Journey of the Heart

Thanksgiving in Poland

2009-12-15T20:32:00.007+01:00

I realize most everyone is well on their way toward Christmas & Thanksgiving 2009 is a vague memory but I wanted to share with you what my Thanksgiving was like.

In Brief:

One turkey

Two pumpkin pies

One cherry pie

Mashed potatoes

Stuffing

Lots of gravy

Oriental cabbage salad

Green bean almondine

Ten guests in stages

A fire in the fireplace

And an evening of thankfulness, games & fellowship

Then a week of wonderful leftovers...the only thing missing was the football.

"Do You Trust Me!"

2009-10-13T15:13:00.007+02:00

Have you ever noticed how God seems to have your number? Or at least He seems to have mine! For the last year I have been on an intense path of learning to trust Him even more completely & deeper than before. It's a bit like praying for patience. The way we learn is to be in situations that normally would try our patience or in this case "trust".

It often means going against the norm or "rational" behavior & stepping out into an area where there is no "railing", nothing to give you feedback that anything will really come of the step except the "still small voice" deep inside saying "Trust Me".

I know that My God is able to do what He promises. I know that He loves me & cares about every detail of my life. I know that He is My Loving Father who provides for my every need.

Yet I am just as human as anyone & when I see the "black & white" figures on the page I have to choose to "fight" to trust the omnipotent God who is not as tangible as those figures on the page. I find myself praying for the Lord's forgiveness for my doubts & fears. And begging Him to help my unbelief.

This is one of those such times. I have spent a TON of time in prayer, intercession, worship, praying in the Spirit over the last few months...all the while fighting with the nagging thoughts of "But what have you DONE?" Somewhere deep inside I KNOW that I have done more in the Spirit than I could ever do in the "Flesh" but still, it isn't easy to continue. Then that gentle & familiar voice comes... "Just Trust Me" "I will do all that I have promised & more"

I don't know about you but I would prefer to get in there with "MY" hands & get it done, whatever it is. Sometimes I feel like I have to sit on my hands, so to speak. Today, as I watch the VERY EARLY snow fall, I'm reminded that I have no idea what is coming next! None! All the more reason for me to "TRUST". To "TRUST" the God, my God & Father who has already gone ahead. Who has & is preparing not only me but all whom I would meet for what He wills to do in & through me.

I wonder if we ever really get to that place of total & complete trust. That place where you don't have to coach yourself to take that next step of faith. Maybe in Heaven?

Today I'm believing & trusting God to occupy my condo in Kirkland/Juanita. It was vacated the 1st of October & for the 1st time since I have lived in Poland there have been no bites. The world would say that it is the economy but I think it is just another opportunity to grow my TRUST in Him, His love & care.

If you are interested in occupying it either as a renter or owner let me know.

Field of Dreams

2009-09-29T20:54:00.003+02:00

What are your dreams? What are my dreams? What are God’s dreams? What are God’s dreams for me? How does He communicate those dreams?

God seems to communicate with me in themes and this has been the theme for this season. There are 3 media sources that have touched my heart in this matter: the film “Field of Dreams” with Kevin Costner, the book “Captivating” by John & Stasi Eldredge, & the Gospel of Luke 21:34. All 3 of these sources have been “poking” at the very core of my being & bringing into the light what has been stolen from depth of me & that God would want to redeem & restore…
A Field of Dreams
Not just one dream or desire but a whole field of hopes, & passions that were deposited within me long before my parents even knew I was to be.

Last week I was drawn to Luke 21:34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing & drunkenness & by the worries of this life.”

Not that I have ever been prone to carousing or drunkenness but the worries of this world have definitely dulled the sensitivity of my heart to the fullness of life that Christ died for. I became aware of how many of my decisions, choices, even ways of relating with people have been altered for the sake of “safety”, “fear” of what might happen, or heart that has been so dulled by the bumps & bruises of life that it has forgotten how to believe, hope, & trust. Though some people may think that I’m an adventurous or even a risk taker type person, my ability or even my desire to hear the voice of the Lord to step out in faith has/had been hampered by life’s experiences.

“Captivating” has been revealing, highlighting, & healing those areas that have been so deeply ravaged for most of my life. I realized today that I started stuffing/hiding my dreams for myself sometime around 2 or 3 years of age. I have a picture of myself as a Princess at 1.5 playing with my Grandfather that I keep in my Bible. I had a counselor ask me once what was the significance of that picture & I didn’t really have an answer. I know now that it is because it is proof of my femininity & all the hopes and dreams that went with it. By the time I started school, I had learned that being a girl was not practical, nor was it safe. Today I saw just how “Happy” my Heavenly Father is that I am His Princess! And that He wants to revive the dreams of the Princess within me. It is a bit scary, unfamiliar, but exciting & freeing at the same time.

“Field of Dreams”… “If you build it he will come” The still small voice of the Lord’s guidance that seems ridiculous, illogical and in some ways suicidal to this world’s way of thinking. In the film Costner, tears up a large part of his corn field to build a lighted, baseball diamond because he hears a “voice”. This same “voice” leads him on a wild goose chase that eventually leads him home where his broken relationship with his father is healed & what was a crazy idea was redeemed. Like Costner I need to risk it all to trust the “voice”, the still small voice of my Loving Father, who will take me down a path that will bring healing, restoration, & fruitfulness when the world would say it isn’t possible.

So today, I’m choosing to build a new “Field of Dreams” within my heart. Risking it all to follow the voice of my Heavenly Father, trusting Him, & expecting Him to surprise me with great gifts that uncover the deepest longings of my heart. A Field of All the Dreams I Have Yet to Dream.

How will I be remembered?

