagerly anticipate the coming of Short Term Teams (especially one with so many young people) is an understatement. They count the days beginning many months before the team’s arrival. You guys were so affirming and encouraging to our kids (and to Joan and me about our kids)! You included them whenever you could and really made them feel like an integral part of your outreach. They appreciated opportunities they had to help with translation and the Lord really used them! This was such a super blessing for Joan and me!
You all comprised by far the biggest team we’ve ever hosted here but also blessed us with a huge blessing to match! May God use your experience here to help form Christ in each of you and to just bring greater glory to His worthy Name. Thank you Utah!!!
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August 12th, 2008
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God answers prayers. 30 people prayed for God to use them and God came through! We chose to be placed into uncertain circumstances, and we asked to be stretched and challenged. It was in those unfamiliar places that our God was faithful. Different sights, sounds, smells, languages, beds, foods, planes, trains, buses, schedules, and roommates. These and much more left us desperate for God. The spiritual battle was at levels we never new existed. What an incredibly vulnerable position to be in. It’s like finding yourself in an unexpected blustery snowstorm when you were prepared for a sunny day. And it is in this very position when we get the clearest view of Jesus. He showed Himself faithful, day after day and moment by moment in every situation. He placed 30 very ordinary people together for this very extraordinary time. We are all so different. Yet God molded us as one for His purposes. Day one was the first of many miracles. ALL of our equipment and luggage and people arrived in Europe basically unscathed. Other than Tony’s suitcase taking a beating, and a German guy yelling at me in the Munich airport, it was a great day of traveling. And then we hit the ground running in Italy. Praying and seeking God’s face together; feet shod with the gospel, we began to engage with the culture through music and evangelism. Hundreds heard the name Jesus lifted on high. Through microphones, one on one conversations, and gospel tracts. God knit us together with the local saints as if we had been laboring together for years. We loved them and they loved us because God loves ALL of us. 6 days of this and then we participated in a thematic retreat on the coast and in Rome. We gathered together daily with glad and sincere hearts and anticipating hearing from God during different teachings in incredible surroundings. Then off to Poland in yet even a new set of changes. Poles are a quiet people who rarely even make eye contact. The airport was eerily quiet until 30 Americans arrived. I was very intimidated by the language. Most of the signs at the airport had a series of g’s and z’s placed together in some sort of arrangement I felt could never be verbalized. At least by me. We sought the Lord in prayer and through His word and once again He was faithful and loved this group of people through our music and His Holy Spirit living in us. It was uncanny and phenomenal. God get’s the glory because He is glorious. And His name was lifted high. The name Jesus echoed from buildings, and could be heard in the many intentional one on one conversations. All this in a country relatively young in it’s escape from communism. The only reason for success is God. The saints from Poland loved us and we loved them and from that arose a beautiful symphony. Our very lives in a position of worship before a Holy God. It just felt so good and right. Poland will never be the same, and neither will we. And our trip home was equally successful, other than Zach was left in Denver looking for his bass guitar. He was able to catch a flight 2 hours later. So please pray for them to find his guitar, or give him cash to buy another one. I guess somehow God had one more lesson in this for Zach. You see he was never alone. God was with him. Thank you Jesus for allowing us to be involved in this kingdom building life. You answered our prayers just like You promised You would!
United
Mac
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July 31st, 2008
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We are home safe and sound. It is very different to be home and God changed the lives of 30 people! I don’t think Salt Lake City is going to be the same. Please continue checking this blog for a while, we will have some Pastor comments from our sister churches and we will post pictures from every single day!
Thanks for all your prayers and please do not stop praying for the people in Europe!
“as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” - 2 Corinthians 1:11
Tony
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July 30th, 2008
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Just when we thought our mission trip was coming to a close (I mean, it was technically), two more people received Jesus tonight. We were gathered at a park near the university this evening after a day of shopping and sight seeing in Poznan. We debriefed about all that God had done through us and in us.
Apparently 40 people gathered in a park can make onlookers curious, because 3 Polish students (2 girls and a guy) came and sat with us while we were sharing. All of us in the circle where we sat kind of made eye contact with each other, wondering who they were and who was going to talk to them. Since they were sitting by Steele and I, the guy (who seemed angry) asked Steele where we were from. From there on, basically Steele and Carolina (from Poland) began to share the gospel. The 2 girls received Jesus. They know that He lives in their hearts. And they exchanged phone numbers with Carolina, and hugged her as they said goodbye! Pray for them. The guy seemed a little shrill to say the least. Pray for him too.
