Saturday, November 27, 2010

"What's Up?!"

Most likely, if you were to write a letter to us today, the expression that you would be using would be “What's Up?!” - In response, we would say “a lot, so much so that we are like a rolling stone that gathers no moss!”.

It was a real joy connecting with many of you this past summer. Since we’ve been back, we’ve been encouraged to see God at work. He is doing amazing things in and outside our local body of believers. Please find below some highlights:

- The youth ministry that we asked prayer for is in the process of coming
together. God is showing us key leaders, vision with stated goals are being
put into place and there is a growing passion for seeing our youth come to
faith in Jesus Christ, discipled and grow.

- The need to disciple and mentor key leaders is great. These key men are requesting it.

- The starting of a “5 Evenings” evangelistic Bible Study. We plan to repeat this study.

- Once a week Paul, has been doing visitation with those in and outside the fellowship.

- “It is not what you do but how you use what you do that makes a difference.”

- The local body is becoming more assertive in evangelism. We have some in the Fellowship
that have not decided to follow Christ yet. Some know they have to make a decision.

- There is a growing understanding of the role of the missionary.

- Our Language Center's Thanksgiving celebration went well with seeds planted, testimony
boldly given and turkey eaten with all the trimmings.

Thank you so much for your encouragement through prayer and financial giving. We give God the glory for what He is doing in people's lives - The local believers, missionaries and non-believers here in Lubin.

Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina

Monday, August 23, 2010

“Reports Warming And Exciting The Heart”


Dear Friends,

     Over the last two and a half months we have heard many good reports from Poland:  13 decisions for Christ, one person close to making a decision for Christ, pointed questions being asked - How can we know we have fulfilled God's will?, a student Bible study started with growing interest, visitors being present during the church service and church members serving  - taking up the slack while others are on vacation or serving somewhere else.  These reports are exciting and warm our hearts.  We so desire to once again join our team and be a part of what God is doing.

     In less than one week we are scheduled to return to Poland.  We have 3 current and URGENT prayer requests that we would like to ask  you to pray for: 

1.  Please pray for God’s support provision – There is still a monthly need of $633,33. If interested in sponsoring, please contact us right away using the information in the contact information box.

2.  Pray as we return that we would quickly re-adapt and get into the swing of things -  meeting with friends and contacts, church and language school.
 
3.  Pray for our children as they start school September 1st. 

Thank you for praying. 

Paul and Carlene Eager
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina


Contact Information
Address:  57131 Sequoia Dr. Goshen, IN 46528
E-Mail:  pauleager@ymail.com
Phone:  574.343.4665
              574.875.3925

Sunday, August 8, 2010

"Tube from Heaven"

“Tube from Heaven”
The big day had finally arrived.  After 20 weeks of intense training, I was ready to embark on my first triathlon, a half Ironman.  It was an exciting moment as I jumped into the water with my wave of about 100 other participants.  After about 46 min and 1.2 miles later I walked up onto the shore elated that the first step had been completed.  





