AGM R & R: A Little Time to Rest and Worship!!

Old Olive Tree

Another Olive Tree

Eretria, Greece

June 2009

Look carefully...you can see the little olives on the tree!

Allan and Seba

Train into Munich

June21,2009

Lunch in Athens

June 27, 2009

Leaving my beautiful, beautiful,

Greece! Thank You, Father, for this wonderful blessed time of worship and fellowship!

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus!

I Love Baptism Services! What a blessing it is to see our wonderful Polish friends immersed in the deep and loving personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! (has nothing to do with today's blog....just looking at pictures of the Baptisms!!)

We recently returned from our AGM (Annual General Meeting), in Eretria, Greece. We had a wonderful time of fellowship and worship!!

I've been thinking a lot about Greece since we left on Saturday the 27th of this month (June 2009). I've thought about the lovely island, the excellent food (especially the olives and baklava)...I've thought of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the Olive Trees, that I find so beautifully twisted and gnarled...tiny, green olives, shimmering in the sunlight among the pale green leaves, I've thought a lot about our friends...some of whom we had not seen since our days at MLC, and thought we'd never see again in this earthly life, I've pondered the excitement of the LMCO Auction and the wild abandoned way everyone throws caution to the wind, in favor of 'winning' the bid for an American or National product...usually difficult or impossible to find anywhere within reach...and so the bidding reaches fever pitch, until someone gives way (the plan is to donate to LMCO, anyway...so why not make it fun!!?) I have thought about the long hours of waiting at airports, and so you see, many things have taken up my wandering mind these past few days.

I have even thought about the exorbitant costs of such an undertaking...and I have asked myself a hundred times..... is it worth it (outside the awesomeness of the time on a luxury island), and I have asked God...is the money wisely spent?

Then I think about those in Russia, the Ukraine, Romania, East Asia, Africa, the desert of the middle east, the expanse of the Mongolian regions, the cold winters, the smog and air pollution, the struggles with trying to share the gospel in the deepest throes of Satan's clutches, the long periods of time without seeing friends, family, or loved ones, the tossing of highly valued words of Christ, on a tract, -into the nearest trash can, the frustration at trying to organize meetings and house church to ones who may or may not show, the long hours of prayer for someone-anyone to respond to Jesus' call in their life, The many times we work and pray and don't see any fruit (although we KNOW HE will faithfully bring the harvest in His timing), driving or getting around in a country village with no roads or road signs, being lost in a city and having no way to communicate, struggling on a day-to-day basis just to survive. I think about the people wanting to believe and being so confused; they synchronize all of their favorite parts of each 'faith' into their own special blend of 'religion' They come out with a 'melting pot' of religions, and need discipleship desperately...I think about the time, energy, and disappointments of trying to help them sort it all out, and they think they really 'have it, now'

I began to think about the loneliness and often times, depression, some go through...about to give up, wondering if people will ever see and know the truth, and worse yet, do they even want to know it? In my own mind, I can see Jesus, daily, going for His R&R...His walks and talks with His Father....I can see Him on that Greek island, sitting under the big, old, silvery-green leafed Olive Tree. (OK, not Greek Island!!!)

I can hear Him praying for His disciples and for the lost of the nations. I can see His footprints along the beach, His arms raised to heaven, smiling, talking to Abba Father. I can see Him also, under the many Olive Trees in Gethsemane.....crying out to God, "if it is possible, take this cup from me, yet not My will, but Thine be done!" The cup was not the cup of pain, or the cup of death, neither was it the cup of sorrows, nor fear, or mockery...it was the cup of all the sin of the world placed on Him in Atonement for every person that would EVER live and die, and all OUR sin forever....He agreed to do this- He CAME for this purpose....His brokenness was for the separation from His Father! He was broken beyond any human understanding.....He did it SO THAT we would NOT have to ever be separated from the Father, ourselves...not for a second!

Why, then, do we allow anything to grieve Him? Anything? What does this have to do with Greece, or any other AGM? It has to do with worship, praise, thankfulness, love, fellowship, and really taking time to appreciate our labor for the kingdom of God, and we do that effectively, when we rest in Him. It has to do with the gift of rest that God requires of us.

God has given us the ability and the finances to accomplish great and mighty things.....He has also given us a command to rest one day a week...many can not/will not do that while in their city, village, desert, tundra, or workplace of any kind (for various reasons).