Simultaneously, Tim had been sharing with one of their other friends. He didn’t get saved, but he took home a Polish gospel tract. Pray seeds will continue to be planted.
Today I read about how when Jesus was being presented in the temple as a baby, a devout man named Simeon prophesied these words. I think they also apply to us. What an honor to share in Christ:
“’This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thought of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:34).
It’s so cool that God just brought them to us simply because of the Holy Spirit inside of us!
Our souls are pierced,
Kim
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July 28th, 2008
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As our time has come to a close on our Eur08 mission trip, I have had sometime to reflect on a few things that God had been teaching me on this trip. One thing God has really taught me is teamwork. Walking through the concentration camp here in Poland, I was quickly brought back to WWII.
If you understand anything about aviation, one of the most effective bombers was developed during WWII, the Boeing B-17. It was a long-range bomber that was used to bomb various enemy sites all over Europe during the war. The crew was composed of nine men working various positions and a ground crew. A pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, navigator, radio guy, ball turret, two waist gunners and a tail gunner manned the plane. Each person played a specific role and the plane itself couldn’t complete its mission unless everyone was working a 100%. The plane could not fly there unless the pilot took them there, he can’t get there without the navigator, the target cannot be hit unless both the pilot and navigator are working together so the bombardier can drop the bombs, without the gunners shooting down the enemy planes then the plane would never reach its target, the ground crew had to make sure the plane was mechanically sound, and on and on we can relate how all these men have to work together. But, when the goal is reached they ALL rejoice.
On this trip God has made it clear that everyone has a purpose in seeing people saved. Everyone works together so that no one can boast and that God gets in the glory in the end! Here was just one story I was personally involved in seeing this happen and like I said I was one person involved, so I might have left out some details. At the beginning of our last concert there was a kid named Lucas standing around. Chuck told Collin T. to go talk with him, so he was faithful and did. Then Lucas had to leave, but said he was coming back. Well, he did and Collin started to chat with him. Lucas ,was given a CD from Kim and Steele, and wanted to get all of the bands to sign a CD that he had and after I signed it, Shannon told me to grab Isaac (to translate and one of Jack’s sons) and to share the Gospel with him. Next thing I know I turned around and he was gone to the bottom of the hill. I walked down and instantly Collin, Lucas, Isaac and I started to share with him. Sasha, one of the local Polish people, was in and out of our conversation, helping translate. We got to a certain point and there were something’s that were getting lost in translation. Finally, Sasha came back and asked if he could explain the rest of the Gospel with him. In the end Lucas accepted Jesus into his life!
I look at how this team worked together and there is now way possible it would of worked any other way! It started with Chuck pushing Collin to step out, Collin asking me to sign his CD, Isaac helping us translate and finally Sasha, knowing the language more, making sure he understood! This took the Holy Spirit and like nine people to get him over the line!
Remember that if you are open to God, he will use you in ways you will never know.
Tony
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July 28th, 2008
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Before I get started, I am warning you, this is going to be long. I am confident that it is impossible to express to you all that God has done in the past few weeks, and in every way I am overwhelmed to be called His child. Yet, for the sake of His glory, and because it causes me to love God all the more, I will try.
I am sure throughout this writing I will interweave a number of different verses that display how awesome God is, but I want to share with you one verse that has proven very real to me on this trip. I memorized it a number of years ago, and I have always believed it, but I must confess that I have never seen it more applicable, or more real in my life than it has been to me on this trip. It is found in Romans 1:16. It says: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” I hope that after reading this, you will see just how true His word really is.
I want to start you in Italy 2006. Just a few years ago, Mac led a small team of us to Torino Italy where one of our bands throughout the weeks played during the Olympics. Similar to our approach now, we played rock n roll in the steets, had intentional conversations with bystanders, and pointed them to a local church where we would have more concerts the following day. Our hopes were that they would find Jesus and grow in His love. The fruit of that trip has been evident in many different ways. Those who were sent grew in their faith, our supporters grew in their faith, our sister church in Italy was encouraged by our service, and even our very own Rock Churches were effected by God’s contagious Spirit in us. However, I did not realize the impact of that trip until the 15th of July just thirteen days ago.
