Journey of the Heart

Holidays!

2011-12-31T11:20:00.003+01:00

In the US the Autumn holiday season usually starts with Halloween, followed by the 11th of November which few people really know why (unless you are a Marine), then Thanksgiving & the mad dash to Christmas, & the abrupt halt on New Years Day.
The Polish holiday season is a bit different...

I have watched Halloween sneak into the culture over the last few years it is only because the English language has become more & more significant. Especially as the school children are require to have a fairly high level of master in the language before graduation.

The real holidays start with All Saints Day on November 1st. If you weren't raised in a Mainline Denomination you might not be aware of this holiday at all. But in Poland....
Culturally, I think in the "hearts" of Poles, that All Saints Day is equivalent to Thanksgiving for Americans. So what is All Saints Day all about? Well...of course there is the official church or religious answer. But I think that if you go to one of the following sites you will get a better answer then I can give you:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints
Answers: www.answers.com/topic/all-saints-day
Catholic encyclopedia: www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315a.htm

But for my purposes I would prefer to look at the cultural impact it has on the lives & hearts of the average person in Poland. Like any holiday there are things we do because that is just what is done or those are the practices that have been handed down for generations & you just to think about it, let alone question them. When most Americans are selecting their pumpkins at the local patch or trying to find their way out of the adjacent corn maze...Poles are doing something completely different. They are spending time at their family grave sites: cleaning, restoring, adorning, reflecting & honoring. While most Americans are thinking about "FUN" the average Pole is grieving.

For me as an observer...it is difficult to know how to describe it to you...

Partly because it is so VERY different...to begin with the cemeteries are filled...and I mean filled with huge family tombs. Especially on the west coast of the US those types of markers are rare. Then there are the candles....lots & lots of large candles in large glass cylinders of various colors, shapes, & decorations. And of course chysanthems of all different colors, & sizes. It is so amazing...there are so many candles that the cemeteries are aglow & they create their own fog. As you walk between the graves the smell of the molten wax sweeps over you. Then you catch a glimpse of a family gathered around a tombstone...who knows for sure what they are doing, saying or thinking. But I would like to think that they are honoring "That great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. I pray that they would "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And (let us) run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus".

The second holiday is November 11th...

In Poland, it is Independence Day. It is the day that Poland was freed from the Germany occupation during WWI. It also marked the beginning of a time of renaissance in Poland. The time between WWI & WWII Polish art, music, politics, etc flourished. They were truly free...their lives & culture reflected that freedom.

For me...Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There are many reasons but mostly because it is a pure expression of gratitude to God for who he is & the many blessings I have received in my life. So, every year I have a Thanksgiving celebration in Poland. It's never on Thanksgiving Day. Sometimes it is difficult to find a turkey, & I have to have canned pumpkin shipped from the US. But it has become a tradition. Those who have participated in the past look forward to it every year. Yet, for me it is a time to share about God's faithfulness with those you may not realize just how VERY GOOD GOD is.

This was the 2nd year that I had it at a B&B.

There were some 35 guests who represented 4 different countries, the city (Krakow), the town (Nowy Targ) & the village (Maniowy & surroundings). For 85% of the people this was their 1st Thanksgiving & the 1st time they had every heard about the roots of this amazing holiday. We even had little ones in our midst who made paper plate turkeys while the adults played board games. A good time was had by all...and all was to the glory of Him who has blessed abundantly.

Yup, they have Christmas! And St. Nicholas Day...And a Christmas Angel. But I think that I'll save those descriptions for another year...

Women of Hope & Living Beyond the Frame

2011-12-31T09:55:00.000+01:00

Cheryl teaching & Natalia translating

October seems like a lifetime ago...well, I guess it is as tomorrow we will ring in the New Year. But I would be remiss if I didn't share with you the amazing 2 weeks we had with my special friend Cheryl Harris.This was Cheryl's second visit in as many years. And though the main purpose for her visit both times has been to be the main speaker at our Women's Retreat (this year Women of Hope), everyone who exercised their opportunity to hear her were greatly blessed.
The Women's retreat had more than 20 women who attended. They came from as far away as Denmark & Germany, some came for the day (Saturday) and others took up the challenge to drive from Warsaw (8 hours) for the weekend, some took the risk to come from the village to attend their 1st ever "non-Catholic" church event.
Cheryl brought an amazing message of HOPE to these women. They learned how God in His great mercy prepares us through the "plagues" of life, for unbelievable tasks that bring God glory. That our "lame excuses" of lack of: identity, authority, knowledge of God, & ability, are all opportunities for God to meet us in His presence with keys that unlock His kingdom in our lives & the lives of others.
I think something that is engraved in every one's mind is....

The Cure for whatever is stopping you, whatever you are afraid of, whatever is worrying you or preventing you from doing what God has planned for your life is...THE PRESENCE OF GOD!

Finally...we learned:

ALWAYS REMEMBER....God is with you
NEVER FORGET.....that if you don't sense His presence...you moved
SING A SONG...to remember all He has done for you

What "Label" is keeping you from God's best?

PICK UP A ROCK....do something tangible to help you remember God's faithfulness

Pastor Jerzy & Cheryl

Cheryl's visit was a blessing to me personally as ....WE LAUGHED....A LOT!
We hung out at the new hot spring spa & just talked.
Then we hit the road....

The women from Warsaw were so excited about what they learned that the retreat that we were invited to their church. Cheryl taught 2 intensive evenings. Even so, we managed to sneak in a trip to the hair salon, where 2 of the gals from the church blessed us with new dos & a quick tour of the Old Town with the pastors.

"World Changers"

Then back on the road to Maniowy...a village near Nowy Targ where Cheryl was able to help some young women begin to explored their giftedness, so that they will be better able to work together to serve their community.
Sunday it was back to Krakow where Cheryl shared in the Church of God that I'm in relationship with. It was wonderful because a young woman who had attended the retreat..."took the bull by the horns" & faced her fear. She translated for the 1st time :) I'm so proud of her.

I'm so grateful to the Lord for putting Cheryl in my life & the blessing of her teaching! If you EVER have the chance to hear Cheryl Harris teach you will be deeply blessed. Click this link for an overview of the message we heard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DId-ritaIbE

Pepsi's Guest!

2011-12-19T23:47:00.000+01:00

I got ya!

Where are you?

I don't know if Pepsi has been particularly lonely or the cool weather has encouraged some little friends to come in. I'm not sure how they get in. Especially that I live on the second floor. The only thing I can figure is that they climb up the side of the building & then down the chimney. I have one vent for the fireplace heating that doesn't stay on. Have you guessed who the guest was, yet?

Mr. Mole

International Kite Day Comes to the Village

2011-10-09T21:05:00.000+02:00

Today is International Kite Day...A new piece of information for me. But today we, as a church did something a bit unusual. We move church to the village...Kluszkowce, in the Czorstyn Lake area to be exact.

Rays of Hope

We decided to "BE" the church by supporting one of our emerging leaders as she & her time bring life & hope to their community. It was a great opportunity to begin bridging the gap to those who have been recently saved in the village. Those who have given their lives to Jesus have done so because they have seen the "hope" that is within Natalia & she has been able to give an answer for that hope.
Here are some pictures from the Kite Festival....
Oh by the way I won the adult category :)

The Fireman with is Monkey

A Clown's Trade

Adjustments must be made

The Kite Doctors

Natalia with her sister

Kite filled skies

Anniversary Quiz

2011-10-06T01:57:00.000+02:00

It is amazing the kind of perspective one gets after 25 years of ministry & 15 years of living among a particular people. I wish I could say it was all wisdom. I have put together a trivia quiz to share with you some of what I have learned & experienced.

left to right - bottom to top:

(a) banana (b) coffee (c) mulling spices (d) peanut butter (e) lime (f) brown sugar (g) oreo (h) celery (i) reese's mini cups (j) M & M's (k) can pineapple (l) cassette tape (m) lemon (n) Irish cream coffee syrup

Which of the item(s) above were/are/was/is:

purchased in Poland?
used to "grease the wheels" when crossing the borders in the 1980's?
included in AmPol care packages during communism?
comfort food brought from USA?
started a pie baking craze when 1st discovered?
cost more than $3.50, today?
the root form has been commonly used in Poland for years?
controlled "substance" during communism?
brought as gifts during communism?
new within the last year in Poland?

The answers are:

a,b,d,e,f,g,h,j,k,l,m,n
b
a,e,k,m
c,i
e
b,d,f,n
h
l
a,b,j,l
g

If you got ______ questions correct:
9 - 10 You are old enough to remember "when" & tell some "unbelieveable" stories
7 - 8    You have been around enough to understand that decisions & actions of a few politicians can    effect the lives of many for generations.
5 - 6    You've had pierogi at Russian restaurant.
3 - 4    You've been to Victoria & felt like you were in an exotic "European country"
1 - 2    You're an expert on the foreign foods found at Costco

Celebrations of New Beginnings!

2011-08-29T16:41:00.000+02:00

Niedzice Castle - symbol of the stubborn
thinking & fear that blocks out God's love

"Tree of Life" - Czorstyn castle ruins in the background
Symbolizing new life is possible amist the ruins of life

I've never considered myself to be a sprinter or much of an evangelist. I'm more of a work horse...steady & sure...plowing the fields. I've never felt that I was particularly good at giving people the opportunity to accept Christ. I don't know if it is because of times, early in my walk with Jesus that people have "strongly" encouraged me to "evangelize" the lost...meaning people I didn't know & that I was poking my head into there world for a moment to make the close. All that felt so artificial. Or because of times that I made a muck of it because I was doing out of my own strength & forgetting that the Holy Spirit draws people to God & I'm just the tool in his hand. So I focused my "service" on relationships thinking that that meant I was a discipler & I would leave the evangelizing to the "professional evangelists" or at the very least the ones who were gifted in it.

The Hidden Fruit

Today as I reflect on 25 years of ministry in Central/Eastern Europe and 15 years of full time ministry in Poland I have been challenged to re-think my views. I think that my logic only allowed me to hide the fears that keep from experiencing more of God & His blessings for both me & others. Princess Diaries are one of my favorite movies & there is a line that constantly challenges me..."Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the knowledge that there is something greater than that fear". What is greater than introducing someone to their loving Father so that they can experience a new life...eternal life? Who made me god that I would decide who or who would hear the goodnews because it isn't my "thing"?

Jesus forgive me for my selfish pride & living a life of fear...forgetting that you have called me to live
a life of faith free from fear & full of your unfailing love.
"And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him." 2 Cor 5:18 (NLT)

That is all well & good but I'm still someone who is more relational & I hate "sales pitches" of any kind. How to reconcile this conflict?
A few years ago I read John 1:14 "again" in a new way & it all clicked for me. "So the Word became human & made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love & faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one & only Son." (NLT) It was then that I realized that Jesus (The Word of God) is now living in me ... I am the flesh he now lives in & I get to make my home among people for the purpose of revealing the Father's unfailing love & faithfulness. This type of life allows the Holy Spirit to draw people to himself...and if I am only willing those who are being drawn will ask about this life of love, faithfulness, acceptance & hope. I just need to be ready with the answer Jesus has for them. It is like scooping them up with a butterfly net if I'm faithful, open & obedient.

Yesterday, after 1 year of praying & believing Jesus that he had told me to believe for 5 people to be baptized, I had the honor & privilege to baptize 5 people (my whole church Drzewo Zycia - Tree of Life) & lead one of the guests to Jesus.
In a place where anything that doesn't follow the hard line of the Catholic Church is a sect, these brave, courageous, & obedient individuals embraced their love for Jesus above all else.
Rejoice with us & pray for the continued protection of these young believers as they swim against the tide of the society to be the individuals God has created them to be.

Garden(s) of Hope pt. 2

2011-08-16T00:25:00.000+02:00

In my July Newsletter I shared, how miraculously one little act of hope, such as renovating a yard or garden could be contagious, postively impacting the lives of the unsuspecting & most skeptical. A little more than a week ago I returned to Poland after a 2+ month stay in the USA as a result of my Mom's illness. It was at this time that I found myself reflecting once again on "Garden(s) of Hope".

My little garden of hope didn't look so hopeful. In just 2 months it was overgrown with weeds, the new plants I had planted were growing across the gravel instead of up the fence. And the community grass had only been cut once in that time, resulting in 2+ feet of growth. The garden that had been an inspiration of hope & what could be, now was (to be honest) a bit discouraging & even overwhelming.

I learned a valuable lesson... Gardens of Hope...whether literal gardens, spiritual or relational all require care & maintaince. There are all types of gardens/yards some are higher maintaince than others but if they are going to bring hope or inspiration they will require care. So...I got out my garden gloves, the lawn mower & hit it. Now, once again we are back to a place where I can look at my little piece of nature & feel hopeful. I guess the greater question is what relationships, areas of life that were once so hopeful but now are overgrown with some aspect of life that is discouraging need some attention? Jesus help me to take up the tools necessary to make all aspects of my life "Gardens of Hope".

"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle & respectful way. 1 Peter 3:15-16a

The Day that Changed My (Family's) Life

2011-07-24T10:54:00.002+02:00

Friday May 20th started like any other day for each member of my family. Unbeknown to me & my siblings our mother went out with some of her friends. Following their time of food & fun our mom asked one of her friends to go for a walk. This friend had already been for a long walk but she couldn't turn down the opportunity to spend time with Mom. As it turned out, the decision to go for a walk was a life saver. While on this walk mom had the worst headache of her life...then she past out. Thanks to being on a walk with a friend the aid car came within minutes, follow by a second car with a physician. Mom was then rushed to Evergreen Hospital where she was examined & it was determined that it was more serious then they could deal with & she was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Downtown Seattle. Mom had suffered a burst brain aneurysm. This is when the wall of a blood vessel in the brain weakens, forms a balloon & eventually pops, releasing blood on the brain.

At Harborview, Mom underwent surgery to patch the blood vessel. They were able to repair the blood vessel but the leakage had already flooded mom's brain. The results.....

Nobody really knows for sure what the end results will be... It has been a wait & see, day by day process.

I arrived in Seattle on Wednesday after the accident.

Mom spent nearly 4 weeks in ICU. Although she didn't suffer any paralysis the blood on her brain effected her breathing & vocal chords. This meant that a tracheotomy had to be put in through her throat so that she could breathe.

Week number 5 mom spent on the 3rd floor, one up from ICU, resting & gaining strength. By the end of her time on the regular hospital floor we were all pretty encouraged that she was making good progress. This included the hospital staff, so she was recommended to move to the 4th floor for rehab with the goal of her returning to her home with "some" assistance on July 2nd.

It has now been more than 2 months & mom has suffered many complications....infections, inability for them to remove the catheter, her blood pressure has been on a roller coaster & she has been having difficulty sleeping.

Next week she will be released to a rehab convalescence center for 120 days of therapy. After that will depend on what she has been able to recover & how independent she will be able to be.

Two months ago my Mom was living on her own, in her own home, paying her own bills, driving her own car, walking or swimming nearly everyday. She served at her church, played cards & Rubikubes with friends & neighbors. Mom was the rock for many people. Today, she is confused most of the time, she has to have someone with her when she uses a walker, & often she needs to be fed or she doesn't eat enough.

Obviously this has been an extremely emotional time for me, my brother & sister, as well as the grandkids.

My anchor has been the promise the Lord gave me early on in this process. He told me that this would be for His glory.

Please continue to pray for her on going healing. Pray for my siblings as they will be handling the decisions about mom's care, as I will be returning Poland in August 2nd. Pray for me that I will be free to do all that the Lord has for me to do.

*These pictures were taken last August when my Mom came to visit me in Poland.

**Some statistics on ruperted brain aneurysms:
About 3% of the US population experience such a bleed a year (30,000 people)
10%-15% die before reaching the hospital
Of those who reach the hospital 50% die within 30 days

Children's Camp in Zakopane

2010-07-12T14:36:00.025+02:00

I had the amazing opportunity to work with a group of warm-hearted individuals from the Polish Pentecostal Church from Krakow (Bethlehem). These 4 adults took on the task of providing a Christian experience in the mountains of southern Poland for 21 kids & youth. The group ranged in age from 6 to 16. They hiked in the mountains, went swimming at the hot springs & had team building games led by this "a little bit" crazy American. It was an interesting time as we dodged rain & storms but it didn't dampen our spirits. We did lots of things with balloons, relays, m & m's & my 3 days of activities culminated with baseball & a Bible lesson with small groups being led by the young adults from my fellowship. It was a great time of fun, fellowship & learning how to practically apply God's word.

