Romans 12:1 -- "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. " (NKJV)

October Ministry Highlights:

A Charles M. Tanner classic, DIED: OCT. 20TH

Elbe Unit in Poland!!! 

I was so thrilled that the Elbe Unit (Jodi Wideman, Naomi & Dale Norman) spent two weeks in October in Poland.  And I was so happy to have a small part in partnering with them. Although it was a lot of work arranging performances and housing for them, it was also a HUGE joy and I have absolutely no regrets about any minute used to support them. Krzysiek and I had the privilege of joining them  for a few days (18-20 October) while they were in Kraków.

Angel & Devil engage in a battle for the soul of a young man 

They were troopers, performing in two services on Sunday in different cities (an hour apart).  The pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has services in both Kraków and Katowice.  So the unit ministered in both services.  They performed one of my all time favorites --  Charles M. Tanner's timeless classic, DIED: OCT 20TH. The call for us to present ourselves a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1) is one of the crucial messages of this play.

casting: "Angel" -- Jodi; "Devil" -- Naomi; "Peter" -- Dale

Although they didn't actually need my help in performing in English, they let me in on the fun! :) I performed a short play with them in the beginning (Charles M. Tanner's JUST CONSIDER). And Krzysiek had the opportunity to touch many people's hearts at both services through sharing his testimony.  (He shared his testimony in English! I was so proud of him!)

Besides sharing his testimony, the main reason why Krzysiek and I wanted to visit the unit was to be support to them.  As you might imagine, full-time ministry and life on the road can be extremely demanding. It is a lifestyle that requires constantly pouring out oneself. I remember hitting points in mission where I was desperate for spiritual refreshment and renewal.  So this is what my heart's vision was for our time with them.  I wanted to just bring some much-needed refreshment to them. And I was so happy that Krzysiek not only understood but joined me in fulfilling this vision.

Dale leads us in a time of worship

Monday morning we led a retreat morning for them.  Dale was able to borrow a guitar and led us in worship. After that, Krzysiek shared from II Kings 6 about Elisha's servant's eyes being opened to see horses and chariots of fire (the Lord fighting on his side) after Elisha prayed for his disheartened servant, "Lord, open his eyes that he may see."

After this came an opportunity for our eyes and ears to be opened to the Lord. We went on individual "walk-talks"with the Lord: 20 minutes of pouring out our hearts to the Lord, 20 minutes of restraining ourselves from talking and instead, doing our  best to listen to the Lord.  

After returning, I shared from Matt. 11 about the Lord's yoke being easy and releasing our burdens and weariness to him. I led them through a focused time of prayer -- prayers of release (which Bobbi Johnson-Tanner, international director of CP once led me through).  As the Lord showed us things we were unnecessarily carrying and holding on to, we released these things one-by-one into His hands, by His grace. 

After releasing these things, we focused on blessing one another.  We wrote down verses of encouragement  for each other.  We closed the morning by having the unit lay hands on one another and pray over each other.  

After that it was lunch time... and then we surprised our hosts by singing for them. Jodi, Naomi and I all missioned as Catalysts in Covenant Players. Catalysts in addition to performing Chuck's plays, minister through singing music composed by Chuck's daughter, Christina Tanner Morris. 

We sang "I Will Praise You, Lord" which had very special meaning to our host, Ola. For many years, she sang with a worship band/choir connected with the Center of Mission and Evangelism (in Dzięgielów, Poland) and they sang a Polish version of this.  (Non-touring CPer, Darek Kawulok served as their director for many years and was given special permission for this.) Ola had tears in her eyes as we sang.

Our hosts do so much for us. We don't have much materially to give back. But what we can offer is ourselves as living sacrifices.

While in Kraków, Krzysiek and I stayed with another CP host/friend, Aneta Wszołek.  She's so full of joy and so open to people and being used by the Lord. I thank God for the many brothers and sisters around the world He's crossed my path with.  

Although we returned home physically tired, we were spiritually refreshed. While ministering to the unit, they too also ministered to us.

