Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia! That is the way to say "Merry Christmas" in Polish. Among Poles, wherever they are, the most beloved and beautiful of all traditional festivities is that of Christmas Eve. It is then that the Wigilia, or Christmas Eve Dinner is served. It is a solemnly celebrated occasion and arouses deep feelings of kinship among family members.
For days in advance, Poles prepare the traditional foods and everyone anxiously awaits the moment when the first star, known as the Gwiazdka, appears in the eastern sky. For that is when the feast to commemorate the birth of the Christ Child begins.
There is always a thin layer of hay under the white tablecloth in memory of the Godchild in the manger. Before sitting down at the table, everyone breaks the traditional wafer, or Oplatek and exchanges good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year. This is such a deeply moving moment that often tears of love and joy are evoked from the family members who are breaking this symbolic bread. The Oplatek is a thin, unleavened wafer similar to the altar bread in the Roman Catholic Church. It is stamped with the figures of the Godchild, the blessed Mary, and the holy angels. The wafer is known as the bread of love and is often sent by mail to the absent members of the family.
The dinner itself differs from other evening meals in that the number of courses is fixed at seven, nine or eleven. According to myth, in no case must there be an odd number of people at the table, otherwise it is said that some of the feasters would not live to see another Christmas. A lighted candle in the windows symbolizes the hope that the Godchild, in the form of a stranger, may come to share the Wigilia and an extra place is set at the table for the unexpected guest. This belief stems from the ancient Polish adage, "A guest in the home is God in the home."
The Wigilia is a meatless meal, no doubt the result of a long-time Church mandate that a strict fast and abstinence be observed on this day before Christmas. Although the Church laws have been revised and permit meat to be eaten on this day, the traditional meal remains meatless. Items that would normally be included in a traditional Wigilia menu include mushroom soup, boiled potatoes (kartofle), pickled herring (sledzie), fried fish, pierogi, beans and sauerkraut (groch i kapusta), a dried fruit compote, babka, platek, assorted pastries, nuts and candies.
After the meal the members of the family sing Polish Christmas Carols called the koledy while the children wait impatiently around the Christmas tree or choinka for the gifts to be exchanged.
Aside from the beautiful Wigilia, the Polish people have a number of other traditions that they practice throughout the Christmas season. Polish Christmas Carols or koledy are numerous and beautiful, especially when sung in Polish parishes at the Christmas Eve Mass. This Mass is called the Pasterka, which means the Shepherds Watch, and there is popular belief in Poland that while the congregation is praying, peace descends on the snow-clad, sleeping earth and that during that holy night, the humble companions of men - the domestic animals - assume voices. But only the innocent of heart may hear them.
Christmas Day itself is spent in rest, prayer, and visits to various members of the family. In Poland, from Christmas Day until the twelfth night, boys trudge from village to village withan illuminated star and a ranting King Herod among them to sing carols. Sometimes, they penetrate the towns in expectation of more generous gifts. In some districts, the boys carry on puppet shows called shopky. These are built like a little house with two towers, open in the front where a small crib is set.
During the Christmas season, the theaters give special performances. On the feast of the Epiphany, the priest and the organist visit the homes, bless them and write over their doors the initials of the three wise men - KMB (Kasper, Melchior and Balthazar) - in the belief that this will spare the homes from misfortune.
The Christmas season closes on February 2, known as Candlemas Day. On that day, people carry candles to church and have them blessed for use in their homes during storms, sickness and death.
Wesolych Swiat, Bozego Narodzenia i Szczesliwego Nowego Roku!
http://www.polishamericancenter.org/Wigilia.htm
Monday, December 15, 2008
"Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia!"
Dec. 2008
“ Wesołych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!”
Merry Christmas!
We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving season with having
three different times with English parties, one time with
missionary friends and another time with our church body
eating all the leftovers from the meal the day before and there
was enough for all (about 20 or so) to have very full plates!
We had a lot of time to reflect on the many good things we
do have and the blessings that God has given us. And now,
December 7th, our minds have begun to change thinking and
gear towards Christmas. Today, we started focusing on
Christmas, too, by making an advent chain using activities “to
do” for each day until Christmas Eve (the main day here - not
Christmas Day) to prepare our hearts for the season. Also,
today is the first time I listened to Christmas music while making
the dough for Christmas cut-out cookies we'll need for our
English Christmas party. So, for us, the season has “officially”
begun! Instead of us writing all the information down, the
enclosed paper gives you an idea of what a traditional Polish
Christmas looks like. We have had the privilege to be a part of
many of these traditions with our Polish friends. We’re looking
forward this year to celebrate together with our church family
and friends.
We wish you a very blessed holiday season. May God give
us opportunities to tell people we know about Christ and His
love this season!
Merry Christmas!,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
Vonage: 574-830-1260
“ Wesołych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!”
Merry Christmas!
We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving season with having
three different times with English parties, one time with
missionary friends and another time with our church body
eating all the leftovers from the meal the day before and there
was enough for all (about 20 or so) to have very full plates!
We had a lot of time to reflect on the many good things we
do have and the blessings that God has given us. And now,
December 7th, our minds have begun to change thinking and
gear towards Christmas. Today, we started focusing on
Christmas, too, by making an advent chain using activities “to
do” for each day until Christmas Eve (the main day here - not
Christmas Day) to prepare our hearts for the season. Also,
today is the first time I listened to Christmas music while making
the dough for Christmas cut-out cookies we'll need for our
English Christmas party. So, for us, the season has “officially”
begun! Instead of us writing all the information down, the
enclosed paper gives you an idea of what a traditional Polish
Christmas looks like. We have had the privilege to be a part of
many of these traditions with our Polish friends. We’re looking
forward this year to celebrate together with our church family
and friends.
We wish you a very blessed holiday season. May God give
us opportunities to tell people we know about Christ and His
love this season!
Merry Christmas!,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
Vonage: 574-830-1260
Saturday, December 13, 2008
December 2008 Prayer Update
December 7-13
Praise: Ben Rowe (short-termer for one year with SEND) has arrived and is getting settled and adjusted and well on his way learning Polish and getting involved in music ministry in the church which is an area we really, really have needed help. Also, we have felt the Lord leading us to begin a seeker type/discussion group for our English students. Ben would like to reach out by teaching the Bible so we’ll see what happens!
Prayer: Pray that indeed English students will want to be a part of this discussion group and that God would give Ben and Paul and others involved wisdom to know how to plan for this.
Pray also for our English Christmas parties we’ll be having this Friday, the 12th—4:00 for the children’s groups and 6:00 for the adults. We’ll be talking about Christmas and singing carols and decorating Christmas cookies. Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak and move!
We will also be starting the Scouts club again, this Saturday being the first meeting. This is geared to teach youth life skills, character building and Bible lessons. For now, it will be once a month. Pray for God’s leading and wisdom and for changed lives in the youths!
