PHILIPPIANS 2:17 -- "BUT EVEN IF I AM BEING POURED OUT LIKE A DRINK OFFERING ON THE SACRIFICE & SERVICE COMING FROM YOUR FAITH, I AM GLAD & REJOICE WITH ALL OF YOU. SO YOU TOO SHOULD BE GLAD & REJOICE WITH ME."

Interconnected...
Although I am hundreds and even thousands of miles/kilometers away from the majority of my friends, family, and supporters, most days I am very mindful of the fact that in Christ, we are interconnected. The apostle Paul was always so mindful & grateful for the support he received from fellow believers -- particularly the Church in Philippi. I, too, am very thankful for the support of my fellow brothers & sisters. I've been very blessed by the emails I've received, the financial generosity of my home church (Chinese Evangelical Free Church, Los Angeles) and many individuals, and most of all, for the many prayers that have been lifted up worldwide for me year after year. There are some things you just can't say often enough. One of them is: Thank you. So -- thank you -- to all of you who have encouraged me & poured into my life in any way.

Upgrading...
There's a lot of upgrading & renovations going on at my church in Pruszcz right now in an effort to better meet the demands of ministry & needs here in our community. At the moment, we have no kitchen. The kitchenette we had (consisting of a microwave, electric kettles, and a portable electric two-burner stove top) has had a wall torn down and is off-limits at this time.The pastor (along with the help of a few others) is working extremely hard to build a kitchen that would better enable us to serve soup to the community twice a week. More on this (including photos in a week or two.)

Another big ministry hope we have is to be better equipped musically as a worship team.  As most of you know, from the time I was a little girl, music played a huge part of my life. I know that the Lord gave me a very special gift and it is a privilege, a passion, as well as a responsibility (which I happen to love) to offer this back up to him in worship.

Photos of the current keyboard I'm using.

Since my arrival in Pruszcz, I've been serving in music ministry almost every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I am grateful for the keyboard here that I can use. But as a classically-trained pianist, I have to admit that sometimes, I really miss the feel and sound of a real piano. I feel somewhat limited at times with the current keyboard we have, as it is not a full-size keyboard and the feel of the keys (even the size of the keys which are smaller) are not anything close to a true piano. I do my best with it, but I often feel somewhat musically and thus expressionally limited.

The pastor's son, Aron, is the main worship leader. He also has a passion for music as well as for recording & working on music arrangements with his computer & the keyboard. Both of us share a passion not only for music and expressing our worship through music, but also a vision for helping to usher people into God's presence. As Aron puts it, "My vision is to worship the Lord with a humble heart, to sit in His presence, and to lead others into it. To serve others with what God has given me, and to do the best I can and continually improve."

We would like to bring worship here at the church to another level. I know that the best equipment in the world cannot guarantee true worship. Worship is a matter of the heart. But in terms of the quality of music, it certainly does help to have better equipment. Thus, we are hoping to raise enough money to purchase a higher quality keyboard that would meet my hope as a pianist to have a keyboard with a feel and sound that is much closer to a piano and also Aron's work in music recording & programming using technology.

Here is a photo of the keyboard we are hoping to buy.  It is a full-size keyboard with weighted, hammer-action keys, which would make playing it feel much closer to playing a real piano. Here are links for additional information and specifications of the keyboard as well as the flash card:

http://www.thomann.de/pl/yamaha_mox_f8.htm (keyboard)
http://www.thomann.de/pl/mutec_fmc06.htm

(flash card)

The best pricing we've found internationally (considering our location) is 1490 Euro ($2000) for the keyboard and 185 Euro ($250) for the additional flash card -- a total of roughly $2250 (or 1675 Euro).

We would be grateful for any donations toward this end. I've set up a PayPal link below to helpfacilitate this. (If preferred, you may also send a check. Please contact me for details.)

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. :)

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-2-- "IF YOU HAVE ANY ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BEING UNITED WITH CHRIST, IF ANY COMFORT FROM HIS LOVE, IF ANY FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SPIRIT, IF ANY TENDERNESS & COMPASSION, THEN MAKE MY JOY COMPLETE BY BEING LIKE-MINDED, HAVING THE SAME LOVE, BEING ONE IN SPIRIT & PURPOSE."

A very blessed week with Covenant Players in Szczecin...

It's so clear to me that my 12 1/2 years of life on the road as a Covenant Players was definitely a call from the Lord that He equipped me for specifically for that period of time. I was so physically tired just by spending one week on the road again! But it was time well-spent and definitely worth every bit of energy put in.  

In addition to our evening theatre program in connection with Szczecin International Fellowship (mentioned in the last blog), we also performed outdoors in the evening in support of the ministry of Kościół Uliczny (that means Street Church) and at a Teen Challenge "Coffeehouse" meeting (a ministry devoted to support recovering addicts). Street Church was inspirational to me because of their heart for reaching the homeless and faithfully proclaiming God's Word every Wednesday outdoors in the middle of this huge rotary (roundabout) come rain or shine, sun, wind, or snow. 