Wiktoria: My assistant & "supervisor" of the M & M sort.
Although she was the youngest it didn't stop her from participating & smiling about her time.

There seemed to be smiles all around as the children engaged in new & interesting activities that were challenging & fun. I pray that I will be able to further influence these activities in the future to make them even more fun & to help to really develop the kids relationship with Jesus in practical ways.

My Little Condo in the Woods

2010-03-21T02:58:00.001+01:00

My little condo in the woods is now officially on the market. It has been quite the process to get to this point of obedience & to be able to let go & fully trust Jesus. Please pray that the Lord would bring the right person at the right time to buy this haven. Sunday March 21st from 1:00 to 3:00 pm is an open house. Below is a tour.

Trusting Jesus!
http://tourfactory.com/589784

Gingerbread House Outreach

2010-01-07T04:11:00.018+01:00

There is nothing like a Children's Christmas Outreach to start off the Holiday Season!

On December 19th a team of woman from Church of God in Krakow came together to learn what a Gingerbread House is & prepare the pieces for the churches outreach that was to be the next day. The ladies mixed, cut, baked, sorted, shaped, packed & wrapped 50+ sets of gingerbread house pieces. Not to mention the 50+ bags of icing. These women worked from 9 am to 7 pm on a project they had no idea what the end product really would be.

The Children's Church Pastor had prepared the children by challengingthem to invite 2 friends each. The Youth Group was there on Sunday morning to help the younger children as need be with the construction of their houses.

When Sunday morning came there was an air of tension as no one was really sure how many children would really show up & what would the parent's response be. 3 room were prepared with 4 tables. Then the children started to arrive with empty boxes for there complete work of art & packages of sweets to decorate their houses.

When all had arrived we had 50 children ranging in age from 4-12. A 20% increase over the normal attendance. As the children waited for the frosting to harden on their houses they heard about Jesus desire to come & live in their "houses" hearts. And just like they were going to create beautiful houses by adding sweets, Jesus desired to make their lives beautiful.

In the end there was frosting, children & smiles everywhere. At some point in the construction process we had to kick the parental observers out because they were causing a disturbance for the children. I continue to get encouraging comments from parents.

I love it when the simple things in life cause people to turn their heads & see Jesus.

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.

An Irish Adventure

2008-09-02T00:41:00.003+02:00

This is my first time in Ireland. In some ways I feel very much at home. It is so green and the rain is very similar to Seattle but these days I'm not so sure that I'm a Seattlite. Ireland's booming economy has prompted many Poles to come here for work. It is estimated that there are 120,000 Poles living in Ireland a country of a little more than 4 million. At the moment I'm in Galway on the West coast of Ireland. It is believe that there at 10,000 Poles in this city of 60,000. So, about 1/7 people you meet on the street speaks Polish. In the time I've been here I would say that it true. There are Polish people everywhere; shop assistants, wait staff, shopping, walking and chatting, pushing baby carriages. So, the Polish part of me feels a bit at home.

Though there are a lot of Poles you don't see many of them mixing with the Irish. I wonder why? Maybe it is the language? But all the Poles I have run into in shops and service industries speak great English, they even sound a bit Irish...at least to me.

Yesterday was a beautiful day and I had the opportunity to see some of the countryside. We went to a place where Ireland resembles the moon.

I wonder what Jesus is doing in this situation with these 2 cultures mixing together? Pray for me as I watch, observer, seek God's heart and pray. What would He have me to do? If anything? How can I help and/or support the Polish people who live here? Is there anyway for me to help the church in Ireland connect with these Polish people? Jesus reveal your heart!

Lord may these stones cry out with Praise to you that all the people here would know You and glorify Your Name!

The Invasion of Nerds!

2008-08-31T02:35:00.002+02:00

In July a young woman from the Seattle area was visiting and she brought with her a deck of cards. Who would have thought that such an inocent thing could start a new trend. She taught us a couple of games but the one that seemed to stick was Nerds. I remember playing in Junior High but it had been a long time since I had played it. It was sort of like riding a bike. But the amazing thing is that it has become away of creating an atmosphere of "family fun" in my household as well as I have been able to share it with families in Brzesko where I have been teaching parenting classes and this weekend I've been playing with my Polish friends in Ireland.

It truly is an invasion of the most unusual kind!

Thanks K for ministering the gift of fun!

Ireland

2008-08-27T01:42:00.002+02:00

I want to thank all of you who have responded to my request for prayer it really DOES make a difference. Things seem to have calmed down a bit or at least it's not a landslide of "strange" events & praise God I haven't had any more insects in my shorts.

Thursday I leave for Ireland for 10 days on to visit and to see what God is doing there among the Polish immigrant population. I did a bit of research and found that Ireland has a population of less than 4,000,000. Believe it or not there are more than 60,000 Poles living and working in Ireland. From the studies and first hand reports the Poles are hard and faithful workers but they are very isolated from the mainstream Irish population.

I don't know what God is doing but I know that my Polish friends have been begging me to come visit and that there are a number of other lonely Polish people living in Ireland.

Pray that the Lord would open my eyes and ears to what he is doing there. May the Lord Open Doors that can't be shut.

Jesus transforms Me

2008-08-21T23:45:00.002+02:00

Sometimes life travels at such a fast pace that it seems like it was just last year when I made my first visit to Poland or last month when I moved here. Yet when I look around I have to pinch myself to believe that this is really Poland, daily life has changed so much. I have done many things over the years from speaking at camps and churches to starting a church and hosting a large international youth camp. But the one thing that has remained the same is that I have been one who has loved and shared the life of Jesus in the truth and grace of God's word. And particularly with young adults.
Today was our 4th Bible Study on the Sermon on the Mount: Confronting the Culture in which we live. Every week has been different...not because I planned that way but because that is how God chose to meet the needs of those who came. I like order and some element of consistency but this has not resembled anything that I would have planned. It has been on different days, different times, usually starting late and ending when we end. But through it all there has been a distinct presence of the Holy Spirit. It isn't about me, or the format, or even the content...it is about Jesus and us sitting at His feet and listening to his voice.
Today was particularly special as we had 5 people (other than myself) 2 of whom I would say are individuals seeking to understand who God can be in their lives. And tonight they were able to really voice that desire. The others really shared what they wanted to see Jesus do in their lives not just things they wanted to have or be changed but how they wanted Jesus to live in and through them.
I'm always surprised how Jesus can use the same tools (me, Bible Study, etc) in new and different ways. I guess that is why in my heart I'm still "28" though I can tell "I remember when ..." stories like an eighty year old.

July Newsletter

2008-07-30T02:34:00.002+02:00

Denise’s News from Poland
Os. Witosa 4/8, 34-400 Nowy Targ, POLAND
Phone: 48-18-266-5899
Email: denisecjohnson@hotmail.com
www.journeyofheart.blogspot.com

July 2008

Dear Friends,
Today while engaged in my seasonal lawn mowing ministry (cutting the communal grass for my apartment block) I had an interesting thought…or maybe feeling is a better word. As I walk back and forth I have various thoughts, sometimes complaints but I like to try to pray during that time. But today I had an overwhelming sense of understanding for single Mom’s. I realized that I am like a single Mom. Although none of my children are of my own flesh and blood, most of them don’t live with me, some live with their parents, some live in rented apartments but all of them are written on my heart. Like a single Mom I cook, clean, fix whatever breaks; try not to worry about finances and to trust Jesus. My “kids” need me to encourage, counsel, and guide on a multitude of subjects from child rearing to purchasing a condo or advice about dating relationship and job hunting. It is such a privilege to have this place in their lives. As I walked back and forth I experienced a sense of grief, not unlike that of the single Mom, that my “kids” have no “Father” in their lives. It wasn’t a sense of lack so much for myself but for these young people. They have no godly male role model to love, care and show them what the Father’s love is like.

A Missionary “Single Mom”,
Denise

News Briefs
Travel: April 19th to May 4th I traveled to Switzerland for a Pastor’s Conference. It is a great opportunity to meet and fellowship with other Foursquare workers in my region of Europe. Praise God for frequent flyer miles! While in Switzerland I saw the doctor about my leg. But because the doctor decided not to operate I had lots of time & strength to meet with people. It was really encouraging for me and I believe it was for my Swiss friends as well.

May 24 -30: I flew to Houston for the Foursquare Convention. I’m so glad I was able to go. It was an important time of me building relationship with the new leadership within the Foursquare Missions Office. I also had opportunity to talk with Pastor Jack Hayford (The President of Foursquare). It was a meeting I couldn’t have gotten even if I had planned it ….God has his ways and timing. It is always amazing to me when I’m in a crowd of 3000+ people that are coming and going and I can actual meet the people I need to meet. I had many opportunities to meet with friends & to be encouraged and strengthen. I even got to go to NASA space center…it was one of those unspoken prayers that Jesus faithfully hears and answers. Please pray for me that would have the drive needed to follow through on the tasks necessary to follow up with these contacts.

I had been planned to go to Ireland in June. I have a number of dear Polish friends who have relocated there for work. They have been begging me to come and encourage them. I have actually bought tickets for Aug 28-Sept 9th. I ask that you would pray that the Lord would use this as a 1st step to reach to Poles who have gone to Ireland in search of a better life. May they find the Bread of Life who will meet their every need. I still need $500 to cover the expenses of this trip.

Furlough: Soon I will have my 12th anniversary of living in Poland. It is definitely a time of transition and what God would have me to do & where in Poland. I will be returning to the US for 5 months during that time I have some very specific goals. 1st my family needs me – particularly my nieces and nephew. It will be the 1st Thanksgiving with any of them and the 1st Christmas for the girls and the 1st Christmas my nephew will remember. 2nd Now that I have become a Foursquare Missionary I need time to build relationships with the Foursquare Churches in the US and to increase my support base. 3rd is to actually have a bit of a rest. In the past when I have been in the US there has been little time for family and no time for “vacation”.

Please Pray For:
Churches who really desire to partner in the work in Poland.
Rest
Quality time with each member of my family
Who will stay and take care of my home in Poland?
Where I will stay in the US?
The care and protection of the sheep I will be leaving in Poland.

Parenting Classes: I have been traveling to a town east of Krakow, called Brzesko about once every couple of weeks to give parenting classes. The pastor and his wife there have 2 young children and they find themselves surrounded by people (inside & outside the church) who have teenage boys that are struggling. Soon I will have the 4th meeting. We hope to schedule a day when the parents can meet with me together with their youngster for specific counsel. Please pray that this will bring hope and life into the families of this small community so that they may give glory to Jesus and seek his face.

New Bible Study: Since the closing of the building in Zakopane in February there have not really been regular meetings in Nowy Targ or Zakopane. I felt that the Lord wanted me to wait. I really Hate that word. So, I have been waiting for that moment when at least one individual would desire to meet and be committed to it. Last week we started just such a study. One person was desperate to learn how to walk closer with Jesus and there 4 who came for the 1st meeting looking at The Sermon on the Mount of Olives and how to live victoriously in a culture that is in direct opposition to the kingdom of God.

“Being Fulfilled as a Single”: The pastors of the Church of God in Krakow have asked me to speak at a special meeting for singles on Sept 12. I will be giving a “workshop” on how to live a fulfilled life in Christ as a single person.

Health: I saw the doctor in Switzerland and he wasn’t sure about surgery, so he gave me a cortisone shot and prescribed some orthopedic shoes. He said to give a try and if it still isn’t better after 2-5 months return to Switzerland for 3 weeks for tests and possible surgery. I still have pain from time to time but my physical therapist has released me because there is nothing more he can do.

Krakow Bible Study Group: Life Hurts God Heals. The study was completed the end of June. The material and the relationships that were built brought a lot of healing and new perspective into the lives of those who participated. The pastor I am working with was so pleased with how well it went that I will be traveling with 4-5 of his leaders to a “Celebrate Recovery” (the adult version of LHGH) training weekend the 1st of August in Cieszyn, Poland.

50th Birthday Party: For those of you who didn’t know I turn 50 a few weeks ago. Yup, it’s true. It is quite difficult to get my head around it. Since I didn’t have a 30th, 40th party or a wedding reception I splurged and used some money I had saved to have a party in a local restaurant. My good friend Julie and her daughter Kirsten came from the Seattle area. It was a great opportunity to give my testimony, as Julie was the one who really showed me the love of Jesus. There were 20+ people, most of who were in their 20s. Some are walking with Jesus, some are seekers but all know (now) exactly why I do what I do and why I am like I am.

Current Financial & Other Needs:
I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful to support me in prayer and finances. This month I experienced a drop in support of 50% for the second time since March. It is quite a challenge as inflation is sky rocking. I try not to “think” too much about it but with gas at nearly $9.00/gallon, food, utilities going up & the dollar continuing to drop its value it is difficult to not worry & trust Jesus. My car has needed repairs 4x already this summer to the tune of $1000. It is particularly a challenge at this time because I have 2 young women who have recently returned from an internship training program in the USA, who have not yet found full time employment. So my support, that was budgeted for 1 is stretched to provide for 3 (plus one small cat). Your prayers are greatly appreciated for the Lord’s provision and peace while I wait.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support, Denise

Please make your financial contributions to Mission Dispatch. Please attach a note with my full name: Denise Johnson. And mail it to: Mission Dispatch, Inc. 21911 76th Ave W., Suite 211, Edmonds, WA 98026
.

Weathering the weather of Life

2008-07-27T18:35:00.002+02:00

I don't know what life has been like for you lately but for me the circumstances in my life have covered the full spectrum of the weather man's forcasts. I realize that my goal as Christian is to firmly plant my feet on the Rock of Jesus in the midsts of the storms of life. Not so long ago I was encouraging myself and others to abide in the "eye of the storm" where there is the stillness and Peace of Jesus. The overwhelming circumstances of today it feel more like an avalanche! When an avalanche comes there is little or no warning and it rushing in overtaking everything, destroying, upsetting, crushing, pressing in all around, sucking the very air out of life, etc. There is no "eye" in the storm in which to find peace. There is no "solid rock" on which to firmly stand.
Jesus where are you? How do I find my footing? How do I get out of this or through this? It is just TOO much! It is so hard to even find my breathe.

In the midst of my panic I hear that still small voice of my most faithful friend, Jesus. "Here I am!" "I AM Here!" "Take my hand" "I have weathered every weather known & unknown to man" "Take my hand and walk with me...I will show you the way through even this avalanche" "Just Trust Me!" "I AM Greater than even all these circumstances!"

Jesus help me to seek YOU in the midst of the avalanches in my life. Help me to trust you and to listen for your voice and to recieve your help, comfort and encouragement.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-07-18T02:59:00.003+02:00

I recently turned 50. Some people would say that I should talk about how old I am, especially being a woman and all but somehow by talking about it I'm able to get my head around it a bit. I have always looked younger than my age. As a matter of fact, my first year teaching the custodian tried to remove me from the teacher's lounge. In the end he was so embarrassed that all my requests for maintaince were completed first.
Now I find myself reflecting more....
Reflecting on what the Lord has done in my life, what I have learned and am learning, and the adventures I have had with Jesus. Lately, this has translated into "Stories". Sometimes even "I remember when...stories". Fortunately, they are not about walking to school in the middle of winter in 5 feet of snow. But rather stories of lessons with Jesus. Sometimes I really feel like Jesus sitting with his disciples and just telling stories about life as it is and how it is in the Kingdom.
Next week I will start a Bible Study and it is interesting as the passage I felt that we were to use is the Sermon on the Mount of Olives. It is that image of Jesus just hanging out with his friends and telling stories. Stories about life.

I got a bit distracted...My Birthday!
I had a week long celebration. It started with my good friend from Seattle coming for a visit together with her daughter. It was particularly special as this person was the one who really show me the love and character of Jesus. So, at my party I was able to share with the 20+ people who were there that my being here in Poland is a direct result of this one individual being faithful to be herself and let Jesus redeem and work through her. And if she hadn't been obedient then I wouldn't have known the Love of Jesus and I never would have come to Poland. It was also interesting because I had invited a variety of individuals but in the end most of the people who came were my "Kids", of the 22 people who were there 18 were under 35.

What does this all mean? Or what is the significance?
It's hard to say...
I guess, that when a person racks up 50 years of life they want to know that their time here on earth has meant something. And for me, not ever having any children of my own there is always the question what kind of a heirtage have/will I left behind?

I think that the party demonstrated, at least to me, that I have in fact touched lives. Eighteen young people have come to know the life and character of Jesus. They may or may not be walking with Him but they have come in contact with His love and care.
Pray for me as I continue to encourage these young people, tell them stories and show them the Love of the Father.