December 14-20
Praise: We’re so thankful for our Mother Church who encourages us and helps us. They let us “be on our own” but the Pastor and others are willing to help. Tomek, from the church, will be giving the message this Sunday.
Prayer: We’ve given parents and students from our English classes and others we know, a questionnaire asking them their interests for their child (Bible stories, crafts, music workshops, etc…) and for the parents themselves (cooking classes, ladies meetings, various workshops, etc..) and we are waiting now until they have been returned. We are praying that from these, we will know better what the needs and interests are and plan activities accordingly. Please pray for parents and kids to turn these sheets in and then for wisdom in how God wants us to use them.
December 21-27
Praise: For a school break for the kids and for English classes for two weeks. It’s nice to have a breather once in a while. J
Prayer: Pray for special times this year for each member of our church this Christmas. Our church body has grown so much closer these past several months and we have a burden for all to know Christ (for some who don’t know Him yet) and for all to know Him deeper.
December 28-January 3
Praise: God has given Paul wonderful opportunities these past weeks to share with his English conversation students what it means to be a Christian. We’re thankful they’re open and pray that they’ll continue to be.
Prayer: Daniel Trusiewicz, leader for the Baptist missions movement here in Poland, will be visiting us this Sunday, the 28th, and giving the sermon. Pray for the Lord to speak through Him and that we can mutually encourage each other. Pray for God to raise up many Polish leaders and missionaries. There are so few Polish pastors and missionaries.
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
Vonage: 574-830-1260
Praise: Ben Rowe (short-termer for one year with SEND) has arrived and is getting settled and adjusted and well on his way learning Polish and getting involved in music ministry in the church which is an area we really, really have needed help. Also, we have felt the Lord leading us to begin a seeker type/discussion group for our English students. Ben would like to reach out by teaching the Bible so we’ll see what happens!
Prayer: Pray that indeed English students will want to be a part of this discussion group and that God would give Ben and Paul and others involved wisdom to know how to plan for this.
Pray also for our English Christmas parties we’ll be having this Friday, the 12th—4:00 for the children’s groups and 6:00 for the adults. We’ll be talking about Christmas and singing carols and decorating Christmas cookies. Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak and move!
We will also be starting the Scouts club again, this Saturday being the first meeting. This is geared to teach youth life skills, character building and Bible lessons. For now, it will be once a month. Pray for God’s leading and wisdom and for changed lives in the youths!
December 14-20
Praise: We’re so thankful for our Mother Church who encourages us and helps us. They let us “be on our own” but the Pastor and others are willing to help. Tomek, from the church, will be giving the message this Sunday.
Prayer: We’ve given parents and students from our English classes and others we know, a questionnaire asking them their interests for their child (Bible stories, crafts, music workshops, etc…) and for the parents themselves (cooking classes, ladies meetings, various workshops, etc..) and we are waiting now until they have been returned. We are praying that from these, we will know better what the needs and interests are and plan activities accordingly. Please pray for parents and kids to turn these sheets in and then for wisdom in how God wants us to use them.
December 21-27
Praise: For a school break for the kids and for English classes for two weeks. It’s nice to have a breather once in a while. J
Prayer: Pray for special times this year for each member of our church this Christmas. Our church body has grown so much closer these past several months and we have a burden for all to know Christ (for some who don’t know Him yet) and for all to know Him deeper.
December 28-January 3
Praise: God has given Paul wonderful opportunities these past weeks to share with his English conversation students what it means to be a Christian. We’re thankful they’re open and pray that they’ll continue to be.
Prayer: Daniel Trusiewicz, leader for the Baptist missions movement here in Poland, will be visiting us this Sunday, the 28th, and giving the sermon. Pray for the Lord to speak through Him and that we can mutually encourage each other. Pray for God to raise up many Polish leaders and missionaries. There are so few Polish pastors and missionaries.
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
Vonage: 574-830-1260
Monday, November 3, 2008
“Continually Learning to Live Out the Fruit of the Spirit”
You've probably wondered why it's taken us so long to write since we've been back in Poland! We're wondering the same thing because we should've written sooner! After almost two months, we're still trying to get things settled and organized and back in place! What we do know and want you to know is that we surely haven't forgotten you! We think about you pretty often and the wonderful time we could have in the States this past summer! We have not forgotten either how the Lord brought us back on our desired return date. We will always be thankful and keep that experience as a remembrance of God's faithfulness and a growing time in our lives.
Since returning to Poland, we've plunged into our regular activities almost as if we hadn't been gone! Two days after we got back , the kids got off to a great start in school. They were excited to see their friends again and Alaina especially to begin 1st grade!
It was so good for us to see our church family and teammates and worship together again! It was fun catching up with friends and contacts in the community, many wondering why we would want to come back! “It's our home here, we help and work here, God wants us here,” we say. What a deep-down joy to be back and continue on building relationships with our friends, saved and unsaved.
Our expression this time about living out the Fruits of the Spirit is something we are learning yet again! Always! It has not been easy since our return in some areas. There have been cultural and personality issues that have been a source of struggle, unlike it's ever been before. I went to a teacher store before we left to get some things for English and saw a colorful poster with the verses of the Fruits of the Spirit listed. Though it doesn't exactly match the “decor” of the house, I put it up right in our entryway anyway in a place where we often look. It's good to be reminded often!
There have been times in the last couple of months that I have literally bitten my tongue. What I have wanted to say actually does need to be said but not in the way I wanted to say it at that time. Ohhh, to constantly see things through God's eyes and act and react as He would! Living out the Fruits of the Spirit puts things in perspective- looking and acting as God would- so that our “humanness” in us does not take over. “And they'll know we are Christians by our love”. That's how we want those around us to see us. That's how we'll make a difference here. Please pray for us, for daily wisdom and Fruit-filled lives so others can see the Spirit in us!
We are so thankful to be involved in people's lives here. Thank you for being a part of the work here!
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Since returning to Poland, we've plunged into our regular activities almost as if we hadn't been gone! Two days after we got back , the kids got off to a great start in school. They were excited to see their friends again and Alaina especially to begin 1st grade!
It was so good for us to see our church family and teammates and worship together again! It was fun catching up with friends and contacts in the community, many wondering why we would want to come back! “It's our home here, we help and work here, God wants us here,” we say. What a deep-down joy to be back and continue on building relationships with our friends, saved and unsaved.
Our expression this time about living out the Fruits of the Spirit is something we are learning yet again! Always! It has not been easy since our return in some areas. There have been cultural and personality issues that have been a source of struggle, unlike it's ever been before. I went to a teacher store before we left to get some things for English and saw a colorful poster with the verses of the Fruits of the Spirit listed. Though it doesn't exactly match the “decor” of the house, I put it up right in our entryway anyway in a place where we often look. It's good to be reminded often!