During that first trip to Torino Italy, our team was introduced to a young man named Paul pronounced (POW OOL). Picture a 14 year old kid who had struggles that most could never imagine, trying to find his place in a world that had only shown him heart ache, while attending a church that told him of a loving God; Young, angry, indifferent; yet for some reason he rode his bike to and from our meetings everyday. Collectively, we called him “Snoop Dogg” as he confessed to loving rap music, and every time we called him by this name, he smiled.
Frank Apisa, one of the Pastor’s of the church, told us that Paul had a very difficult life, and had not yet placed his trust in Jesus….it was understandable in many ways. How do you tell a person who blames God for their hurt, that it is only God who can remove it anyway? Frank said: “He will know Christ’s love in our love for Paul, and for each other.” Love him we did. Every restaurant we bought his meal, every “outing” he attended, and in every meeting we prayed for him. Personally, I had the privilege of sharing the gospel with him the day before we left. It was heartbreaking as he decided to wait until another time. The day after our team returned home, I received a message that Paul prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his savior. I was sent a picture and all who saw it rejoiced at the visible presence of God’s spirit in His eyes. I was overwhelmed at what had happened. Yet, after that, I never heard from Paul again. In the back of my mind was the faithless thought that the world had won, that Paul had decided not to fight, and that somehow the seed did not fall on fertile ground.
Fast-forward two years to July 15, 2008. Jet lagged, excited, and ready to rock for Jesus, this new group of missionaries is preparing to start the day off right with a healthy dose of prayer and worship. Just as we are about to begin, as if he did not miss a beat, down walks Paul. Carrying the same bike from two years before, he walked over to me, hugged me, and in perfect English said “hello.” Instantly, I saw God. I saw His love, His mercy, His might, His compassion, His insight to every human heart, His understanding in every weakness, and in His power to overcome every heart break.
The entire week Paul did not leave our side. He sat on the steps while our “Gypsy Bands” played to the crowds, he prayed with us in our meetings, and he translated our very broken Italian to avoid the nightmare of overwhelming shop owners. Paul knew that merely ordering a “calzone” was an experience to say the least, and he graciously helped us properly say “farmaggio”….cheese.
When the time had come to say goodbye once again to my friend Paul, I found myself overcome with emotion. I have to say that I could not hold back my tears as Paul told me that his intentions were to follow our Lord Jesus Christ for the rest of his life. I was in complete awe of God. Romans 1:16 did indeed come alive before my very eyes; “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is THE POWER OF GOD for the SALVATION of EVERYONE who believes….” It was, it is the power of God for Paul who believes.
I want to touch on just one more experience from Italy that I just can’t shake. Granted, I could talk about how the Lord kept us desperate and all at once faith filled in every situation. From waiting to have power to perform our first concerts and having the power company show up seconds after we prayed, to the beautiful picture of seeing 30 of our Utah saints give a message of hope to complete strangers while a group of musicians sang and played their hearts out on the streets…absolutely amazing!!!
I want to tell you however, of a man I met at “Il Rifugio” who attended a concert in the square the night before, and then found himself inside this little local church for yet another concert. His name is “Zolo” or “Joel” as I came to understand. From Nigeria, he made his way to Torino Italy for some reason, maybe with divine insight, he found himself here if only to hear the Gospel. After the series of musicians played, as “usual” our excited team engaged in many intentional, wonderful conversations about Jesus. I had the privilege of sitting with this very excited traveler.
After a few minutes of casual conversation, (“Joel” spoke English very well), our dialogue took a spiritual turn. He told me that he enjoyed the message that I gave and that he had never heard of how God could love him in this way. Almost like a page borrowed from the bible, his eyes filled with tears and he said these very words: ”Tell me sir, how can I know for certain that I will be saved.” It stole the wind from my lungs, and even now as I write these words I have “goose bumps.” I had the privilege of sharing the full Gospel with Joel, and that night he placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his savior. Again, I saw first hand “The POWER OF GOD FOR the SALVATION of EVERYONE who believes…” It was, it is the power of God for Joel who believes.
If you are keeping up on our “blogs”, you have heard of the beauty of Cinque Terre and Rome so I want to share with you a few more experiences from Poland. However, I will say this one thing: Let’s plant a church in Cinque Terre. Come on, “heaven on earth” needs a church too.
