“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.