There have been times in the last couple of months that I have literally bitten my tongue. What I have wanted to say actually does need to be said but not in the way I wanted to say it at that time. Ohhh, to constantly see things through God's eyes and act and react as He would! Living out the Fruits of the Spirit puts things in perspective- looking and acting as God would- so that our “humanness” in us does not take over. “And they'll know we are Christians by our love”. That's how we want those around us to see us. That's how we'll make a difference here. Please pray for us, for daily wisdom and Fruit-filled lives so others can see the Spirit in us!
We are so thankful to be involved in people's lives here. Thank you for being a part of the work here!
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
November 2008
November, 2008
We have seen a change in our church the past two months. It’s not because there a lot more people (it’s about the same 20-25), or have these really great sermons or because we have outstanding music or super-organized services. Actually, looking at our church through human eyes, believe us, we need a big improvement in all these areas! But, what we have seen is a desire for believers in the church to want to come, bringing unsaved friends, staying afterwards for an hour or two and fellowshipping, meetings that have confirmed unity and that we’re “on the same page” (even though we might have different preferences or ideas about some things), an excitedness and a desire to be together. It’s so exciting! There is all of this GOOD and yet we NEED the LORD to pour out His SPIRIT, giving us wisdom and direction and His LOVE!
Because we’re so late in getting prayer requests to you, we thought we’d just do one month this time.
November 2-8:
Praise: We praise God for YOU! Praise Him for allowing us to come before the kids started school. Praise Him for His church here in Lubin!
Prayer: For our church to continue to grow, for us to have wisdom and direction in how God would have our church grow, for unsaved contacts to want to come, for the land the city has allotted for “bettering the community” to become a reality soon, for the restructuring that is taking place regarding church activities, English school and Coffee House hours.
November 9-15:
Praise: We have over 100 students in our Language Center “Logos”, ages 5-50+. For many, it’s their 2nd or 3rd year. Many are new students. Praise for opportunities to speak about Christ.
Prayer: Pray for Paul who has about 9 people he meets with for conversational English, for Carlene who teaches 3 groups twice a week and an individual, for Bogusia who leads the school. Continue to pray for spiritual interest, good conversations, and an English discussion club we’d like to start.
November 16-22:
Praise: The kids have adjusted well to school. We have good relationships with their teachers and the kids’ friends. We have many students at the Language school from the kids’ school so we see many regularly.
Prayer: We need wisdom in when to start having Logosiaki, our weekly Kid’s Club. Many kids have been asking about it. We’d like to take a new direction and focus, trying to include their parents more. Pray for wisdom in thinking through this. It’s such a neat, critical ministry!
November 23-29:
Praise: For religious freedom here in Poland and that we are free to meet together whenever we want!
Prayer: We’ll be having two days of Thanksgiving celebrations with our English classes, the 27th and 28th. This is because we have about 60 kids and with their parents who are invited to come, we won’t fit everybody all at once! The adults will also have a Thanksgiving celebration. Pray for preparations this week as well as the Holy Spirit to work during these afternoons/evenings. Pray for good conversations and for things to run smoothly. This is one of our favorite times.
We’ll also be hosting our SEND missionary Thanksgiving celebration this Saturday (Thursday isn’t a holiday here! ). J Pray for a refreshing time and planning details to go smoothly and that I’ll find a turkey big enough for close to 30 people!
We have seen a change in our church the past two months. It’s not because there a lot more people (it’s about the same 20-25), or have these really great sermons or because we have outstanding music or super-organized services. Actually, looking at our church through human eyes, believe us, we need a big improvement in all these areas! But, what we have seen is a desire for believers in the church to want to come, bringing unsaved friends, staying afterwards for an hour or two and fellowshipping, meetings that have confirmed unity and that we’re “on the same page” (even though we might have different preferences or ideas about some things), an excitedness and a desire to be together. It’s so exciting! There is all of this GOOD and yet we NEED the LORD to pour out His SPIRIT, giving us wisdom and direction and His LOVE!
Because we’re so late in getting prayer requests to you, we thought we’d just do one month this time.
November 2-8:
Praise: We praise God for YOU! Praise Him for allowing us to come before the kids started school. Praise Him for His church here in Lubin!
Prayer: For our church to continue to grow, for us to have wisdom and direction in how God would have our church grow, for unsaved contacts to want to come, for the land the city has allotted for “bettering the community” to become a reality soon, for the restructuring that is taking place regarding church activities, English school and Coffee House hours.
November 9-15:
Praise: We have over 100 students in our Language Center “Logos”, ages 5-50+. For many, it’s their 2nd or 3rd year. Many are new students. Praise for opportunities to speak about Christ.
Prayer: Pray for Paul who has about 9 people he meets with for conversational English, for Carlene who teaches 3 groups twice a week and an individual, for Bogusia who leads the school. Continue to pray for spiritual interest, good conversations, and an English discussion club we’d like to start.
November 16-22:
Praise: The kids have adjusted well to school. We have good relationships with their teachers and the kids’ friends. We have many students at the Language school from the kids’ school so we see many regularly.
Prayer: We need wisdom in when to start having Logosiaki, our weekly Kid’s Club. Many kids have been asking about it. We’d like to take a new direction and focus, trying to include their parents more. Pray for wisdom in thinking through this. It’s such a neat, critical ministry!
November 23-29:
Praise: For religious freedom here in Poland and that we are free to meet together whenever we want!
Prayer: We’ll be having two days of Thanksgiving celebrations with our English classes, the 27th and 28th. This is because we have about 60 kids and with their parents who are invited to come, we won’t fit everybody all at once! The adults will also have a Thanksgiving celebration. Pray for preparations this week as well as the Holy Spirit to work during these afternoons/evenings. Pray for good conversations and for things to run smoothly. This is one of our favorite times.
We’ll also be hosting our SEND missionary Thanksgiving celebration this Saturday (Thursday isn’t a holiday here! ). J Pray for a refreshing time and planning details to go smoothly and that I’ll find a turkey big enough for close to 30 people!
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
Vonage: 574-830-1260
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
Vonage: 574-830-1260
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Our Faithful God!
Dear Pastor, Missions chairman and committee members and prayer warriors,
We thank you so much for praying in regards to our support needs. We are seeing God do amazing things. Just about three weeks ago we were $2100.00 per month (period of 24 months) short of reaching the 100% mark. Today God has brought this amount down to a monthly deficit of $1128.96 (over a period of 24 months). Let’s praise God together for His faithfulness. Amen! There have been churches who have by faith raised their budgets to be able to give more, some have joined our team for the very first time and some have indicated they would like to give more. Praise God!!
We would still like to ask though that our prayer request of reaching the 100% mark before August 29th be announced before your churches tomorrow, at Bible studies and small groups and through the prayer chains that some of you have. This prayer request is going out to 17 churches from Baltimore to Alaska. Let’s pray together and see what God is going to do!