Parents

2008-06-28T03:30:00.002+02:00

I haven't shared much about what I have been doing ministry wise for awhile. Mostly because it hasn't been the sort of thing that is easy to really describe. But this last Monday I gave the 2nd in a series of Parenting Classes in a small church in a town east of Krakow called, Brzesko.

This is something that I have been praying about for a long time. Helping parents to communicate and work with their children is a passion of mine. For years it has been difficult to watch both children and parent struggle when I knew I could help. But when Jesus opens doors they cannot be shut.

The news of these lectures has begun to spread throughout this cute little town. People who don't go to the church are coming. Please pray for my next lesson that I will continue to be able to really speak to their needs in practical ways . It will be on July 14th. Then on the 18th I will return to meet with each individual family unit (parent/child) to talk about whatever issues they are dealing with.

As a result of these 2 simiple lectures the pastor in Krakow has heard about it and is looking forward to having me do something similar in Krakow when I return from my furlough.

A Calling

2008-06-28T03:04:00.003+02:00

Sometimes I think that we over spiritualize our life with Jesus and what it all should look like. We spend a great deal of time trying to "find" God's will for our lives or what we are "called" to do. Or where and who we are to serve. I don't think it is that complicated. Who ever I meet where ever I am are the people God has for me to serve. And I don't think that we have to "search" to find God's will. Why would He hide it? I think that we are to be our best self allowing Jesus to live through us.
I'm convinced that Jesus has created you and me for a purpose, and that we are uniquely designed for that purpose.
Today I was reflecting on who I know myself to be and what that means. Or at least what I know it to mean today.
It is interesting learning again and in a deeper way who Jesus has created me to be and what that means. I know that I am to be like -
Jeremiah: one who stands alone bringing God's love & word to expand His kingdom to a stubborn and rebellious people.
Nehiamiah: one who organizes & coordinates those who are needed to get the task done.
Barnabas: one who encourages individuals to growth and maturity.

I know these are the things I have been created for because they come so naturally to me that it is like falling off a log. When I have the opportunity to use these skills I am filled with joy and fulfillment.
Jesus, you have called me to use those skills to be the touchable you to the people who live around me.
John 1:14 "So the Word (Jesus) became human (real, touchable) and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son."
Jesus you have called me to be Your flesh here where I live. Just like you made your home with us, I have made my "HOME" among these people. May it be said of me that I am one who is full of your unfailing love and faithfulness. Lord, I ask that all will see Your glory through my life, the glory of the Father and the Son.

Finding the HUB in my life

2008-06-22T22:26:00.002+02:00

It's strange how one can live for years even knowing and serving Jesus, yet not really fully living the abundant life. I realize that I have missed knowing the fullness that Christ has to offer because I was too busy doing the "right thing" and sometimes even for the "right reason".

I don't think that I would have done/or made any different decisions but how I lived out those decisions would have a different look.

Never before have I felt such an intense need for the presence of Jesus in my life. He has truly become my "Daily Bread" that nuritious and strengthens me. He is my very "breath" without communication with Him throughout the day it is as if I have an asthma attack.

There is nothing legalistic about it but I almost experience a physical reaction.

It is strange yet at the same time comforting to know that my Lord is that close and that my awareness of His presence has become that sensitive. I have no desire to have anything less.

I was reading a devotional book that discribed it as a wagon wheel. The Hub is the center of my life, the heart, my life with Jesus. The spokes are life's things that distract me and draw me away from the source of life.

Sometimes I feel like I live my life either jumping from spoke to spoke or running along the outter rim of the wheel struggling to keep up. I realize now that I was just wearing myself out. I wasn't able to fully experience and appreciate the "spokes" in my life; the people, places, opportunities. I was too exhausted to know what was right before my eyes.

Lately, I find myself RUNNING to be in the HUB. I find great joy and peace just sitting in the HUB. The interesting thing about being in the HUB is I actually have time and energy to experience and enjoy each and every spoke in its time. Another thing is that "work" that I thought was SO important for me to accomplish and kept me running around in circles, or from spoke to spoke, is actually completed by the "gravity" and momenteum of the wheels movement around the HUB.

In the HUB there is solitude, it is never lonely. The motion and potential chaos of the spokes never dislodge the HUB's peace. The depth of the relationship found in the HUB radiates to each and every spoke. It is never ending as the HUB is in constant communion.

Jesus, help me to live my life from the HUB where you are. When I find the chaos of life creeping in help me to find my way back to the HUB where my heart & soul find peace and I can breathe the breath of life once again.

Accountability

2008-06-12T01:35:00.000+02:00

During the course of the last month I have had 2 dear friends challenge my thinking on the subject of accountability, one from Switzerland and one here in Poland. I’ve found myself wondering where I got my thinking about accountability and I realized that I had never actually searched God’s Word for myself or even thought about what others had said or taught me.
What does it mean exactly to be accountable?
Who should I be accountable to?
What should accountability look like?
Who is my leader?
Is accountability a linear process or could it possibly be more like a web like process?
What exactly does the Bible say about accountability?

I have always felt that accountability was very important…that there needs to be people in my life that know me and can speak freely and openly into my life. People who know how to challenge me in love and discipline but I realize that the most meaningful accountability partners in my life were not necessarily the people that one would think. They were mentors from mission agencies in other countries, prayer partners, Bible Study Leaders from ecumenical groups, but mostly they have been friends. Does that mean I’m not being accountable? How can that be if those people are godly, wise, and mature Christians who know me well and point me to Jesus’ best in my life?

It is very interesting to me that there are individuals who have had all the “appropriate” accountability structures in their lives; church counsels, pastors, support groups, etc, yet some of those individuals still seem to fail morally and in doing so they not only destroy their own lives but those of their family, friends and people from their churches. On the other hand, there are those individuals who seem to have no accountability structures, as we would recommend, that go on to greatly impact the world for Jesus. I’m thinking primarily of some of the early missionaries, who followed the call of Jesus to the jungle or some uncharted territory and people with their Bible, a coffin full of their personal items never to have contact with anyone “at home” again. One such person was David Livingstone. He lived a life that was morally pure in a pagan culture without his wife or peers completely cut off from “Christian” society for many years. Yet he greatly impacted Africa for Christ.

In this era of multiple ways to be and maintain connection with people and to get the support and encouragement to live a life worthy of the Gospel somehow we seem to be weaker in character than many of our predecessors. Why is that?

When I actually looked up accountability or to be accountable in the Bible I didn’t find any model like the one I had in my mind. I had envisioned a linear model, in which you/I had a pastor or leader that would be my primary source of input, correction and encouragement. That being said, rarely have I actually ever experienced such a relationship, yet that was the model I had envisioned in my mind.

As I have contemplated this I have explored what it means to be in a linear model of accountability. This model looks something like the chain of command found in the military, where the “less experienced/learned/wise” person submits to the authority and thinking of the wiser more experienced to do what that person sees as the right thing to do. Of course this is a VERY simplistic description but it gives the basic idea. Yet sometimes in the body of Christ, with the best of intentions, we set up accountability structures that mirror this thought. But what are the ramifications and messages that are sent by such a system?

Firstly, by having such a linear way of thinking about accountability I suggest that there must always be someone, a leader, who is over me and someone over that person and then someone over that person and so on. But eventually that hierarchy must come to an end and who is the person at the end accountable to? Secondly, what do you do if there is no one willing or capable of being that wise, loving, caring and challenging person in your life? Maybe they are busy with other people or responsibilities or you find yourself being one of those people who have move up the “line of accountability”. So, where does one go from here? Or are you just not submitted or you are not accountable? Hmmm.

Thirdly, and from my perspective most importantly, “Who is your leader?” I thought Jesus was to be my Leader. I think in the linear model of accountability it is too easy to rely too much on the “leader” and not on Jesus. It is also too easy for the “leader” to influence those they lead to follow their voice (unintentionally of course) instead of the voice of the Lord. I have also observed that “followers” in such a model can often have a difficult time hearing the voice of the Lord for themselves. They can become self-conscious and doubt what they have heard the Lord say. Sometimes they are afraid of asking questions about the advice for fear of being perceived as “rebellious” or “unsubmitted”. This is strange to me because God challenges us to ASK Him, question and even argue our case before Him, yet we as leaders can often be threatened by a follower who asks, questions, desires to know and understand the reasoning behind our thinking and advise.

Don’t misunderstand me, I believe strongly that we are to submit to leadership and that they have God-given insight and wisdom to speak direction, encouragement and correction into our lives. But I think when we follow a linear model of accountability we limit the effectiveness of that accountability and we set ourselves up for abuses. I know I want those who follow me to listen to my “great” advice but I’m challenged to encourage them to ask questions, seek the advice of other wise people, especially those who think differently then me and above all else ASK Jesus! I think too often we rely too much on our wisdom (godly though it may be) and experience, above challenging our followers to HEAR the voice of the Lord for themselves. Proverbs 11:14b “…there is safety in having many advisers.” Proverbs 15:22 “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”

All that being said what is our Biblical model? The one I would like to focus on is one Paul shows us. He obviously was submitted to the authority of the leadership in Jerusalem but foremost in his thinking was being submitted to the voice of Jesus. There were times when there was disagreement, discussion, prayer and the Lord’s final will was reveal. But how did this work?

I’m no expert nor am I a great Bible scholar but may I suggest to you that perhaps a healthy accountability structure is more like a web or a network of relationship that represent a wide range of input just like the body is made up of many parts why shouldn’t those we receive counsel from be just as diverse and represent as many different aspects of the character of God. I’m sure there will be someone who would say that this could be confusing. Yes, this could be true but if we have taught our followers to hear the voice of the Lord and to screen all advice through the Word and Prayer, I am convinced that the God peace will reveal Himself. I think that it is better that those who follow me know how to think for themselves and to hear God’s voice for themselves than to be running to me with every issue. 1Sam 3:2-11. Not because I’m so bad or not wise enough but rather it is because my role is a secondary one to Jesus.

In my searching for some insight into accountability I found something interesting in Jack Hayford’s book “Pastors of Promise”. He described accountability as a boxing ring. He suggests that there are 4 influences that create the shape of the accountability structure:
Our relationship with our family/or household (he said wife but I have no spouse)
Our friendship with Christians
Our stewardship of our money
Our interaction with our Lord.
Pastor Jack says that the ring is to remind us of our own responsibility to “fight the good fight” and to follow the rules. I think it is also a good example of how accountability works in the sense that only the boxer enters the ring, no one else. Not the trainer, or the doctor or anyone else. Hayford says “The ropes establish a perimeter, guarding me from accidentally transgressing appropriate boundaries but they do not substitute for my own external performance, internal responsibility to fight by the Rulebook or my personal actions in the eyes of the Referee.”
In away I like to think of these four influences as the posts on which our web of accountability can be built.
Our relationships with those whom we live: Those individuals with whom we live know who we really are. There is no hiding how we live because they see it. I think this is why the Apostle Paul requires leaders to have their household in order. Accountability is about me being transparent and congruence between my inner self and my outer self. People with whom I live can help me to truly be consistent inside and outside.
Our Christian Friends: These are people who are truly FRIENDS. They know me. They can be peers or mentors or both. They know how to listen to me and how to help me clarify what Jesus is saying to me. They don’t necessarily have answers or advise but they continually point me to Jesus, His Word and His Ways. They pray with me and check back to see what the progress is. According to Hayford these relationships need to include the following in order to have the basis to be truly accountable:
Joke and have fun together
Relax, to “let down” from …pressures
Become transparent regarding personal need or concern
Enjoy & be unaffected in discussing spiritual matters
(Straight) communication – encouraging, critiquing, supporting & making observations
Submit to gracious “iron sharpening iron” confrontation
Pray together without pomposity, judgmentalism or mere formality – but with tears for each other’s needs, with faith for each other’s blessings and with joy in each other’s hopes.
Some scriptures for you to consult with this Rom 12:5, 10, 16, Rom 14:13, 19; Rom 15:7, 14; Heb 13:13, 1Cor 11:33; 1Cor 12:25; 1Pet 3:8; Gal 5:13; Gal 6:2; Eph 4:2; Col 3:13; Eph 5:21; 1Thes 4:18; Heb 10:25; 1Pet 4:9, 10; Jam 5:16
Our Money – How I handle my money has a huge impact on every area of my walk with Jesus. It affects my faith, how much I trust Jesus, the condition of my heart towards others, and my ministry. There are 2 things I would like to highlight from Hayford’s book on this. The first is “If I refuse to honor God’s Word that ‘the tithe belongs to the Lord,’ and withhold offerings born of faith, the life-giving, multiplying spirit of grace cannot be released because my money isn’t being put in the circle of obedience.” Secondly, a leader’s “personal accountability in all his living will inevitably be very closely related to the way he handles his money, and his heart attitude, concerning finance.” Now, this may be an area where someone may call upon the help of a Christian friend from “post” number 2 to keep you honest before the Lord but no matter what it will require you/me being transparent to ask for help and to admit the need.
Our Interaction with Jesus – This is the key or cornerstone to the other accountability people having any influence. As Hayford says, “…all human help and accountability is only as effective as a person’s initial commitment to “walk with God in integrity.” This requires an honestly before the Lord in which I willing and openly expose my true self before the Lord. I completely pour out my hurts, pains, expectations, desires, disappointments, angry, failings and successes with the purpose of Him communicating His love, correction, conviction and healing. This is something I have fallen upon over the last 6-9 months. An honestly before that Lord where I am completely laid bare. I give Him complete freedom to communicate anything to me. I have to admit that I have confessed more sins in the last bit of time than I can remember doing in a very long time. My time with Jesus is a time of interaction. It is through this time of interaction that my heart is soft to hear and receive correction. It is also because of this time of interaction that I am not devastated when someone criticizes me because I am assured of the Father’s love and care of me.

I believe that accountability is an important principle for us to maintain in our lives. It helps us to continually grow and change to be more like Jesus. It helps us to keep from falling in to moral sin and can assist in safe guarding our character. For me, at this time, I will endeavor to employ a combination of the boxing ring and the web with Jesus as the beginning and ending point of it all.

Being Freed from the Shoulds in Life

2008-06-11T21:35:00.002+02:00

Awhile back, the Lord was challenging me to be freed from the "shoulds" in my life. Those thoughts and expectations that I had put on myself and my performance as a Christian, Pastor, Missionary which kept me from seeing Jesus in the midst of my life and joining with Him where he was working. How I should have a church service? What type of "worship" I should have? What a good sermon should be like? You know, it had to have so many points with a fill in the blank bulletin insert and a conclusion that ties it all together.

I realized that my life in Christ is filled with freedom. He came to set me free from the shoulds in my life to follow Him in faith and trust that He has created me the way I am for a purpose. And how I am is perfect for the tasks that He has prepared for me. Today I read a short text along this thought I would like to share with you. It is from "Here and Now. Living in the Spirt" by Henri J. M. Nouwen
Without 'Oughts' and 'Ifs'
It is hard to live in the present. The past and the future keep harassing us. The past with guilt, the future with worries. So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused, or at least, amivalent. And all these feelings are often coloured by guilt. Built that says: 'You ought to have done something other than what you did: you ought to have said something other than what you said.'These 'oughts' keep us feeling guilty about the past and prevent us from being fully present to the moment.
Worse, however, than our guilt are our worries. Our worries fill our lives with 'What ifs': 'What if I lose my job, what if my father dies, what if there is not enought money, what if the economy goes down, what if a war breaks out?' These many 'ifs' can so fill our mind that we become blind to the flowers in the garden and the smiling children on the streets, or deaf to the grateful voice of a friend.
The real enemies of our life are the 'oughts' and the 'ifs'. They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the unpredictable future. But real life takes place in the here and the now. God is a God of the present. God is always in the moment, be that moment hard or easy, joyful or painful. When Jesus spoke about God, he always spoke about God as being where and when we are. 'When you see me, you see God. When you hear me you hear God.' God is not someone who was or will be, but the One who is, and who is for me in the present moment. That's why Jesus came to wipe away the burden of the past and the worries for the future. He wants us to discover God right where we are, here and now.

I pray that the Lord will help me and you to live NOW. Communicating all that is on our hearts so that He becomes the center of our world and that we can be free to be His creation in this place at this time.