At the Coffeehouse meeting, one man left some words in our comment book that were blessed evidence of fruit from ministry -- something we don't usually get to see so immediately. He wrote, "For 40 years I've been an alcoholic and a doper. Never have I believed in God. But today, after meeting with you, it's possible that something in my heart is changing." Praise God!

Divine meetings...

One of my favorite things about CP was staying with hosts. I love meeting fellow brothers and sisters with kindred hearts that are devoted to Jesus. The Ozanne family (featured in a photo last week); the Dymsza family; Kasia & Henryk Kowalińscy (former CP-ers) along with their daughter, Ania; and Helen Stainsby blessed us with their open hearts and open doors.

Pictured are 1) the Kowalińscy; 2) dinner with Helen and the unit; 3) Jodi & I

(Sorry for the poor quality of photos. I only had my phone camera with me.)

While in Szczecin, we met a man visiting from the States. Stuart was his name and God is using him so clearly to speak words of life and revelation into the lives of those he meets. It is without a doubt that the Holy Spirit revealed to him things in each of our lives that the Lord has ordained us for. He asked me, "So Amy, which three girls in your youth group has God called you to disciple?" I answered, "Well, it's a very small youth group. We only have 3 girls right now." And he said "Exactly. And those are the 3 girls God's called you to disciple. Take care of them." And then I started crying and said, "Thank you. It's been really hard because just a few weeks ago, we lost two of our youth. Their parents took them out of our church and have moved to a different church. So the timing of your words are very important. I know I have to look at what I have and not what we've lost." He looked at me and said, "You really do have a shepherd's heart. You're going to do fine." There was a lot more that was said that day to the others and also words I was to pass on to Krzysiek that were so powerful it wouldn't be right for me to share them here. And as I watched him speak into the lives of the unit, it was like watching God's Spirit breathe life into their bones.

More powerful moments of ministry back home in Pruszcz...

Although I returned physically tired, I was so spiritually recharged and inspired and it did me so much good to step away for a week and return, knowing that just as God called me and equipped me or my time with CP, He's also called me and equipped me for ministry here in Pruszcz. I was also thrilled to experience God's powerful hand of work here during an evangelistic meeting held on Monday night. We were visited by a missionary from England named Kathryn Day. God has powerfully annointed Kathryn as a dynamic evangelist as well as a minister of healing. Although not many people showed up, those who did were very spiritually hungry. We had some guests we'd never seen before. And one of our church members had four people from his family show up. He's been praying for his family's salvation for years. By the end of the night all of them plus eight others (including first-timers to our church) gave their lives to the Lord. Many with serious chronic health problems also were healed. (Kathryn always encourages medical follow-ups and documentation of the healings.) In the picture, you can see how joyful she is. (Aron, the pastor's son did a wonderful job of translating for her.)

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As I reflect on this past week and on the title verse of this blog, I am convinced of the truth that when our hearts are focused on God and on His purposes and Kingdom values, it's only natural that we as His family worldwide should stand united. How could we be divided if we're really focused on glorifying God? 

Philippians 1:27--"ONLY LET YOUR CONDUCT BE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, SO THAT WHETHER I COME & SEE YOU OR AM ABSENT, I MAY HEAR OF YOUR AFFAIRS, THAT YOU STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT, WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL."

Striving together with Covenant Players...

Presently, I'm in Szczecin, a city near the border of Germany, about a 5 hour drive west of Pruszcz. There's a unit of Covenant Players here this week that I have the joy of serving along with once again-- Jodi Wideman, Silke Groves and her husband, David. The last month has been a very busy one for me, not only working at the church in Pruszcz but simultaneously coordinating a week of housing and performances for the team that's here. But it does so much for my heart and spirit being able to reunite with CP and see the unity we share in Christ as we stand and strive together to proclaim His gospel, just as Paul's heart yearned to see the Church in Philippians united for Christ.

I joined the team Sunday afternoon & I'll stay with them until Friday morning. Sunday evening we had the opportunity to serve in an evangelistic outreach organized by Christine & Loren Ozanne who lead the International Christian Fellowship. The Ozannes are a very dear family to me. I'm really glad that Krzysiek (the wonderful godly man God's brought into my life) also had the opportunity to join us for the day. Below is a picture of us for them and another picture of me with the unit performing a play called, GALAXY.

A very eventful weekend...

This weekend at the church was extremely busy & eventful, too. In the midst of preparing for my week=long trip with CP and ironing logistic details, many many things were taking place back home in Pruszcz. Friday we had a celebratory pizza party with the youth group & parents, marking our 1 year anniversary as Armia Pana ("Army of God").  We had a wonderful time together, appreciating one another and God's goodness. But it was also a bittersweet time because of the obvious absence of two of our youth whose parents have recently moved to another church.  This has been very heart-breaking for many of us and although we would have liked to have had them join us, the wounds & leaving was a bit too fresh.  God's timing & ways are so good, though. It was a balm of comfort to see that one of the younger brothers of one member of the group we've had a hard time integrating was very keen on joining us and has asked to come to our meetings. Although he is young, he is so open and positive and I can see he'll have a good influence on the rest of the group.