Zuzia's Birthday  

the birthday girl :)

Zuzia's birthday was on Sunday, the 26th. She has a tradition of holding a birthday party at the church on Saturday.  It's a great idea -- classmates from school then have exposure to the church she's part of. Leading games at her party serves as a great connecting point. Her best friend, Laura, who didn't grow up in our church, joined our youth group about 1 1/2 years ago.  Another friend wanted to come regularly but her parents are atheists and won't allow it, unfortunately.

It's not part of my official job description here at the church. But I certainly see it as a priority to build relationships with our youth that extend beyond just Friday meetings.

As a youth leader, I have to say, I am really happy to see that there was a very marked difference between our church youth and her school mates. Laura, Noemi, and Małgosia (from Armia Pana) were at the party and there was a world of difference.

A handful of the school mates were well-behaved but the others were so out-of-control, a bit disrespectful, and you could see they "needed" to call attention to themselves.  Feigned modesty stopped them from singing karaoke in the beginning -- until they evaluated themselves as being better singers than the first ones who had the courage to sing. Then they re-sang the same song to exalt themselves. I'll be honest. It was very hard to love some of these girls.

an old American favorite:
pin the tail on the donkey!

Half a year ago, I also saw this difference between Noemi and some of her classmates who came to a special event. It's not easy being a teenage girl -- even when you have a relationship with the Lord. But without Him, I see that the struggle to find identity and self-worth is easily 10x's greater. I wanted so much to strip these girls of the masks they were so obviously wearing and  get down to the nitty-gritty of who they really are deep inside.

Zuzia's blessed with parents who love the Lord

Part of my vision as a youth ministry overseer is to lay a solid foundation for our youth of who they are in Christ. I want to see them so deeply rooted in Christ's love for them and so "sold-out" on following Him that the world cannot pull them away.  We've seen a lot of young adults in this church fall away from the Lord.  I want to see these girls 10, 15 years from now not only following the Lord, but discipling and leading  others to follow Him.

Speaking of our youth group...

Here's a glimpse of the last month's meetings in Armia Pana as we continued our series on The Armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20):

Oct 3rd :  Food Collection Weekend (No regular youth meeting)

Our church helps organize a food drive in our city several times a year.  Some of our youth stood for hours in local markets/shops to collect donated food.  The food is later distributed to families in need in Pruszcz Gdański and is also connected with our weekly evangelistic outreaches.  (This was the weekend that Krzysiek and I were out of town, so sorry, no photos from this.)

Oct. 10th : Breastplate of Righteousness -- Part 2 (speaker: me)

We had to do a rescheduling of speakers and had a hole in our schedule. But actually, it worked out well because we also felt that the Breastplate of Righteousness was difficult for the youth to grasp.  I think it's even difficult for adults to grasp sometimes.  So I elaborated on this a bit more.

In many ways, we all carry some sort of breastplate of righteousness, trying to protect and defend ourselves and also trying to "work out" our own righteousness at times -- which doesn't work.  The only effective breastplate of righteousness is the one given to us by God. The payment for this breastplate has nothing to do with our own sense of righteousness. It has everything to do with the blood of Jesus poured out for us on the cross -- our only means of being justified or redeemed. I remember hearing someone say that be "justified" means "just as if I'd died". 

(Sorry no photos from this meeting. I had my hands full!)

Oct 17th :  Belt of Truth      

Special Speaker:  Abel  Easwara Dhas
Special Worship Leader:  Dorota Sikora  

Our special guests traveled from Warsaw (a 5 hour bus ride) to minister to our youth group. Abel is a student in Warsaw, originally from India.  God's anointing on his life is very evident and I loved hearing him share about his church in India and his experiences of God's presence and leading in his life.  You can see he is filled with the Holy Spirit. He hopes to serve the Lord in full-time ministry and has a passion for teaching -- especially youth.

His fiancee Dorota blessed us by leading us in songs of worship with her beautiful voice and piano playing.

Abel's presentation was very well-prepared and his use of the projector & power point was very helpful.  He's a great story teller and I think we'll remember the story of he told for a very long time. In short, the story was about an eagle who was raised in a chicken family due to a mix up in eggs. His mother thought he was just a really ugly chicken and he grew up thinking the same thing.  It wasn't until one day he looked up to the heavens and saw a majestic creature soaring in the sky. Upon looking more intently at that majestic creature -- an eagle - and then at himself, he realized who he was. After some time and effort learning to flap his newly-discovered wings, he too was able to soar.  

