Last Days of Camp

Well, we have finished up camp, packed up our things, and traveled to Glogow. We all can't believe that the week is already over. On Saturday, we held a banquet to celebrate the accomplishments of the Polish and to enjoy each other's company one last time. It was a special time for many and everyone seemed to have a good time. Many stayed up late into the evening trying to make the time last as long as possible.

On Sunday, the Polish campers left for their homes after we had a church service. Then, we spent the rest of the day cleaning up the camp and debriefing. This was a great time of reflection on where we had seen God work during the week and discussing things we had learned while working in Poland. I will share more specific examples on another post, but I do not have a good internet connection now.

This morning, we woke up and finished packing and got on a bus to Glogow, the location of the church and the home of many campers. We met our host families and left to spend some time with them. Tomorrow, we will meet back up to do a tour of the city and possibly some shopping. We will then have a camp reunion for campers previous years to come and reconnect with us.

On Wednesday, we will travel by bus to Berlin and hop on our planes back to the States. Please pray for safety and that we will really be able to enjoy and soak up these last days here.

A Polish Testimony

David, a 17 year old at camp, gave his testimony on Teen Night. After hearing it, I was moved at how God has worked in his life. I asked if he would be willing to translate it into English so that I could post it on the blog. He agreed. Here is his story (it is a long read, but definitely worth it):

"I was born into a Christian family, but my parents didn't always obey God's Word. Since I was little, I thought that God was an old guy that we were supposed to listen to when we are in church and talk with Him in the evenings. At church, my father pretended to be a very faith filled person, but when he came home he usually shouted, drank, and started fights with my mom. Sometimes even the police had to come to calm down the situation.

When I finally was a teenager, I began going to the Baptist church with my sister. I thought nothing would change except the fact that my parents weren't there. I was so wrong. The more time I spent with the people from this church, the more I got to know that they are not only listening to God's will everyday, but they also actually have a private relationship with God. I came to the conclusion that in the beginning everybody sins. We all make bigger or smaller mistakes and we can't blame God for them. Then, sooner or later, we want to give our lives to Jesus. So, we don't have to change our lives or anything. We don't need to do anything except one thing. All we have have to do is say these words: "God, I give you my life." And then... BAM! God will take all our problems away and he will put in that place a huge desire to share the Gospel with everyone around. He is almighty right? I thought that if I said these words everything would suddenly change. My parents would stop drinking and arguing. Instead of giving me expensive presents to prove their love, they would just spend some time with me. So, I kept saying that that I give my life to Jesus. Sometimes in public at church and sometimes alone on my bed and praying.

But... nothing happened. I didn't see any miracles and with time I just had more and more problems. My parents divorced, my sister got married and moved out, and my mother was fired. She had so many loans that she had to move out of the country and work there. So I had to live with just my father. I was so angry at God. Even though I had said the right words so so so many times, He didn't do anything at all to help me. He could just say one word and everything would change in split seconds. I thought that if the miracle didn't happen yet, it would not happen at all. I forgot about God and his Word. Actually, I forgot that there were any rules at all. I began going to parties, drinking alcohol, and hanging out with different girls. I had no limits. I thought that everything that was forbidden was actually better and so I should just do it. I didn't see that at that moment I was with bad people. I was taking part in stealing, and street fighting and I didn't really see anything wrong in it. It got so bad that one day I woke up in detoxcentre (a jail for drunk people who cause a public disturbance) with absolutely no idea how I got there or even what happened the night before. My father was too busy drinking to see what was happening to me; not even thinking about helping me with anything at all. A few days later I found out that he was in detoxcentre the same day as me, just two or three hours earlier.