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
574.343.4177
574.606.1200
www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com
www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com
We thank you so much for praying in regards to our support needs. We are seeing God do amazing things. Just about three weeks ago we were $2100.00 per month (period of 24 months) short of reaching the 100% mark. Today God has brought this amount down to a monthly deficit of $1128.96 (over a period of 24 months). Let’s praise God together for His faithfulness. Amen! There have been churches who have by faith raised their budgets to be able to give more, some have joined our team for the very first time and some have indicated they would like to give more. Praise God!!
We would still like to ask though that our prayer request of reaching the 100% mark before August 29th be announced before your churches tomorrow, at Bible studies and small groups and through the prayer chains that some of you have. This prayer request is going out to 17 churches from Baltimore to Alaska. Let’s pray together and see what God is going to do!
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
574.343.4177
574.606.1200
www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com
www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Eagers' Expressions
Dear Friends and partners in the ministry,
Greetings from Elkhart, Indiana! Thank you so much for praying and for those that give, thank you so much for giving. God is answering your prayers - see the postcard below. J
We would like to once again ask that you pray concerning our support needs. August 29th is just around the corner and we still have a monthly need of $1603.33. We are required by our Mission to have 100% of our support pledged before we head back to Poland.
Next week if we see that the finances are just not coming in we will have to start making decisions as to what we are going to be doing in regards to our children and their schooling. The Polish schools start in September. We will also be having to make some decisions which touch directly on the Lubin church plant and it’s language school and coffee house ministry.
This postcard will be going out to apx. 500 people nationwide. Please pray that God would fling open the banks of heaven and the amount of $1603.33 per month needed will be taken down to a 0 balance. Let’s see what God can do.
Thank you again and blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Greetings from Elkhart, Indiana! Thank you so much for praying and for those that give, thank you so much for giving. God is answering your prayers - see the postcard below. J
We would like to once again ask that you pray concerning our support needs. August 29th is just around the corner and we still have a monthly need of $1603.33. We are required by our Mission to have 100% of our support pledged before we head back to Poland.
Next week if we see that the finances are just not coming in we will have to start making decisions as to what we are going to be doing in regards to our children and their schooling. The Polish schools start in September. We will also be having to make some decisions which touch directly on the Lubin church plant and it’s language school and coffee house ministry.
This postcard will be going out to apx. 500 people nationwide. Please pray that God would fling open the banks of heaven and the amount of $1603.33 per month needed will be taken down to a 0 balance. Let’s see what God can do.
Thank you again and blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
*If God has touched your heart to give on a monthly basis as a financial partner please write to Kathy Cole at SEND International (KCole@Send.org) or call her at 1-800-736-3808 as soon as possible (because of the time factor). If you do write to Kathy, please also let us know so that we can keep track of it in our records as well. Thank you so much!
www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com
www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com
www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com
www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Praying for a miracle
A few days ago a prayer warrior sent us an email with the following:
" We want you to know that we are PPP people - Persistently Praying for Poland. We thank the Lord for the few who have or are responding to ministry in Poland, both Nationals and missionaries. The "rain drops" have started, the "showers" will come as we plead Poland's case before the Lord. "
We along with our praying friends truly believe that the "rain drops" have started, and the "showers" will come very soon. Because of the prayers of God's people we are seeing a country start to open up to the Gospel.
Carlene and I and our three children are looking very much forward to joining our team once again on the front line in the town of Lubin.
The departure date (August 29) that we set is coming up very quickly. We are all set to go except for one problem. In the previous post we mentioned our monthly deficit of $2100.00 per month. We want to tell you that God has blessed and is answering prayers. There are a few new people that have joined our team, a few that have increased their monthly giving and some who have given one time gifts. God has blessed and we now have $1653,33 per month left to go.
This is wonderful news except we won't be able to go until the $1653,33 per month figure is down to 0.
Please pray for a miracle.
If you are intrested in Poland and the work that we do please contact us at 574.343.4177 or pceager@orange.pl.
If you are intrested in joining our team financially, please fill in the following form and send it Kathy Cole at SEND International (KCole@send.org). Please also cc us in the process so that we can see your intention. Thank you!
Financial Partner
___ I'd like to partner with Paul and Carlene Eager (107283) by regularly giving $ ______
Monthly _____ Quarterly ______ Yearly ______
To begin on (date) __________________whenever you’d like________________
___ I'd like to make my payments directly from my account by electronic funds transfer.
___ I'd like to make a special gift of $_______to your ministry and would be interested in knowing of other specific financial needs you may have from time to time, for one time gifts such as for a digital projector (ours was stolen), airline tickets for donor and church visits and gifts to be applied for a ministry vehicle.
Name:__________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________
City: ________________State: _______________Zip: _____________
Phone:___________________________
E-mail:___________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEND International
P.O. Box 513
Farmington, MI 48332
Phone: 248.477.4210
*Contributions are sought with the understanding that SEND International has complete control over their use. Each contribution will be used as restricted, understanding that excess funds will be used where needed most.*
___ I'd like to partner with Paul and Carlene Eager (107283) by regularly giving $ ______
Monthly _____ Quarterly ______ Yearly ______
To begin on (date) __________________whenever you’d like________________
___ I'd like to make my payments directly from my account by electronic funds transfer.
___ I'd like to make a special gift of $_______to your ministry and would be interested in knowing of other specific financial needs you may have from time to time, for one time gifts such as for a digital projector (ours was stolen), airline tickets for donor and church visits and gifts to be applied for a ministry vehicle.
Name:__________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________
City: ________________State: _______________Zip: _____________
Phone:___________________________
E-mail:___________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEND International
P.O. Box 513
Farmington, MI 48332
Phone: 248.477.4210
*Contributions are sought with the understanding that SEND International has complete control over their use. Each contribution will be used as restricted, understanding that excess funds will be used where needed most.*
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
“God is on the move ...” Warren Janzen
The quote, “God is on the move ...” is something that we heard over and over again as we attended the annual SEND Family Conference. It was so exciting as we heard how God is working throughout the whole world. There is absolutely nothing that can stand in God’s way. Praise God and AMEN!
As we listened it brought us back to Lubin, Poland where over the last three years God has given us the opportunity to help build His church in a town of 90,000 with almost no evangelical witness. We have seen God move where a new church has been planted with regular times for worship and fellowship. For outreach, it has a coffee house and language school ministry, kids and scouting club, and many other ministries in the Lubin community. We’ve seen Bible studies started, a young man give his life to Christ, a man wanting to be baptized, a lady who is close to giving her heart to God, a lady who has relearned how to play the guitar in order to play
during worship time and many other God-moving things.
We are so excited and desire so much to get back and join God again in the work that He has started. We are scheduled to go back to Poland on August 29 (in a month!) but we have a challenge that we would like to share with you.
Finances: $2100 more a month needs to be raised (due largely to the devaluation of the dollar).
The issues we are facing:
1. The kids start school September 1st - If we stay it will be difficult for them to catch up in the local schools.
2. The ministry is at a critical time as a foundation has been laid and we believe God wants us to move ahead with more Bible studies with those that we know in the community.
3. Our Regional Impact Team is in transition with some coming and some going - As team leaders we would like to help the team transition through this period.