Noemi searching for God's Word

It was a very humorous and yet poignant analogy of how if we ever want to grow into who we are designed to be, we have to discover the truth of who we are, looking up to the Heavens and looking into the mirror of God's Word.

The other inspirational story he shared was the story of Jeremiah.  God had set him apart as a prophet while he was still in his mother's womb.  When he heard God's call in his life, his first objection and fear was that he was too young.  But as he began to believe and trust God's word to him, he became one of the greatest prophets.  I felt God really inspired the youth through the sharing of this Word. 

At the end of the meeting we celebrated Zuzia's birthday with cake. :)

Oct 24th:  Feet Readied in the Gospel of Peace

Special Speaker:  Pastor Mirek Nogaczewski and his wife, Asia

I love Pastor Mirek's passion for God's Word and I loved his explanation of the spiritual shoes we're fitted in. As you can see, he and his wife prepared a lot of interactive explanations and demonstrations of the importance of this piece of armor.

To the left, he's demonstrating how important it is for our feet to be firmly planted. The sandals of the Roman soldiers were studded on the bottom so that they could firmly stand their ground.  (Krzysiek of course doesn't have studded sandals, but we get the point!)


In the above pictures, using normal yarn instead of leather straps, we were instructed to tie the yarn around our feet and ankles for reinforcement.  A big difference was felt -- the ankles felt secure, like they wouldn't turn in or out.   Somehow, we felt stronger.

March on, solidiers!

To the right, you see them marching around with bread and water, because the legionnaires in training wouldn't receive much else.

I, personally, was very challenged when Pastor asked, "Where have gone today with your feet? Where have you walked?" -- because every place we walk into, we have the opportunity to sow the gospel of peace. That day, I had been inside all day  This reinforced my decision that I really need to get out more and that while I love spending my mornings in solitude, reading my Bible, praying, worshipping intently, I can't stay in that zone. I look forward to starting language classes (learning Polish in a small group) when I get back.

Oct 31st:  The Sword of the Spirit -- God's Word

reading the affirmations we've received from one another

Special Speaker:  Dorota Trybała

Halloween in Poland is not nearly as big as it is in the States, but over the last decade it's become increasingly as popular. But while many youth in Poland were at Halloween parties, Armia Pana met at Małgosia's place for a better occasion.

Zuzia's pretty pleased :)

Besides, every Friday being a great occasion to meet in fellowship and learn more about God, that Friday, we also celebrated Krzysiek's "Re-Birthday".  Years ago, on Oct 26th, he gave his life to the Lord. This is what he continues his real birthday. And since we didn't celebrate the previous Friday, we celebrated on the 31st with a longer meeting in a warmer and friendlier atmosphere. In addition to the regular lesson time, we had a movie after (and lots of snacks!).

The whole meeting was upbeat and encouraging. Dorota demonstrated how impacting words are.  She asked each of us to write down on a piece of paper, something that someone's said to us sometime in our lives that has meant something to us.  I remembered the words my dear friend/sister, Penni Jo Blatterman, said to me at a Covenant Players banquet many years ago: "I see you as a giant." I'll never forget that.  That God has called me, a tiny little Asian-American woman, to make a great impact in His Kingdom. He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

the "Re-Birthday" boy :)

After some teaching on the Sword of the Spirit, she also asked us to anonymously write down encouraging (but true) affirmations of one another.  (This also reminded me of Covenant Players.) I could see that each person was very touched by this.

We had a plan to bake cookies but had to let this idea go because of needing to have some sensible time restraint. :(   Oh well, next time...



Note:  At the time of this writing, I'm in L.A. visiting my family, friends, and home church, Chinese Evangelical Free Church. This past weekend we celebrated our 50th Anniversary!  With my dad being the founding pastor, the celebration was an exceptionally meaningful and joyous time.  Photos to come soon!