One day I just couldn't stand him. We were arguing and he tried to hit me, but I was faster. I punched him one time after another and I just literally couldn't stop. The next day he moved out. I was 15 years old and all by myself. My sister was far away, my mother was in Germany, and the rest of the family too far away and too busy to think about me and my problems. I had to take care of myself. Slowly, I came back to church, changed my friends, and started to read the Bible again. As I read it more, I began to notice how many times God had given me opportunities to get out of all my problems.Then, I knew that no matter how many times you give your life to God, no matter where you do it, in a public place or at home alone, it has to be a decision from the bottom of your heart. Then, we have to notice the opportunities that God is putting in our way. I understood that people that believe in Jesus don't have less problems. Sometimes they have even more problems. Alcohol and parties were supposed to set me free in my mind, but in the end, they just made me a prisoner and made me unable to receive everything that God prepared for me.

Since I started to serve God, my problems haven't gone away. I still live alone and even though I spend most of my time away from people, I don't feel lonely even for a second. Because I always feel that God is around me, like I almost feel his breath on my neck. And the hole in my heart that I was trying to fill with parties, girls, and alcohol, now is overfilled with the Holy Spirit that lives within me."

Thank you,

David

Is it really already Friday?

We had another successful day in Szklarska! The schedule was regular, but the activity of the evening was a Talent Show. It was amazing how talented some people are! We had about 10 groups perform many different things. We had piano and guitar playing, skits, Americans speaking Polish, dances, and singing. There are some pictures below of some of the groups. Last night, we put on a DVD that made explained how creation demonstrates God's power and love. It described how by looking at humans and animals it is obvious that there is a Creator. Many Polish people stayed after the evening meeting to watch this film. Tonight, we had a Question and Answer session. Leaders of the Baptist Church in Glogow and some Americans worked as a panel to answer any question that the people had. Questions that I heard were about miracles and divorce, but there were many more. It was an excellent opportunity for people to talk candidly and learn more about topics that they are interested in.

Tomorrow, we have our last Bible reading time and English class. Then we will have our ending banquet. This is a very fun event that lasts for a few hours. We spend about 2 hours decorating and preparing for this event. Everyone dresses up and we have a meal together. We hand out certificates to our English class and gifts to our conversation group. 

Delicious donuts we get in the mornings!       Adrian and Becca doing a "Puppet Show"

 for their Talent

Oliwia (pronouced Olivia) and her brother Tobiasz doing a dance

Kids performing an upbeat version of "The B-I-B-L-E, That's the Book for Me!"

Elizabeth, Josiah, Becca, Amber and Doreen leading the kids in the song

The Perspectives of the Katherine's

"This week has been amazing so far! We have loved every minute of the time we have been able to spend with the Poles, especially the teens. At the beginning of the week, we felt like it was difficult to connect with them because they did not seem open and were quiet. But after Teen Night, we got them talking more and they seemed more interested in us and what we had to say. It is difficult to summarize everything that has happened in just a short paragraph. But we want you to know God is working here and we are thankful for your prayers."
- Katherine Snuffer and Katherine Robbins

Another Day in Poland

Well, we made it to Thursday! At our team morning meeting, Amy opened us in prayer and summarized how most of us were feeling this morning. She prayed that we would not be weary or exhausted, but that we would be encouraged. It was amazing how quickly God answered that prayer! After a devotion shared by Pat (An American missionary in Poland who has joined our team for the last two years), many people started sharing where they have seen God working this week, especially last night. Andy Labowitch shared his testimony last night and a group approached him and Kathy to have a deeper conversation about what he discussed. There was a teen that we were concerned about because he seemed to be very lonely, and many saw him connecting with people yesterday. There were many more examples how how God has been using this team to bring his love in a new way to this country. I think we all left the meeting feeling encouraged. We only have Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday left. Please pray that we would use every opportunity to demonstrate God's love, maintain an energetic attitude, and openness for the Polish people.

Becca, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Amber practicing for Kid's Ministry

An English class

Annie, Lauren, and Basia preparing for English class

Some Polish children playing with Play-Doh brought by the American team

Teen Night

We had a special change in the schedule for tonight. We ran a special night just for teens. It started off with some worship music, two testimonies (one Polish and one American), and a short message by Mike Snuffer. Next we had pizza ordered in for supper. The teens enjoyed some time just hanging out. As I looked at the crowd, it was good to see the Americans and Polish interacting as friends. After supper, we played some games: "Shuffle your buns," "Honey, if you love me will you please smile?" and "Frogger". After games, they watched National Treasure 2. Here are some photos of the night:

Pictures!