Stripping off my wet suit, I moved into the transition area where I put on the rest of my cycling gear – helmet, shoes, gloves and of course, the power bars and gels.  I checked the tire pressure one more time and ran to the starting line.  Jumping on my trustworthy bike which had taken the punishment of hour after hour of training, I rode off with upmost confidence that there wouldn’t be any problems. 
I rode down the hill, and not even a mile away from the start, my front tire went completely flat.  In that moment my whole world stopped - I realized that I didn’t have a spare, pump or proper tools.  My heart sank.  The only thought that I had was how this could’ve happened when I was just starting to embark on fulfilling a long time dream of mine?!  I just didn’t know what to do.  I didn’t know if I should cry or laugh at my problematic situation.  It was a moment of complete despair. 
Fortunately, the incident happened at a corner where there was a policeman and an official.  The helpful policeman agreed to call and see if the helping van was close by in order to come and help.  This      was a glimmer of hope in a desperate situation.  But … there were 56 miles of road ahead and the van could be anywhere.  I asked what time it was and found out that my swim took shorter than expected so I had about an hour to play with in order to make the time cut off.  So decisions had to be made … do I wait or do I walk to the start to see if someone could help without being disqualified in the process. 
At that moment there appeared a man who just happened to park in a lot on the other side of the street.  He asked what was wrong.  After he saw the situation he said he just happened to have an extra tube and a pump.  He went to his car and got the pump and tube.  The only thing lacking was a tool but that did not stop his determination – he used the back end of a key!  As we were in the process he mentioned that he had a bike identical to mine.  I kept thanking him and said he must be an Angel.  I asked how in the world I could ever thank him – he said there was no need to thank him just go out and have a fun race.  I said thank you one more time, put my feet into the pedals and hit the road.  What a great blessing from a faithful God – A tube from Heaven.
Completing the cycling, I moved into transition and on to the run.  During the biking and running, I continually thought about how God had provided and not only provided, but how He even provides in the small things.
The tube I received was an incredible blessing.  It reminded me that even in the small things of this world, God is faithful – This was a personal dream of mine and God was faithful in letting me complete it. 
 We are scheduled to go back to Poland on the 25th of August.  We are dreaming and are excited about what God is doing and so desire to proceed further and deeper in the Lubin Church plant.  We believe that just like the tube that God faithfully provided He will also provide the $700 per month that we are short.  Would you pray with us to this end?
                                                                    Prayer Points:
  1. Continue to pray for Andrew at his two-week handball camp back in Poland. 
  2. Pray for the finances to come in:  monthly support, Lubin church sound system project, Eager vehicle project.
  3. Good remaining 2 ½ weeks in the U.S. with family and friends and that everything will get done.
  4. Ukraine missions trip with youth from our church in Lubin and our Mother church (last two weeks in August) - safety, Spiritual fruit and wisdom for all involved.
Blessings, Paul, Carlene – Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Mission:  SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.org
Home Address:  ul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland +(48+ 76) 844 1351*
Vonage Phone number:  574-830-1260

Monday, August 2, 2010

Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon - A dream fullfilled :)

A long time dream of mine (Paul) was fulfilled last Saturday 31.07.2010















It took about 6 hours and 8 minutes.   I think I have some things to still work on. :)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

“Home, Home On The Range”

Dear Friends,

    Greetings from Elkhart, Indiana! While Elkhart is not exactly “The Range”, we are at home here for these two months.  It has been good to be able to “roam” with friends and family. Please find our speaking schedule below and a few prayer items. 

July 4th - Pine Ridge Bible Church - Goshen, Indiana
July 11th - 13th - Perry Hall Baptist Church - Perry Hall, Maryland
     PM service - Presentation
     12th and 13th - VBS
July 14th - Bancroft Church of God Mission - Bancroft, WV
     Wednesday PM service
July 18th - McCoy Memorial Baptist Church - Elkhart, Indiana
     AM  Introduction
     PM  Presentation
July 25th - People's Bible Church - Goshen, Indiana
     AM  Presentation
July 25th - July 29th - SEND Family Conference - Holland, Michigan
August  1st - Sugar Grove - Goshen, Indiana
     AM  Sunday School
August  1st - Merriam Christian Chapel - Albion, Indiana
     PM  Service
August 4th - Faith Community Church - Osceola, Indiana
     Wednesday PM Service
August 18th - Northside Baptist Church - Elkhart, Indiana
     Wednesday PM Service
August 22nd - Burr Oak Baptist Church - Albion, Indiana
     AM  Service
August 22nd - 1st Baptist Church of Goshen - Goshen, Indiana
     PM  Service
August 25th  Departure for Poland
Prayer Items:

1.  Prayer for opportunities to be an encouragement to many in the midst of travel and speaking
     engagements.
2.  Support needs - $700.00 monthly needed. If interested please use the contact information  
     below.
3.  Prayer for the Lubin Church Plant - As some prepare to go to Ukraine on a Missions trip -
     Pray that  God would be honored in all they do and say.  May many of those they work with
     understand their need for Him and give their lives fully to Him.