4. The language school “Logos” starts the middle of September. There will be a lack of teachers.
As you read our letter, please take some time right now and ask God if He would like for you to
join Him as He moves in Lubin, Poland. For those who already donate - PLEASE PRAY.
*Because of the time factor please let us know of your intention asap by email (pceager@orange.pl) or phone: 574.343.4177. Thank you!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes! I’d like to partner with Paul and Carlene Eager
Account #: 10783
Financial Partner
___ I’d like to partner with you by regularly giving $ ______
Monthly _____ Quarterly ______ Yearly ______
To begin on (date) ____________________
___ I’d like to make my payments directly from my account by electronic funds transfer.
___ I’d like to make a special gift of $_______to your ministry and would be interested in knowing of other specific
financial needs you may have from time to time, for one time gifts such as for a digital projector (ours was stolen),
airline tickets for donor and church visits and gifts to be applied for a ministry vehicle.
Name:__________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________
City:________________State:_______________Zip:_____________
Phone:___________________________
E-mail:___________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please tear off and mail to SEND International:
SEND International
P.O. Box 513
Farmington, MI 48332
Phone:248.477.4210
*Contributions are sought with the understanding that SEND International has complete control over their use. Each contribution will be used as restricted, understanding that excess funds will be used where needed most.*
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
http://www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com/ / http://www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com/
Stateside address:
57131 Sequoia Dr.
Goshen, IN 46528
574.343.4177
574.606.1200
The quote, “God is on the move ...” is something that we heard over and over again as we attended the annual SEND Family Conference. It was so exciting as we heard how God is working throughout the whole world. There is absolutely nothing that can stand in God’s way. Praise God and AMEN!
As we listened it brought us back to Lubin, Poland where over the last three years God has given us the opportunity to help build His church in a town of 90,000 with almost no evangelical witness. We have seen God move where a new church has been planted with regular times for worship and fellowship. For outreach, it has a coffee house and language school ministry, kids and scouting club, and many other ministries in the Lubin community. We’ve seen Bible studies started, a young man give his life to Christ, a man wanting to be baptized, a lady who is close to giving her heart to God, a lady who has relearned how to play the guitar in order to play
during worship time and many other God-moving things.
We are so excited and desire so much to get back and join God again in the work that He has started. We are scheduled to go back to Poland on August 29 (in a month!) but we have a challenge that we would like to share with you.
Finances: $2100 more a month needs to be raised (due largely to the devaluation of the dollar).
The issues we are facing:
1. The kids start school September 1st - If we stay it will be difficult for them to catch up in the local schools.
2. The ministry is at a critical time as a foundation has been laid and we believe God wants us to move ahead with more Bible studies with those that we know in the community.
3. Our Regional Impact Team is in transition with some coming and some going - As team leaders we would like to help the team transition through this period.
4. The language school “Logos” starts the middle of September. There will be a lack of teachers.
As you read our letter, please take some time right now and ask God if He would like for you to
join Him as He moves in Lubin, Poland. For those who already donate - PLEASE PRAY.
*Because of the time factor please let us know of your intention asap by email (pceager@orange.pl) or phone: 574.343.4177. Thank you!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes! I’d like to partner with Paul and Carlene Eager
Account #: 10783
Financial Partner
___ I’d like to partner with you by regularly giving $ ______
Monthly _____ Quarterly ______ Yearly ______
To begin on (date) ____________________
___ I’d like to make my payments directly from my account by electronic funds transfer.
___ I’d like to make a special gift of $_______to your ministry and would be interested in knowing of other specific
financial needs you may have from time to time, for one time gifts such as for a digital projector (ours was stolen),
airline tickets for donor and church visits and gifts to be applied for a ministry vehicle.
Name:__________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________
City:________________State:_______________Zip:_____________
Phone:___________________________
E-mail:___________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please tear off and mail to SEND International:
SEND International
P.O. Box 513
Farmington, MI 48332
Phone:248.477.4210
*Contributions are sought with the understanding that SEND International has complete control over their use. Each contribution will be used as restricted, understanding that excess funds will be used where needed most.*
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
http://www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com/ / http://www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com/
Stateside address:
57131 Sequoia Dr.
Goshen, IN 46528
574.343.4177
574.606.1200
Thursday, May 15, 2008
"Winter Fruit Realized"
Lubin, Poland
May 2008
“Winter Fruit Realized”
Last September, we sent out a newsletter with the title, “Summer Planting brings Winter fruit”.
It has been amazing to see the Spirit of God at work. One young man has given his life to
Christ and a lady is very close to making a decision. Has God worked? Yes!
Over the last three years, God has been in the process of realizing His plan.
We feel privileged to be able to come and join Him and be a part of what He is doing here in Lubin, Poland.
There is now a body of believers who meet for worship, teaching and fellowship.
A coffee house and language school were started through the fellowship and continues to give us, as a Regional Impact Team,
opportunities to share Christ. We give God all the glory for what He is doing!
On May 28, Lord willing, we will be in Indiana for the start of our three month home
service. We are looking forward to seeing many of you
in person to thank you for your prayers and financial
encouragement. It will be an intense time as we will be
traveling from Baltimore to Alaska. We have three
prayer requests:
1. Prayer for travel as we travel to see many of you.
2. Prayer for a good time of reconnecting with friends
and family which we have not seen for about three
years.
3. In order for us to return to Poland at the end of August apx. $800 per month of new
pledged support needs to be raised. In actuality, we should be raising apx. $2331,97
per month due to the weak dollar. Please pray! Three months is not a lot of time.
Harvesting together,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
May
Last September, we sent out a newsletter with the title, “Summer Planting brings Winter fruit”.
It has been amazing to see the Spirit of God at work. One young man has given his life to
Christ and a lady is very close to making a decision. Has God worked? Yes!
Over the last three years, God has been in the process of realizing His plan.
We feel privileged to be able to come and join Him and be a part of what He is doing here in Lubin, Poland.
There is now a body of believers who meet for worship, teaching and fellowship.
A coffee house and language school were started through the fellowship and continues to give us, as a Regional Impact Team,
opportunities to share Christ. We give God all the glory for what He is doing!
On May 28, Lord willing, we will be in Indiana for the start of our three month home
service. We are looking forward to seeing many of you
in person to thank you for your prayers and financial
encouragement. It will be an intense time as we will be
traveling from Baltimore to Alaska. We have three
prayer requests:
1. Prayer for travel as we travel to see many of you.
2. Prayer for a good time of reconnecting with friends
and family which we have not seen for about three
years.
3. In order for us to return to Poland at the end of August apx. $800 per month of new
pledged support needs to be raised. In actuality, we should be raising apx. $2331,97
per month due to the weak dollar. Please pray! Three months is not a lot of time.