Faith in Jesus when the fruit is not visible

2008-06-03T21:23:00.003+02:00

I recently returned from an inspiring week in Houston, TX at the Foursquare Convention. I watched Jesus orchestrate meeting after meeting. With some 3,000 participants, housed in more than 3 hotels, it was often difficult to figure out where I was going let alone where I might find someone I was hoping to meet.
Lord also spoke to me in very powerful ways. I will be processing everything for awhile. One of the things I heard Jesus say LOUDLY was: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen.” Hebrews 1:1
That verse is resonating within my being everyday since I’ve been back. My faith in the unchangeable Christ who always fulfills His promises gives me the hope that every promise He has given me for the Polish People WILL come to pass. And my HOPE in the risen Lord is the only evidence that is needed to press on because it is not what is seen but the TRUTH of His WORD that makes His will a reality here on earth.

"My hope is set on nothing less then Jesus Christ his Blood and Rightousness."
I pray and ask for your prayers that I would hold tight to these truths. That no doubt or negative thought would be allowed to steal the Hope that is within me.
I’m also including an excerpt of an inspirational story sent to pastors that I just received. This story is something that challenges me to Fix My Eyes on Jesus and to look to the future with Him. I hope that it will do the same for you as well.

“…A lieutenant colonel in the Army's Warrior Transition Brigade, Gadson is a former West Point teammate of Giants wide receiver coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan initially had invited Greg to address the team before they played Washington D.C. (American football team). At the time, the Giants had become discouraged after their first two losses of the season, and were assuming that all of their practice and preseason work was in vain. From his wheelchair, Greg gave an inspiring speech. He talked about serving in Iraq that past spring, when a roadside bomb blew up the truck he was riding in, costing him both legs above the knees. He admonished the team to look toward the future instead of back at the past. "It's not about what happens to you in life," he said. "It's about what you do about it. It's about making the most of all your opportunities ... because I'm here to tell you, it can end in a flash." Greg's pep talks left a lasting impression on a team who suddenly realized they had a lot going for them, and they needed to quit complaining about each other and instead start working together as a team. Out of the challenges he had endured just months previously, he was able to bring hope and encouragement to a team that desperately needed it. At Walter Reed Hospital, Greg Gadson experienced what happens when:
Friends (from West Point) rally around someone in great need. (Philippians 2:4)
You stay focused on what you have, not what you don't have. (Philippians 2:14-18)
Acts of kindness remind you of how powerful it is to be a part of a team. (Philippians 2:25-29)
Adversity can bring out the fight in a person. (Philippians 3:12-14)
If things haven't quite worked out the way you planned, consider Greg's inspiring story ... as well as Paul's reminder that "God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 NIV) “
Thank you so much for your faithfulness to Jesus and me.

Missions: Where is the greatest need?

2008-05-18T20:57:00.004+02:00

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:

For more workers for the harvest
For people to stand along side those currently laboring in the fields and lift up their weary arms.
For Polish believers to have the courage to stand for the truth of the gospel regardless of what others may think or say.
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:

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

What's the Hotest Housing market in Europe?

2008-05-18T01:48:00.003+02:00

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

2008-05-13T03:13:00.004+02:00

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

2008-05-13T02:52:00.004+02:00

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.

Doctor's Update April 28

2008-04-29T12:09:00.002+02:00

Some of you may be wondering what the doctor said.... well he decided to give me a cordozone shot in my ankle and to wait and see. He has also prescribed some special shoes to stablize my ankle. There are quite expensive, around 600 CHF or $580. Please pray that the insurance will pay for them. If my ankle doesn't inprove in the next 2 months I will need to think about surgery. That will mean 3 weeks in Switzerland.

Culture: Understanding culture's place in my life

2008-04-21T00:59:00.017+02:00

It is funny how I see my truth as God's right perspective of His Kingdom when in fact it is just me looking at the world/God's Kingdom through the glasses of my culture. Through the past couple of years the Lord has been pressing me as a result of my culture clashing with Polish culture to find Him in the midst.
One of the things I realized is that I couldn't really know & understand the effects of my culture, beliefs and values on my thinking, behavior and even my understanding of God until I could embrace the good, bad and the ugly of another culture. It all began a couple of years ago when I was going through Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life. There was one statement that got under my skin. He mentioned that, whatever you are passionate about today will become a part of who you are in 20 years. It is at that time that I had been ministering in Poland for 20 years. It was at that moment I got a bit scared. I felt a small voice scream in side my heart,"Oh no Lord...I don't want to be Polish!" And then I had to ask myself why not. What was I so afraid of?
It was in that process that I realized that I was seeing the unredeemed Poland, it's people and it's culture through the glasses of my unredeemed American glasses. Then I prayed that the Lord would work into me the redeemed qualities of Polish culture. That somehow through the work of Christ's blood it would transform those things that I was afraid of becoming into the very character of Jesus that only the Polish people can truly represent well.

Isaiah 45:22-23 "Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other...Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God."

As I looked at these verses I realized that each people group and their culture represented an aspect of God's imagine that could not be complete without them. I saw in a much deeper way just how important not only our uniqueness as individuals is but also as separate cultures. And just like individuals our cultures have been corrupted by sin and no longer reflect the true and uncompromised character of the King.

Jesus is calling me to submit all of me...including my culture to Him and the working of His Holy Spirit. I believe that when I really allow Jesus to work in me in this way I'm not only transformed into His imagine but the reflection of Him within my life will reveal the redeemed elements of my culture. My Swedish/French American, Polish culture.

SMSs

2008-04-18T03:32:00.002+02:00

Sometimes I'm a techie novice. But I have begun to use and enjoy writing sms' or for the American crowd...text messages. One of the things I do is save those encouraging messages for those moments when life it a bit too much to handle. Then I go back and read those uplifting words. A few weeks ago I had a problem. I had kept so many of those messages that I didn't have room for new incoming messages.

I broke down and cleaned out all those messages but I just didn't have the heart to erase them from existence so I transfered them to my journal. I thought it might be interesting for you to read some of these messages. Hopefully they will be an encouragement to you as well.
Today I will share two of those messages.

Thank you for attending the presentation. Everyone was very impressed by your knowledge, philosophy, warmth & attitude.

Dear Denise! I want to once again express my gratitude for everything you're doing for me. It is extremely hard to meet people like you these days. Take care!
PL

An Act of Worship

2008-04-14T20:37:00.003+02:00

Mondays are typically my "Sabbath Day". I have been learning what that means to rest in the Lord and to put aside "ALL" work...emails, computer stuff, ministry, etc. It has been a bit of a pendulum swing trying to find the right balance without being legalistic while at the same time really trusting Jesus and understanding that HE is God and I'm not. Meaning that I will not be able to FINISH. This of course has been a great challenge for someone like me who has a strong need to have closure. Yet in it all have found a greater peace and trust in Jesus than I could ever imagine. I also have begun to experience a level of freedom that I could not have thought possible before. Let me just share with you about my Monday.

Who would have thought that paying the bills could be an act of worship?

I walked into town to get money from the ATM & pay my bills before spending time with Jesus at my favorite cafe. A month or so ago I wouldn't have allowed myself to pay the bills on Monday as it is my "SABBATH". But today all the way into town I prayed for God's help with my finances...we discussed various options of which there really aren't any. I voiced my concern of my quickly diminishing bank account, the dollar value dropping like a rock, and the cost of living skyrocketing to the European standard. Realizing all the while I may not have money to pay the bills that come next week let alone buy food. As I reached the ATM I realized that I have been faithful to do, give, share, budget, tithe in every way. I have no choice but to trust Jesus. I put in my card and took out my 450 zloty to pay the phone bill & condo dues. Thinking that that would give me 50 zloty for whatever but with the fees for paying the bills it cost me 21 zloty more. Jesus I Trust You!

On my way to the cafe I thought I would stop and see one of my students who works across the street from the post office where I paid my bills. I asked about her health, as she has been sick and if she would be joining us for lessons this week. Stuff like that. Like I usually do. Then out of the blue she invited me to have coffee with her. We talked about this and that...then one thing led to another. All of a sudden I found myself sharing my life with Jesus. The grace, love, freedom and peace I've found in Him. We talked about how Jesus made away for us to have direct conversation to the Father and how I read my Bible. By the time we ended our conversation I had been there 3 hours. Jesus starts and He finishes things. I pray that the power of His true word would be firmly planted in this woman's life that she might know the freedom that comes from being in a personal relationship with Jesus.

The numbers in my bank account may continue to diminish but the joy and life that I experience with Jesus is worth it all.

God's Creative Spirit

2008-04-11T02:43:00.002+02:00

This is a prayer request:
One of the young women from the Thursday Bible Study is starting a franchise business. This young woman was in one of the first Bible Studies that Carol and I did 11 years ago. There was a group of about 10 young people who travel from a town 2 hours away to be in this study. Now Ola is living in Krakow. And Yes, you heard me right creating a franchise from scratch. Tonight she share with us not only an idea but a reality. Next month "The Polish Hot Dog" stands will hit the streets with hopes of 1000's of them being spread throughout the country and maybe even Europe. It is an original version of the New York style hot dog stand, complete with cooperation from Coke Cola.

All I know is that I tasted the dogs for myself and it is worth the price of $1.50. Look out McDonald's there just might be some competition around the corner.

I don't really understand business let alone franchises but I ask that you would join with me in prayer that God would bless this creative idea and that it would not only be a blessing to many but bring glory to the kingdom.

You can find their webpage at www.polishhotdog.pl . It's in Polish but take a look at it anyway.

God's Timing

2008-04-08T03:30:00.002+02:00

Have you ever noticed that when things don't go the way you or I want them to go, that there is the thinking that God's timing is off?

Today I was reading the story of the death of Lazarus. I realized that so many times I, like Mary and Martha, say to Jesus "If only you had been here Lord!" All the while I'm implying that Jesus made a mistake by delaying. Or I question His love for me. Or maybe I believe some lie of the enemy that I have done something wrong to cause this delay.

I lose sight of God in all my attempts to "figure it out". God's ways are not all about "ME", they are about Him and His glory. John 11:4b "No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this."

I also realized that I usually don't pay attention to all the times God's timing is amazingly perfect. Those situations when things come together when there is no reasonable way they should have or could have.

Like today when I left the cafe where I had been spending time with Jesus. I was thinking about anything or anyone in particular. I had no "spiritual mindedness" about me what so ever. If I had been thinking of anything it was how I was going to walk home without getting soaked.

As I stepped out the door I greeted the lady I have come to know as the Ice Cream Lady. She owns the local traditional homemade ice cream shop that is only open from spring to fall. I didn't think anything of it at first. But....she did something very unusual. She took me by the arm and said "Come and see". She wanted me to show me how they had remodeled the ice shop. For some reason this woman I have only said "Hello" to for 20 years needed me to see and approve of her work. It's hard to explain the feelings I felt...maybe honor, acceptance, I didn't even really know what to say.

But back to timing: If I had waited for the bill instead of paying at the counter I would have missed that woman.

Then as I continued my trek home through the pouring rain (of course I hadn't thought to take an umbrella) I bumped into a student I had last year when I substituted at the local Community College. I had even forgotten that I had prayed that the Lord would allow me to meet her in town one day because I felt a connection with her. Today was the day that the Lord had ordained as the day we should meet and exchange numbers.

I guess I need to remember. when I want to have my 3 year old temper tantrum because God didn't show up according to my timing, that Jesus really does LOVE ME and His plans are perfect and beyond anything I can possible imagine.

Growing Faith & Trust to a New Level

2008-04-05T16:37:00.007+02:00

"Do you Trust Me?" Jesus asks.
"Well of course I do, Lord."
"How much do you Trust Me?" He asks.
"I trust you with everything, Lord. I left my home, career and country to serve you...of course I trust you." "I trusted you when you asked me to take only teaching jobs here that would develop relationships for your kingdom" "And you have been faithful to meet my every need."

"But will you Trust Me if it looks like the money won't be there?"
"Sure Lord, no problem, you're God I can trust you." "But wait!" "I don't see the money?"

The Lord is challenging me to a new level of trust. I cancelled the lease for the building in Zakopane and the Lord was so good to give us favor with the landlord that he let us out early and compensated us for the repairs we had made. But the young couple who had been living there and renting a room have gone through financial problems and didn't pay 2 months worth of rent (which meant I did).

"Yes, Lord, I trust you"

Then when I got the final electric bill 2 weeks ago & it was over $500 and they couldn't pay (I had to pay). (Of course the contracts were in my name so I was a bit stuck). Then my gas bill came. It was a bit higher because I had had a number of guests (showers you know).

"I trust the Lord"

I will have to pay some US taxes this year as none of my donation points handle withholding. Plus, my health insurance is due in June. The dollar dropped again to the lowest I can remember to 2.15 zolty to the dollar. Any one or even two or three of this at one time would be a stretch but now I'm at a bit of a panic.

"aaaah, trust? Lord, aha, I trust....you."

My monthly support has been averaging (to Mission Dispatch) $1,300 per month. With all the above challenges it would be tight but managable.

"Oh yes, Lord, I trust you"

However, THIS MONTH my support was $440.

"Now Lord, you said I can trust you...right...that you will take of me if I'm faithful to you...right?"

Now my rationale mind goes nuts. I am the daughter of a banker. I've had a savings account since I was born. And I hate being over-extended even just a bit. I know that I will need to fill the tank in the car at least 2 more times ($65 each) this month if I fulfill my ministry obligations. The phone bill and the condo dues are coming at about another $150. Physical therapy $40. The way I do math, that leaves about $150 for food for the month. Not to mention that my washing machine was leaking the last time I used it, it's time (past time) for the car to go for a check up and my computer is seriously limping along. Oh, I have a house guest who is unemployed.

"Jesus, can I really trust you?" "I mean really?" "Jesus I have to trust you because there is no other way through this."

Jesus says, "I love you and I will not leave you alone in the struggles in your life." "Watch, See, I take care of my sheep"

***While writing this post I recieved a phone call from a woman asking me to come visit. Of course I said yes but I had no idea what the reason was for the request. After finishing this post I went for the visit. Upon arriving she told me that it wasn't urgent that I come but that she had something for me. It was an envelop with payment for some editing I had done months earlier.

Yes, Jesus you do take care of me. You are teaching me what it means to live by daily bread. Thank you for today's manna.

Denise’s News from Poland

2008-04-05T04:06:00.002+02:00

Spring 2008

Dear Friends,

I’m always amazed at how quickly time really does fly. It seems like just yesterday I was shoveling snow and now the grass is green and the storks have begun preparing their nests. Hmmm well I was shoveling snow at Easter.

This new year has brought with it many new and exciting changes and challenges. The new relationships with the church in Krakow and the people of the church have been a great source of encouragement and cooperation. I have discovered how connected I really am to the community in Nowy Targ. As I walk the streets (exercising my leg) I meet people everyday that I have opportunity to encourage and bring hope. The Lord has been showing me how much more fruitful I can be when I take my time to listen to Him and go where He leads me each day (literally). My heart’s desire is to be able to each day say “I do what I see and hear my heavenly Father do and say” and nothing more and nothing less. Of course some days are better than others but I haven’t been so happy and so at peace in such a very long time.

True Confessions: Those of you who know me well, know that I am a social person and that spending time alone has been almost torturous. In the last few months I have been learning what it means to enjoy solitude. Being both a social person and single this is a real miracle. Now I didn’t say that I’m alone or that I’m enjoying loneliness but solitude. In the past I have run and hid from quiet solitude because I think I was afraid of what I might find in that stillness…ME. The me I didn’t want to see. But you know what I found…ME….and JESUS. I discovered a whole new awareness of what GRACE is and means. No more SHOULDs. No more shoulds; of how I should minister, who I should meet, how I should have worship, what a sermon should look like, how many chapters of the Bible I should read, what I should do or shouldn’t do. In the process I began journaling like never before. This is a miracle as “I hate writing” but my solitude is filled with an on going dialogue with my friend Jesus. I find myself repenting every other day because of what I have read. I discover truths of God that have always been there but my clouded eyes just couldn’t see them.

The most exciting thing is that through this honest, heartfelt time with Jesus I experience that He uses what He teaches me almost immediately. These times of solitude feed me and prepare me for those visits from the young people who are searching … for hope, guidance, wisdom, advice and more of Jesus. It is like the very truth He gives me today with be the answer for the question I will be asked tomorrow.

Through this process I have discovered myself or maybe I ought to say rediscovered who Jesus has made me to be…I knew this but somehow I allowed myself to be trapped by the well meaning expectations (real or only my perception) of godly people. It was almost like magic…the shoulds fell away and then I could see myself as Jesus sees me. I’m a storyteller. I’m a discipler! I don’t know if I will ever see myself in front of another church building. But I know that Jesus will bring young people to sit and have coffee (good coffee) and listen to stories.