Let me take you to another place, Gniezno, Poland. By bus, we traveled to their historical town square where a stage and amazing sound equipment had already been set up for us. Posters advertising our concert were hung in nearly every window, and on every light post. To the eye, this square is very beautiful. European shops and homes decorated as a quaint village; bell tower clocks, and balcony’s overlooking the excitement. It really is spectacular.
But there is much more to this town square beneath the surface. Gniezno was the first capital of Poland, a country soaked in history. In the lifetime of my grandparents, this now very beautiful square had once been one of the many places where Hitler’s army marched his troops; where tanks crushed the ground beneath them, and where what is now breath taking in beauty, was then breath taking in war. This place where we were now standing, just 18 years ago, in my lifetime, was suffering the hold of communism. People who were not allowed to believe in Jesus Christ, hold a bible, or pray “freely”, were now about to hear the “Gospel of Salvation” from the stage, through the speakers, echoing off every building within a 2 mile radius. A new war just began. One we can’t see.
The bands took the stage, and our saints hit the square. The music was loud, and being that it was a Friday night, people showed up in mass. Kelsea, Hayden, Zach, and Collin rocked. Hayden spoke of “The Rock Music” and how we as musicians we rooted in something more than just music. We came to perform for free, and we came with a message, a message of love, a message of hope. Our team of missionaries spread out throughout the square delivering that message. The band played flawlessly, and people continued to show up…the people stayed.
My band took the stage at 8pm. Tony, Kim, Caleb and myself were confident as our sound check was free from trouble. All at once I became aware of the war around me. My pedals broke. Somehow, in front of over 200 people, what was just working was now crackling like a cheap telephone. Mac ran to the stage and while we were performing, he was trying to solve the problem that now proved impossible to fix. You may not know me too well, but in music, I have a particular ear, and like most artists struggle with change; let alone “change on the fly”, while performing, knowing we are on a mission, that the saints are counting on this, and that in less than 35 minutes I will be sharing the Gospel from the stage.
We finished the song, and in front of everyone I explained we were having “technical difficulties” whatever that means. How could I explain “sorry guys, Satan just showed up and is hitting me in the place where he knows I will be thrown off?, Standby for the Lord of Heaven’s armies to arrive.
It was an opportunity for humility. Maybe they needed to see a musician look insecure. Maybe they needed to see an American NOT confident. Maybe they needed to see me, right before their eyes as foolish. I trust the Lord, and I trust that one day I will know. I played the next few songs with no effects (awkward to say the least), and in the best way I knew how I prepared my heart to share the gospel with all who could hear.
I asked my translator Carolina to take the stage. What happened next is impossible to describe to you. The only thing I can adequately explain is that it felt like a cloak fell over my head, and over the people. For me, it was a physical cloak around my mind. I could not place one cohesive thought in front of the other. Previously, I had felt confident to present the gospel from the stage. I know the gospel; I knew how to tell the people.
Suddenly, I could barely form a thought. I began by telling them that I had a message for them that changed my life, and that it was a message of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Instantly, teenagers in front of me began yelling at me. One person in particular walked up to the stage and began screaming at me. A group of people in the corner started laughing, they were pointing. From stage I saw NOT ONE friendly face of a stranger. They were scowls. SCOWLS. Faces of anger directed at me. I was terrified. I was without words.
Then, something truly incredible happened. I saw the bright faces of two of our missionaries. Simultaneously, God used them both from opposite sides of the square to walk towards me. They positioned themselves in front of the stage and like “faces of angels” smiled at me in complete confidence. I have NEVER seen something more beautiful in my life. I had never needed the presence of God’s kindness more. Even in this moment, I am overwhelmed at their tenderness to God’s leading. Somehow, they knew. Somehow, by God’s spirit they spoke to me without a word.
I delivered the message of salvation. Broken at best, I told them of Jesus Christ, and of God’s love. We finished our last song, and I have to be honest with you, I walked off the stage embarrassed, humiliated, and like I had let everyone down. In my head I heard that all of the saints were disappointed in me; that I had missed the opportunity, that I had failed even Jesus. Even in this state of mind, clouded by lies from the pit of hell, God did something unbelievable. He used me. Somehow, he used me.