Projects - One-time gifts

1.  On-Field vehicle need (one time gifts) - $16,000.
2.  Lubin sound equipment project Fund - There is a project fund set up at SEND International
     for the purchase of sound equipment for the Lubin Church Plant. The project is for $5,000.    
     If interested please contact us and we can give you a breakdown of the project.

Blessings,  Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina
Email: pauleager@ymail.com / Cell phone #: 574.343.4665

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Adjust or Bust

Good Morning from Elkhart, Indiana!


This past Wednesday we made the journey across the ocean with one suitcase and a carry on each (it was kind of nice not having a lot of luggage) and are now slowly adjusting back into US culture. When we sent out our last correspondence some may have tried to reply. The only problem … the email was most likely returned to you. The last time I sent out balk email my server effectively shut me down (It is good to know they are not sleeping). However because of this I have changed our primary email address to the following: pauleager@ymail.com. Thank you so much for your patience.

Prayer Points:

1. Wisdom in scheduling – setting up meetings in churches, visiting Pastors and spending time with friends and family.

2. Please pray that God would give us awesome ministry opportunities while in the US.

3. Financial – Financially we are lacking $700.00 in monthly contributions (We have a scheduled return of August 25th).

4. Please pray for the Lubin church that God would continually touch hearts, give people a growing passion for Him and an increasing passion to serve others.

Thank you for praying!

Paul and Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina

www.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com
http://www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com/
http://www.logoslubin.pl/
pauleager@ymail.com

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Ready Or Not - Here We Come

Dear Friends,
In exactly a week from today we will be arriving in Elkhart, Indiana for a short home service of two and a half months.

In reflecting over the past two years we are in awe of how God has worked among the people of Lubin ... and more specifically with all of us in the Lubin Church Plant. We have seen growth, ownership, a deepening relationship with God as well as with others, openness, a growing love for His Word and unity, sorrow, anger, pride, jealousy, frustration, peace and restoration.

As we return to Poland, Lord willing, we cannot wait to see what God is going to do in the next couple of years. We pray that in some sense you also can feel the incredible work of God and can get excited about the future.

Praise Points:

1. A family has offered their vehicle for us to use.

2. Place to stay at McCoy Memorial Baptist’s Missionary

house.

3. God has worked out many plans for us.

Prayer:

1. Safety in travel.

2. Home service planning - We will be scheduling visits.

3. Support team raising (an additional $700.00 / mo needs to

be pledged.

4. Some project funds (Used car - $13,000, Speaker system

for the church - $5000,00).

Blessings, Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina

SEND International * PO Box 513 * Farmington, MI * 48332 * (248) 477-4210 * Info@send.orgul. Malinowa 2 * 59-300 * Lubin * Poland* +(48+ 76) 844 1351* pceager@orange.pl * eagercarlene@yahoo.comwww.eagerlyblogging.blogspot.com / www.coffeehouselogos.blogspot.com / www.logoslubin.pl
Vonage Phone number: 574-830-1260

Saturday, April 24, 2010

"Growing Up"

“Growing up”


Whether we're in “formal” school or not, we are definitely learning constantly. We are in the “school of life” and for that I can truly say I'm thankful because it causes growth and humbleness in our lives.

Where does the time go? When I began writing this letter, Andrew was sitting taking an English written exam. The next day, he took an oral English exam. The other day, he took a comprehensive 6th grade exam. These tests are all a part of leaving elementary school and beginning the journey towards choosing a junior high school for next year. There are entrance tests to the various junior high schools, depending on the one(s) they are trying to get into. He's looking forward to this next part of his life.

Aaron doesn’t have any “major” tests this month but is plugging away in his school work. This year has been a good year for him in many ways as he’s showing he is “growing up” mentally, emotionally and spiritually. (Physically too! I guess you could say that about all of them.)

