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.