A group of teenage girls had been talking with our translator and with Jim Mcfall. To be completely real, I winced when Jim asked me if I could meet them. I felt like crawling into a hole. Reluctantly, I agreed. The conversation was hesitant at first, but in God’s unbelievable kindness, suddenly I was asking them if they understood what I said from the stage. Shaking their heads yes, I began to unpack the gospel in it’s entirety. With the help of our translator, the prayers of Jim, and the Spirit of God two girls prayed to receive Christ in that little town square. Two lives changed for all eternity. When their prayers were finished, these two girls told us that they “could not wait to tell all of their friends about this new message.” Since then, we have found out that they spent their Saturday reading the Gospel of John, and they quoted: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13. They knew Jesus. Their relationship had begun. Again, I saw “The POWER of GOD for the SALVATION of EVERYONE who BELIEVES.” Rom 1:16
These “glory stories” don’t end here. For you have not heard about our last and final concerts of our mission trip. The morning began for our folks with a church service at a polish Baptist church. Tony, Kim, Caleb and I were asked to perform 3 songs as “specials” and tell the church of our concert later that afternoon in a public park. I think we “rocked” their saints in typical “Rock Church” fashion, and if anything, we convinced them that God is the author of all “types” of music.
We were all refreshed by the worship when their band sang “heart of worship” in their language, and we sang to God in ours. It’s hard to describe: People from completely different ends of the Earth singing to one God, at one time, in two languages. It was beautiful really.
The time came for the concerts. At 3pm the musicians walked to the park where we would perform. We prayed and asked that God would bless our time. All of us were exausted. Every Utah saint had given everything they had for the Gospel, and in many ways, it took faith to move mountains to believe that we could do it all one more time. In the previous weeks, 2,500 fliers had been distributed throughout the apartment buildings that overlooked the park. Yet, with little faith, I personally believed nobody would show. I was wrong.
The estimated number of people was over 200 people. The people came, they stayed. Kelsea, with the help of a translator, told the onlookers just how beautiful we thought Poland was. Hayden again told them of “The Rock Music” and how were rooted in the “Love of Jesus Christ.” No one moved. They stayed. The band played on.
Our Utah missionaries were seasoned throughout the park engaging in conversations, handing out CD’s and allowing God to use them in their admitted weakness. Our band took the stage. We played passionately, but at times almost robotically. We were tired, but we were willing. A saint from Poland took the stage and shared his testimony. The people listened, they did not move an inch. God was on the move, it was wonderful.
The time came for me to share the Gospel. The translator took the stage, the band held their music, and I walked to the microphone. It was different this time. I felt clear. I felt calm. I felt excited to share the very words that changed my life forever. The same message that caused 30 of our saints to endure travel, fear, frustration, and at many times overwhelming humility. I felt at peace, the kind that surpasses all understanding.
I shared the gospel. The people listened. Few left. Afterwards I was told by many of our people that while I was giving the message, a white dove circled over our heads twice. I did not see it, but I believe it completely.
To describe the scene when the music was over is entirely, like I said at the beginning, impossible. First of all, the president of the community, and the head of this park made an announcement from stage. An older gentleman, he very graciously thanked us for our music, and also for bringing the good weather saying “it must be that we are very good people to bring such glorious weather with our travels.” It was validating, like a stamp of approval for our message.
In every direction people were engaged in spiritual conversations. Bibles were in their hands, people were praying, gospel “tracks” were in the hands of our new polish friends. It was comfortable. Nobody wanted to leave. It was natural. It was The Lord’s wonderful work.
Kristen and Sierra introduced me to their new friend. They had met her during the music and she wanted to meet the members of the bands. God wanted to save her. His plan is always better. Steve Stockdale, one of the residents here for our sister church translated the gospel for her. She prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her savior. She was excited to tell us that now she knew where she was going for SURE when she died. At the same time, she so sweetly conveyed that now God lives “in my heart.” It was beautiful.
The stage was on a hill, and from that perspective, it was a picture of heaven. There were many who were hearing the message. Our saints were engaged in huddles around those who WANTED to hear. They WANTED to stay. Issac Stockdale, another resident and member of our sister church, and only 11 years old translated for a number of our folks. Collectively, they shared the message of salvation to a 19 year old boy. He prayed to receive Jesus Christ and admitted to wanting “to burst and cry because he was so happy.”
When it seemed like it couldn’t get any better, all at once a group of young men and women, Poles and American’s alike started singing Gospel music. Huddled together, clapping their hands with total “soul”, at the top of their lungs they started to sing about Jesus. It seemed like a Christian storybook. People were praying, people were sharing, people were reading, and now they were singing. Freely. FREELY!!! All of this with the blessing of the Community Chairman.