2 Tim. 1:6-7 -- "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love, and of self-discipline."

October was a particularly rich month of deep fellowship.  t was a month filled with divine appointments. I had the opportunity to reconnect with dear friends and co-laborers in Christ -- including Covenant Players.  I will post again in a couple days about that very special time as well as other ministry happenings that took place in October, but this particular post is a bit more personal and reflective and is devoted to sharing what took place in my heart during a weekend away -- a vital time of evaluation, renewal, and revisiting vision.

Weekend in Warsaw (4-5 Oct):  A Time of Personal Reflection

Krzysiek's 2nd year of theological/pastoral studies commenced on October 4th. This time I traveled with him to Warsaw, not only to visit his school and attend the inauguration ceremony but also to visit a very special sister in Christ I hadn't seen in nearly 3 years. 

visiting Jennifer Nagy

I first met Jennifer at a playdate with Covenant Players several years ago. She offered help and housing and as my units and I stayed with her, a bond of sisterhood was quickly formed formed. 

My time with her was much-needed.  I realized how important it is for me to reconnect every so often with fellow missionaries who not only understand but are also walking through both the joys and challenges of living and serving in another country, culture and context.  

While Jennifer and I serve in very different contexts, there's plenty of common ground in our passions, priorities and purpose. We also share many similarities in talents & giftings (both spiritually and "naturally"), but I see her as being a couple steps ahead of me in the development of these things. I mean this in a healthy way. It's like having someone who's close enough to you for you to relate to, and yet, as you listen to their experiences, gain from their wisdom & God-lessons learned, you begin to sense that your own potential is being unlocked and released a bit more .

I felt a sense of release as I was able to share with her some of the hurts and frustrations I've been wrestling with related to conflicts within the church. The perspective she offered was helpful.  She listened carefully, didn't offer loads of advice -- just 3 concrete observations which were very valuable. As I returned back to Pruszcz, I knew the situation hadn't changed but I think I did. I had a lot more compassion and a lot less fear. 

As much as I love serving the Polish people and as much as I feel called to serve in a Polish church, it was extremely refreshing for me to be in a non-Polish context because it is still a struggle for me to communicate in the language. I went with Jennifer to the church she serves with, International Christian Fellowship in Warsaw and she asked me that morning if I wanted to sing with her on the worship team. It was really spontaneous and it did my heart and my soul so much good to sing freely and boldly to the Lord in my native language. Sometimes I get really tired of feeling imprisoned by the boundaries automatically set by language limitations. I struggle constantly with feeling misunderstood and put in a box. I know that I'm doing reasonably well in comparison to the average American who has to learn Polish and credit is really due to God for this gift. But I am also painfully aware that I have not been doing much to develop this gift and instead, I've actually taken a couple steps back due to being overly concerned about making mistakes, sounding stupid, and mis-communicating.  In addition to this not being indicative the Spirit of boldness God gives us (II Tim 1:6-7), it's also bad stewardship  of gifts given for Kingdom purposes.

CP's Risk Award (2011)

I also saw that rather than blossoming in my giftings and sense of leadership and in exercising spiritual gifts, I've become more timid, less confident, and less courageous in these areas as well.  I was saddened as I saw this.  As I reflected upon this, a memory came back -- years ago Covenant Players honored me with the creation of a new award, the "Risk Award" to identify and affirm risks I took in stepping out in faith as a Covenant Player in Poland.  I look back now and think, "Where has that girl gone?"  I saw that there definitely was a tie between this linguistic step back and this spiritual/personal step back.  So while refreshed to be in an English-speaking environment, it fueled a fire in me to step out into deeper waters in the Polish environment God has me in.  

As for attending Krzysiek's school's inauguration, I had a good time and besides getting to know this part of his world a bit, it fueled my desire to keep growing intellectually.  I believe there will also be a time for me in the near future to grow more and be further-equipped in seminary/ministry school.  For now, I think the more pressing schooling I need is to enroll in a Polish course at a private language school. I hope to start in a few months. It is very very expensive but I believe it will be a very important investment as a missionary.  I also look forward to sharing my faith outside of this area, with future classmates.

 Krzysiek & his classmates commence their 2nd year in seminary

(Krzysiek, 3rd from the L is their class representative)