Easter weekend was just that. I had a Easter film festival of sorts. (Thanks to Travis and Jordan who brought a LCD projector to convert my basement into a home theater). Good Friday we watched “The Passion”. There were 5 of us who cried, reflected, worshiped, prayed and shared communion. Saturday we watched “Luther”. Sunday we had a worship time scheduled for 4 PM but everyone got here around 6 something we worshiped and prayed. Then they decided they wanted another movie. One of the young people decided to stay the night. Monday is also a holiday here: I had “Pollyanna” schedule for 5 but God had other plans. One of the young people came needing a hug. The whole family, holiday thing was just too much and she needed to come “home”. And then at 7 another person showed up for a movie.

So my plans….? Lots of SOLITUDE with Jesus. LISTEN for Jesus voice. ENJOY the adventure of letting Jesus have his way with every moment.

In His Loving Service,
Denise

PS. Check my blog for more regular updates and pictures. Also, Travis fixed my internet phone so you can call me at 1-206-400-2999. It’s free for me and my be for you as well.

News Briefs
Travel: April 19th to May 4th I will travel to Switzerland for a Pastor’s Conference. It is a great opportunity to meet and fellowship with other Foursquare workers in my region of Europe. Praise God for frequent flyer miles! While in Switzerland I will also see a doctor about my leg.
May 24 -30 I will fly to Houston to attend the Foursquare Convention. Some of you may have heard my desire to attend through my blog. I hadn’t planned on going but this year the Mission Director Mike Larken resigned. Mike did so much for me and helping me to be accepted as a Foursquare Missionary that I really felt strongly about attending to thank him one more time. It is also a good opportunity for me to meet and begin building a relationship with the new director. (God miraculously provided the funds through a dear friend just at the deadline for registration).
I have been planning and still hope that God will provide for me to go to Ireland in June. I have a number of dear Polish friends who have relocated there for work. They have been begging me to come and encourage them. Though the tickets are fairly cheap I don’t have money at the moment to buy a ticket. I would appreciate you prayers about this.

Health: I still go to physical therapy once every other week in Krakow. The Lord somehow continues to provide the finances to pay for these visits as the insurance stopped after 10. Each visit costs 90 zloty and with the current exchange rate that translated to $30 in June and $41.86 today, plus travel to and from Krakow. Recently the stiffness has been having an effect on my knee and hip causing pain. I have an appointment with the best orthopedic doctor specializing in ankles in Bern, Switzerland. Pray that he will be able to fix whatever is not working properly and that my insurance will cover the costs.

Freedom: A Winter snow camp weekend February 22-24th. We are planning on between 20-30 people who will participate from various countries. We are praying for a release in many people’s lives from the bondages that keep them from the life God has for them. This winter weekend really came together. I was uncertain that there would be anyone around to go. In the end Travis and his friend Jordan came from the US and helped join the young people from the Krakow Bible Study with some young people from Nowy Targ/Zakopane. It was a great time of fellowship and really set the stage for openness and further freedom through the Bible Study.

Krakow Bible Study Group: Life Hurts God Heals. This study has been the highlight of every week. The material is a wonderful mix of sound psychological principles and strong Biblical truths…my two favorite topics! Add that together with a group of college/career young people who truly want to grow into all that God has for them and you can see why I’m having such a great time.

Coming Soon! Ladies Night: Still coming soon. We have had a difficult time being healthy. I’m sure that the Lord has just the right time prepared. Please pray the Lord would prepare their hearts and that He would give me wisdom on what and how to organize the time.

Current Financial & Other Needs:
I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful to support me in prayer and finances. My financial support for the 1st three months of this year was amazing. I was able to do everything the Lord set before me without concern. I have had many visitors during this time which has been a great delight. However it has resulted in an increase in my expenses. Also the church was short approx. $2000 that I had to pay which has drained my savings. I’m looking at paying my taxes and health insurance with anxiety, as well as the possibility of a long fast. This is new territory for me. Your prayers are greatly appreciated for the Lord’s provision and peace while I wait.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and support, Denise

Financial Information Contributions:
Denise Johnsonc/o Mission Dispatch, Inc. 21911 76th Ave W., Suite 211Edmonds, WA 98026

God's Amazing Financing

2008-04-02T02:09:00.002+02:00

Some of you may remember my desire to go to the Foursquare Convention in Houston. I shared how it was an impossibility with the cost of the ticket being over $1800 plus incidentals. My main reason for wanting to go is that the Mission department is going through a major transition. The director who made it possible for me to be a Foursquare Missionary has resigned and the new director is someone I have never heard of let alone met before.

Foursquare was generous enough to cover my registration and hotel but.... still there was no money in my pocket for an unplanned trip to the US for less then a week.

Last week I recieved an email that the deadline for registration was this last Friday. I had pretty much resigned myself that I wouldn't be going. Then a little bit ago I talked to a dear friend who said that she had money she wanted to give me for the trip. And as only God can do, it was plenty, plus I was able to find an even cheaper flight on a carrier that I have frequent flier miles on.

Praise God for His Faithful Love and Care

Simple Trust

2008-03-26T14:47:00.002+01:00

"I feel simply carried along each hour, doing my part in a plan which is far beyond myself. This sense of cooperation with God in little things is what so astanishes me, for I never have felt this way before. I need something, and turn round to find it waiting for me. I must work, to be sure, but there is God working along with me." Frank Laubach

I pray that I can live each day with this type of trust and connection with Jesus. Lord, let me know the freedom to trust YOU completely.

Simply Being

2008-03-18T22:42:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I read something that really stuck with me and Jesus then challenged me with it.
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee." Marian Wright Edelman

After reading this I went to have my usual "coffee with Jesus" at the local cafe. As usual the place was packed and finding a booth to ones self was nearly impossible. But after a short wait a got the much coveted booth. I had just settled in for a nice time "alone" with Jesus and my cafe latte and waffle with extra fruit when a woman asked to sit at my table. I admit my first thought was No! It's mine! Then I thought "No big deal I can always pretend I don't understand Polish". After a few minutes I found myself chatting with the woman who turnout to be from out of town. In the end she encouraged me and my improving Polish. Then she left.

Alone at last! Nope!
Another woman asked to sit at my table. And once again I said yes. To shorten this story a bit...by the end of our conversation the woman was asking for my number. She wanted to give it to her college daughter so that I might be an encouragement to her.
It is in the small but faithful things the people see the heart of God.

Oh...I eventually did get my time with Jesus. It was different than I had planned but I think he was in all that I did yesterday.

Life Hurts God Heals Bible Study

2008-03-15T23:38:00.002+01:00

In January I started a "Life Hurts God Heals" Bible Study in Krakow. It is together with the College/Career group of another church in Krakow. I would like to share with you a testimony I recently recieved from one of the participants.

Beloved!!I'm truly blessed by Bible Study we're going through during the time of our small group. Some words spoken there, verses, has been working in me all week long, everyday. The ability of getting to know You better is a real privilege and pleasure to me. It also feels very good to see how we gradually open ourselves to one another. I still believe it's just a beginning!!Praise the Lord for only He has the power to connect right people in the right time.I thank You all, I thank Denise! We need this course, after starting it I discovered how much I needed it. In many fields of our lives healing is necessary. We're all young people, but we've all got some experiences, smaller or bigger wounds taken from relationships with our parents or relationships with girls/guys that turned out to be not right.Our God is Great, full of mercy and mightiness and He's only One who's got the power to turn them into His glory!!Greetings, see You all on Thursday:OlaP.S. These things touched me the most:1. Faithfullness in little things- then bigger will follow2. The fact we don't need to understand everything. Full understanding that this or that situation looks different way we expected it to look like is simply not our point. It would set us above God. How relieving truth it is:) Ola

Please pray for this group as we get deeper and they will have to face issues within themselves

When God shows His Faithfulness while changing a Flat

2008-03-14T21:51:00.002+01:00

This last fall when I put the winter tires on the mechanic said that I should get new ones soon. Unfortunately, I didn't have money for new tires. But the Lord was so faithful that we have had a very mild winter and rather short. I have been driving what seems to be everywhere, lately. I went swimming in Slovakia at the hot spring water park with a good friend. We had a great time of fellowship that was continued on our 2.5 hour long cut when we missed the turn. Or my 2-3 trips to Krakow a week.

Tuesday on one such excursion to Krakow, I was enjoying the sunny weather on the way home. I had just exited the highway when I noticed that sound....that sound that says you better stop fast. And guess what! There was an empty driveway. The flat was on the passenger side away from the heavy traffic.

Sometimes it is so strange how you get those unexplainable feelings that your Heavenly Father is truly orchestrating all the details of your life.

My snow tires lasted just long enough to get through the winter. I didn't have to deal with inclament weather. I had a safe flat place to change the tire. The spare was in good shape and full of air. I had daylight.

I'm always surprised when my feelings of joy come when in the past I might be frustrated or even upset.

By the way I changed the tire in 10 minutes and made it home on time to teach my English lesson.

Times of Transition

2008-03-12T02:35:00.003+01:00

The following link is a comical comparison between Italy and Europe. Many of the examples of life in Italy are influx in Poland at this time. I hope this puts a smile on your face as much as it did mine.

http://tcc.itc.it/people/rocchi/fun/europe.html

News Flash

2008-03-05T01:35:00.002+01:00

UpDate Coming Soon

Including:
Life Hurts God Heals Bible Study News
Winter Retreat: Freedom
Transitions
Up Coming Travel

Foursquare Leadership Change:
As many of you know the Foursquare Mission Director, Mike Larkin is resigning in June. In that light Foursquare Missions is inviting all their missionaries to the National Convention in Houston this May. It will be a time to thank Mike and his wife Roxanne for their faithful service and to meet the new director.

This is short notice and of course such a trip was not in my budget for this year. Foursquare has generously offered to pay for my convention fee and hotel. I would really like to attend this convention to thank Mike and Roxanne. Without their personal help and support I would not have made it through the administrative challenges to be apart of the Foursquare Family. Also I have never met the new director and would appreciate this opportunity to get to know him.

I would ask that your would pray with me that the Lord would make away for me to be in Houston for the convention. At this moment a plane ticket to Houston costs $1800. I would also need money for food. I feel so strongly about going that I would fast for the week if I needed to.

Internet Phone:
Thanks to my favorite Techie, Travis, my internet phone is working again. That means that you can call my at
1-206-400-2999 and reach me here in Poland. Please remember that when it rings, the time here is 9 hours ahead of Pacific time. Also when calling this number you will be charged whatever it would cost you to call a 206 Seattle number and it costs me nothing.

If you would like to donate to my monthly support or for the trip to Houston there are 3 options:
Denise Johnson c/o Mission Dispatch, Inc.21911 76th Ave W., Suite 211Edmonds, WA 98026
By PayPal on my blog: www.journeyof heart.blogspot.com
If you are a Foursquare Church you can send your donation through FMI

Blog Subscription:
It is now possible to subscribe to my blog. Just go to www.journeyofheart.blogspot.com and complete the subscribe form.

Thanks so much for all your faithful prayers and support,
Denise

Subscribe to me!

2008-02-21T10:09:00.005+01:00

You can now subscribe to my blog (you always could I just didn't know it), use a "news reader" or "rss reader" like Google Reader to subscribe to my blog and many more. Click here for my subscription URL. Thanks!

Human again

2008-02-03T01:56:00.000+01:00

Few things are worst than to be sauntering along through life and then all of a sudden you get runover by that Mac Truck known as THE FLU! Everything stops. Including any possibility of brain power. And ones whole world becomes that long list of symptoms they use for flu medication ads, with the plea for sleep. In my case this has been an even greater challenge as I get clostrophobic when I'm sick.

I pray you all will avoid this nasty truck.

2008-01-08T23:46:00.000+01:00

Christmas & New Year Greetings from Poland

Winter 2008

Denise’s News from Poland

Dear Friends,

I pray that you all had a wonderful holiday time with family and friends. I enjoyed a quiet time here in Poland. I had my missionary friends from Czech for Christmas. It was like having family. They made themselves at home, we shared meals together, we did puzzles, played games, and they assisted me in serving the people here.

I did something totally unheard of here I chose to spend New Year’s Eve at home alone. It was a great time of watching my favorite movies and snuggling with Pepsi.

I hope that next year I will be in Seattle to spend Christmas with my family. In the last 22 years I have spent only 3 of those at home. I’m looking forward to spending the holidays with my nieces and my nephew. It will be the 1^st time I will have ever had with my nieces. I’m doubtful that Seattle will have the same wintry weather that is shown above.

The Best Outreach Ever!

Well, I’m sure there are individuals who might disagree with me but for me it was the best. Let me just start by saying that the Lord has been challenging me to be more of a “Mary” in my day to day doings and not be pressured by expectations of what “ministry, service, and even church” should be. He has also been speaking to me that who I am and how I am is not only acceptable but is more than enough for whatever task he would have for me to do. There is No Stress! There is No Performance Issues! The results are Not my responsibility.

So, for Christmas I went back to my roots. My roots of how & what I like to celebrate Christmas. When I went to college I would bake some little goodies, cranberry bread, cookies or something else equally easy. Then I would deliver them to friends and older people that were like aunts and uncles to me. It was great because I was free once finals were over, the beginning of December, giving me plenty of time. It was also something that was within my limited budget.

This year was similar in that I have control over my time and I have a limited budget. A couple weeks before Christmas, I set out to make various sweet breads. Any recipe that would be relatively easy, unique for Poland, include inexpensive ingredients, and take a minimal amount of time to prepare was an option. I baked more than 2 dozen loaves of bread; banana, lemon, lemon poppy seed, and apple cinnamon coffee cake. I delivered them to neighbors, friends, parents of some of the young people I work with, my mechanic and my hair dresser. It is always amazing how the hearts of people are opened when they receive something they didn’t expect.

While delivering one such loaf of bread to one of my neighbors I also invited the whole family for a game night, in the evening of Christmas Day. It was truly a great time! The husband, wife, their 2 adult girls and 1 Italian boyfriend came barring gifts and ready to try their hand at a game in English, Cranium. I also had a missionary couple from Czech and one of the young women who likes to hang out at my place. Everyone had such a good time that the neighbors are taking initiative to be in further contact with me and to do more things together. They are also very open to talk about the Bible and what it means to be and behave like a Christian.

Jesus is so faithful to open doors when we simply follow His lead.

Your Partner in Christ’s Service,

Denise

News Briefs

Health: It is amazing how long it takes to recover from a broken bone. I still go to physical therapy once a week in Krakow. The progress is slow but recently my therapist encouraged me to go skiing. I did make 3 runs. The Lord somehow continues to provide the finances to pay for these visits as the insurance stopped after 10. Each visit costs 90 zloty and with the fall exchange rate that translate to $30 in June and $37.50 today, plus travel to and from Krakow.

Freedom: A Winter snow camp weekend February 22-24^th. We are planning on between 20-30 people who will participate from various countries. We are praying for a release in many people’s lives from the bondages that keep them from the life God has for them.

New Bible Study Group: The Lord has opened new doors in Krakow. I will be starting a Life Hurts God Heals group in Krakow together with the leaders of young adult group from the Church of God Church in Krakow. Their group will also be joining us at the winter snow camp in February.

Coming Soon! Ladies Night: As many of you know I have been teaching a group of ladies in their 40’s Conversation English. Through those conversations I learn many things and one of those tidbits of information revealed that these ladies don’t have a life. So……this month I will host an evening of games and getting to know one another for all the ladies I know over 40. The Lord showed me that I know 20+ women in that age group most of whom would be considered unchurched/traditional attendees. Please pray the Lord would prepare their hearts and that He would give me wisdom on what and how to organize the time.

Sabina: Thanks to all of you who helped to make it possible for Sabina to attend the internship program at the Coastlands in Aptos California. She seems to be doing well and adjusting to the intense life of being an intern. If you haven’t heard from her, it’s just that they keep her so busy I think she sometimes doesn’t remember her own name. But it is a good time of learning and growing for her.