2009-08-27T02:38:00.003+02:00

Today, like many of you I was confronted with the passing of Ted Kennedy. His death marks the end of a dynasty. Although, Senator Kennedy was known as the "liberal lion of the senate & the haunted bearer of the Camelot torch". I was struck by the question, how will he/we/me be remembered?

I remember when President Kennedy was assinated & Bobby, too. I can remember hearing about all kinds of scandalist things surrounding the family. But who were these people really?

How will they "REALLY" be remembered?

I guess in the long run...How will I be remembered is the more important question?

I pray that I will be remembered for reflecting Christ's character in all that I do. That I never backed away from what Jesus asked of me. And that I was able to walk out my life in the power of the Holy Spirit, full of unwavering faith. I'm afraid I have a long way to go before I have achieved this.

Sunday Drive

2009-08-10T00:43:00.021+02:00

Today was a day of rest & relaxation.....

My roommate Sabina & I went for a drive from Nowy Targ to Ochotinca through Tymanowa to Szczawnica. Below are some of those scenes. I hope that you enjoy the "ride"

This is the road through Ochotnica

Szczawnica

Rafting the Dunjac Memorial to John Paul II A floral Peacock

The Journey of Seasons

2009-08-07T22:31:00.018+02:00

It is hard to believe that a year ago I was preparing for my longest furlough & longest absence from Poland since I first visited in 1986. I am in awe of what the Lord has done in my heart during that time & how it is a preparation for what he will do in the days ahead here. As I made the plans to be in the US for what I thought would be 6 months the Lord spoke to my heart that it was to be a season to rest the fields. Now, I’m not a farmer in any stretch of the imagination but I do get the concept. The Lord gave great peace, especially when people would ask about the length of time & was it a good idea. Deep inside somehow I was confident that Jesus knew what he was doing even if I didn’t.

The 9 months that follow was a season for me to grow in a new level of TRUST in the Lord. Did I/Do I trust Jesus…yes, of course…but. I discovered just how big the BUT was in my trust. To begin with he asked me to set aside my “usual” ways of “planning” my furlough time. He asked me to not plan ahead but to WAIT and TRUST HIM and HE would UNFOLD IT. If you as much of a planner & control freak as I am you understand just what a huge challenge of obedience He was asking of me. I wish I had time and space to share with you all the stories of my struggle with WAITING, TRUSTING and how HE UNFOLDED miracle after miracle of HIS AMAZING LOVE for me.

I saw how the Lord would put a desire in my heart…to go visit my friend Marilyn in Sequim January 19-21 but I just wasn’t able to get around to contacting her. Only to be invited by Pastor Don to a pastor’s conference those 3 days…in Sequim (this group had never been to Sequim before). It was an amazing time with those pastors, plus to be there when Pastors Mike & Marilyn broke ground for the camp that had been tied up in the courts for 8 years. That conference also turned out to be significant in building relationships with the new district supervisor & a number of pastors who have become friends. I couldn’t have planned it if I had tried.

By the end of February God upped the ante. I was all ready to “Go HOME”! I was tired of living out of a suitcase, traveling 2 weeks out of the month, sleeping on every kind of bed imaginable (gratefully) & being sick about 10 days out of the month. I felt the Lord say, “WAIT (I hate that word) for a Pentecost”.

“COOL! A fresh anointing for what He would have for me! Yikes! My return ticket is for Wednesday! I have obligation/commitments in Poland!” “Just change the ticket!”

Little did I know what all the Lord would do in & through me in the following 3 months. Did you know that Pentecost is a HARVEST festival? But before there can be a season of harvest there has to be a season of planting. It was at this point that the Lord & his loving hand of discipline found its mark. I realized that I had an upside down perception of what I was to be doing. I always knew that “fundraising” was something that came out of relationship but not to the extent that the Lord was showing me. He took me to 2 Corinthians 9:6-10. We usually hear this passage when we are talking about giving. “But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” I became acutely aware that I had been “planting” the seeds of God’s work in Poland sparingly because of fear, disappointment & selfishness. He was calling me to be a wild seed throwing farmer. I guess, I had never realized that my service & experiences in Poland are a gift to others. I became so aware of the selfishness of my heart as I withheld the joy & relationships that could be possible, not only for me but also for the church in Poland. There was/is an element of fear… fear of disappointment… fear that I won’t be able to complete all that the Lord would have me to do… fear that those who I have share this gift won’t receive it with joy…etc. But I am challenged to listen to the voice of the Father more. The voice that says, “Trust Me”. “You can Trust Me…TRust Me…TRUst Me… TRUSt…Me…TRUST Me…TRUST ME!”

You know, The Lord’s ways are so special & unique to each one of us. I’m amazed at how well he knows how to get my attention & how to get at what really needs to be done.
I found that with each new opportunity to share about what God was doing in Poland my excitement grew, my trust strengthened, & my fears began to wane.

Pentecost…I returned to Poland 10 days after Pentecost Sunday in June. So… “What happened?” I learned that when the Hebrews celebrate Pentecost/Shavuot that they stay up all night reading the word & thanking God for it. That is what the disciples were doing when the Holy Spirit came. Today I find myself for the 6th day pursuing God with an intensity that I have never know. I’m literally compelled to be in His presence. I’m convinced that this is my upper room experience, though it is in the basement. Jesus has spoken to my heart that this new season is a time to plow the resting ground in the spirit. He has promised that I will see & harvest the fruit that is coming relationally, spiritually & financially. “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer & then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide & increase your resources & then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous…So two good things will result from this ministry of giving-the needs of the believers …will be met & they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” 2Corinthians 9:10-12 NLT

Thank you for your partnership in God’s work in Poland & my life.