********Prayer is not the prelude to our work- prayer IS our work! ********

The Board has, for years, given the missionaries and their families, the chance to have rest and recuperation, and with that comes opportunities for education, fellowship, music, training, activities with friends long-ago seen, a chance for our youth to share their field experiences, their 'ups and downs' with friends, to share talents (old and young alike), to hear the Word of God in our own language (equally as important as the nationals hearing it in theirs!).

The company, through the very generous LMCO and other offerings, has been able to make life in the field an enjoyable one....along with each pain and sorrow, hurt and disappointment, joys, and rejoicing, praise and testimony, we have security, safety, and a strong sense of stability and support. The many ways the LMCO supports the teams are too numerous to mention. The gratitude of the many families across the globe is beyond words! To say thank you sounds so weak, but we thank you from the very depth of our ability to communicate.....how can we say it- just THANK YOU!!! I thank my God at every remembrance of you!

Allan and I will be going home to Michigan in September, as many of you know. We will continue our faithful prayers, our blog, and will continue all personal e-mail (anyone who writes to us, we will answer a soon as possible!)

We have had the most blessed time in this walk with our Lord...and our walk is taking another turn, we don't know what is around the corner, or the next bend, we don't know what tomorrow holds-BUT we know WHO holds tomorrow!

We want to thank each one of you for your faithful prayers! We both thank you for your Christmas gifts and cards, for all the letters, and for reading the blog! We appreciate your prayers on behalf of our family, both in Michigan and East Asia. We thank you for your LMCO that makes it possible to do this work for our Lord, without too many distractions....the way the SBC does their missions is absolutely the best way among all the different organizations I've seen and been in contact with.....I pray that we will keep digging deep for the Storehouse of God's work for His laborers to reach the nations-Quickly!!

I awaken about five a.m. every morning with songs of praise and worship in my heart, I am so thankful for that. God has blessed us in so many ways...I love the song: He knows my name, He sees each tear that falls.....He knows my name, and hears me when I call! Isn't it the greatest blessing on earth, to know the God of all creation, hears us when we call, and really cares about our every concern! To be able to serve the Living God and have a close- friend relationship with Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world! How truly awesome that is!

Think about this: we really do see dimly through a glass, and He will reveal Himself in His entirety one day...and we WILL know Him as fully as He NOW knows us! I'm looking forward to that day, when I see Him face-to-face, and I will know all....no questions needed!

Thank you for 'listening' to my heart today! let me know how I can pray for you, Please

In Christ Alone Our Hope Is Found!

Matt. 4:19

"I'll never know how much it cost, to see MY sin upon that cross!..." (thank You, Lord for taking MY place there!)

Sue and Allan Weaver

The Fishermensline

Krakow, Poland

June 30, 2009

Another Poem for Passover/Easter

Passover Week-End!
By-Sue Weaver
Friday April 10, 2009 (copyright)


I heard the shouting and the crying,
As I walked along the way-
I saw a mob had gathered…..
I’ll never forget that day!

I saw a man had been beaten,
His bones were showing through-
The bleeding flesh that hung so loosely,
His body was bent and broken, too.

Upon his head was a crown of thorns,
That pierced the skin upon his brow-
He stumbled through the streets that day,
He continued, but I don’t know how!

His eyes were swollen masses,
Of blood and bruises, and pain-
But as he stumbled along the street
He fell; then got up again!!!

The crowd was jeering as He walked,
The guards struck him in the face-
“Tell us who struck you, King!”
“Save Thyself, Thy Royal Grace!”

He looked into the crowd that day,
His eyes could barely see-
I caught the sadness in those eyes,
He was looking directly into me!

He saw the brokenness in my heart,
He saw my loneliness, and yes, my sin-
He pierced my soul with his depth of love,
He saw me deep within!

I shouted to the guards nearby,
“You must not do that to this man!”
They laughed at me and pushed me away,
“Who are you to tell us, stop us if you can!!”

The man was becoming weaker,
His steps were very slow-
The crowd was getting wilder,
“Crucify Him, Crucify Him, Hurry on, let us go!”

There was a woman in the crowd;
Whose eyes were filled with pain and fear-
“Oh, God, my God, He is my son, too,
Why have You brought Him here?”

“ I thought He would redeem the world,
I thought He would be King!
Have I understood so little?
Why have you done this thing?”

The man looked into her eyes,
And knew what she had felt-
He didn’t falter as he spoke to her,
As before him, his mother knelt.