Alaina has just had some testing done also not too long ago. She's doing alright in school but her grades were dropping some. We decided to get some testing to see if it's “just a hard stage in school concepts” or something more. Well, she's just fine with her ability to learn, just needs to keep persevering (sounds like me too!) She's enjoying learning many new things.

And Paul and I, well…about the time we think we've learned something, we realize how much more we need to learn! I'm embarrassed to say that I don't always handle cultural differences the way I should. I know the differences in my knowledge, but sometimes in my mind and heart…well, enough said! People here are very free to give their opinions and advice, even if they don't know you. I was in line at the grocery store packing up my groceries, and the lady behind me “offered” her opinion about what I was doing. I didn't take too kindly to it and she and the cashier were aware of that. I finished up and as I was driving home, I knew I needed to apologize at least to the cashier. I probably won't ever see the lady behind me, but I'm often at that store so will see the cashier often. I turned the car around and apologized for my response. She was fine and all is well. But, this is one of many instances where I know God is working on my heart, my deep down thoughts, desires and attitudes. I want to be like Him to live as He wants me too. I'm just so thankful He loves us enough to give His mercy out freely and continue molding us to have His thoughts and ways. We are all “growing up”…constantly…and always will be. How hard that is, how humbling, but oh, how wonderful.

Our church is “growing up” too. Yes, in number (we've had some visitors lately and some contacts have come!) but also as a body. We have individually been growing in our walks with Christ, but we all feel like a family and a body and are growing together in our walks with the Lord. After the service, we are often at the church a good hour or two or more fellowshipping with one another. We have different opinions about some matters, but as God's timing allows, we are opening up with each other and talking about these things and trying to get answers from God's Word. It's an exciting time we're in as we “grow up” together.

And as a result of recent events with Poland's President, wife and many government and church dignitaries, people here are in a state of shock and sadness. We are praying for God to show us all how He wants to use this in our lives and in the Poles' lives. We are praying for growth in all our lives and opportunities to share God's love. Please pray!

With that and the volcano that erupted in Iceland, things have been a bit awry as far as schedules changing. Things seem to be calming down now and new dates put on the calendar.

Here are some praise and prayer requests:

1.Church building for another year with a minimal raise in rent: Several in our church council met with our Landlord and were able to come to an agreement regarding rent. Although there is a raise in rent for the following year, it is minimal compared to other buildings around us and we have another year to be where we are.

2. 4th Annual Gospel Workshop: The workshop, originally planned for April 17 and 18 , was changed to May 15, 16th because of Poland’s week-long mourning. It is a workshop where we invite a singer(s) from England and Kraków to sing and teach gospel style music. People sign up to learn the songs and sing in a charity concert Sunday evening. It’s a huge outreach and we’re praying that especially in light of recent events that God would pour out His Spirit and work mightily to bring people to Himself and bring hope and peace to all who take part in the workshop and the concert. Pray that all the musicians will be able to come on these new dates.

3. Home Service plans: Yes, we will be in the States for two months this summer! Actually, we will be arriving the middle of June to first attend our niece’s wedding  and then we hope to be able to visit with many of you. We’re praying for someone here to watch our house and dog while we’re there. There are many other details to work out regarding English classes, church and schooling for the kids. We’re thankful we have a place to live at one of McCoy Memorial Baptist Church’s missionary homes. Please pray for all the details to fall into place.

4. NCE Conference: Our annual field conference is earlier this year. With so many going on home service now during the summer, we needed to have a different time to meet. Our conference will be June 2-6. There is a holiday in Poland during that time so it’s a long weekend. Susan Killmon and Carlene are the organizers this year. Pray for all the details to come together, for the worship and children’s team (coming from a church in California), and for God to use this time for spiritual renewal (the theme is “Renewing Your Passion for Ministry”), and physical and mental refreshment.

5. King’s Study: We continue to meet every Friday evening for a Bible study held in English. Our teammate, Pat Weathersbee, continues to lead the discussions. We have been studying the names of God. Pray that the Holy Spirit would work through His Word and people would continue to come during this busy spring season.