Pictures: 1 Lincoln City Oregon; 2 Pastor Mike ground breaking; 3 Krakow @ night; 4 Welcome home party; 5 Flower sellers Krakow; 6 Planty park Krakow

Highlights from this week

2009-07-24T23:39:00.013+02:00

What was your highlight of the day/week?

Today I met Victor Ashe the US ambassador to Poland. What delightful person! He came to Krakow and on his agenda was to visit the grand opening of "More than a Cookie"'s second cafe.

Ambassador Ashe cutting the ribbon, Quenten, Cindy & Paul Marty

This is the work of an American family who worked as missionaries to Ukraine for years & when their time was up decided to make their home in Krakow and start a business that the whole family can participate in. Today Paul & Cindy Marty, together with their son, daughter, their spouses & a number of children greeted the public & the US ambassador while treating everyone to free samples of American baked goodies. Please pray for this family as they share the love of Jesus through their baking, care, & service.

Cindy & Paul @ the main More Than a Cookie shop

I met with Cindy earlier this week to share stories. As we talked we found many places I lives connected. One of those was the cafe. Some of you may remember that number of years ago I had the vision of starting a cafe here where the church could reach out to the community, serve good coffee & American style baked goods. "More than a Cookie" is just what I had envisioned. So we are talking about how we can support one another & looking into the possibility of a More than a Cookie cafe in Nowy Targ. It is the early stages but very cool.

It seems to fit with the Lord challenging me to believe for MORE!!!!!

Krzysiek @ The More Than a Cookie in the Krakow city center.

Another Highlight this week...was driving on a new stretch of highway that has just opened between here & Krakow. I can't wait til they finish the road repair than the new section of highway will really have an impact on my "commute" to Krakow.

This is a section of Zakopianka that I'm waiting to be worked on.

A third Highlight was meeting with my Friend Pastor Wojtek in Krakow. I always come away inspired & encouraged. We talked about our plans & schedule for the next 9 months or so. Pray for me that I will keep motivated to do the "paperwork" stuff of these plans. The nearest events is an outreach in NowyMe with Pastor Wojtek & Bob (Sue not pictured) Taber are missionaries in Poland

Huta (subburb of Krakow) August 10-12 that Wojtek is doing. Then there is an outreach in Brzesko (where I did the parenting classes) August 13-14. I will try to get some of the people from Nowy Targ to come be a support. It is a great opportunity for us to work together for the Kingdom & to support & encourage one another. Please pray that the Presence of the Lord would be felt & that many would come into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Wojtek also invited me to a meeting with some other local pastors the end of August. This is a group of leaders who can help to get the fellowship in Nowy Targ registered. This is a big deal & can make a big difference on what & how we do things. Please pray for favor & the Lord's divine direction.

I also dreamed of the "new car" the Lord would find for me. I thought one of these might be nice...or at least a lot of fun to drive.

As some of you know I was hoping to get enough money from the re-fi of my condo to purchase a replacement for my current car. It has 245,000 kilometers on it & is starting to need more & more maintainence. Unfortunately, the re-fi only provided $6500 of the needed $10,000 & the dollar has lost ground against the Polish Zolty. What I'm looking for is a 2005-7, 5 door Opel, Ford, VW, KIA, power locks, security system, power mirrors. I would prefer a diesel as it is about $1.00 least a gallon (so I would pay a sale price of $4.00/gal). For my own "sinful" wants I would like to have a good CD/mp3 player, 4-6 speakers (I love my time in the car with Jesus), a fun color (everything seems to be red or silver...I've had both) & AC.

I'm looking forward to see what creative ways God is going to do this! Please pray with me that it would be seen as God's provision & miraculous finance.

Finishing Well....

2009-06-29T20:23:00.009+02:00

Over the past few years there has been a number of conferences, sermons, & teaching on finishing well. Yet I find myself particularly struck by the fact that one who really finishes well is the one who hears "well done good & faithful servant" when they enter into God's kingdom.

I myself am (Lord, willing) far from that day. This weekend I was reminded how quickly our end can come. I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of a dear brother who I have known for more than 20 years.

I was reminded of the high price Stasiek paid to follow Jesus in this town when it was Communist time & there was no protestant work of any kind in Nowy Targ. The closest fellowship was more than 2 hours away in Krakow (the roads were not as good & the cars...let's not even talk about that). Keep in mind that during Communist time all fuel was rationed, so if you had a car & you had money to buy fuel you might not have the coupons to actually get the fuel.

Stasiek, together with his wife stepped out in faith to give their lives to Jesus, be baptised & they started holding Bible Studies in their home. This may not sound like much to you but here they could have lost their jobs that were communist backed, they were shunned by their Catholic neighbors, friends, & family. But they persisted. They became one of the foundational families that the current Pentecostal Church in Nowy Targ is built on.

I met them soon after the church was started. They became the family that so generously & graciously hosted me every summer & winter when I was commuting to Poland. We shared our lives together with Jesus. I was privileged to watch their 2 boys grow into fine young men, who are incredibly gifted musicians.

When I think of Stasiek I think of Paul's letter to Timothy when he talks about the character qualities of an Elder in the church.

Stasiek was a man who's life was beyond reproach in a time & place when the common practice was to find ways to steal from the government & to look after your own interests first.

He was faithful to his wife & his boys. Yeah, he made mistakes along the way but he earnestly sought to find God's way in being the best husband to his wife & father to his boys. These ideals were not even on the radar of most people at that time.

One of the qualities I appreciate most about Stasiek is that he could exercise self-control...I know this because there were times when I was OUT OF CONTROL & he was there to calm me down & turn me to Jesus. He was a man of peace & I believe that he was a man of good reputation...which in this town is not always easy when you are not Catholic.

As I mentioned before, his home was a place of great hospitality. For those of you who don't know about communist time or even remember that it existed in Poland, hospitality to Westerners (particularly Americans) could draw unfavorable attention with the government officials, especially if the nationals were actively involved in Christian activities. So the hospitality that he & his family showed to me was a risk.

