Received Visa today!!!
Today, I picked up my Visa and now I am legally in Poland to end of May 2014!
In light of the Missions Conference last week… these are some thoughts. Thankful God has been working in my life to see that being uncomfortable is where HE wants me to be and have a peace about it. There are days, I just don’t want to get out of bed – not just because it is gray outside, it is having to face my fears and overcome another challenge. Those are the days where the doubts creep in and you want to say “you win” there is no more fight left. Then I open the Bible and read about Jeremiah – God called him to prophecy to people who did not want to listen, he is called the “weeping prophet” …and realize the challenges I am facing are nothing…and I don’t really want to be the “whining missionary.” As a friend tells me – “Hey, you are doing it! You know that God wanted you to serve in Poland and you are there!” It may sound silly, but having a cheerleader or a quick note that says “prayed for you today.” Sometimes that is all you need to say – “Hey, God asked me to send you a hug today.” I believe God wants us to be uncomfortable, because that is when you are aware that God is at work in your life. Not that being comfortable is a bad thing – there are plenty of times that I hide out in my apartment with a blanket wrapped around me too! But I know of times, where I sought my comfort first and not the call… I want to go back and change it, yet I can only move forward and try harder. All this to say, I am so thankful that God has me here, growing – so that I may be a vessel that He will use to a great capacity than today and I don’t want to get too comfortable. Now an update on ministry – we cleaned the new location and held English Discussion Groups on Tuesday nights. There were a few people that came and they are excited about the new location and psyched about the future look of the place. Lord willing everything will continue to move forward and fall into place – with tons of prayer and God’s provision.
Cup of Coffee version…
I have been encouraged by God’s promises – that He will never leave or forsake us. He will challenge us to make us better, it is my job to not become bitter in His refining process. By God’s grace, He has shown me through others all that is possible. In listening to the Mission Conference online – you already heard how those pastors have had to overcome their own challenges. Even though some of mine are different, deep down – they really are not all that different. I am so thankful that I can access messages from online – whether from ODBC or other pastors who have a heart not only for God but for missions! I had a great conversation with a friend via skype and she made me realize that there are things that I have gotten accustom to here that is not so much at home. In Poland, there are a number of restaurants and cafes that have play areas for kids. Some have a table, couple chairs, box of toys or books, while others have a playhouse, toys and so forth. Here we need to ask for the bill, so you can be sitting there for a long time after you are done… Yes, I am speaking from experience. LOL Just think of some of the family restaurants in the states, you are lucky if you can get a few crayons and paper menu for the kids to draw on… and some places even give you a time limit on how long you can sit at a table! There are some Mommy & Me cafes…not that I have been to one, but walked by. Another update about Poland – much like Rochester – summers seem to have gotten shorter and fall is almost a blink of an eye…winter (at least the cold) is moving in fast. Today, the sun shining and it feels like fall again…I am so thankful for a break from the cold. Next week, I am back to the intensive Polish classes and continuing to pray for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance.
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29
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