Missions: Where is the greatest need?

Many Christians are interested in being used by God in the mission field. We often hear the concern for the lost in the "10/40 window". There are concerns for the Aids victims in Africa and the political unrest there that threatens the lives of 100,000's of people. We are challenged to pray for the persecution in the Muslim areas of the world or what is left of the Communist ruled countries. Or maybe you have heard about the horrid living conditions in the Phillipino slums. Then of course there are always the multitude of options right outside our doors at home.

This week I was meeting with a pastor friend of mine in Krakow and he slipped an interesting flier into my hand that I would like to share with you.

Facts:
* In an article printed in Evangelical Missions Quarterly; April 2004, one country topped the list for having a need for church planting missionaries.
* Based on the "N" Formula, this country is 10,000 times more needy than Papua New Guinea or over 200 times more so than Mexico.
* There are cities in other countries with more missionaries than this entire country.
* As a percentage of the population, there are 4 times less Evangelical Christians living in this country than there are in Saudi Arabia.
* There are nearly 1 million people per church planting unit in this country.
* Of the nearly 2500 counties in this country, 2219 have no Evangelical church of any kind within their borders.
* Within these 2219 "white spots" a total of 600 people die each day - with little or no exposure to the love and grace of the gospel.

The country?

POLAND

Please Pray with us:

1. For more workers for the harvest
2. For people to stand along side those currently laboring in the fields and lift up their weary arms.
3. For Polish believers to have the courage to stand for the truth of the gospel regardless of what others may think or say.
4. For what and how God would have you be involved

Just in case you were wondering I live in a "white area" and Krakow is red but there are over a million people in Krakow.

These statistics were taken from the following sources:

1. "Where are Pioneer Missionaries Needed? by Marten Visser. Published in Evangelical Missions Quarterly; April 2004, pp. 220-227.
2. Operation World; Patrick Johnstone; 2001
3. GUS (Głowny Urząd Statystyczny), Official government statistical information service
   

What's the Hotest Housing market in Europe?

According to Forbes....
Those living in Poland, the European Union's fastest-growing housing market. It tops the RICS survey of 21 leading economies in Europe. House prices there grew at the phenomenal rate of 28% in 2007.
Poland: 28%
House-price inflation was sharpest in Central and Eastern Europe, and Poland's growth was practically off the charts in 2007. The price per square meter of new apartments in the bustling capital city of Warsaw more than doubled between 2004 and 2007. But a slowdown is expected to start 2008. Borrowing costs in Poland are rising, thanks to increasing interest rates, and foreign investors are catching on that prices are peaking. Less people have been buying the country's raft of vacant and unfinished properties.

Interesting...who would have thought?

Thanks

I just wanted to take an opportunity to thank all of you who have been praying for me during the last month, particularly that the Lord would release his financial blessing.

As usual He met every need and as usual it was not in the way that I thought He might.

Thank you to all of you who responded to the Lord and sent gifts. My support was back up to what it has been. This learning to walk by faith at a deeper level is a bit challenging and to be honest stressful. Thanks for standing with me.

Please continue to pray for the Lord's release. I will soon have 2 young adults who will be staying with me as they transition back into Polish life after being interns in the US. I'm confident that the Lord is faithful to meet all our needs according to His riches and glory.

The Defender of Widows

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows - this is God, whose dwelling is
holy. Psalms 68:5

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.
Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17

God is the defender of widows. I have one such person in my church who needs God's help in defending her rights. She is retired but has to work if she has any hope of having money to buy personal items, prescriptions and sometimes food. She has no children or family able to help her. Her landlord is trying to force her out of her sub-standard housing by raising the rent to the point that it take all of her retirement.

I have suggested that we propose a remodel that would divide the apartment into 2 spaces (she doesn't need all of the apt) while improving this woman living conditions. The remodel would include the bathroom: upgrading the bath, sink and putting in a toilet (she currently uses one in the corridor). Upgrading the heating to a more efficient system. Putting in a kitchette. Upgrading the doors and windows to be more effective protectors from the cold winters. Finally, reconditioning all the walls and painting.

Please pray for the Lord's favor and the finances for the remodel. And if this should be accepted by the landlord for volunteer laborers to do the work.