We're baaaack!

Dear Friends,

The Timberwood Mission Poland team has made it back to Minnesota. Actually, we flew back in Tuesday night, but we've been recuperating and making the transition back to daily life; so this post is a few days delayed.

Our trip was amazing. Wonderful. Miraculous. Powerful. Life-changing. You name it. We were in awe of God's Wonder and the ever-mighty power of prayer. Many who went on this trip had expectations of helping change the lives of a few Polish youth. Little did we realize how much it would also change our own lives.

Thank you, again and again, for your support - whether financial, in prayer, or both. We honestly could not have done this without you. We made awesome connections and hope to stay in touch with many of our new Polish friends to continue encouraging and supporting their new journey in Christ.

If you are physically able, we invite you to attend any one of our three services here at Timberwood on Sunday, August 19th. Our team will share some of our experiences, as well as a special presentation during the second and third service in Room 109.

If you are willing, we'd ask for your continued prayers for the people of Poland; for the youth who have already dedicated their lives to Christ, or for the ones who aren't quite sure but had a glimpse of the "good life" last week at camp. They will be forever in our hearts.

With love and thanks,
The Timberwood Mission Poland Team 2012

Coming Home

It's hard to believe, but this is our last night in Poland. We have spent the day in Krakow debriefing with the Josiah Venture team, then did some souvenir shopping, dinner, and took in the evening lights of the Krakow square. Breathtaking.

That same word also seems to sum up our adventure here in Poland. Over the last two weeks, we have undoubtedly witnessed the Grace, Love and Mighty Power of our Lord. This has been a time of tremendous spiritual growth for so many of us. While this trip may be ending, our journey has just begun.

Thank you, many times over, for your support of our mission work in Poland. We look forward to sharing some of the stories that exemplify the Glory of God working in the lives of our team and the youth of Poland. We have truly been blessed to have been a part of this team; and for that, we are eternally grateful.

All our love,
Abby, Amanda, Angela, Claire, David, Grace, Jenny, Joy, Rick, Ryan, Sarah and Tim

An emotional day

I started this blog earlier in the day going one particular direction, but after the events of this evening - I knew I had to take a different approach. 

Our day started out much too early, following an exhausting day yesterday. Many of us were short on energy following a train ride, a hike in the mountains, worship time and swimming. We also noticed our campers were also feeling a bit sluggish during English lessons today. But relationships continue to be made daily. Many of our team have had deep conversations with some of the Polish youth regarding their faith and beliefs. This has been exciting to see walls being torn down, brick by brick. 

Praise God for giving us the right words to say in these situations. And thanks be to the translators who have helped break down language barriers. 

We have also witnessed great growth in one another. God has helped some of us come out of our shells to be 'uncomfortable' and to be a vessel for God. It is heartwarming to see the younger male campers look up to the men on our team. Or to see our teens making connections and lasting friendships with other teen girls from Poland. 

Today, students were encouraged to participate in a labyrinth of sorts. They would go, individually, station by station, to examine themselves and their relationship with God. It was heartbreaking to discover some of their stories. Young children coming from broken homes. Young children who are the sole believer in their family. Young children who feel they are not worthy of God's Mercy and Grace. It was our job to convince them that they are indeed worthy and loved more than they could ever imagine. 

We gathered afterward, the Timberwood team and our Polish youth group friends, to debrief. It was an emotional experience, sharing stories and praying together. The Holy Spirit was working through each and every one of us. 

Tomorrow is our last day of English lessons; however, camp runs through Saturday. We ask for your prayers for many on our team who are feeling rundown. We recognize Satan will do everything in his power to keep us from spreading the Word of God. Pray that we stay strong end healthy until the very end. We have done big things and we're not about to stop now. 

We also pray for every single child, regardless of nationality, that they will come to know the love and compassion of their Savior and that they are more than worthy.