Here are some photos from the events of the day so you can get an idea of what we are up to (and especially eating!) Sorry there is not more info today, the photos took a long time to load!

Michael's Daily Post

We did the English class today. My Dad gave them some American candy, which they loved! I know they learned a lot of English. We played a game with a maze. We had a team leader and we had to step into a grid on the ground. If we went in the right or wrong spot, the leader would tell us. We had to figure out the pattern on the ground without seeing the pattern. I think the people had a lot of fun. Here are some pictures:

Our First Full Day

Today was the first full day with campers. We (Americans) start off the day with a meeting to share a devotion, stories, announcements, and prayer requests as a team. We then move quickly to breakfast, the group worship and announcements, then reading time. Reading time is when groups meet to read a passage of the Bible, translate it and work through a study about the passage. The reading time lasts for about an hour. We then move to our English classes. The first day of English class is usually the most difficult. We do not know much about our students before we get to class, so it is hard to prepare a lesson that will be the right level for the students. Once you get through that first class, it is usually much easier to know how to prepare. This year the English classes are 2 hours long. Next we have lunch and some free time. This time is usually spent going to town with the Polish people, preparing for the next day's English class, reading time, or conversation group, or maybe taking a short nap. After free time, we have conversation group, supper, an activity, then a large group meeting. Tonight, Doreen Henderson shared her testimony with the group. She did an excellent job!

Andy Labowitch would like you all to know that "the love is flowing". It is very apparent that there is already a strong connection forming between many Poles and the Americans.

Prayer Requests:
- For each of us to remember that we came here to serve and not meet our own needs and wants
- Health, a few are feeling a little low
- Openness for both Poles and Americans towards conversation

The Kids Start their Ministry

"Today we got to meet the Polish kids. It was fun to see some of our old friends. We helped some of the adults by bringing up suitcases to the Polish people's rooms. We started to do our mission work too. The job of us kids is to make sure the Polish kids are having fun so that their parents don't worry about them and can hear about God. We kept the kids busy while their parents took their English tests today." - Michael

The Campers Arrive!

The 2011 Poland English Camp Team

Today, we got to finally meet the Polish people we have been preparing and praying for over the last several months. It was a tiring but rewarding day. The Polish people began to arrive around 10 am. Some team members welcomed them by carrying their suitcases up to their rooms. Other team members oversaw the English tests. It was a great time of catching up with old friends and meeting many new faces. This is the largest camp since it started. 

We had our first conversation group meetings today. This is a group that most people get very close to. We meet 2-3 times per day for reading time, conversation group, and activities. The Children's Ministry was able to kick off their week tonight as well. 

After dinner, we had our first activities. We played Human Bingo. Each person was given a bingo card with phrases on it, such as "An American who has been to at least 25 states", "A Polish person that does not like McDonald's", "An American that will eat flaki". Flaki is cow intestine! In order to win, you had to be the first person to get your entire card filled. The winner won some American candy, but before they received their prize, the American had to eat flaki. Matt Kantor was the lucky winner! Here are some pictures including one of Amber's reaction.

After the Human Bingo, we played  a game called Balloon Pop. Each person tied a balloon to their ankle and tried to pop other people's balloons. There was a heated competition at the end between Daniel Addington and a camper named Oliwia (pronounced Olivia). Oliwia ended up winning. Here are some photos:

After this game we had the conversation groups do the Human Knot. Here is another photo of the chaos:

Tomorrow, will be our first regular day of camp. Please pray that the Americans will be awake and energized. We start our first meeting at 6:30 am and won't finish until 10 or later at night. Also pray that the Polish people will be open to conversations and will participate in the activities and lessons we have planned.

Michael and Elizabeth's Day

"Today we got ready for our classes. We went to town and played in the pool, which we will hopefully do everyday. We're excited for the Polish kids to arrive tomorrow. We saw the list of kids that are coming and we are really happy to see some our friends coming back. We are getting over the jet lag and are only a little tired."