Finishing well...Stasiek was diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago. After a relative brief stay in the hospital he went home & back to work. Though he was in pain, he continually praise His God. Two weeks ago his youngest son was married. As his eldest son shared with me on Saturday, Stasiek was faithful to his God to the very end.

Well Done Stasiek, faithful servant of the Living God!

I am truly blessed to have known this man of God & his family.

Please pray with me for the people who have been left behind & the huge hole that is in their hearts. For his family: wife, 2 sons & new daughter-in-law. For the Pentecostal Church & all the lives he impacted there as a member & elder in the church.

It does leave me asking myself what would people say of me when I am laid to rest?

Am I a person who is willing to risk it all for Christ?

What price am I willing to pay today to stand up for Jesus?

Coming Home

2009-06-18T01:51:00.008+02:00

Last week at this time my plane had just taken off from SeaTac headed for Frankfurt Germany & Krakow Poland. It would have been good if I had actually slept on the plane but.... I landed on time in Frankfurt to be greeted by my dear friend Petra. We went to the center of town to be joined by another dear friend for an early lunch & lots of catching up. Then off to the airport & on to Krakow where 2 of the "men" in my life picked me up to take me home.

The week has been sprinkled with phone calls & greetings from friends & neighbors who have missed me. Saturday there was a prayer meeting I was able to join & later that day there was a welcome home party. Now if I can just get on the right sleep schedule all will be well with the world.

It's funny .... it used to be that I would sense the spiritual heaviness when I would come & go from Poland. It was even difficult to breath but this time after being gone for such a long time (the longest I've been away from Poland in 23 years) I actually could breath easier once I got here.

Homeward Bound

2009-06-10T10:18:00.003+02:00

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go....I leave Seattle Wednesday 2:55 PM. Arrive in Frankfurt Germany 9:55 am Thursday for a day of visiting friends. Depart for Krakow @ 4:25 PM & arrive 6:10 PM. I should be home in my own bed by 9:30 Thursday evening.

Jesus has met my needs, desires, hopes & dreams far beyond what I ever think or imagine.

In Brief:

My re-finance closes today @ a lower rate that allows me to payoff my credit card debt, & to get some cash to be used towards a newer car in Poland.

Jesus gave me the camera of my dreams in time for me to test it & work out the bugs before leaving for Poland.

I have been able to establish meaningful relationships with my nieces & nephew...before this trip they had barely met me.

Jesus has opened doors to the hearts of a number of Foursquare pastors who have become friends & co-laborers in Christ.

Attended a Mariner's Game in LA when the M's won 5:2

I now feel like I have a network of relationships to support of me & the work in Poland. It is like having roots that run deep & provide stability versus being a tumbleweed.

I have been encouraged spiritually & emotionally that have strengthen me & given me a fresh perspective.

I had vacation on the Oregon Coast, Sequim, & Disneyland.

I attended the Foursquare National convention with 4000 of my new best friends.

Please pray for:

safe travels

Smooth transition
Eyes to see where Jesus is working NOW

Thanks for all your faithful prayers, encouragement, & support,

In Christ,

Denise

Brief Furlough Stats

2009-05-05T13:45:00.005+02:00

I'm almost at the 8th month mark of my furlough & was thinking of all the things that have happened or I've done & it overwhelmed me to think about trying to write everything. So, I thought I would do what the newspapers do....brief stats:

I've been in 4 States & 3 countries
Driven 6 different cars
Hoofed it or took the bus for 1.5 months
Attended 2 Pastor's conferences, 2 Women's conferences, & 2 Missions conferences
Had coffee w/ Jesus @ my "mobile office" Starbuck's
Participated in 1 Missionary training & 1 Ecumenical Think Tank
Have had 3 days @ the OR coast & am taking 2 days on the WA peninsula
Celebrated the 1st Thanksgiving w/ my family in 13 years
Had Christmas in Seattle for the 5th time in the last 23 years
Went to a New Year's party w/ old friends....the 1st one in I don't know how long
Worshipped our Lord in more fellowships than I can count...as many as 5 a weekend but an average of 3
Stayed in more beds than I can remember
Witnessed 1 wedding
Hung out at Eastside
Have driven 8400 miles since January 1
For the 1st time have earned Primer Status w/ frequent flyer miles
Have personally contacted 31 different Foursquare churches & their pastors (multiple times - I like looping around)
Had snuggle time with my nieces
Went to movies with friends
Was humble almost daily when my Mom would whip me in cards
Pampered my Mom's grass
Currently have 70% of the budget needed for me to return on June 10th

So as you can see it is a bit much to go into detail but if you want the unabridged version give me a call.

Whidbey Island Mind Blitz

2009-04-17T06:30:00.003+02:00

I find myself on Whidbey Island again, enjoying the water & fabulous fellowship. In only the way Jesus can do I am participating in a think tank looking at ways to disciple children around the globe. It is a muliti-denominational, multi-organizational intuitive to have a minimum of 1 discipler for every 50 children in the world. Today we brainstormed what this means, what are some of the obstacles & how might we get past these obstacles.

There are about 30 of us in a large home with a sweeping view of Useless Bay. The diversity & depth of experience creates such an exciting dynamic. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for tomorrow.

Please pray for me as I go right from this retreat to Living Hope Foursquare where I will share with the congregation on Sunday morning.

Jesus is faithful

When Am I Going Home...to Poland?

2009-02-10T08:45:00.002+01:00

That's a great question!
My return ticket is scheduled for February 25.....but.....
As I have prayed and evaluated my goals for this time: Family time, building relationships with Foursquare pastors in the area & relaxing I feel like I can't get it done in the time I have left. I would have thought that 5 months would be plenty of time.

