II COR. 2:14 -- "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him."

Celebrate!!!

End of the School Year Celebration 
(27 June 2014)

Our youth group, Armia Pana ("Army of the Lord") faced many changes and challenges this past school year.  This was largely triggered by the departure of 2 of our consistent youth group members -- including the oldest boy, who had a great deal of leadership potential and (positive) influence over the group.

Noemi, Zuzia, Laura, & Klaudia
...after the ice-cream with heaps of whipped cream

It's been a challenge to draw the boys at our church into the group and with the departure of this older boy, there wasn't much motivation left to come.  We've become on most weeks, an all-girl group.

in the town square of Pruszcz Gdańaki

One one hand, it's been a bit discouraging and I wish I could wake up a spiritual hunger in these boys at our church.  On the other hand, I've been so blessed to see how these girls have become more deeply bonded, more open, more courageous (--they've started to pray out loud), and they really want to grow spiritually.

To celebrate the end of the school year and the completion of going through Neil Anderson's book, "Stomping Out the Darkness" (a youth edition of "Victory Over the Darkness"), we took them out for ice-cream.

The book was a challenge.  It's target toward roughly age 13-17.  Our youth are age 12-15. (A couple were only 11 when we started.)  So some of it was over their heads and took a lot of explanation.  But they were troopers and pushed through and I trust that this will have aided them in helping to provide solid teaching and a strong foundation of what it means to be a Christian and how vital it is for us to understand, believe, and live out our identity in Christ.

A Visit to Germany   (28 June - 5 July)

First Stop:  Kevin & Cindy Gourlay 

Momma Cindy with their adorable kids

Kevin & Krzysziek playing with fire 

We had a blessed time of fellowship and refreshment with my friends (now Krzysiek's friends, too), Kevin & Cindy Gourlay and their kids, Amy (named after me) and David.  Though we don't see each other often and we're limited in the amount of time we're able to carve out, our bond remains strong because it is founded on Christ's love, grace, trust, and honesty.  

Kevin & Cindy haver really showered me with their love and poured themselves out for me in many ways.  We had deep talks, light talks, laughter, fun, great food, and great prayer together.

Where's "the big Amy"?

Big Amy & Little Amy go horse-back riding!

As you can see, I got some play time in...

I don't know who had more fun -- me or the kids? 

Second Stop:  Covenant Players Training

very very dear friends, Ellis & Geoff

There are many things I miss about being a full-time Covenant Player -- not the least of which is the community aspect of the ministry.  When a group of people share a profoundly deep life purpose -- to serve God with all their heart, mind, strength, and soul -- and this is actually lived out on a daily basis -- the result is a profound unity.

To be back in such a community did my soul as well as Krzysiek's soul so much good. 

DON'T YOU WISH!- by Charles M. Tanner
directed by Jodi K. Wideman

I of course, also miss the frequency of performing and the whole rehearsal process -- constantly learning something new, the craziness and intensity of putting it all together over the course of a few days, and voila! -- you're performing it live for an audience.

performing with Silke Groves

Silke & I were cast in Charles Tanner's play, DON'T YOU WISH.  "Smokey", whom I played, is a devil in human form working hard to subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) steer Silke's character, a rather nominal Christian, away from the Lord and further onto a path of worldliness.

As actresses, there was a very big battle going on to get our parts down. Despite more rehearsals than I've ever had for one project,  it wasn't coming together. Partially, this was because of time constraints and other responsibilities.  But also, I believe there was a spiritual battle going on -- particularly for Silke -- which makes a lot of sense considering the play. Krzysiek prayed a lot for Silke and I and for this play. And in the end, we saw God's Hand of Help and His victory.

How did Krzysiek spend his time there? -- you might ask (besides praying for us). The answer: doing what he does extremely well -- cooking and being a huge help where and however he could.  Last time we visited, he cooked Polish food and it was a hit.  So the community was delighted to have him cook once again.  

This time: pierogi (Polish dumplings) -- one of the most famous foods in traditional Polish cuisine.  He made three varieties and 100 dumplings of each kind (meat, cabbage & mushroom, potato & cheese) -- a total of 300 pierogis!!!

And as you can see, even kids love pierogi!!!

UP AHEAD IN THE NEXT BLOG:  Very exciting news!!!