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.

It's snowing again!

The Road of Life

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

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

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!!!!!!

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

Being where I belong

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

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!

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"

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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.