Harvesting together,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
May
28 - Arrival in US
31 - Wedding of Carlene’s nephew
June
31 - Wedding of Carlene’s nephew
June
1 McCoy Memorial (AM-5 min) (Elkhart, Indiana)
1 Sugar Grove Church (PM-5 min) (Goshen, Indiana)
6-10 Perry Hall Baptist (Perry Hall, Maryland)
15 Woodland (Troutville, Virginia)
18 Faith Community Church (Osceola, Indiana)
29 1st Baptist of Goshen (Goshen, Indiana) (AM and PM)
July
1 Sugar Grove Church (PM-5 min) (Goshen, Indiana)
6-10 Perry Hall Baptist (Perry Hall, Maryland)
15 Woodland (Troutville, Virginia)
18 Faith Community Church (Osceola, Indiana)
29 1st Baptist of Goshen (Goshen, Indiana) (AM and PM)
July
6 Scenic Park Bible (Anchorage, Alaska) (AM)
6 Lazy Mt. Bible Church(Palmer, Alaska) (PM)
13 People’s Bible Church (Goshen, Indiana) (AM)
13 Merriam Christian Chapel (Albion, Indiana) (PM)
6 Lazy Mt. Bible Church(Palmer, Alaska) (PM)
13 People’s Bible Church (Goshen, Indiana) (AM)
13 Merriam Christian Chapel (Albion, Indiana) (PM)
15-16 Edgewood Baptist Church (Rock Island, IL.)
20-24 Send Internatonal Family Conference (Michigan)
27 McCoy Memorial (Elkhart, Indiana) (AM and PM)
August
27 McCoy Memorial (Elkhart, Indiana) (AM and PM)
August
3 Pine Ridge Bible Church (Goshen, Indiana) (AM)
10 Living Gospel Church (Nappanee, Indiana) (AM)
16-17 Carlene’s parents’ 50th Anniversary celebration
24 Burr Oak Baptist (Albion, Indiana) (AM)
24 Sugar Grove Church (Goshen, Indiana) (PM)
29 Return to Poland
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351*
10 Living Gospel Church (Nappanee, Indiana) (AM)
16-17 Carlene’s parents’ 50th Anniversary celebration
24 Burr Oak Baptist (Albion, Indiana) (AM)
24 Sugar Grove Church (Goshen, Indiana) (PM)
29 Return to Poland
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351*
pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com / www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com / www.logoslubin.pl
Home Service Contact Information: 57131 Sequoia Dr. Goshen, Indiana 46528 574-875-3925
www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com / www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com / www.logoslubin.pl
Home Service Contact Information: 57131 Sequoia Dr. Goshen, Indiana 46528 574-875-3925
Saturday, May 3, 2008
May Eager Prayer Update
May 4-10
Praise: WE WILL BE GOING TO THE STATES FOR HOME SERVICE IN LESS THAN A MONTH! We’ll be in the US May 28th-August 29th. It’s a shorter home service this time because we need to be back by September 1st so the kids can start school on time. We’re excited to see you in person! We do realize however, that it won’t be possible to visit with everyone because of lack of time, but we’re hoping to be able to talk and connect that way. We are SO thankful for your faithful support and for ALL your prayers. We are so humbled and filled with gratitude for your constant faithfulness. We’re thankful also for the provision of missionary housing through McCoy Memorial Baptist Church. We’re thankful our co-workers will be living in our house and taking care of our dog while we’re gone. We’re thankful it works out to take the kids out of school 3 ½ weeks early and that we’ll be able to attend Carlene’s nephew’s wedding. We’re thankful we’ll be able to be with Carlene’s parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. We’re also thankful that we will be able to spend time with all of Paul’s family in Alaska.
Prayer: There are many, many details yet to be planned and prepared before we leave. Pray for each one to fall into place and get done. To put it mildly, we’re rather stressed! J We’re still in need of a car for the 3 months—pray for God’s provision.
Also, on the 10th, we will be having our 3rd Annual Ladies’ Tea at the Coffee House. Carlene will be sharing a short devotional. Pray for those invited to come. Pray for each believer who comes that she will be encouraged and each non-believer to have an open heart to understand what God has for her. Pray for a sweet and refreshing atmosphere and God’s love and Word to reach each heart.
May 11-17
Praise: For the beautiful flowering trees and green leaves and grass we see as we look out from our balcony!
Prayer: Andrew will be going with his class on a 3-day field trip to two well-known, historic cities in Poland (Krakow and Zakopane) the 12th -14th. Pray for safety, good weather, a great time and that he’ll be a good witness.
May 18-24
May 25-31
Praise: We’re so thankful we’re able to be at Carlene’s nephew’s wedding on the 31st!
Prayer: Pray for safety for Paul as he travels to pick up Aaron 6 hours there and back. Pray for last minute details this week to get done before we leave. Pray for good flights on the 28th, safety and an opportunity to share Christ with someone seeking Him.
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Praise: WE WILL BE GOING TO THE STATES FOR HOME SERVICE IN LESS THAN A MONTH! We’ll be in the US May 28th-August 29th. It’s a shorter home service this time because we need to be back by September 1st so the kids can start school on time. We’re excited to see you in person! We do realize however, that it won’t be possible to visit with everyone because of lack of time, but we’re hoping to be able to talk and connect that way. We are SO thankful for your faithful support and for ALL your prayers. We are so humbled and filled with gratitude for your constant faithfulness. We’re thankful also for the provision of missionary housing through McCoy Memorial Baptist Church. We’re thankful our co-workers will be living in our house and taking care of our dog while we’re gone. We’re thankful it works out to take the kids out of school 3 ½ weeks early and that we’ll be able to attend Carlene’s nephew’s wedding. We’re thankful we’ll be able to be with Carlene’s parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. We’re also thankful that we will be able to spend time with all of Paul’s family in Alaska.
Prayer: There are many, many details yet to be planned and prepared before we leave. Pray for each one to fall into place and get done. To put it mildly, we’re rather stressed! J We’re still in need of a car for the 3 months—pray for God’s provision.
Also, on the 10th, we will be having our 3rd Annual Ladies’ Tea at the Coffee House. Carlene will be sharing a short devotional. Pray for those invited to come. Pray for each believer who comes that she will be encouraged and each non-believer to have an open heart to understand what God has for her. Pray for a sweet and refreshing atmosphere and God’s love and Word to reach each heart.
May 11-17
Praise: For the beautiful flowering trees and green leaves and grass we see as we look out from our balcony!
Prayer: Andrew will be going with his class on a 3-day field trip to two well-known, historic cities in Poland (Krakow and Zakopane) the 12th -14th. Pray for safety, good weather, a great time and that he’ll be a good witness.
May 18-24Praise: Praise for patient, understanding teachers and directors and for their willingness to “work with us.”
Prayer: Aaron’s class will be going on a 10-day field trip by the Baltic Sea starting on the 22nd. Because we’re leaving for the States earlier, we’ll be picking him up on the 27th and then flying out the next day! Please pray also for him as in the above request for Andrew’s trip. They are both excited about the trips.