The USA visit: I saw many of you when I was in the US this last fall. It was a great time of renewing relationships and building new ones. As I spoke with many of you, you held up a mirror for me to see where God was working and where I was striving to make things work. You encouraged me, believed in me, prayed for me, and you shared your faith and love with me. You really helped me to reevaluate and to refocus in the areas the Lord would want me to be. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

Current Financial & Other Needs:

I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful to support me in prayer and finances. I am always amazed at the Lord’s provision even when on paper it does not work somehow He pulls it off. Right now the church in Zakopane is struggling to make ends meet. So I have to make up the difference on the bills paid until we can renegotiate our contract. According to our contract we have to give 3 months notice but I’m hoping to find favor with the landlord and that he will allow us to move the end of February. This will create an interesting challenge with the church location. I’m sure Jesus has a very special plan. We may just relocate to Nowy Targ where I have a greater circle of influence. Your prayers are greatly appreciated for all this and that the Lord would prepare the people for change.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and support, Denise

Contact Information Financial Information Please make your financial contributions to

Denise C. Johnson Contributions: Mission Dispatch.

Os. Witosa 4/8, 34-400 Nowy Targ, POLAND Denise Johnson Attach a note with my full name:

Phone: 48-18-2665899 c/o Mission Dispatch, Inc Denise Johnson

Email: denisecjohnson@hotmail.com 21911 76th Ave W., Suite 211 Please send your checks to the

www.journeyofheart.blogspot.com Edmonds, WA 98026 address to the left.

2007-11-21T21:51:00.000+01:00

Journal Entry for November 5, 2007

I thought I would share with you what God put on my heart that day.

It is obvious Lord that you have done work in my heart. I can tell because of my spontaneous responses:

Saturday as I drove to Krakow and the rain began to cross over into snow the thought "COOL!" flashed into my mind.

Then again today as I sat looking out the window at breakfast - the rain turned to hail and the roofs began to turn white "Thank you Lord for winter"

When I saw Mrs. Kolwalczyk - "Lord, bless her"

Then getting out of the shower this morning I felt like the "Barren Woman" from Isaiah who had had many children and that I was the Proverbs 31 woman whose children have raised up and called "her blessed".

Isaiah 40:2b Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.

Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. I really do sense that my sad days are gone. There is a lightness in my heart and a spring in my step even though the muscles in my leg are still a bit strained.

2007-11-14T15:03:00.000+01:00

It's snowing again!

The Road of Life

2007-11-14T12:52:00.001+01:00

I found this poem while cleaning out one of the boxes I had in storage in Seattle. It is amazing the treasures we keep, all the while forgetting their value. I hope you will remember how to ride tandem with your Lord sitting in front.

At first, when I saw God as my observer,

my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong,

so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.

He was out there sort of like a president.

I recognized his picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,

but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back, helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that we changed places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I know the way.

It was rather boring, predictable....

It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when he took the lead,

He knew delightful long cuts,

up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds,

it was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness,

He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked,

"Where are you taking me?"

He laughed and didn't answer,

and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.

And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"

He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,

gifts of healing,

acceptance and joy.

They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away;

they're extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did,

to the people we met,

and I found that in giving I received,

and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him,

at first,

in control of my life.

I thought He'd wreck it;

but He knows bike secrets,

knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,

knows how to jump to clear high rocks,

knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up

and pedal

in the strangest places,

and I'm beginning to enjoy the view

and the cool breeze on my face

with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,

He just smiles and says..."Pedal."

-Author unknown

2007-11-10T15:25:00.000+01:00

Today's Weather at 3:30 PM

0 C Snowing from time to time.

I wonder what kind of a winter it is going to be...is this really the beginning? How long will it last? How much will we get? How cold with it be?

Do you have any predictions?

Listening for Jesus' Voice in Everyday Life

2007-11-08T16:35:00.001+01:00

Us many of you know I just returned from 6 weeks in the US. Usually when I schedule a trip to the States I have almost every moment planned long before I leave Poland. This trip was different. For some strange reason, most of the people I would generally meet with were so relaxed or something that I couldn't anyone to make a concrete date. I thought Oh Well, something will work out.

Little did I know what would take place. I found myself on the road with inconsistent phone access, most of the time without a cell, and generally internet access. So how does one schedule time with other individuals? The old fashioned way....you don't...you just show up. Just ask my brother.

To tell you the truth, it reminded me of traveling in Communist Eastern Europe. You would spend a lot of time listening to the Holy Spirit as to when, where and how you would meet the people God would have for you.

This morning when I was having breakfast with Jesus, I was sharing my frustration with feeling pressure to do and be a particular way. Then I had a "novel" idea, what if I just submit my day to Jesus. You know, actually give Him permission to direct my day and to re-plan my agenda.

Almost immediately, the person who I was supposed to meet with called, she said not to come because she was ill. I can't tell you what a relief I felt just not having to do that one thing. Then I made some phone calls that I would have procrastinated making when I was feeling overwhelmed. This resulted in a meaningful conversation with a friend, and scheduling some needed repairs.

I decided to walk into town to pay a bill and give some fliers to one of my students. On the way I read the community bulletin board (like usual). To my surprise there was an obituary of an older lady from the Pentecostal Church that I know well. Guess what! The funeral was today & I had just enough time to walk to the cemetery. Amazing! While there I saw many people I haven't seen in a long time. They were very glad to see me and encouraged me to contact them. And one of the older Sisters in the church was so glad to see me because she needed to ask my forgiveness for treating me badly a year or so ago. God is so good.

So, I started to trek home. By this time I was a bit frozen. The weather had been threatening snow the whole service (I was standing outside the entire time as the place was quite small). During the walk to the center I was debating whether or not I should stop for a drink of something hot before continuing home. At the last minute I thought what the heck why not. I walked in the door to the one and only cafe thinking I'll have to sit alone at the bar. To my surprise a friend was sitting alone in the first booth. How cool is that?!

I'm glad that Jesus is patient with me and He is willing to teach me old lessons again and again.

SNOW!!!!!!

2007-11-06T22:34:00.001+01:00

It's been snowing all day :) I've had that happy anticipation of a snow covered world.

Being where I belong

2007-11-06T12:24:00.000+01:00

Like many pastors my Sunday afternoons and Mondays are a time to chill out. Sometimes I wish I could just go home after church, take my dinner to the living room, and become a couch potato in front of the tube watching the game of the week. Ok, so sometimes I do all of the above except the game. I usually substitute a chick flick or 2. But this week I was adventurous.

First, I started by taking myself to dinner in town at my favorite cafe. Of course I shared my time with my Best Friend. Then I drove to Krakow for some shopping at IKEA. This may not sound like much to you but it was significant for me.

I found myself enjoying the drive, even more so than usual. It is those little quite voices within that speak the truth of our hearts. For me it was that words of delight when I realized that the rain was trying to be snow. The joy I felt for no particular reason. Followed by the amazement when I found myself on a new section of road.

You know you are where you should be when you find yourself in traffic and you still have a smile on your face that reaches to the deepest part of your heart.

Saints or spirits

2007-11-01T19:50:00.001+01:00

Today most of you will be recovering from some form of Halloween celebrations. In an attempt to “clean up” our world we have chosen to embrace the Harvest Party tradition abandoning any connection with the spirit world. In this part of the world (Poland) Halloween has just begun to make its debut. The majority of the time it is only celebrated in school during English language classes.

However, today is a BIG Spiritual holiday of a different kind. It is one of those few days in the year when everything is closed. If you don’t have an orthodox background All Saint’s Day has as much meaning to you as an ipod would for a cave man.

Growing up in the Catholic church I remember going to Mass on All Saint’s Day but for me it was just another one of those days when I had to go to church when my protestant friends didn’t. From the time I was 16 on it marked the anniversary of the 1st time I had ever been stopped by the police. All in all there wasn’t much understanding as to what this day was about.

Here in Poland All Saint’s Day is a very big deal and for many people it is one of their favorite holidays. I’m still learning what the significance of this holiday is for the people whom I know. I think that one of the reasons for its popularity is that the preparation doesn’t include a big fancy meal that has tied the women to the kitchen for days. But it does entail a good grave cleaning and elaborate arrangements of flowers and candles. It is a family time of reflection of ones mortality, Christ’s redemption and honor paid to those “Saints” that have gone before us.

I don’t understand all the theological points of the various practices but I’m impressed by the practice of reflection and remembering all those who make up that great cloud of witnesses that give us hope of what lies ahead for us.

That our spirits will spend Eternal life with Jesus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a

Ooops! Fine print!

2007-10-02T09:01:00.000+02:00

I don't know about you but sometimes I don't pay much attention to the fine print. I know I'm suppose to read every word carefully before signing anything and all of that. Well, I have just experienced the consquences of not reading the fine print.

As you know I broke my leg in February. I had one surgery in Poland in February and then another one in Switzerland in June. Of course after my 2nd surgery I started private physical therapy in Poland. The therapist is great I really made some progress but due to the fact that I didn't have much effective therapy before the 2nd surgery I have a lot of scar tissue that is not breaking down.

So what about the fine print? Well I just recieved my insurance's response to my last claim of physical therapy. According to the fine print of my policy they will only cover 20 physical therapy visits per year. I have already had 30 visits. That means that they will not refund the $327 for the last 10 visits. That is one thing but my foot is still not doint well and the doctor feels that I need to have authorscopic surgery to brake down the scar tissue....followed by intensive physical therapy. Yikes!!!! 10 visits of physical therapy is equivalent to what I pay for all my utility bills.

Lord Jesus I need a miracle!

"Self Supported Missionary"

2007-09-26T07:22:00.000+02:00

The life of the "self supported missionary" is interesting. When I'm at "home" my hats change so often and so quickly that I hardly know who I am: friend, pastor, sister, aunt, administrator, co-worker, salesperson, minister, shopper, etc. I think that some people can handle the lack of routine and order but for me...sometimes I just get lost in the whirlwind of roles.

This trip has been particularly interesting as I don't have a phone and often I don't have access to a phone. It is even more interesting trying to find a pay phone. And the computer phone that I "should" be able to use is having technical difficulties.

What is even more interesting is scheduling meetings? Last time I came to the USA everyone was very communicative and I had practically everything scheduled before I left Poland. But for some reason this time almost everyone has waited until the last minute.

With all that, I would have to say that the Lord has been faithful to keep me relaxed and I have been able to "go with the flow" better than ever.

Today I surprised my brother. We had a good but short chat...he was busy at work (remember I don't have a phone to set up an appointment). So, my plans changed a bit and I did that all important shopping for necessities I can't get in Poland (I always do my shopping in Oregon - no sales tax). Plus I just love it when I can hit a sale. Nowdays not only do I find things I can't get in Poland (clothes that fit me) but they are so much cheaper. This is particularly true as the dollar continues to drop like a stone and the Polish economy continues to equalize with the rest of Europe. Later on I caught up with my brother again at my niece's U12 soccer practice. Last Tuesday at the same time I was at a U12 girls soccer practice in Thousand Oaks. Is this a pattern? What will next Tuesday evening bring? U12 girls soccer practice in Woodinville? After practice I went out to pizza with my brother, my niece and my nephew. It was a short but valuable visit.

I have to say that I really enjoy my time in Oregon. I have many friends here that great encouragment to me spiritually and personally. I don't know I just breathe better here than in California (except of course Thousand Oaks). My friends at the Shepherd's House are an oasis in the desert. Without you I don't know what I would do?

Some might ask: Have you been able to find any more financial support? And now that I have been doing this "fundraising" for more than 11 years all I can say is: Only Jesus knows! Over the years I have had people/churches that have made "commitments" to give. The reality is some do and more don't but those who do and have been supporting me have been very faithful. Above all that Jesus is my provider. He takes care of me. How much more support would I like to have a month? If I had $600 more a month I would be able to feel like I was really able to minister without finances being a burden.

Thanks for all your prayers and your friendship.

What's Ministry? What's Missions?

2007-09-23T01:32:00.000+02:00

There are so many things that we do at "Church" that we call "ministry" or "missions" that I'm not so sure how much of it is really being Jesus and how much is doing "church".

When I look at how Jesus spent the majority of His time it was outside of the "religious building(s)" of that time. He did a lot of eating, talking, laughing (I believe) and just being in the moments of life.

Yet we Christians seem to spend way more time focusing on: singing, worship, prayer, gifts, prophesy, tongues, outreach, evangelism, organization, training, strategies, Biblical knowledge. I'm not saying that any of these things are bad, but I just wonder if we are over focusing on the details and under focusing on the foundations that Jesus showed us. And in the process we have lost the heart of what it means to minister to others.

I'm beginning to learn, see, realize to an even deeper level that it (mission, ministry) is all about who I am. The gifts, talents, and especially the character of Jesus that has transformed me.

All of those "church" things that are what we would consider as essential elements of missions or ministry are only means (tools) by which the character of Jesus can be expressed through a willing servant. However, having coffee with someone, or going for a walk with a person in need or just allowing someone to join me in my everyday life can be a greater means of ministry than any well oiled, publicized, "beautiful" church service.

Life with Jesus - Isn't all about HOW I am able to live in this fallen world in a manner like my Lord?

How I handle conflict with assertive grace.

How I answer the difficult questions of life with wisdom and authority.

How I enjoy the simple pleasure of life, knowing that my Loving Father has created them for my delight and joy.

How I relate to others, younger, older, the same sex, the opposite sex.

How I deal with the ups and downs of life: with respect for others, honor, joy, love, care, and patience.

I'm beginning to see that it doesn't matter so much what I do or even how well necessarily but rather the attitude of my heart when I do it. And if I am able to approach the situation from the foundation of Jesus my Rock.

On The Road

2007-09-19T23:15:00.000+02:00

Traveling!? How exciting! Sometimes it is amazing to me how much traveling I have actually done over the years. It seems just like yesterday when I got my 1st passport. I’m now on #4. I remember seeing machine gun armed military in the Frankfurt airport and Communist boarder crossing requirements. Now it is just an exercise in undressing and redressing and unpacking and repacking.

All that said this trip has start with a new since of peace. There is a peace that comes from allowing God to be God in and through the circumstances of the adventure of the trip. My flight and connections from Poland to San Francisco were easy and smooth. All on time? No! But it was quite a pleasant experience.

Re-entry into the USA is always an experience of culture shock. Everything from road signs to food, cars, parking places, church experiences and shrinking egg McMuffins.

God is so amazing! He has this incredible ability to meet me where I am with exactly what I need when I really need it and it is never in the way I anticipated it would be. I have to admit that I’m just beginning to rediscover the joy of letting God be God in my life. I don’t know why exactly, but I realize that over the last few years I have become a bit of a control freak. Maybe it comes from my behaviorist teaching background or just feeling like the ucky things in life were running over me and those I care about and stealing the very essence of life. The last few trips to the States were no exception. This feeling of needing things to be a certain way led to a lot of disappointment, stress and just plain bad behavior on my part.

I realize more than ever that my disappointed expectations of others are really excuses for my frustrations with myself. My inability to clear express my needs, wants, and desires. Those times when my pride prevents me from asking for help and seeking advise.

Jesus is so faithful when I just let Him be God. I had such a wonderful time with my friends at Mountain View Chinese Christian Church. Jesus arranged for my old friend T.G. to be in town from Tennessee just for me (or at least I felt like it).
I was able to meet new friends at the Coastlands and get reacquainted with old friends. I spent some time with my “girls” as they begin a new adventure with Jesus.

You what!? It really is so much more fun to see God in the unexpected than to try (unsuccessfully) to control life.

Today I start part 2 of my 6 weeks in the USA. LA here I come

A Normal PT Day?

2007-09-11T22:35:00.000+02:00

Today was my last day of Physical Therapy before going to the USA for 6 weeks. There seems to be progress but of course it is not as quick as I would like. My therapist Wojek is a very kind man who is compentent and pleasant to be with. Today like most days he starts with massaging my leg and foot, followed by various forms of "torture", ending with the comic relief of me attempting excersizes I'm not always sure I could before I broke my leg.

But today was a bit different. Wojek wasn't his usual pleasant self. After a few open and caring questions he shared with me the pain in his heart. His relationship with his long time girlfriend of 2 years had come to an end. Please pray for him that God would bring healing and hope. And that I would have the language and sensitivity to share the hope of Jesus into his life.

My therapy days are usually filled with meetings with various friends as well. Today was no exception. Before therapy I got the pleasure of taking to friends to the airport who will be taking care of things here in Poland while I'm gone. It was a great time of encouragement and peace about how Jesus will take care of things.

After therapy I got meet a friend in Krakow city center. It was a wonderful time of encouraging one another. It was such a delight to see someone who is also "GOOD" and to be able to encourage him to continue in those godly ways even those others would try to bring him down.

