Sunday in Poland from Kristine Kottke!

Sunday in the #PL2K16

Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115: 1.  It is our fifth full day in Poland, our third full day in Skoczów and our second day of English Camp.   To say we are overwhelmed by the glory of God in this place would be an understatement.  This morning we were graciously given additional free time in the morning so that we might enjoy extra sleep, get in a longer run, have a more leisurely breakfast or catch up on devotional reading and time with God.  With all the buildup to camp, we have had many late nights of preparation followed by restless sleep due to jet-lag, lightening storms, animated late-night conversations outside our windows, overzealous dogs barking early morning wake-up calls and beautiful birds chirping melodious songs that could only be gifts from God. 

This morning we attended church with our Polish friends and we were graciously welcomed in and loved.  The church body was so friendly it felt good to know we could worship our great God together, even in different tongues.  We worshiped together through prayer, scripture and song and Abby was able to thank the Polish church for taking care of us this this week.   I think it is important for Timberwood Church to know that the church here is so prayerful….praying always and in all they do!  They are praying for the English Camp, the Polish youth, our youth and leaders as a church body every day and that is just so comforting to me.  Someone from the Polish church has made a meal for us each night as well and we share it with the Polish youth as we reflect on our day.  What a blessing.  After church we took a short walk in the sunshine with our Polish friends to have Lodi (ice cream) and my day felt full, even before noon! 

Our English Camp schedule was shortened today due to morning church but that didn’t take away from the fun we had.  I think I speak for our entire team when I say that teaching English to the Polish youth is NOT easy and it is daunting, even though we have help and those who are willing to translate.  But, I also feel confident that we are prepared and we all trust that God will provide us with the strength, energy and patience we need to teach and build relationships with the kids, despite the language barrier.  We played games, danced, shared a meal, did workshops, worshipped through music and heard Angela’s faith story.  I felt so proud of her as she shared her powerful story and I truly feel it was one that resonated with many. Tonight, Abby (our fearless American leader) gave a talk on Genesis 3, the Fall of Man and dug more into the Gospel while Domi (our fearless Polish leader) translated….heavy right?  But what a blessing it is that God has given her this talent to speak into the hearts of youth and I know it won’t be a surprise to you that this talent also translates to Polish. After the talk we watched the testimony of Lecrae, the hip-hop/rap artist who authored the song for our Camp Dance.  His testimony was real and down to earth and I pray it softened the hearts of some of the campers who seem to be less open to the good news of Jesus’ love.  Camp closed with Cell Groups led by Polish students in their native language and a time of constant prayer for those small groups in those moments by our Timberwood team. 

We closed our evening as we did yesterday: dinner and reflection on our day at camp as a united Polish/American team.  It’s so crazy to think of the close bonds we have formed with this group in such a short time!  A few of us talked this morning about how easy it is to connect with others who love Jesus because of that common foundation, even when we can’t speak the same native tongue! I know I take that for granted sometimes because of the huge family we have in Timberwood Church…we are so surrounded by those who praise the same God and that is a true gift.   I pray I can remember that gift when I come back home to my everyday life.

Domi shared with us a verse on our first day in Skocków that she has prayed over her preparations for this English camp.  Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115: 1.  Those words have resonated with me every morning and night since and it is my prayer for our time here as well.   That we rise with the strength of our Father and his grace each morning, move through our day sharing the story of God’s love and the debt that has been paid for us by Jesus’ death and rest each night knowing God will provide us with the words to glorify the kingdom….for His glory alone.  Amen.