Also, we’re planning the International English-speaking service on the 18th. Pray for those interested to come and students from English classes to come. Pray for receptive hearts.
Also, Carlene will be having her English classes ending on the 23rd with an all-out American hamburger and hotdog grill. The students will receive their certificate for the year. Pray for good weather, many parents will come and conversations will gear towards spiritual matters.
Prayer: Aaron’s class will be going on a 10-day field trip by the Baltic Sea starting on the 22nd. Because we’re leaving for the States earlier, we’ll be picking him up on the 27th and then flying out the next day! Please pray also for him as in the above request for Andrew’s trip. They are both excited about the trips.
Also, we’re planning the International English-speaking service on the 18th. Pray for those interested to come and students from English classes to come. Pray for receptive hearts.
Also, Carlene will be having her English classes ending on the 23rd with an all-out American hamburger and hotdog grill. The students will receive their certificate for the year. Pray for good weather, many parents will come and conversations will gear towards spiritual matters.
May 25-31Praise: We’re so thankful we’re able to be at Carlene’s nephew’s wedding on the 31st!
Prayer: Pray for safety for Paul as he travels to pick up Aaron 6 hours there and back. Pray for last minute details this week to get done before we leave. Pray for good flights on the 28th, safety and an opportunity to share Christ with someone seeking Him.
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Monday, March 17, 2008
Eager Prayer Update
March 16-22
Praise: Praise for the salvation of Bartek!!! He has regularly been coming to the Coffee House since it’s been open. He also was regularly asked, or made to, leave due to his behavior. Now, he’s a different person, helping out in church and in the Coffee House. Discipleship is essential but he has understood what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ!
Prayer: Pray for his growth and understanding of what it means to live fully for Christ. Pray for others to understand also and understand their need for a Savior and to give their lives to Him. Please pray this specifically for the youth who come to the Coffee House, English students, parents of English students, kids’ school teachers, Carlene’s guitar teacher, Paul’s fitness club trainer, our friends who are not believers and all the contacts we have in the community.
March 23-29
Praise: Praise for the many creative ways God uses to reach out to others.
Prayer: Louise and Andrea have begun a “Recipe Exchange” Saturday once a month at the Coffee House. One hope in doing this is to draw more adults to the Coffee House. Praise for the good turnout last month and for 4 new people who came—even some came from the English classes. Two students from Pat’s class want to be involved and share their recipes this month! The next “Recipe Exchange class” will be this Saturday, the 5th. Pray for the Lord to use these Saturdays to touch lives and bring spiritual fruit.
March 30-April 5
Praise: Praise for the English students (around 80) who have been coming since September. Several of them have shown an interest in having a seeker Bible study in English. Pat has a study from the Navigators which is called People Who Met Jesus.
Prayer: The interest is there but they have yet to take the next step and come on Thursdays at 4:30. Please pray that they’ll come.
It can be so overwhelming at times with the amount of potential students and those wanting conversations and individual lessons. This is one of those “good” problems because we are becoming more and more known in the community and there are the opportunities to meet more people and have contact with them, but on the other hand, we need wisdom when to say “yes” and also “no”. Please pray for daily wisdom.
We’re thankful for relationships with some of the local schools. As in the last couple of years, we will be hosting a dictation competition with junior high and high school students. This will be on Friday, the 4th. Pray that the Lord would use this somehow in the students’ lives and the teachers with whom we will be relating. Pray that some of the students would be interested in coming to the Coffee House.
April 6-12
Praise: We’ll be in the States this summer!!! We’re looking forward to being on home service this summer from the end of May to the end of August. It’ll be a quickie but we’re so glad to be able to be back.
Prayer: Pray for all the many details to fall into place smoothly before we leave. The kids will be leaving before school is finished—about 3 ½ weeks earlier. We are planning our visits and we know we have many miles to cover in a short time. There’s so much to pray for actually that it’s a lot to list here, so please just pray for all the details that go into preparing and planning for a home service both on this side of the ocean and the other! J We also have a considerable amount to raise in monthly support before we can come back to Poland. The children start school September 1st so we’d like to be able to come back at our targeted returning date. Please be praying for this need.
April 13-19
Praise: Praise for gospel music and every possible means to reach others for Christ!
Prayer: As we had last year, we will be hosting a Gospel Choir workshop. A group from another city comes in and teaches intensively during the weekend how to sing the Gospel songs and then everyone who takes part gives a concert Sunday evening. Please pray for people to be interested in participating, the Holy Spirit to speak through the words in the songs, all the logistics to fall into place, good health for all involved, etc… The workshop will be from the 18th-20th. We are praying that there will be a group from the choir interested in having a Bible study.
April 20-26
Praise: Praise for our team—Bogusia and Zbyszek Hanaczewscy, Pat Weathersbee, Andrea Hagen, and Louise Eisenhauer. Praise for another family coming—Bruce and Linda, Bethany and AJ Thomas. They are coming with the mission World Venture and will be helping the church plant through teaching English.
Prayer: Pray for their preparation and support raising that the Lord would bring them here in His perfect timing. Pray for continued unity among our team and within the church. When we plan activities, we try to make the whole church aware and plan ways for their involvement. We’re also seriously looking into ways to have our own church building instead of paying rent. We want to be of one mind in this. Also, please continue praying for our church, for those who preach, as we begin to think about having a Pastor and who that will be, growth, and having a clear vision, wisdom and guidance for the church leaders.
April 27-May 3
Praise: Praise for the children’s friends! They’ve been able to make good friends this year and have been able to regularly play together after school.
Prayer: After 7 ½ years in Poland, we’re still requesting prayer for our language ability. Yes, we are daily communicating and understanding, but we will be learners for as long as we are here. The kids are doing well in their language ability but they will also be constantly learning and developing their vocabulary. Pray for continued growth and ability.
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Praise: Praise for the salvation of Bartek!!! He has regularly been coming to the Coffee House since it’s been open. He also was regularly asked, or made to, leave due to his behavior. Now, he’s a different person, helping out in church and in the Coffee House. Discipleship is essential but he has understood what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ!
Prayer: Pray for his growth and understanding of what it means to live fully for Christ. Pray for others to understand also and understand their need for a Savior and to give their lives to Him. Please pray this specifically for the youth who come to the Coffee House, English students, parents of English students, kids’ school teachers, Carlene’s guitar teacher, Paul’s fitness club trainer, our friends who are not believers and all the contacts we have in the community.
March 23-29
Praise: Praise for the many creative ways God uses to reach out to others.
Prayer: Louise and Andrea have begun a “Recipe Exchange” Saturday once a month at the Coffee House. One hope in doing this is to draw more adults to the Coffee House. Praise for the good turnout last month and for 4 new people who came—even some came from the English classes. Two students from Pat’s class want to be involved and share their recipes this month! The next “Recipe Exchange class” will be this Saturday, the 5th. Pray for the Lord to use these Saturdays to touch lives and bring spiritual fruit.