He said, “This is the reason I came here,
For this moment, I Am sent to earth-
To redeem man’s soul for my Father,
To offer a second birth!

Now, I go unto my Father,
Where I have prepared a place-
For those who are willing to believe in me,
Find salvation, through my Father’s grace!

If I were not to suffer so,
If the cross I did not bear-
I would not be their redeemer,
And their sins would still be there!

But Because I have obeyed my Father,
And the work I have is nearly done-
I must continue in this way;
Until the victory, has been won!”

He looked up toward the sky;
And stumbled up toward that hill-
He had determined in Himself,
He must obey His Father’s will.

I watched in terror, as they placed the spikes,
Into his wrists that fateful day-
He willingly submitted to His death,
There was no other way!!

The crowd began to weep and wail,
As thunder and lightning filled the sky-
The darkness covered all the land,
As they watched their savior die!

The crowd began to change their mind,
About Whom they crucified-
“Surely, this is the Son of God!”
The crowd, who mocked; then cried.

“Father, please forgive them,
For they know not, what they do!”
Could this be the Son of God-
Who has done this thing for me and you!?

I fell down upon my face,
My heart completely broken-
I was absolutely certain,
To me, the man had spoken!

“If you had known the Father,
You would have known me, too!
You are forgiven, you sins are gone,
Yes, I AM, doing this for you!”

He cried out one last time’
His voice strong and not diminished-
“Into Thy hands, I commit my spirit-
And now, it is finished!”

This is not the end,
Of the story of my Lord-
On the third day He had risen,
And kept His promised Word!

He is coming back someday,
To take His children, his church, His bride-
To live eternally with the Father,
Forever at His side!

He’s Coming Soon!!!
Be Ready!

Pictures of Michael, etc!

Michael @ Airport: Dec.19, 2008

Michael's City.

Dec. 2008

Michael, Mom, and Dad

Christmas Season

2008

See, Isn't that the CUTEST smile!!!???

OOOOPS! I got this one twice!

Dec. 2008

Christmas with Michael!

Photos By-Sue and Allan

Fishermensline

Krakow, Poland

Link:
God of This City! By-Chris Tomlin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk

Dagmara's Baptism: April 5, 2009 Krakow, Poland

A New Year Has Begun!

Michael,Mom and Dad
in EA

Michael

Julia (Dagmara's Daughter)

Dagmara at her Baptism!

April 5,2009

Krakow, Poland

Julia, Dagny, and Sue @ Dagmara's Baptism

Today is January 19, 2009, and as I sit here thinking about all the things that have taken place since I last did my Blog, I am wondering where to begin!

The year in review would be good, but first I would need to give you a bit of the story of our visit to East Asia, to see Michael.

On December 18, we took the express train to Warsaw to catch our flight to Asia. The train was about three hours . We quickly caught a taxi to the airport. The sky was cloudy and it was very cold...but we were so excited

to arrive in Asia and sunshine!!!

As we arrived in Michael's city, we went through the gate, straining our necks; camera in hand, to see Michael as soon as possible. Allan, of course, being a foot taller than I, saw him first. We got the camera ready and got the cutest picture of his handsome smiling face...the biggest and cutest smile I had seen for months!

Michael totally impressed us with his conversation in the national language with the taxi driver! This he did hundreds of times while we were there! We are very proud of his new language abilities!!!

We stayed awake until after two a.m. to talk and I could not stop staring at him....it had been over a year since I had seen him, and this was my first time away from him for that long!! Ever!!

Michael took us to many wonderful places to do sightseeing, eating, shopping, visiting with his friends, and other co-workers.

Our time there went by so quickly! It seemed just moments until time to leave! We thank God for this time with our son!

We, of course, took hundreds of pictures and videos. He took us to the southern-most part of the island. We stayed two nights in the south, and enjoyed every moment of our time together!

Our return to Poland was on January second. Our New Year's Eve with Michael was absolutely wonderful...a night of waiting for the New Year with many of his friends......our special time of fellowship, singing and in adoration of our Father, was overwhelmingly precious!

I wish I could say more about that, but some things must be left for personal visit time with you.

January, here in Poland, was also a very busy time of loving labor, joys, and disappointments. As we plan for summer teams, things seem to speed along, yet seem to go very slowly in other ways.