I guess I'm still learning that God's timing and wise are different from mine. Let me just summarize for you.

The 1st clue was Carol is getting married the weekend AFTER I'm scheduled to leave. Literally 2 days. I feel it is important for me to be there. I'm not sure how God is going to pay for it but I sent the RSVP in faith.

I have pastors who want to meet & talk with me & I literally have NO dates available. I have never had this problem before. Usually I can't find a pastor who would be interested at all.

There is only one niece that I have never been at here for her birthday. Guess when her birthday is? Less than a week after my schedule departure.

There is an important Foursquare Women in Leadership retreat that I have been encouraged to attend & to be apart of a brainstorming session.

And there is the issue of my funding...but...see it as merely the Lord's way of confirming that it is the right time to go.

Oh, I had some friends who offered to pay the fee to change my ticket.

It has been clear that I should longer but how much longer....exactly?
While I was enjoying the Blessing of the Lord of staying with my dear friends Marian & Bill, I felt the Lord say I should wait for a fresh Pentecost. A fresh anointing of His presence & a fresh power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Because just like the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, to empower them to do the work of God's service, the Lord desires to do the same in me for the next season in Poland.

So keeping with the Pentecost theme, 50 days from this little "revelation" would put my departure the end March first part of April. I would like to be in Poland before Easter.

Please pray for God's peace, provision, & wisdom

My Cat-Likeness

2009-02-02T11:28:00.004+01:00

I feel like a cat who has been moved from its home.

I've heard it said that dogs are attached to the people & thus will go wherever their "master" goes. As long as the dog is with its owner they are happy.

Cats on the other hand are more attached to their surroundings. It's not that they aren't attached to their people but it is their surroundings that bring a sense of stability to their lives.

I don't know if it is because I have a strong independent streak, I'm older & not as flexibile as I once was but I find myself struggling to find myself without my "home surroundings" in Poland.

I'm now on my 5th month away from "home". The schedule has been basically 2-3 weeks in Seattle at my Mom's followed by 2 weeks on the road...somewhere.

I have been so blessed by all the people & places the Lord has openned to me. I have been amazed by the relationships & connections.

Recently when people ask me what I miss about Poland I have a hard time describing exactly...Like a cat the only thing I seem to be able to articulate is "home" & the people who are there.

Pray for God's grace for this season to continue & that I would recieve all that the Lord would have for me during this time.

Especially since I sense the Lord would have me extend my stay into March. It is a long time for this cat to be away from Home.

Support Update

2009-01-09T23:52:00.002+01:00

My Budget is finally finished.....

It has been quite the process to see how much money others (Mission Board supports) expect "should" be raised to adequately take care of a missionary...me!

I have found if very freeing to have someone bigger than me say that I am entitled to a salary, insurance, retirement and even a vacation. Wow!

I hadn't even really thought about that. Whatever the Lord provided went for ministry, living, travel, etc, & I just trusted Jesus for the rest. I think that on the outside I look pretty calm & cool but I know that on the inside there was a great deal of stress. This also put a lot of stress on my time in the US. Mostly because I knew I needed these things but I didn't feel I could really ASK.

I feel so much more freedom in this process...

So, some of you have been wondering and asking what is the budget:

In short...living expenses, hospitality, travel, vacation, insurance, taxes, retirement + the extra 20% Foursquare requires us to raise.......
Drum roll please:
$5000/mo
The next question usually is "How much do you have raised?"......$1500/mo confirmed. I have a number of churches and individuals that are interesting in partnering but they haven't given me a definite number.

So if you are/or have been thinking about becoming a financial partner I would appreciate you letting me know that you are partnering and how much. This will help me keep everyone up-to-date on my status. Thank you for your prayers!

I currently need:
10 Churches @ $250/mo
20 Individuals @ $50/mo

There are now 3 ways that you can send your contribution.

1. CHECK: make out your check to “Mission Dispatch”
attach a post it note with “Denise Johnson” written (IRS regulation)
mail it to: Mission Dispatch, 21911-76th Ave W Suite 211
Edmonds, WA 98026.
2. “Bill Payer”:On-line banking service with your band that is usually free.
Set up the payment schedule by completing the internet prompters
Company/Bill: Mission Dispatch
Address: is above
Phone number: 425-775-0564.
Account: “DJohnsonPoland”

3. PayPal, accessible on our revised website: www.missiondispatch.org
*Be sure to enter "Denise Johnson" in the Missionary Name box as they process donations for a number of missionaries.

Please note that PayPal charges a 2.2% fee as well as a $.30 charge per transaction (deducted after you submit your donation). Therefore, a $25.00 donation will reach us as an amount of $24.15.

Options 1 & 2 have no fees for me attached to them and may be without fees for you as well. Option 3 does have a charge attached.
The goodnews about all 3 Options is that they are all tax deductible for you! YEAH!

An Article I was recently asked to write

2008-12-23T11:27:00.005+01:00

Denise Johnson missionary in Poland

I have been ministering for 22 years in Poland. In the beginning I visited twice a year encouraging the believers I had met on my first short term missionary trip with my local church. As time went on I found myself sharing in churches & youth camps, smuggling Bibles, teaching parenting & marriage courses, coordinating small humanitarian projects. When communism fell it changed the whole face of ministry in Central and Eastern Europe. It was during this time that a number of my Polish friends began to ask me to come to Poland to stay. To be honest it hadn’t really crossed my mind to be a full time missionary. As I prayed about it & sought God’s confirmation it became clear that the 10 years of “commuting” to Poland had written Poland & her people deeply on my heart. Although I was still physically living in Kirkland, WA my mind & heart had already relocated.