That night over 40 of us gathered at the Stockdale home and ate pizza in celebration of what God had done in our very midst. Who were we to receive such unbelievable, undeserved favor from the creator of the Universe? Who are we to be used by Him? The bible says we are His “ambassador’s”, His “Sent Ones”, “His Workmanship.” Yet, at the beginning I told you that I am most overwhelmed to be called His child. I have such a wonderful father. That He loves me, that He uses me, that he delights in me, and calls me the object of His affection is to good to be true; but IT IS.
Here is what I know. Now more than ever I resonate with Psalm 16:3: “The Godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them.” There is nothing more beautiful than the love of Christ, but if there is one thing in this broken world that is second to God’s love….it is the magnificent life and love of His church. The sinner made saint. The sent ones. The redeemed ones. The truly FREE ones. The Heroes!!!
Here is one more thought. I have never been more convinced in my life of God’s work in THE ROCK MUSIC. The fruit of taking musicians with a vision to Love God, Bless the Saints, and Win the Lost, while teaching them to use their gifts to support a local church is not measurable. We will not be famous. We will not be glorified. We will not be stars on this earth…..we will be “Stars in the universe.”
For those who supported us in our mission, in any way at all……you have no idea this side of heaven what you accomplished. You too are my heroes, and I love you.
Forever Changed,
Steele
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July 28th, 2008
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Tonight (July 26) was our second concert in a smaller city an hour from Poznan called Gniezno. Yesterday we all felt bogged down at our concert, like we were sharing Jesus in slow motion. But since Christ’s power is made perfect in our weakness, 2 Polish girls accepted Christ and many seeds of truth were planted. This is a country that has very few Jesus freaks like us to make God famous. So it has been a humbling experience just knowing that we may never see fruit in our lifetime; we may not even get into a conversation about God. But He lives inside of us, and God works miracles even without our words.
We began the day visiting one of the “mini” forts that were used as Concentration Camps. We walked from our hotel. That alone was sobering, that we could walk there! I can’t begin to express what we experienced, only to tell you that humanity has the capacity to do unspeakable evils. I think we were all shaken up. But it gave us insight into the Polish mentality: they are a people that were attacked from 2 fronts, from 2 brutal tyrants without conscience within the same decade. The only constant, to them, has been their Catholicism. So it makes sense that to be Polish is synonymous with being Catholic. They don’t want someone telling them what to do, let alone what to believe. My heart breaks for these people.
Anyway, our outdoor concert last night was fuel for tonight. Just like in Torino, the first concert softened the hearts of the people for the next. I didn’t have any expectations because yesterday was so difficult. This concert was in a church that Jack and Joan Stockdale have befriended, so I was prepared for no one to come. There is just a pervasive opposition to any church that is Protestant here in Poland, even more so than in Italy. So I was prepared for the worst.
But God came in power, like he always does. Many young people from last night came, including the 2 girls who received Christ. The 3 sets of musicians that played sounded amazing; and once again, the Holy Spirit was palpable. Afterwards, I think every single one of us was in a conversation with a native here. More salt was spread. God is moving these people out of the darkness with every bit of truth we give them – even if it’s without words. Keep praying for these people. Nothing is impossible with God.
Surprised by God,
Kim
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July 26th, 2008
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Hey friends, sorry about the lack of blogging, but like Tony mentioned, we had little internet access earlier in the week. In addition, since we arrived in Poland two days ago we’ve been working (in a good way). (By the way, Tony is the only reason we have been so blessed to communicate this incredible adventure to you guys, so yea Tony!). So I’m going to attempt to catch you up from July 20th until the 24th.
As mentioned a few blogs ago, we sadly left Torino last Sunday and headed for a four day retreat with our team and some of our new family from Il Rifugio (Paul, Kristen, Nikki, Anthony, Siena, and Sammy). This time was just to rest and bond with God and each other; each night we had a different message given by someone on the team. God used the time to wash us with his truth and refresh us.
Our first stop was Cinque Terre, unarguably the most beautiful place in the entire universe. It is a series of 5 villages literally built on terraces into the sides of mountains, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was humbling to be there because we felt so blessed to be in such an amazing place. The full day we spent there we slept in, went on hikes from village to village, swam in the Mediterranean, shopped, and ate dinner together. That evening Tony taught us on John 15 and the importance of remaining in him. It was an awesome time to reflect on the fact that this whole trip is God’s thing. If we do not abide in and rely on Him, we can do nothing and nothing matters.
