It is actually Monday, and the Amsterdam layover wasn’t as long as needed! Nevertheless, here are a few glimpses of the Polish service on the grounds of the seminary.
After we return to the United States, we will post the same for the Ukrainian service mentioned in the previous post.
Today was a day of worship.
As mentioned in the previous post, many of us attended worship on the seminary campus in the morning. Others attended worship in Polish and Ukrainian churches.
One of the Ukrainian churches, Bible Church Warsaw, meet in the First Baptist Church of Warsaw (known locally as Kościół Chrześcijan Baptystów w Warszawie) until they have their own building. We were told that there were normally two sermons, but an American evangelist preceded our speakers: Heber Mena, Mark Johnson and Justin Dancer. Plus, two songs by the choir, (one of which was familiar, “One Faith, One Hope, One Lord”) and several by their praise team. It was truly a blended service!
Then it was back to the seminary for a time of recognitions, debriefing and arranging for transportation to the airport at (gulp) 2:30 a.m. Monday. Since that is literally just a few hours from now, this will conclude part 1 of this blog. The second part will be put together during a rather lengthy layover in Amsterdam.
Our conference came to a close today, starting off with a time of prayer with and for our international partners led by Tony Turner.
Then it was a time of learning throughout the morning in one of three tracks:
We then gathered one last time for worship. After several songs, Chris Cook led a devotion, followed by observing the Lord’s Supper.
Tomorrow we will worship. Some will worship here on the seminary campus. Others will be attending (and preaching!) in Polish and Ukraine services, four in all.
What an incredible week it has been! Many of you assisted through prayers and financial support and we thank you, because local support is key to our operations and all that we can accomplish through God. Having leaders from other countries, partners and potential partners made for a wonderful blend of languages, personalities and perspectives. It is a reminder of the rich tapestry of our faith. #FLFPoland2023
Today was a full day of teaching and learning, listening and sharing. Partners were given opportunities to talk about their ministries to the entire group as well as to tell about their dreams and challenges. The schedule allowed time for not only fellowship, bit also to meet one another and look for partnership opportunities. And of course, worship and prayer.
One of the privileges of the #FLFPoland2023 summit has been to hear God worshipped in multiple languages through prayer and music. For today’s post, we heard “Amazing Grace” sung in English, Polish, Spanish, Filipino, Belarussian, Latvian, as well as with violin and saxophone. Today’s video gives you a phrase from each person along with the entire group singing in both English and their individuals languages, accompanied by pictures from yesterday and today.
Today’s word: relationships.
In addition to the mission constant (flexibility — remember?) the opening kept coming back to the word relationships. In his message Mateusz Wichary asked us to consider the meaning of the word partnership, that too often can be limited to a project instead of a relationship. Brad Newbold and musicians he had gathered led us in singing about our relationship with God in multiple languages. While registering, sharing a meal, or during a scheduled break, people saw one another for the first time in almost five years, and in one case more than 20 years.
During this evening’s worship, Greg Morrow asked some of our partners to introduce themselves and tell their situation and needs. This was especially true as those from Ukraine told of churches closed and leaders that had moved, while at the same time noting the additions in baptisms and new churches that had been planted in Europe.
After the conclusion of this trip, there will be opportunities for more thorough reporting. For now, experience some small glimpses of some of our worship. #FLFPoland2023
(Also, the previous post called attention to Chris Cook’s interview on Poland radio tomorrow. It should take place between 9-10 a.m. local time, which will be 2-3 a.m. Central time.)