As Poland has changed and adapted to being part of the free market world, NATO, and most recently the European Union so has my focus. My primary goal is to be Christ’s vessel of unfailing love & faithfulness through modeling integrity & truth, while teaching & empowering individuals to minister God’s love & power in everyday life. Today that includes pastoring a small group of believers in a suburb of Krakow (Nowy Targ). Teaching parenting classes in a small Church of Christ fellowship (2 hours away). Recently I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a Church of Christ pastor in Krakow to reach the university students.

One of my greatest joys has been the relationships I’ve been able to build with my some of my neighbor ladies through teaching an English conversation class. Once a week four ladies come to my home for tea & conversation. This is a time for them to share what they are struggling with and to be heard. We have covered all topics under the sun from marital issues, struggles with church practices, and questions about Protestant beliefs. This time is the highlight of these ladies week & all the while opening the door to their hearts.

Pray for:
An experienced church plant couple to come join the work.
Strength & encouragement for the church in Nowy Targ as they are a long way from any other fellowship.
New doors to open in the community

Thanksgiving!

2008-12-05T08:00:00.008+01:00

I pray that everyone had a wonderful time with family, friends or whom ever you found yourself with I hope that it was a time of Gratefulness to our Father who has provided all that we need.

My Thanksgiving was VERY full of food, people, family and events. The strangest thing was I found myself confronted with a whole new type of culture shock. Holidays: The clash between expectations (mine) & the reality. Somehow my expectations were based on nostalgic memories that kept my family in the place it was the last time I was with them 13 years ago. How unrealistic is that?

13 years ago my sister was single, my brother was married, my nephew was 1, my nieces weren't even a glimmer in any one's eye, both my Dad & my Grandmother were with us & I lived in my little condo in the woods in quaint little Kirkland. In contrast: my sister is married with in-laws...funny how that happens (very nice I might add) & 2 adorable daughters. My brother is divorced with a son & a daughter as well as a significant other with 2 daughters. Both my Dad & my Grandmother have gone on to be with the Lord. I live out of a suitcase while I ate Thanksgiving dinner in my sister's dinning room on my Grandmother's table, gazing at her hutches that once were the center pieces in my condo in the woods. IT WAS a GREAT TIME! But it was definitely different from my unrealistic nostalgic based expectations.

I enjoyed a time of baking pumpkin pies with my nieces. I was able to share Wednesday evening ThanksLiving service with 4 of my nieces. We had tons of fantastic food that was contributed by the various participants. We played games, ate, laughed & enjoyed one another.

Then Sunday I gave my 1st support raising presentation. It has not been one of those things that I have felt particularly comfortable in but I was looking forward to it. I spent 3 hours listening to Polish music and preparing the room with table clothes, candles, displays, coffee, tea, & ME.

It was a great turnout...about 30 people. I felt more in my element than ever. And even though the economy is not exactly optimal for fundraising Jesus was there. I know that His economy works miracles. By the end of the evening I found myself well on my way to my budget goals. I still need to confirm my budget with Foursquare but this is what I have come to:

Including all my expenses, ministry expenses, insurance, travel, etc. I need monthly commitments of mailto:50@$50 (individuals) and 5 @ $500 (churches)....(this still needs to be approved).

After Sunday evening:

4 individuals renewed their commitment @ $35 ea/mo & 5 new partners @ $35 ea/mo. That's $350/mo pledged at the 1st presentation. And there was nearly $400 in one time offerings. That is the best and most encouraging response I have ever had. EVER!

There are 20 other individuals & 4 churches who have given financial support at one time or another this last year. If those individuals would renew there commitment at $35 or more a month that would be another $700/month. And the churches $300 or more a month that would be $1200. That would put me more than half way to my goal of $5000/mo.

Jesus is Great!

Please pray that I would be a great presenter of the heart of Jesus.

New Friends!

2008-11-24T11:57:00.006+01:00

Wow! What an amazing weekend! It has only been three days but I have seen & met so many great people. It started Friday when I was invited to attend a home group made up of people interested in missions. Most of them have been on a mission trip to the Philippians. One couple is in the process of preparing to go there as long term missionaries. Another woman will go on a short-term team to train pre-school teachers. Another person is hoping to ride his bike across America to raise money for missions. We shared a Thanksgiving meal together and then had a fabulous time of worship, discussion of Pastor Jim’s sermon & prayer.

After that time I “hitched” a ride to me sister’s where I got a personal demonstration of her Creative Memories scrapbooking things. Those of you who know me, know that I enjoy these creative …crafty things but envisioning the end product is not one of my skills. But it was fun to see what excites my sister. I also enter a drawing for some free materials. And surprise, surprise I won! My sister and my nieces swear it wasn’t rigged. I got a very cool album, papers & stickers. Now I just need some free time & inspiration.

