Next Generation

Lead Fala your way, Michal. 

 

With words from I Chronicles of "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do", Ray Ban sunglasses, and 60 guests at a special celebration dinner, Greg commissioned Michal as he took the leadership of Fala (Josiah Venture's partner organization in Poland). "You can trade those Ray Ban's for any style, color, or brand you want Michal. And just like that, lead Fala your way." 

The whole evening was joyful, serious, and definately worth celebrating, because our desire is to step aside when there are capable and willing Polish leaders to take over. We celebrated and reflected the first 9 years of Fala's ministry under Greg's leadership and then Michal shared his own story as a 14 year old youth who was lost before hearing the Good News of Jesus. "It's for all those lost Michals that haven't heard the good news of Jesus".

Among the guests, were many dear Polish friends, co-workers and fellow Josiah Venture missionaries. I invite you to read two other experiences from the evening: my favorite night as a JV missionary written by our dear friend Aleisha Stephens, and the second Indigenous Empowerment written by lifelong friend Connie Patty. Dave Patty is the President & Founder of Josiah Venture and he also commissioned Michal on this special night.

Greg and I are still a part of Josiah Venture Poland and Fala (the name of JVPoland for Poland's national organization). We continue to serve in JV and Greg in Fala leadership and we will direct our focus to another ministry of Fala. It's called Advance and it is concerned with church planting. Over 16+ years of working with young leaders, the oldest of them are now in their 30s and are serving the church as pastors, elders, and lay ministers. A new generation is filing the Polish church and there's alot to do. We are coming alongside them and assisting them. One of the ways we are serving them is through what we call Gospel Communities on Mission. So under the blessing of our Polish church, we are concentrating in our new neighborhood with the intention and hope of planting a church.

To God be all Praise.

Greater Than English Camp

We are rejoicing that 10 students made decisions to know more about the Bible or to have a personal relationship with Jesus after this year's evangelistic English camp "Greater Than"! Celebrate with us! I am especially excited to know that 3 boys who have continued to attend our ACM (After Camp Meeting), a once a month meeting since last summer's camp, each made a significant decision in their lives.

This summer's camp changed many lives, ours included. We had the privilege of having 3 Josiah Venture Summer Interns live with our family and serve in our local church youth group. Our nephew spent the summer with us as well. It was so refreshing to have eager persons desire connection with Polish youth. You can read more about them in my Summer Family post.

Maciek and Kasia attended camp last year.

Some of our teachers from Foothills Bible Church and Stuttgart, Germany.

I LOVE this picture and Patryk and Bekah!

Both Kelsey and Jillian assisted teaching English classes this year, serving as translators. Below is the class Kelsey helped in.

Several evenings we had theme nights. Here Billy has become a very serious commanding officer for Military Night.

Not so serious!

Olympics night since our camp took place during the 2012 Olympic Games.  

Circus night - Awesome right?

A day in town and a few Flash Mob dances!

Evening program fun for everyone. 

I love this shot taken during one of the "Fear Factor" events during our evening program.

Students attended English classes in the mornings and in the afternoon we had games/sports and creative workshops. Each evening the story of the Prodigal Son was unfolded, talking about topics such as The Good Life, Freedom, Chaos, Hope, Rules and Expectations, and a life that is Greater than Great. Personal testimonies were shared as well. Here is our friend Estera sharing her testimony. Many students commented later that her story gave them something to think about.

Finally a picture of our music leader, Greg. So you know our whole family served at camp this year! How about you come and serve along with us next summer?

Hot Summer Days at H2O

Take a look at these kids!!! Two groups of orphans are having the time of their lives at H2O this week.

Answer to prayer! We received the needed funds to purchase two of these outside tents. They were assembled today.

And about a 30 minute drive away our JV summer interns are midway through their first camp of the summer. More to come! 

"Your on. Let's go."

This weekend marks 15 years since we left the USA and moved to Poland. 

After nearly 2 years of support raising and weeks of saying goodbye, we were joined by 30 people as we waited to board our flight out of the country. We had just celebrated our second wedding anniversary too.

Were you there 15 years ago?

 

If you were, you may have remembered the drama involved with departure. We had received flight vouches to fly standby. As we waited at the gate with these loving friends and family, we didn't know until the last minute if there was room for us. So as we were watching and waiting, talking, hugging, laughing, watching, waiting...all of a sudden the flight attendant said, "OK. Your on. Let's go."

Quickly rushing through last hugs we walk through the door, down the tunnel to the door of the plane. As we arrive at the plane's entrance, another flight attendant comes out telling us to wait just a second. Then, a second later tells us there is no room for us!! She then proceeds to shut the door to the airplane. Oh no! As we walk back through the jetway back to the gate, we beg the airline attendant to allow us to stand behind the door for 15 minutes until all our friends leave. She smiled, and as she explained that it's not possible, cheering and clapping erupted as the plane pulled away. This abruptly was replaced with groans of disappointment as we emerged from the door back into the the gate area!

What love!! Fortunately we were able to board the next flight and had a quiet time with my sister and her family as everyone else returned home.

We then had a layover in Chicago with dear friends, Harrelsons and Inslees! Thanks for coming and hanging out with us!

 

Finally de-boarding in Frankfurt, Germany, the first person we see? Dick Patty, ready with luggage cart! We went through to baggage claim and were met by our Josiah Venture team leaders, Dan & Laura Hash, as well as Cadence International missionaries, Dick & Margaret Patty, Billy Brand, and Paul & Stacy Cassidy.

After a few hours in Germany, we loaded up the Hashes car and began a long drive through Czech Republic on towards Poland. We arrived mid-early morning to Dave & Connie Patty's home and slept for a few hours before driving the last 2 hours to the Hashes home in Poland.

I remember my first eager look at Poland after we crossed the border. It looked similar to this:

My first time ever to see Poland was the day I moved here!!  God has done so much here in Poland and the country has change alot too. But that's for another post!

Collision EC 2011

Collision English Camp has begun in our home town, Bielsko Biala. We have a total of 80 attending and camp is full of energy and excitement. In addition to the middle school and high school students we have 3 other groups of leaders. Our home church from Colorado, Foothills Bible Church, our Josiah Venture Poland summer intern team, and our local church here in town who is hosting the camp.

Here are pictures from the first 2 days to give you a taste. You can also follow The Blairs blog; they are the Josiah Venture Intern Team leaders for Poland.

Ice Breaker Games

Discussion Group

Paint guns and BB guns workshop!! Lots of girls signed up!

Cowboy Night!

Here we all are!

Dawid (David) is the Polish Camp Director and doing a great job. 

Learning a new dance. It was a BIG hit. So much fun! 

English Classes!