Then I met a friend I met last fall when I was volunteering at the American School in Krakow. She so enjoys listening to me talk about how to teach. She is so hungry to hear how to improve her teaching, that today she took my resume and letters of recommendation. She will present them to the Director of the Teacher's College she attended in Krakow. It is always uplifting to know that who I am and what I know can be a blessing to others. Because I know that it is all a gift from Jesus.

I wonder what Jesus is doing in Krakow? I wonder what His plans are for Me?

Anniversary

2007-08-27T10:26:00.000+02:00

Today is my 11th anniversary of living in Poland. It is hard to believe that it has been that long. Sometimes the changes that I have seen are difficult to fathom. And now I find myself feeling more at home here than anywhere else. Oh sure, there are times that I get frustrated with various systems and red tape or I have concerns that are unique to here but in the day to day living I'm at home.

PS. If you would like to see a video of our new church facility go to www.foodforfish.blogspot.com Poland Missions or www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogmaA27yOr0.

Doctor's Update

2007-08-25T18:44:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I had an appointment with a doctor in Krakow. He did an ultra sound of my ankle. Let's just say that I'm not pleased with the news. From what I understood there is a significant amount of scar tissue that is not breaking down. And that means....that if physical therapy isn't able to break it down I will have to have another surgery (arthroscopic). I have 19 days before I leave for 7 weeks in the US. I don't know how much progress can be made in that time so I have scheduled 3 PT appointments a week instead of 2 until I leave. Some prayer requests:
1. That the PT would make progress
2. That the stiffness would dissapate
3. That during my time in the US my foot wouldn't get worse.

Lawn mowing ministry

2007-08-19T00:17:00.001+02:00

I live in a condo complex that was completed just after the fall of communism. It is a very nice complex with a much more of a community feel. Normally the condo association takes care of the exerior of the building and the grounds surrounding the building. The new found freedoms of that time showed themeselves in how the families in each condo building choose to deal with the community spaces.

In my building they decided that the communual grass cutting responsibilities should be divided as follows: There are 4 stairwells in my building and each stairwell is responsible to cut the grass in front of their building. Like many such plans they start off great and then over time they fall apart. So, by the time I moved in 7 years ago the grass cutting look something like a bad hair cut. One stairwell would cut "their part" and the other 3 would or wouldn't for who knows how long. Keep in mind that this lawn is a large piece of continuous grass right in front of my building. In the beginning I didn't have a lawn mower so I tried to pretend that it didn't bother me. Then about 3 years ago I couldn't stand it any more and I bought a lawn mower.

This was the beginning of the Lawn Mowing Ministry. For the last 3 years I have been mowing the grass (all of the grass) without saying a word. My original intend was to be a blessing and to deal with my own need to not look like I live in a slum. The 2+ hours of mowing turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought. I found myself grumbling in my head: "Why doesn't anyone show appreciation?" "Why can't they be gratful?" "Why doesn't anyone offer to pay for the gas?" and on and on. Sometimes my thoughts were even worse. On a good day I would catch myself and begin to pray for my neighbors and bless them. But nothing seem to change.

This summer was a particular challenge as at the beginning I was unable to do anything about the grass because of my leg. And the grass grew. And grew. And grew. And no one did anything. Then the bad hair cut lawn mowing technique began to surface again. And I grumbled.

Today I cut the grass and I started off grumbling. Then something amazing happened. One neighbor offered to give me money for gas. Though she didn't have change. I thought Oh, well. But she returned from the store in a little while with 20 zoltys, twice what I would have expected. Then I ran out of gas. I really didn't want to go all the way in the house to get my purse and keys and then drive to the gas station (the closest station is closed for remodeling). So, I decided to ask a different neighbor if he had any gas that I could have to finish the job. He said "Sure!" He gave me the gas, a new pair of gardening gloves and thanked me for cutting the grass (quite unusual). A different neighbor empathized with the large size of the task. Another neighbor came out to sweep the walk and keep me company. Another neighbor commented on how great it look. And probably the most encouraging was a neighbor who seldom says "Hello" (which is very rude in Polish culture) went out of her way to get my attention and say "Hello"

So what did I learn? A few things.
1. That I am continually fighting against my human nature that so easily can grumble and complain.
2. That obedience to the Lord's voice is always the best way to touch others hearts. In this case, simply to serve the people in my building by cutting the grass.
3. That humble service always brings about positive results. Maybe not as quickly as we would like but it does bring results.

Please pray that this service will open doors to the hearts of my neighbors to hear about a personal relationship with Jesus.

Experiencing Jesus’ Care through Adversary

2007-08-17T00:04:00.001+02:00

I have had the unique experience of having surgery in 3 different hospitals in 3 different countries. Anyone who has had surgery of any kind knows the fear and lack of peace that can so easily flood into ones heart. It doesn’t matter the hospital or the country. I don’t think anyone is thrilled to find themselves “under the knife”.
My 1st surgery was more than 20 years ago in Seattle for the repair of a heart defect. At first it was such a shock. Then the reality of having a faulty heart followed by the making the necessary plans to schedule the surgery at the most convenient time made seem like just the next step in the plans of my life.
However the necessary for recovery was particularly important in my relationship with Jesus. He spoke to me that He wanted to heal my spiritual/emotional heart through this experience. It was during the recovery that I learned how much of my identity had been connected to my ability to “DO”. So, my complete dependence on people over those 6 weeks revealed God’s unconditional love and care of me through His church. I was loved because I was.
This last February I fell and broke both bones in my leg just above the ankle. At 1st I was overwhelmed with all kinds of feelings: fear, isolation, regret, abandonment, helplessness. Then the adrenaline kicked in and I just wanted it fixed. Jesus was so faithful to be with me. There were people who could come and help me navigate the Polish health system. I was able to communicate directly with those who treated me in Polish. I was able to experience health care the way my friends do. But through it all Jesus showed me His face as He brought friendly faces to help. Sometimes it was a neighbor, a stranger or an acquaintance. Once He even prepared the water therapy in advance. There were many days that I would wait for hours and then one day I arrived to find the therapist filling the tub with water. When I asked if it was available she said yes. Jesus is faithful.
In June I was invited to Switzerland for a Women’s Retreat. As I was packing I felt prompted to bring my x-rays with me and consult with a doctor in the church there. My thought was that he could explain to me why my recovery seemed to be taking so long. To make a long story short, this doctor was able to arrange for me to have surgery (and not miss the retreat) immediately to remove the screws that had been put in to make my bones heal straight. The care and support I received in Switzerland was a great gift. I felt like I had stayed in a “5 star” hospital. Then I had 4 days of recovery in the home of friends with no expectations or any “shoulds” hanging over my head. Jesus let me just rest and do puzzles. I even had the added bonus of four days of physical therapy with a therapist who spoke English and explained everything I had experienced and what I could expect. He even said I could go skiing this winter.

Jesus is truly my Good Shepherd in whom I can trust completely.

Your Partner in Christ’s Service,

Denise

News Briefs

Health:

Since breaking my leg in February I have had 2 surgeries and I can’t remember how many hours of physical therapy. My leg continues to improve though the mobility is still limited. I have physical therapy 2x a week in Krakow. I’m very gratefully for finding a very competent therapist.

Digging Deeper:

The Winter camp in February went off without a hitch though I was home in bed with my leg in the air. There were between 20-30 people who participated from Poland, the Netherlands, USA, and Romania. It was a great time of deepening relationships with one another and the Lord.

New Church Facility:

In April our church was evicted from our meeting place. The Lord laid on my heart that we needed to pray for a place that was at least 2x the square meters at half the price per square meter (22sqmeters @ 33 zloty/meter). Everyone was sure I had lost my mind as the place we had been in was a “steal” of a deal. To make a long story short…God did a miracle. We found a place that is 100 sq meters @ 15 zloty/sq meter. Of course this is quite a step of faith for this little fellowship but God is faithful. The middle of August we had a grand opening with friends from Switzerland and USA.

Uturn France:

Once again I took a group of young people to the Foursquare Europe Youth conference. It was a very special group. All of them have completed their Master’s degrees and are on their way to establish themselves as adults. It took us 2 days to get to & from the camp in the French Alp region. It was a great opportunity to build relationships (especially during those moments of confusion while lost in a foreign city). The group really deepened their relationships with one another and the Lord while getting connected with other believing young people in Europe.

Sabina:

Many of you have had the opportunity to meet Sabina either here in Poland or while she has been traveling with me or Carol in the States. She has grown so much in her relationship with the Lord. She has decided that it is a good time for her to really concentrate on her relationship with Jesus and participate in a church internship in California. She has been accepted but she needs to raise $3600 in the next 3 weeks. Please pray for God’s provision. If you would like to help financially let me know.

Visiting the USA:

I will be traveling to the US between September 13, 2007 – October 25, 2007; for the purpose of spending time with you. I will be in CA 9/13-21 and in OR 9/21- 10/1 and 10/1-25 in Seattle. If you have time to get together please contact me so that we can schedule time. I have a special gift. An Experienced Missionary couple will come and stay in my home and take care of my church during my furlough.

Current Financial & Other Needs:

I will need a cell phone for the time I’m in the US as well as a car, particularly while in the Seattle/Portland areas. I was unable to make this trip in March as planned; the result is ticket costs of an additional $400. I will also need about $400 for the plan travel between states.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and support, Denise

Contact Information
Denise C. Johnson
Os. Witosa 4/8, 34-400 Nowy Targ, POLAND
Phone: 48-18-2665899
Email:
denisecjohnson@hotmail.com
http://www.journeyofheart.blogspot.com/

Financial Information Contributions:
Denise Johnson

c/o Mission Dispatch, Inc. 21911 76th Ave W., Suite 211Edmonds, WA 98026

Change in procedures: Please make your financial contributions to Mission Dispatch.

Please attach a note with my full name: Denise Johnson.

What's Up Doc?

2007-05-01T23:43:00.001+02:00

After nearly 3 months of bed rest I'm UP on my feet more than not. Being mobile has made mental capacity much more functional as well. What happened you may ask? Well, I slipped on some ice outside my front door, fell, and broke both bones just above my left ankle. I had the opportunity to spent Valentine's Day having surgery. Now things are looking up. I can drive with minimal pain. Sometimes I can even walk without crutches. It is the little things in life that can bring the greatest joy.

During my laying around time we had the Uturn snow camp in Zakopane. Some 20 people attended. The theme was "Digging Deeper" - in relationships with Jesus and each other. We had guests from Holland, USA, Taiwan and Romania. It was a very flexible camp with lots of time to spend together, getting to know one another.

The end of March a started a new job. I'm substitute teaching an English class at the local College. It is an opportunity to have a new circle of influence here in Nowy Targ. I've enjoyed it so far. It's just until the end of June.

April 30th marked the end of an era for Drzewo Zycia (Tree of Life) church in Zakopane. We were evicted from our "comfortable" little room. But there is a new excitement in the air, an anticipation of what God is going to do next.

On April 30th God provided a Miracle of a new place for 1/2 the price per meter square and it 100 square meters instead of 22. The location is GREAT! Everyone said that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to find anything as good as we had. But Jesus is so wonderful and amazing that he gave us a place that is bigger and better for a better price. It will still be a big step of faith as the total cost will be 2x what we have been paying. But Jesus provided the space he will see it through. I'm so looking forward to what Jesus wants us to do with this place.

Denise's News from Poland

2006-12-30T20:59:00.000+01:00

Change: A Life of Dependence On Jesus
Fall/Winter 2006

Now that I am definitely middle aged, Yikes! Erroneously I had believed that there would be some stability, even a bit of monotony or at the very least a regular routine. May be there was a bit of the Hollywood fairy tale image influencing my thinking. You know that peaceful life found after you have found your knight in shining armor and you have ridden off into the sunset. Although I am aware that those images are not the reality I think that somewhere in my subconscious I hoped that some of it would be true.

With the amount of change and loss I have experienced in the last few years one would think I would be at peace with change. I don’t know that it is really possible to be at peace with change but I’m confident that as I rest in Jesus his peace encircles me and my world. I wish I were better at this practice then there would be more of his love manifested in me and less frustration. I am so grateful that Jesus walks with me every step.

The Church in Zakopane is also learning what it means to be dependent on Jesus through change. We have had the opportunity to be a “sending church”. This is a particular challenge in a society that has lost a great deal and the culture is one of holding on and not releasing. In our short life we have had the chance to let 2 young people go … to attend other fellowships, and last month we sent one of young people back to CA for a 2nd year of internship. It is difficult to explain how hard it was for many people to understand that we need to have hearts and hands that are truly OPEN, that our love is without condition or strings of any kind.

Now we are starting new once again with a handful of individuals. Yet, I have a new excitement that they growing in what it means to follow Jesus voice for themselves. That each person is called to fulfill their own personal assignments that Jesus has prepared in advance for them to do. When each one of us are doing what God has called us to do with a common love and service for one another the kingdom is expanded.

There is a deep sense that this is a time to really prepare and release to individuals in the church in their giftings. A new urgency is challenging me to equip each person as Lord would desire to expand my connections and relationships in Krakow. Please pray that the people of the church in Zakopane/Nowy Targ would see this as a great adventure in their relationship with Jesus. That they would grow in expectation and anticipation of what God would do in and through them individually and together.

February 19-25, 2007 we will be inviting people from our extended church family to come and join us in “Digging Deeper”. Deeper in our relationship with Jesus and our relationships with one another. It is out of those Deeper relationships that we will go out in the power of the Holy Spirit to Share the Love of Jesus. Such times of fellowship are so important for the Christians here because of the isolation that is felt by the spiritual climate found here. If you feel that God would want you to be a part of this time of worship, fellowship, skiing, sledding and passionately loving the lost in our world, please let me know ASAP. Please pray for God’s provision and blessing. May each person be encouraged and challenged in their relationship and ministry.

News Briefs
Contact Information

Friendship Ministries: The end of an era. You may have noticed that the place where you can your financial support has changed. I founded Friendship Ministries 18 years ago. At that time the world was a very different place. Through these last 10 years that I have been in Poland the Lord has provided 5 faithful servants that have been the board. These wonderful men & women of God have stood by me in prayer, service, advice, and friendship. I am confident that I never would have been able to persevere. However, at this time they have come to the end of their service. Due to the reality that I have no other individuals sensing the calling of God for this ministry we will be closing Friendship Ministries as of December 31, 2006. Please pray with me for a special blessing on the Board of Friendship Ministries: Bill & Marian van Baggen, Loretta Wallace and Tina-Joy Kinard. Thank you is just the beginning of my gratitude.

Change in procedures: Please make your financial contributions to Mission Dispatch. Please attach a note with my full name: Denise Johnson. And mail it to the below address.

Denise Johnson

c/o Mission Dispatch, Inc.

21911 76th Ave W., Suite 211

Edmonds, WA 98026

Remodel: The remodel the beginning of May (see my blog for pictures). It seemed to go on forever in fact my main bath is not fully functional. You know how it is when you run out of time and money. However, I have heat! I can turn it on and off as I wish as well as control the temperature. Soon I will even have a thermostat. Then I will look into painting the living room.

The best part about the remodel is that it opened up opportunities to get connected with the neighbors. It was as if the remodel was a common enemy that united us to work together to conquer this “invader”. I was invited for coffee, tea, beer and vodka (the last 2 were my least favorite) at various neighbors to discuss the various methods used to handle the situation. As a result of these interactions I have started an English Conversation Class for adult neighbors and friends. I haven’t had so much fun teaching English ever. It provides an opportunity for me to build relationships with those individuals in my immediate circle of influence. It is a relax atmosphere where about 10 ladies come once a week to try their hand at speaking English. Those individuals that actually complete 4 lessons are entitled to a “free” individual lesson valued at 45 zloty ($15). The individual times gives me a chance to actually talk to each woman & to answer the “Big” question: “Why are you in Poland?” Please pray for more opportunities to show the life of Jesus to these women.

Visiting the USA: I will be traveling to the US between February 28, 2007 – March 26, 2007 for the purpose of spending time with you. I will spend the 1st week in CA and the following 3 weeks will be divided as follows 1 week in OR and 2 weeks in Seattle. If you have time to get together please contact me so that we can schedule time.

Current Financial Needs: I thank the Lord daily and am amazed at how he finances things. Even though I am responsible for all the bills that were once shared somehow I have been able to meet my financial responsibilities monthly. This school year is a particular step of faith as I am no longer working at the private English School as it was really taking away from my ministry time and draining my passion. I am trusting Jesus for the necessary funds for the visit to the US. It will cost about $1200 for airfare and travel expenses. Please pray for the protection over the money I do have: somehow over the past 6 months around $1000 has sprouted legs and walked away. I know that Jesus will deal with the individual(s) as those funds were all set aside for specific bills or ministry. I also need about $1700 to finish the remodel. I have a wish/desire to good to the 4square conference in Israel in July 2006 (approx $1700). It is an important time of fellowship for me. Thanks so much for standing with me for the Lord’s faithful provision.