Saturday & Sunday I spent most of the time at church. I set up a display on Poland and the work there & I was introduced at all 3 services at Eastside Church. It is amazing how challenging a 2 minute introduction can be. Pastor Matt said a few things and then asked me what people could pray for. It was as if he read my heart, so when I went to say something it was all I could do to not cry. And Pastor Jim reaffirmed me and Eastside’s commitment to me. It is the 1st time in a really long time that I’ve felt like I truly had a pastor: someone who is a mentor & father figure.
You know it could be perceived that being in 3 almost identical services could be boring. Yet I found myself absorbed by the worship in every service & being touched by something different in each sermon. Today I was stuck by the number of people my age and old who were jumping around in worship to Jesus like a bunch of youth at camp…ok maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration but not much. It is so nice not being the only one acting like a kid for Jesus.
After each service I met and talked to many people. Unfortunately, my memory is much shorter than I would like when it comes to remembering all the new names and faces. But along with the new ones I also was reacquainted with many old faces that I haven’t seen in many years. Out of those conversations came a request for prayer requests…so here it is…Furlough, The Field, and Redeployment:
Furlough:
1. Peace that everything is in my Father’s hands & I can completely trust Him with it.
2. A vehicle from January 1- February 25, 2009.
3. Finances to cover my uncovered medical expenses (deposit, co-pay, dental, eye exam).
4. Quality time with my family, primarily my nieces & nephew.
The Field:
1. The protection of the hearts, minds & spirits of the people of congregation in Nowy Targ.
2. A group of individuals willing & committed to build long term relationships with Poland & her people.
3. That they would grow stronger in their trust in Jesus & really learn to take care of/love one another.
4. A couple who has church plant experience to help to round out a church plant team in Nowy Targ…to mentor, disciple & empower the nationals to lead.
5. Strength & courage to pursue Jesus with their whole hearts, no matter the cost.
Redeployment:
1. Clean bill of health
2. Clean out storage & have a garage sale of unnecessary items.
3. Support:
a. 5 churches committed to:
i. Pray
ii. Go
iii. Financially: @ $300/month
b. 40 individuals:
i. Pray
ii. Connect with individuals
iii. Visit
iv. Financially @ $50/month
c. Finances to-date - approximately ½

At the end of my day at the church I got to walk home in the warmth of a beautiful sunny day. Then I got to go to an international potluck dinner. If you have never been to one you should try it. Each person brought something that would be from their country of ethnic heritage. It was an amazing display of diversity.

Culture Shock

2008-11-15T01:30:00.002+01:00

For me the biggest culture shock about being in the US is the spiritual life. I'm sure for many who live here it is easy to become discouraged by the deterioration of Christian values & in some cases even freedoms, but for me is it an oasis of rich Christian blessings.

Yesterday I had the privilege of going to Marysville for the 40th anniversary of Pinewood Elementary, where I was part of a team, 18 years ago (Yikes), that piloted the elementary school counseling program. But before the festivities began I got to spend the day in the local Starbucks. I tried to mind my own business but I was constantly being distracted by people: engaged in Bible Study, talk of what the Lord is doing in their lives, disciplining one another, or talk of praying for others that weren't there. These were people of every age and walk of life. A group of middle aged ladies for a day out. A woman teaching a younger woman how to live a life devoted to Christ. A group of teens just randomly talking about their lives and freely sharing their personal relationships with a living God.

It was amazing to not be the only one with a Bible and notebook sitting on their table. I don't know but as Thanksgiving draws near I'm always reminded at just how VERY blessed I am. All the opportunities, privileges and resources I have been graced with.

I challenge you to look for God's blessings in this day...and thank God and those around you.

FMI Missionary Training in Orlando

2008-11-05T05:07:00.012+01:00

I came here not know what exactly to expect. First, let me just say how grateful I’m to be part of such an open, wise, gifted and diverse family. Each person is a wealth of the Lord’s essence. After the 1st day it seemed that we had been here for a number of days as we had covered so much material. It truly is an intensive. I can see how much I have needed a “tune up”.
I have become aware of a lot of little things that have crept into my life that kept me from walking in the fullness of the Lord’s power, grace and compassion. It is as if the harshness of life has stripped away layers of who God has made me to be and left me with the lies of the enemy. These last few days have revealed my condition, brought healing and empowered me to implement God’s truth once again.
There is so much to say and process unfortunately there isn’t much time to communicate it. But one thing from Sunday: The pastor from Deeper Life Assembly Foursquare our host church here in Orlando give an incredible message about us being the lambs of God being sent among wolves. And that we need not fear or shrink back because we have the Lion of Judea within us. I realized how many times I had, unknowingly, backed away from believing God for more in Nowy Targ because I was afraid of other people or the reaction of the “wolves”. Somehow I expected that those in the world would be happy I was there and “warmly” accept me with open arms. I was shocked that I didn’t get the response I anticipated and I found myself hurt and discouraged. I believed a lie. The lie began with the idea that the world is a safe, friendly and accepting place. Then it took me to a place that said I am alone, stupid, powerless, and God doesn’t really see or care.
The truth is: Jesus said, “…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20b)
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
“Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things…we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2: 15-16)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
I am a weak willed, redeemed, servant of the Most High God. He never leaves me, NEVER! I have the strength and power that has been given to me through the in filling of the Holy Spirit that the Son has sent to me. My mind has been united with the very Mind of Christ which enlightens me with all the wisdom and discernment necessary to navigate this life. Finally, Jesus Christ indwells me giving me to power to overcome all things.
Attached are some pictures:

Beth and Jonathan Hall
FMI Director of Missions

Mr. Missiology
John Amstutz

John & Sonja Decker
Practical Holy Spirit
Ministry trainers

Special Music by
Deeper Life Assembly
Gospel Steel Drum Band

These Teens Blessed us Missionaries with
The Old Rugged Cross
And another amazing piece

Feeling Blessed!

2008-10-24T12:31:00.007+02:00

Feelings often have a way of pushing or even driving my thinking. As the challenges of life press in sometimes my awareness of God’s blessings in my life are hidden in a fog of emotions: frustrations, disappointments, aggravation with the injustices of life. It is almost as though each feeling breeds a rabbit like litter of more feelings that come between me and being able to see the face of God and His faithful, gracious works in my world.
And then, as miraculously as the sun bursting through the dense autumn fog, my eyes see HIM. I am aware of His hand in the orchestrating the moments of my life, the events of my day, and the wake of His influence in and through my life.
Feeling Blessed has little to nothing to do with monetary or material gains. I think for me it has everything to do with the eyes of my heart. Those eyes that finally SEE as the Son break through the fog of emotions in my life.