March 30-April 5
Praise: Praise for the English students (around 80) who have been coming since September. Several of them have shown an interest in having a seeker Bible study in English. Pat has a study from the Navigators which is called People Who Met Jesus.
Prayer: The interest is there but they have yet to take the next step and come on Thursdays at 4:30. Please pray that they’ll come.
It can be so overwhelming at times with the amount of potential students and those wanting conversations and individual lessons. This is one of those “good” problems because we are becoming more and more known in the community and there are the opportunities to meet more people and have contact with them, but on the other hand, we need wisdom when to say “yes” and also “no”. Please pray for daily wisdom.
We’re thankful for relationships with some of the local schools. As in the last couple of years, we will be hosting a dictation competition with junior high and high school students. This will be on Friday, the 4th. Pray that the Lord would use this somehow in the students’ lives and the teachers with whom we will be relating. Pray that some of the students would be interested in coming to the Coffee House.
April 6-12
Praise: We’ll be in the States this summer!!! We’re looking forward to being on home service this summer from the end of May to the end of August. It’ll be a quickie but we’re so glad to be able to be back.
Prayer: Pray for all the many details to fall into place smoothly before we leave. The kids will be leaving before school is finished—about 3 ½ weeks earlier. We are planning our visits and we know we have many miles to cover in a short time. There’s so much to pray for actually that it’s a lot to list here, so please just pray for all the details that go into preparing and planning for a home service both on this side of the ocean and the other! J We also have a considerable amount to raise in monthly support before we can come back to Poland. The children start school September 1st so we’d like to be able to come back at our targeted returning date. Please be praying for this need.
April 13-19
Praise: Praise for gospel music and every possible means to reach others for Christ!
Prayer: As we had last year, we will be hosting a Gospel Choir workshop. A group from another city comes in and teaches intensively during the weekend how to sing the Gospel songs and then everyone who takes part gives a concert Sunday evening. Please pray for people to be interested in participating, the Holy Spirit to speak through the words in the songs, all the logistics to fall into place, good health for all involved, etc… The workshop will be from the 18th-20th. We are praying that there will be a group from the choir interested in having a Bible study.
April 20-26
Praise: Praise for our team—Bogusia and Zbyszek Hanaczewscy, Pat Weathersbee, Andrea Hagen, and Louise Eisenhauer. Praise for another family coming—Bruce and Linda, Bethany and AJ Thomas. They are coming with the mission World Venture and will be helping the church plant through teaching English.
Prayer: Pray for their preparation and support raising that the Lord would bring them here in His perfect timing. Pray for continued unity among our team and within the church. When we plan activities, we try to make the whole church aware and plan ways for their involvement. We’re also seriously looking into ways to have our own church building instead of paying rent. We want to be of one mind in this. Also, please continue praying for our church, for those who preach, as we begin to think about having a Pastor and who that will be, growth, and having a clear vision, wisdom and guidance for the church leaders.
April 27-May 3
Praise: Praise for the children’s friends! They’ve been able to make good friends this year and have been able to regularly play together after school.
Prayer: After 7 ½ years in Poland, we’re still requesting prayer for our language ability. Yes, we are daily communicating and understanding, but we will be learners for as long as we are here. The kids are doing well in their language ability but they will also be constantly learning and developing their vocabulary. Pray for continued growth and ability.
Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Eager Prayer Update
Jan. 13-19
Praise: Praise that Rich Ellis could be with us over the last two years. Praise that in God’s timing Louise Eisenhauer has joined the Lubin RIT and the Lubin Church plant.
Prayer: Pray for Rich Ellis as he returns to the US. Pray for his adjustment(s) as well as for our adjustment without him. Please pray for Marysia, Mateusz and Sławek that they would make the decision to give their lives completely to God. These three, from Ścinawa have been coming to church on Sunday for a long time now but have not made a decision yet.
Jan. 20-26
Praise: That a few more people have joined the Ścinawa (Where the ladies shelter ministry is) Bible study. They meet every Wednesday at around 8 PM.
Prayer: Pray for our first International worship service (Sunday, 20 January). Those that came to the International Christmas get-together were invited. Please pray that there will be a response and that people will come. Pray for Andrea this week as she moves into her new apartment. Some of the youth from the Coffee House live in the building that she will be moving into – Pray that God would use her location for great impact.
Jan. 27-Feb. 2
Praise: That we were able to register as an association. This gives us more standing within the community as well as helps us financially (money from EU sources) with our work with children and youth. We were also able to get some help for our Gospel workshops which will happen sometime in April, Lord willing.
Prayer: Pray for our church body that we would grow in the Lord and that in His time He would be preparing someone to pastor. Pray for continued unity and love for each other.
Feb. 3-9
Praise: For a financial gift for an oven and other items.
Prayer: We see the ministry at the Coffee House slowly taking a shift from only trying to attract teenagers to attracting more adults through other types of relationship-building events such as cooking, flower arranging and other ministries that would attract more adults. We will still be working with the youth that come when we are open but we are going to try a shift in focus. Please pray for wisdom and guidance in this matter.
Feb. 10-16
Praise: Praise for a winter break in the schools this week and next. We plan to take a few days off and hope to get together with some friends.
Prayer: During one of the weeks we are planning on having a mini winter club for our “Logosiaki” kids (Kids Club at the Coffee House). Pray for guidance, wisdom and creative ideas as we plan and think through the details.
Feb. 17-23
Praise: Praise for the provision of a house during our upcoming home service.
Prayer: We are in the process of preparing for home service this summer (end of May – end of August). Please pray that we would be able to smoothly get all of our meetings lined up and all other details will line up. We will be coming back with a deficit of about $1000.00 per month which will need to be raised in order for us to return. This is due in part to the fall of the US dollar.
Feb. 24 - Mar.1
Praise: Praise that there is progress in Aaron’s eye. Every other month he has a visit and it shows that he can read 1 ½ - 2 lines down the eye chart.
Prayer: Paul will be at council meetings during this week. Pray for strength, wisdom and guidance in decision making as SEND’s NCE council meets. Pray for Carlene and the kids without him these three days.
Mar. 2-8
Praise: For the kids and parents that come to our Kids club, English classes and for everyone who comes into the Coffee House.
Prayer: Pray for our 80 English students that we would have opportunities to share the Gospel with them. Carlene teaches 3 children’s groups and co-teaches one adult group. Paul teaches / has conversations with 8 students. It has been great to be more open during conversations. Pray that the Lord would give understanding to these students about spiritual truths when they come up. Please also pray for our kid’s club that we have every Friday. The kids hear a different Bible story every time they come. Pray for their salvation.
Mar. 9-15
Praise: Praise for the good relationships we have within the community: schools, government offices and social institutions.
Prayer: We will be having our annual English dictation competition among the middle schools and high schools in Lubin and the surrounding area. Please pray that God would give us opportunities to share His love with others. We will be using the facilities of High School number 1.
SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.com
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