That night we sadly said goodbye to Kristen, Nikki, and Anthony; the next day we sadly said goodbye Cinque Terre. I thank God that heaven will look like that, and that heaven will allow for eternity to spend time with our international family.
From there we caught a train to hop on a sketchy bus to Rome. The 4 hour bus ride was more like 6, but we made it! After checking into our hostel (that’s an experience in itself), we walked to the Coliseum where we toured the amphitheatre along with the Palatine hill and the Roman Forum. Thus began our whirlwind tour that was Rome. Rome is more like an all-encompassing European city; it didn’t seem too Italian after Torino, Genova, and Cinque Terre. It was so big, hot, crowded, touristy, and saturated with history that it was a little overwhelming. I’m saying all this because I want you to picture in your mind 30 on-fire Christian missionaries just coming off a fruitful week of evangelism and 2 days of rest, being disoriented and thrust into a foreign urban smorgasbord of lights and cathedrals, tour guides and tourists, information and heat. It should be a funny image.
Highlights of our Roman adventure include hearing Zach share about suffering for the gospel while we sat beside the Coliseum; listening to Paul Meiberger speak on his life verses; and being reminded that a once powerful kingdom has since fallen. But the kingdom we’re building will last forever. Rome is an amazing city. But there are several things that stuck us, after taking in the Vatican and hundreds of Cathedrals. One is that, for a city soaked in art and architecture that was originally intended for Jesus, it seems rather empty. Another random thought is just how brutal humanity can be. The coliseum, as well as the Emperor’s ancient sports arena and the Circus Maximus, were all centered on murder for sport. In one week, we’ve experienced the best and worst of the world. Looking back, this was probably good preparation for going to Poland.
Thursday morning we left for Poland, sadly saying goodbye to Paul Meiberger. Then it was off to the airport to catch a plane to Germany, to catch a plane to Poland, to catch a bus to our hotel. We couldn’t wait to roll up our sleeves and spread some more salt on this world.
KIM thats spelled K, I, M.
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July 26th, 2008
7287pwkr
When we stepped off the plane in Poznan, a few things struck me. First of all, the hundred plus people waiting at baggage claim were nearly silent. Jack Stockdale, the pastor here, wasn’t joking when he said that the Polish are a very quiet people. Secondly, I could see in color.
In the days leading up to our time in Poland, many members of our group were trepidatious about the time we would spend here. We didn’t really have a precise game plan, and none of us had ever been to Poland before. We simply knew that we would serve God here in whatever way He enabled us to do so. In order to combat some of our anxiety, we’d began joking about some of the things we expected to find in Poland. First, we thought everything would be in black and white, that they only people we’d find there would be the elderly or young children, and despite the fact that it’s July, we expected cold and blustery snow storms. But, as I said, when I stepped off the plane, everything was in color.
The first couple hours here were hard for me. It’s one thing to be in Italy, where at least in some ways the language looks or sounds like English. Although I don’t speak a lick of any foreign language, I could usually look at the signs around me and figure out what was going on. The Polish language is a different story all together. For example, the label on the water bottle sitting in front of me reads “Zywiec Zdroj.” I could not in a million years guess what that says. So, as we left the airport and traveled to our hotel, I was in a state of mental disarray. I was tired from traveling, and not completely ready to acclimate to another country.
We checked into our hotel room, which although only billed as a two star hotel, was essentially the lap of luxury after the hostel we stayed in while in Rome. That encouraged me. Then we got on the bus to go to the Stockdale’s house. Their house is in a neighborhood of Poznan called Grunwald, it’s as close to suburbia as a European city can get. Even by American standards their house is huge. We walked into the front gate and around to their back yard. Their backyard. Inside the house Joan Stockdale was preparing as food for the cook out we were about to have. The girls set to work in the kitchen and the boys went outside to deal with the grill. Despite the fact that we were in Poland, we were about to have a good old-fashioned American BBQ. Shortly after we finished up in the kitchen, one of the Stockdale children let their dog Duke, a Golden Retriever out of his room. He went tearing through the living room and out into the backyard, excited to greet all thirty of his new friends in his house. I ran after him, like a little child. I grew up with Golden Retrievers, and his presence, as silly as it may sound, was the icing on the cake to make me feel at home and comfortable in such a strange place.