Preparing for the Campers

Today was dedicated to rest and preparation. We all got varying amounts of sleep last night but overall I think most of the team is feeling much more rested than yesterday after the traveling. We had a delicious Polish breakfast that consisted of meat and cheese sandwiches and hot dogs. There was cereal and milk available for those who wanted a more American style meal. We next had a staff meeting to go through the schedule for the week. Most people were able to spend some time meeting with fellow team members to prepare for the week or get a nap in. Our lunch was chicken and french fries, which you will see pictured below. For dinner, we went out in town and had some good team bonding time.

The campers will begin to arrive tomorrow morning. Some will come as early as 9 am. When they come we will introduce ourselves bring their suitcases to their rooms. They will then go take their English test so that we can know what level English group to place them in. Most Polish people are very nervous for this test. We have an evening meeting to kick off the camp and then will spend time catching up with friends from past trips and meeting new faces. Pray that tomorrow the campers will feel welcomed and comfortable right away and that we will be able to move outside our comfort zones to form relationships.

Michael's Evening Story

Michael Henderson will be co-authoring this blog. He will hopefully be adding his accounts of the day so that everyone back home can see what it is like for kids here in Poland.

"While walking to the ice cream store in town, we got caught in a rainstorm! We had to walk all the way back to the hotel drenched! Today, was very tiring. I only slept 5 minutes since I woke up to leave for our trip."

We made it!

We have arrived safely in Szklarska Poreba! Both flights and bus trip went great! We had no problems with any portion of our trip. Thank you for your prayers! We are all a little tired, but excited to prepare for the arrival of the campers on Sunday.

The crew in Amsterdam

Flying Out

We are flying out tomorrow! I cannot believe this time has finally arrived. The team leaves at 3:15 and we are headed straight to Amsterdam. The flight is just over 8 hours long. We have a short layover and then leave for Berlin, which is less than a 2 hour flight. We arrive in Berlin at 9:30 am. From Berlin, we will hop on a bus and drive to Szklarska Poreba in Poland where the camp will be held.


Please pray for safe travels and that we will not be anxious or stressed!


We have recently received an email update from Carroll and Becky Miller. Here is what they wrote:


"Thanks for praying for us.  We have traveled by plane, train and bus and have not gotten lost

nor lost anything.  Our times with the various missionaries has been good too."

Thanks for your comments and prayers, I will update again once we get settled across the ocean!

Welcome to the Blog!

Hello all!

I just wanted to welcome you to the blog. This is Annie Beasley and I will be updating the blog as often as I can. I will also try and post pictures of our trip so that you can see what we are up to. Feel free to comment on our postings and I will try and pass on your messages to the rest of the team. For those of you who are wanting a little more information about this trip, here are some of the details.

Wayzata Free Church has partnered with a church in Poland for quite a few years now to provide the people and materials to run an English Immersion Camp. Because of the consistency of this ministry, the camps fill quickly with people who are wondering why Americans would give up their time and money to come and serve them. It is a perfect opportunity to share the love of Christ with them. The Polish church has an English school which brings in many people who would never go to church, but are very interested in learning English. At the school, they promote this English Immersion Camp, staffed by Americans, and many Poles are anxious to attend. We are all very excited to bring the Word of God to the Polish people and to gain a broader perspective of the world and God’s people. Our team leaves on the 23rd of June and most return on the 6th of July. Carroll and Becky Miller are leaving tomorrow t to visit a few different churches and encourage various International Messenger missionaries throughout Poland.

As we are preparing to go, I hope that you will begin or continue to pray for us! I would ask that you specifically pray that our team can be unified and supportive of one another, that we will stay healthy and energized, and that we will be effective in our teaching of the Polish people. Please also pray for safe travel and that in these last few days we will not feel stressed or anxious and that we will be prepared for this trip.

Lastly, I just want to thank you all for your support. It means so much to all of us on the team to have such a strong home base that has given financially and has committed to pray for us. We have already felt the benefits of these prayers as so many of ours have been answered.