Your Partner in Christ’s Service,
Denise

Contact Information
Denise C. Johnson
Os. Witosa 4/8, 34-400 Nowy Targ, POLAND
Phone: 48-18-2665899
Email:
denisecjohnson@hotmail.com
www.journeyofheart.blogspot.com

Expectations: Joys and Disappointments

2006-10-12T19:34:00.000+02:00

I don’t know about you but I have discovered something about myself. I’ve discovered that I have many expectations of people, life, even God that are deeply rooted in my needs. Some may say what’s wrong with that? At first glance I think we would all say “Nothing, it’s normal.” But over the past few months I have noticed that I have been being disappointed, as it seems, over and over again. I’m not talking about those types of disappointments that you just brush off, rather those deep disappointments that are filled with great pain.

For me, life began to run away. It began with the thought/plan that I would have a bit of a sabbatical, but instead I had extra work and responsibilities. Then there was the information that the heat conversation would definitely take place in May & the gas would be connected in 2 weeks. The longest 2 weeks I've ever experienced, it that ended last Saturday four months after the first time I heard "2 weeks". It certainly gives a new meaning to "2 week notice". The remodel continued and continued and continued (and still isn’t finished) so that my 2 week vacation in the middle of June was moved and moved and moved.

Deep inside me I knew how tired I was and there was such a cry/need for rest. A rest that seemed to be so evasive. Then when I did finally get vacation it was a week and a half in Switzerland. I was so looking forward to spending time with my friends. A time to be with people I know and trust. To be able to just relax and not “work” at scheduling my time, not work at starting new relationships, not work at communicating with unknown people but to just be. Well, due to the on-going remodel by the time I was able to get on the plane to Bern 90% of the people I knew and am in relationship with were gone on vacation.

The disappointment that came from those shattered expectations is hard to describe. The feelings of loneliness, and isolation that I had been fighting all winter seemed to be lurking around every corner and growing. Each day I had to will myself to make contact and find ways to make new friends. All the while inside of me was this struggle with the injustice of it all. Or at least that is what it seemed like to me. In the end It was a good week for me, I did meet and get to know a lot of wonderful people that I probably wouldn’t have spent time with.

It wasn’t until later when I was really able to hear what God was trying to say to me that I really understood. There was so much in me that was broken and needing Jesus that I became desperate for anyone or anything to “HELP” me, to SEE me, to not leave me alone with myself. All the while Jesus was calling to me to be like David. To learn to sit with My Savior and Friend Jesus in the field of sheep. Jesus was challenging me to embrace solitude. Because in the quiet place my expectations/hopes are based on what My King has prepared for me not on my broken heart. For as I sit with My Lord I begin to see his hand in the circumstances of life. It is at that point that I can say with my whole heart …

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given.” Romans 5:5

10 Years – Time Does Fly!

2006-08-26T15:18:00.000+02:00

From Seattle/Kirkland USA to Nowy Targ/Zakopane POLAND

Tomorrow, Sunday 27 August 2006 marks 10 years of living and serving the Lord full time in Poland. Who would have thought?

When we, Carol, CJ (Carol’s cat), Me, Jesse (my cat), left Seattle with our 4 bags packed to the maximum limit (75 pounds each), who would have thought that our 2-3 years maximum 5 would quickly become 10.

During that time there has been many seasons. Each of which is a chapter all in itself. Of course just like any in any life those chapters have their joys, tears, hopes and fears. But through it all Jesus was/is/ and always will be the Rock and Firm Foundation.

Let me just recap for you some of those seasons:

The 1st chapter started with the basics, finding a place to live. Some of you might remember that this was no easy task. It was truly an adventure! The 4 of us living with all our “worldly” belongings in one room the size of a normal bedroom for 5 weeks. The whole time CJ & Jesse were wondering what happened to their “little condo in the woods”. At the same time we were looking for English teaching jobs so that we could secure a long term visa.
God is so faithful as we had the privilege of working for a woman who helped get established and has proven to be an easy boss to work for with the changing schedules and needs of the ministry.

The 1st chapter of ministry was a time of supporting and encouraging the local Penacostal Church. There were English lessons that were an outreach to the community, video nights with discussions for young people, together with fellowship times that were fun and encouraging. We also had wonderful times of fun and fellowship with the women on retreats and “Girl’s Nights Out”.

Chapter 2 was a season of encouraging various churches outside of Nowy Targ through workshops, fellowship, and times of friendship. This was a time of lots of local travel and challenges of what God would want to share with each fellowship. It was during that time that a group of young people from Jaworzno (2 hours away) were really desiring to move forward with Jesus. We met every 2 weeks to go through the Experiencing God Bible Study. It was a challenging time for us all and a real commitment for them.

Chapter 3 teaching at the English Teacher’s College in Zakopane overlap a bit with 1 and 2 but was a significant time of personal challenge and growth for me. These 5 years in the middle of this decade gave me a unique opportunity to challenge young people to find God’s best for their lives. To proclaim the truth of God’s good future that He has planned for them even if the world around is deprive and unfair.

Chapter 4: planting a church in Zakopane. The church is now 3 years old. There is a core group of growing believers. Everyday it is exciting to see how they are gaining hope and confidence in their individual walk with Jesus. The most exciting statistic for me is not how many we see every Sunday but how many have come tasted how sweet the Lord is. They have been encouraged, blessed, prayed for and they have been set free to choose.

Who knows what all the Lord has done in and through the time I have been here? Who knows what is ahead? How much longer will I be here? There is only One person who can answer all these questions: JESUS

Chapter 5: Housing? Well, I purchased the condo that Carol & shared together. Now, the remodel is almost finished. Visa? I have a permanent visa that is valid until January 2015. Pets? Both Jesse & CJ have gone on to cat heaven with special honors for missionary service. Now, Pepsi the Polish Princess rules the kingdom.

Work? Soon I will start work for the American International School in Krakow as a school counselor consultant one day a week. This will give me more time and flexibility for the ministry & at the same time a new, fresh group of people to be in contact with. Will it be financially better? I will be employed as a consultant so what the means in Zloty and grosze only the Master knows.

Ministry? The church will continue in Zakopane. It will be a season to empower the core group to cease the opportunities God has put before them. This will include helping the young men to establish a Hotspot café and culture center. It will be a time for helping the older women to reach their peer group for Jesus. For me personally it will be a time to reach out to people in my age group primarily my female neighbors and the mothers of some of the young people I have been ministering to. I also sense that it will be critical that there are more opportunities for the young people to meet their Christian friends from abroad. I’m not sure how the Lord will do that but you are invited to be a part of the solution.

Jesus is so faithful! I am so grateful for the privilege of serving here 20 years and being the person God has chosen to live among the people now for 10 years. I pray that I can be a good reflection of Him daily.

My prayer for the day comes from Philippians chapter 2:

Lord, let me be one who does everything with praise and thanksgiving so that I may become a blameless and pure child of Yours without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which I will shine like a star in the universe as I hold out Your Word of Life.

Thank You

2006-08-12T01:25:00.000+02:00

I just wanted to thank all of you who have been praying for me during this remodel. It has truly been a challenge far beyond anything I could have anticipated. Tomorrow they will check the gas connection. I continue to work on some of the details each day...Attaching molding, cutting the molding for around the new doors, putting in door jams. Little by little the apartment is being put back together.

Along with the lose ends comes the final bills. Like many of you, I have been curious about what all of this would cost. Pre-work bids aren't really done here so it has been quite the stretch of faith. Praise God that labor costs are usually lower than in the US or Western Europe.

So, How much has it cost?
Building supplies: $750
Heat conversion: $4450
Materials for redoing the Bath: $1900
Paint: $670
Doors: $370
miss Labor: $1400
Total Cost to date: $9540

Some of you may be wondering where this missionary "found" that kind of money. The Lord has blessed me with a few stocks that I had been saving for retirement. If you would like to help replenish my retirement fund the donation info is on this page.

The Lord has been so faithful through your prayers and giving. I have been able to meet all my financial obligations in a timely manner, even during the summer months when I have no money for teaching. This has a particular challenge to really trust the Lord during this time of huge financial expenses.

I am always amazed that the church in Zakopane is able to pay the rent every month, as well. We have been in the space in Zakopane over 2 years now. Our little space costs a reasonable (for the area) $270 a month including utilities. The Lord faithfully blesses this handful of retires & students to maintain this facility. How? Only Jesus can explain how the fish and loaves can feed 5000.

Thanks to your faithfulness and prayers.
Denise

Words for the Day

2006-06-26T17:28:00.000+02:00

DUST
Spackle
DUST
DUST
Spackle
DUST
Paint
DUST
Tiles
DUST
Oops
Door's going the wrong way
Oops
Forgot the hings
Oops too much foam filler
Oh we need one more....
DUST
Confused cat
Runaway cat
DUST
More paint
Paint in the hair
Paint in the ears
Paint on the cat

But progress is being made!!!!!

And here we come UTURN 2006 in Germany

“Jaws” Revisited

2006-06-07T17:32:00.000+02:00

Dundant! Dundant! Dundant! Dundant! Dundant!

That familiar theme song of the eminent attack of the giant shark Jaws has been running through my head for the last few weeks. Not because I live close to the sea, far from it actually.

About a year and a half ago news made it’s way through the grapevine that all of the houses and apartments in my complex were going to change their heating source. But like most such pieces of info the locals take it with a grain of salt and wait to see if it really happens.

As time has past the info has gone from a mirage to promise to a threat and a “real and present danger” to the reality of the ever approaching Jaws of destruction. The last few weeks have seen the fruit of it all. It started in the bottom apartment in my stairwell and worked its way up the stairs and finally into my apartment.

You may be wondering what this all means? Well, for me it means that in every room the radiators have been replaced, the main bathroom is in the process of being gutted, and new pipes from the new heating system to the radiators in every room has been installed. And lots and lots of dust not to mention the DUST.

The monetary cost is still being tallied but somewhere between $3000-$5000.

But don’t we know that in ALL things God works for our good. This heat conversion is not optional. If I didn’t do this conversion come September there would be no heat as the contract for the central heating from the plant has been canceled by the whole neighborhood. The upside is that my heat costs should be lower as a result. I will also have the option of having heat in the Spring and Summer when the plant usually doesn’t heat. This will also be a reduction of costs as I won’t have to use space heaters. And the new heat system will also heat my water. This is also a great bonus; as my hot water tank is on its last leg and not very efficient. Finally, it provides the opportunity to remodel the bathroom which is the only room in the apartment that has never been touched. This means I can finally put in a proper high voltage cable to the oven so I won’t keep popping the fuse.

I know that He will provide the funds needed for the repair.

Yet, what is God doing in the mist of all this chaos and dust? Believe it or not…it has been the open door to the neighbors that I could never have anticipated. I have been invited to socialize with 3 different neighbors and I have been in the homes of all the neighbors in my stairwell. Who would have thought? Praise God for “Jaws” of all different sizes and shapes.

(Pictures to come)

Road to Recovery

2006-05-28T14:51:00.000+02:00

In a time when many people are talking about recovery of one sort or another, whether its recovery from drugs, alcohol, divorce, abuse, overeating, under-eating or even just plain recovery from life itself, many seasoned church goes need recovery from their church involvement. Those of us who have walked with Jesus a long time often find ourselves so consumed with “church life” we have lost sight of our True Love. I think for me, I have gotten used to adjusting to the expectations of what others have defined it means to be part of God’s Body.

In essence, we need to “recover” the original DNA of our first encounter with the Greatest Love of our life, Jesus.

I know for myself my heart and soul have been ravaged by “doing good” & “serving”. The heart wrenching disappointments of investing my heart, soul, & life into people who in an instead turn & reject me & the Lord I serve.

The weariness that comes from too much to do, too little time, & being too tired and overwhelm to do anything topped by guilt that rolls in light thick grey smoke across the floor, filling the room & over taking your joy.

In it & through it all there is a cry deep pulling me to “Return”. Often not know to what exactly. Just to Return.

Where? To What? Why? How?

“You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first…” Revelations 2:5

For a long time I knew & recognized where I had fallen from but why & how I really didn’t know or understand. I had “done” everything that was “asked” &/or expected of me & often more but I seemed to be lover than ever.

I found myself looking for “someone”…”anyone” to “help” me. My heart was crying out; “Don’t you see me? Doesn’t anyone see the needs?” My thoughts, attitude & emotions went from disbelief, to shock, anger, blame, & resentment. But repentance never crossed my mind – Why? I WAS doing God’s STUFF…wasn’t I?

“Repent”: Recently I realized that I needed to repent for putting the STUFF between me my truest love…Jesus.

“Do the things you did at first”
What things?
I’m going to church. I’m serving. I’m tithing. What things?

What did I do at first?

A truly repentant heart
Everything I did was motivated and empowered by the Love I experienced from Jesus.
The reading of God’s Word with daily anticipation of a visit of His visit
There is nothing like the thrill of meeting with friends who also were waiting daily for & experiencing the adventure of God’s greatness.

Everyday is adventure of the Lord’s daily guidance, provision, and leading; every change and difficulty an opportunity to see My God work.

Lord thank for your patience with me and my journey.
Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus

Ingemar Martinson

2006-05-24T01:28:00.000+02:00

A Great Man of God
A Trusted Friend
A Faithful Servant
A Visionary
A Master Mentor
A Loving Spiritual Father

Last night I was shock to learn that Ingemar went home to his heavenly reward on March 10, 2006. I say shocked because for me Ingemar was someone who was some how more than human, which meant that somewhere in the depths of my mind it was impossible for him to not be around. Though I hadn’t spoken to him in years I always knew he was behind me and would be there if I needed a hand or advise.

For those of you who don’t know, Ingemar was the one who showed me how to work in Central and Eastern Europe when it meant crossing the Iron Curtain. I did a 3 month internship at the Solasen Training Center, under his leadership the summer of 1987. This was a difficult time for me because I had just been released from staff position at my home church. I had no career (I had resigned my teaching position a year earlier), no job, my apparent attempt at full-time ministry didn’t work out, and I was really beginning to question if I had any value in God’s work. Yet, I knew I had a call to Central/Eastern Europe but how? I really believed I was to build relationships with the believers. I had no idea what to do or where to begin.

Though Ingemar had only met me once he agreed to take me on for the summer at his training center. I was quite broken and confused when I arrived at the training center in Kolmarden Sweden. Yet I found myself accepted into a loving family at Solasen. I was content to serve in anyway possible. I enjoyed being able to pour myself into the manual work of clean bathrooms, peeling potatoes, cleaning guest rooms, setting tables & doing dishes. Actually, I preferred to hide in my work but that was not acceptable. They wanted me to be in relationship with them…to be a part of the family. They made me stop my work everyday and have coffee with them. Ingemar included me. from the very beginning, in the planning and organized of the activities. Like I said I would have been very satisfied to just do my “household” duties all the time but soon after I arrived Ingemar sent me as the Solasen representative with a group of Americans to Poland. I was responsible for the group: the contacts, money, everything. I really questioned his judgment …but he believed in me. During that summer he tutored me, directed and guided me but more importantly he encouraged the call on my life like a father. The Lord sent Ingemar to be the spiritual father to me that my own father could not be.

At the end of the summer we reevaluated my situation and our relationship. We were all pleased with our new friendship and how well we were able to work together. Though I desired to come back and Ingemar was open to that he encouraged me to start an extension of the work in the US. Thus, Friendship Ministries was born. In the early years we both travel back and forth a lot. I was learning all the time and he was teaching, encouraging, supporting, challenging. To say that I am a full-time missionary in Poland as a result of his mentoring would be an understatement.

Ingemar was a man a head of his time, who develop a Sister Church program with East/West Churches partnering together. He was often criticized by other mission leaders as to the wisdom (or lack there of) and risks of being groups of westerners into Communist countries to visit Christians. He was undaunted in his passion to keep our Eastern brothers & sisters in Christ connected to the great Body of Christ. Though the “Iron Curtain” has been gone for quite sometime now the impact of Ingemar’s vision on the lives of individuals on both sides will be felt for generations to come. I pray that that same heart and passion will always be at the very core of my ministry.

Thank You Ingemar!
Well Done Faithful Servant!

I will always be grateful for the investment you made in my life.