After eating, Jack explained to us our game plan for the next couple of days while we’re here. He reiterated the spiritual darkness and coldness that much of the Polish people find themselves in. Poland has been the stomping ground for warring nations for nearly all of its existence. The Catholic Church has been the one thing that has held Poland together. In the six years that the Stockdales have been in Poland, only a handful of people have come into a saving relationship with Jesus. The church here is still meeting in the Stockdale’s home, and is smaller than most small groups in other churches. Still, the Stockdales persevere.
Jack shared 1 Corinthians 3:6, and explained that his family’s mission here, and ours as well, was to plant seeds and water the soil. He told us that often in Christian ministry, the goal is to lead people across the line fro m death to life, and that seems like the only goal. If someone doesn’t get saved, often as Christians, we feel that we’ve failed. He said that here in Poland, the goal is different. Obviously the ultimate purpose is to lead people from death to life, but the path that leads people to cross that line is a long and winding road. Our goal, while we’re here, is just to draw people closer to that line of salvation, because most Polish people are so distant from any true understand of God.
With that thought in mind, the next morning we prepared ourselves for battle in a completely different war zone than any we’d been in before. We spent a lot of time in prayer and the Word together, encouraging and admonishing each other. If nothing else, our trip and time in Poland, will produce friendships that are unshakable and firmly planted in the love of Christ.
We drove to another town here in Poland, where were able to obtain a permit to perform, and where there is a small Baptist church that we can point people towards. The town square was nothing short of magical, small children ran around chasing pigeons, old women leaned out their windows watching the Americans set up their stage, and more teenagers than I expected to see gathered to see what was going on.
I thought that starting conversations with people was difficult in Italy, but here in Poland, it’s near impossible. I have never felt more awkwardness in my life than aimlessly approaching as group of young Polish girls in an attempt to build a relationship, but knowing there is very little for us to talk about, and having been warned that steering the conversation toward spiritual topics is probably not the best idea here in Poland. And so, I spent much of my day in prayer with the other folks on our team who are not musicians.
When the band started to play, a large crowd had drawn near, mostly of teenagers and young adults. Then the sound system fell apart. I don’t know much about the technical aspect of music, so I don’t know precisely what happened, but essentially, Steele was not able to play his guitar through the amp provided to him. For a brief moment, panic and fear coursed through the veins of our team. Those of us in the crowd, huddled together to pray, and after a few moments of technical difficultly Steele made the decision to continue to play, just with out his amp.
Then the rain came. It didn’t rain hard, but just enough to shake us up. It had rained briefly before we set up the stage, and we’d prayed that God would hold off until after the performance. But the drops falling from the sky indicated that God had a different plan for us. Because of the rain, Steele cut his set short and began to share the gospel. Through the mouth of a translator the good news of God’s grace and mercy rang through the city square. It was an odd moment. The first instance that Steele mentioned to the name of God, all conversation in the square stopped. Then it seemed that the line was drawn in the sand as some people jeered, laughing among there friends at the words Steele was sharing, while others locked in, intently listened to a message they probably had never heard before in their lives.
As the show came to a close, people bunched into groups and out team tried our best to engage with some of the people who decided to stick around. Still unable to have a real conversation with anyone, I stuck with my mantra of prayer for the evening, gathering with other believer to support our friends who were in conversation with the Polish people. That night, Kelsea was able to clearly share the gospel with two young Catholic girls, as the Stockdale’s youngest daughter, Lynne translated. Steele was surrounded by a group of giggling girls almost instantly after getting off stage. As his conversation progressed, he too was able to share the gospel with those girls, and two of them prayed to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The one thing that we were told not to expect to see did indeed happen!
God is certainly a god of miracles, and it is a miracle every single time that a person crosses that line from death to life, but for two young Polish girls to make that decision and to clearly understand the choice that they made, is a miracle beyond description.
I’m sorry for the length of this blog, but I know that even if I continued to write, I could not accurately express our experience here in Poznan. Just know this: God is good, and he is working here in ways that are beyond imagination. Please keep praying. We only have a few short days left on our trip, but I believe with all of my heart that the labor and toil, the prayers and the sacrifice that we on the team, and those of you supporting us have given will in fact impact history and eternity in a tangible way.
Kristen L.
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July 26th, 2008
7287pwkr
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