Yesterday was one of those such moments. I was STRUCK with the overwhelming sense of being BLESSED. The SON penetrated the fog of my world to show me the wonder of His world, creation and the awesome privilege of Him sharing it with me. I became almost fixated on the majesty of Mt. Rainier as it loomed over its subjects, of which I have been one since childhood. I was amazed as I took in the suns reflection off the new snow that seemed to come all the way down to the civilization down below. I found myself searching for a place to take that perfect picture that would capture the essence of my experience. An ideal location where the iridescent yellow and bright red leafed trees would frame the mountain as the masterpiece that it is. But is it really possible to “hold” the blessing(s) of God in ones hand?
I don’t know. It is almost more like a flow of essence…life…love…character. That penetrating light bursting through the fog which changes me, then reflects off and onto the next person to continue its life transforming work.

As a young teen I dreamed of travel, travel throughout Europe: Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, etc. I had great hopes of seeing and experiencing the castles, cathedrals, monuments, parks and wonders of the Old World. Just recently I realized that those things were the fog. The real essence was found in the simplicity of the culture being manifested in the people of those places and the wonder of God in His unique creation in each of those places.
I consider myself extremely BLESSED to have had the privilege of seeing God’s amazing unique ART in nature. I have seen a river in Sweden that was so pure that it looked like silver. Through the last few years I have been able to call Bern, Switzerland a second home. There the Aare River flows through the city and it is the most unbelievable glacier blue. In the last month or so Jesus has taken me to Ireland and Spain. In Ireland, the Emerald Island, I saw rivers that are the color of Guinness beer (brown). They are as clean as the silver river in Sweden but God blended the elements of the earth there to paint those rivers a very cool brown. Then a few weeks ago while I was in Spain with the other Foursquare missionaries I was looking down on the river that flowed around the great city of Toledo. There in the middle of an arid and brown terrain was a green river.
Each culture, people, land is uniquely blended together to reflect an aspect of our unlimited, creative God, who finds great delight in BLESSING.
Lord Jesus, penetrate my fog. Help me to see your blessings in my life today! I desire to have a heart that is filled with gratefulness & has eyes to SEE those blessings you have sent to surprise me.
Thank you for exceeding my wildest imaginations of what life could be.

New Friends!

2008-10-18T08:51:00.003+02:00

Those who know me know how much I love my kitties, particularly my Pepsi kitty. She has been my snuggle kitty for 6 years now. She has kept me company and has shared my bed. Most of you also know that my love of dogs...well...is limited. All that being said, let me introduce you to my lastest companions:

Meet Pee Wee and Rudy! They are the beloved dogs of my niece Reilly and nephew Walker. I have been staying with them for the last week. When the kids leave for school in the morning I find my bed being invaded by Pee Wee and sometimes next by a jealous Rudy. Amazingly enough they are very sweet and quite lovable.

People Often Ask

2008-09-28T07:12:00.008+02:00

People often ask me what a “normal” day is like for me as a mission church plant pastor in a small town in central Europe. Their motivations vary; some are just curious, others are looking for some way to relate to my world, still others desire to understand what life is like in another country. Whatever their reason sometimes I struggle to know how to answer. My days are always different. My office is where ever the people I serve are. In some ways it is similar to general practitioners of days long gone by; whose offices were where ever they had their bag and the people that needed their help.

Recently I have found my territory being stretched to lands far from Nowy Targ to the people who have traveled to other countries in search of work and opportunities. As I visited these individuals I discovered that though they now have work and resources they are lonely, isolated, and struggling to find hope. So what do I do? I visit those in need of the hope and encouragement of Jesus. A couple weeks ago I was in Ireland with K & D in Galway: pray that they would see Jesus in their daily lives as they embrace the blessings they have received. A & T: Pray that Agnieszka would grow in her confidence to speak English. Pray that T would be encouraged and strengthen in abilities to build bridges between Polish & Irish workers. Also that he would have the freedom to lead his Charismatic prayer group to the place Jesus is calling them to. In Killarney…A & N: Pray for the health and safe delivery of their 1st child the beginning of the New Year. Also pray that they would find fulfillment and satisfaction in their relationships in Jesus. Wednesday I had the pleasure of a wild adventure. I traveled my car, train and ran walked through Vancouver, BC’s Chinatown to meet with Arie. He showed me his world…the life of an engineer on a cruise ship. Though the visit was short (3 hours) and the travel was 6 hours I’m sure that my friend has been encouraged and strengthened.

God's provision

2008-09-22T08:12:00.002+02:00

It's funny...You think you understand family, or church but it isn't until you have needs that you see the substance of your beliefs. Saturday I had a work party at my condo. There were 6 people I had never met who had come to paint my place to get it ready for the next tenants. They came from all backgrounds: a single mom with 2 kids, college student, a retired personal shopper, a near retirement nurse in a correctional institution, a professional painter and his new hire. What do they all have in common? Jesus! And a willingness to share what they have or have recieved with others. I was the reciepient of a huge blessing. They painted the whole condo in one day. All I have left is a bit of touch up and clean up.

Thank you Jesus for sending these people to bless me.

The Honor

2008-09-18T20:26:00.002+02:00

Yesterday...the eternal day of travel from Nowy Targ to Seattle, I was struck with how honored I am to be Jesus servant. The honor of serving the people of Poland for Jesus. I think of all the young adults in my life who I have had the priviledge of speaking truth, hopefully more God's truth than my own, into their lives. I have had the opportunity to see them take their "1st steps" so to speak in Jesus, independent life, finding their unique place in the Body of Christ, learning how to be men and women of integrity. And each time I feel like a parent watching their child perform in the school play. What an intense feeling of honor to know them and pride to see who each one of them have become and are in the process of becoming. Thank you for letting me be a voice in your lives. I pray that it comes from the heart of Jesus.