Saturday we celebrated two birthdays -- Zusia's birthday (one of our youth) and also Krzysiek's "spiritual" rebirthday, remembering the day he gave his life to the Lord.  And of course, Sunday, I was traveling to Szczecin, preparing to join the team.

Below are pictures from the pizza party, Zuzia's party, and a picture from Krzysiek's celebration with him, Sara, & I. (Krzysiek & Sara help me lead the youth group.)

May the Lord make His face shine upon you! Have a wonderful week!

Philippians 1:21 -- "FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN."

Monday's Bible Study...

I'm co-leading a Bible Study that was started just three weeks ago. It's the result of a long-time burden and desire to see Christians in Polish churches further discipled (particularly young adults), a desire to be further used here in the church, and the request of one of the pastor's daughter to have a study group that would further her growth in the direction of life transformation. We're studying Paul's letter to the church in Philippi and it's touched me very much each week. It is packed not only with encouragement (which many Christians go to the book of Philippians for) but a call to live our lives in a way that is completely counter-cultural. Today we looked at Phil. 1:18-26.

Paul's statement here reflects his single-minded purpose as well as his greatest desire. While death and life are at complete odds with one another, they shared a common purpose and his desire remained the same in both of them -- to be with the Lord, to fulfill His will, His pleasure. Whether by death (through martyrdom) or by daily living, his goal & burning desire was to see Christ magnified. It's so different from most of the world's thinking and way of living. It has nothing to do with gaining glory for one's self nor satisfying every single want we have. It has everything to do with loving God with all one's heart, mind, strength, and soul -- the greatest command.

I've heard it said many times before that if we want to have a life that's worth living, we have to have something (or someone) in our lives that's worth dying for. I've also heard it said before that we should live every day as if it were our last. I think these two thoughts go hand in hand. If we want our lives to mean something, if we want each day to count, then we having to know who/what we're living that day for.  My day means nothing if I've lived it only for me.  

5500 lbs of food collected!

Over the course of Friday & Saturday, more than 2500 kilos (5500 lbs) of food were collected for families in need of some help. I was so blessed to see the generosity of people in Pruszcz & surrounding villages. I was also happy to see a good number of people from our church & people that come to our evangelization meetings come and help us with the collection & sorting.  Instead of our normal youth meeting, the youth also took part in this and had a great attitude.

The following pictures are:

1) Carnations & a card from one of the families who are also good friends, given to me on the occasion of my one year anniversary of ministry in Pruszcz. You can see that the flowers match my wall. :)

2) Some of the food collected and sorted.

3) Packages from the food collection that are on their way to being distributed.

        Blessings on everyone! 

                             Make your day count!

                               

                             

Philippians 3:13-14 -- "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Me! 

Sunday, the 29th of September was a very significant day for me. I hit the one year mark of ministry here as a missionary serving with the Pentecostal Church (Kościół Zielonoświątkowy) here in Pruszcz Gdański, Poland! I celebrated by sharing a testimony and a word of encouragement and exhortation taken from Paul's letter to the Philippians, having cake (prepared by Krzysiek & Mietek who you'll hear more about some other time), and being prayed over by the church. One family presented me with beautiful pink carnations and a card their daughter (who's in my youth group) made. One of the most touching things was to see the youth group express their love & appreciation for me. When Pastor Mirek invited whoever wanted to lay hands on me to come up during the prayer time, all of the youth came up (plus so many other people they couldn't possibly all reach me). After the service, the youth came up as a group and spoke individual wishes, thanks, and blessings over me. It was really really moving.

My hope was to inaugurate this blog on Sunday evening, marking this momentous occasion with a hope to be in better communication with my supporters, family, and friends. But an urgent matter demanded and deserved my attention much more than my own wants and my own plans -- as good as those intentions were. Two friends were very crushed in spirit yesterday evening. One sounded suicidal. It was a reminder to me that I came here to serve this church and to share God's love with his people here.

Happy 50th Birthday, Covenant Players!!!

Another reason Sunday was such a significant day was because Covenant Players celebrated 50 years of ministry! On one hand, I know that after serving with them for 12 and a half years, I'm missed and many would have liked to keep me there. But I think that actually, Chuck (the founder) would have been very proud to see that I'm still serving the Lord and one of his greatest visions was always to mobilize the church. So that is what I continue to do. I'm happy that I can continue to partner with CP as a support to their teams and with some occasional performing. I'm happy for the ties I continue to maintain with the ministry. So much of my personal development and spiritual development came through serving with them. I will always be grateful for the time God gave me to be in full-time active service with CP.


Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness to me and for the fruit you've allowed me to see in ministry in this one year of serving here in Pruszcz. Thank you for letting me taste your goodness and experience your faithfulness & provision as Jehoveh-Jireh throughout my life. I experienced in such a radical way during my 12 1/2 years on the road. But I still see it everyday of my life here in Pruszcz. May You continue to bless Your work. Thank You for the privilege of being called Your servant, a missionary, an ambassador of Christ. Amen.