In February we went to Budapest for a 'quick medical follow up' which should have only been about one week. It turned into three weeks again. I was informed that I will need a cardiac catheterization due to family genes, and some other circumstances. It was scheduled for me at that time, but due to other considerations (again a time for personal discussion!), I decided to wait until we go home to America in May.

Please pray for me about the cath...not that I am concerned about the results...my lifestyle is totally opposite of my family members who have had seriously negative results ( we have an extremely strong heart history in my family)....I just want to get it over! Our time in Budapest was simply wonderful, again. Even with all the medical aspects, time there in worship and fellowship with others who are there for medical reasons, (among other reasons), those who live and work there, and meeting new people, spare time going about the city (while waiting for tests/results, etc.), is a nice time altogether.

Roma:

Mihelena, the Roma lady with the serious heart condition we have been praying for, finally got her by-pass surgery and is doing very well! She looked more energetic, and did have more energy. She was not looking as tired as before...PTL for that!

Allan's Bible study with the Roma is going well. He has a wonderful Polish translator (Tom), who is also a catholic (who does not attend mass), and is very eager to hear the gospel as he translates and has many questions! God is certainly using this Bible study time with the Roma to bring about other good things. Tom is also learning more about a people group that is much persecuted and hated by the most of society in Europe. He is enjoying this lesson in the Roma culture and seeing the believers heart! PTL for this also!

March has been very exciting so far. We have attended so many wonderful services! Saturday night (April 4) we attended a Shabbat Passover Seder at the Franciscan church...now here we have Polish Catholics, Messianic Jewish Believers, American Baptists, Polish Baptists, British Believers, and many others of different denominations....all having a fantastic time learning about the Passover and how the Old Testament Passover depicts the New Testament Passover and how it ALL points to Jesus the Messiah.

There was singing, dancing, instrumentals, teaching of the Seder Meal, and what each food represents, and all around joyful fun, worship, and fellowship. The guest speaker was a Messianic Rabi from America and Israel.

Sunday April 5th, my very close Polish friend, (whom I have mentioned to you several times) was Baptised!!! We had three Poles from our International Fellowship, who confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, and obeyed His command to be baptised! PTL for this also!! HE is MIGHTY!

This coming Easter Sunday, we will have a Polish Traditional Gathering with Dagmara, Julia (her Daughter) and Anna (her mother). We're looking forward to this time of traditional fellowship with her family. Easter Monday, we are invited to Dagmara's new little home in a village nearby, called Mys'linice. (she sold her beautiful little country home; it was too much up keep for her). She's very excited about this new flat and its view of the mountains. She wants us to go there and have a picnic in the beautiful weather...our first of the spring!!

Also coming up in April: We are scheduled for the Auschwitz/Berkinau "March for the Living" on the 21st. The 20th will be a day of prayer for this annual-world event. People come from Israel, Poland, America, England, Germany, Italy, Austria...all over the world for this event. It's so great an even that all who attend must first get security clearance! Please pray for the event and for opportunities to share the LOVE of JESUS CHRIST!!!

So many of the Jewish people were told by the Nazis that Jesus hated them for killing Him! Please pray that this LIE can be revealed in their hearts, and that The WAY, The TRUTH, and The LIFE will be shown to them! Please pray for the PRINCE of PEACE to be made known to them...and only then will there be any real peace.

May upcoming: May 18th- HOME for three weeks!

Cardiac Cath; pray for a wonderful cardiologist and a successful outcome!

(In Michigan, I know none of the cardiologists...I know them in Florida, but that may not be an option!

June Upcoming: leave Michigan around the 8th (depending on medical, of course). June 21st, AGM for one week.

We have teams coming in July and August...please pray for them as God lays them on your heart. Please pray for the IWC team coming to work with the Roma again this summer.

Pray about the FBI (First Baptist Indialantic) team in August; that God will direct and we can get the details all worked out on both the Poland/USA ends.

Pray for our son, Michael in EA...language, relationships, sharing, energy, perseverance, rest, quiet time with HIM, discernment, health, traveling, co-laborers, and all that HE may place in your heart to pray about!

Pray for: Lora, Jim, Ryan, Ian, and Zane. Jim leaving for Afghanistan in June, for Lora and the boys left back home, school, growth in Him, the boys helping their mom while dad's away, health, homework, rest, enjoying good times together, summer church camp at Lake Ann, alone time with God! Please pray for Jim to grow in Christ and while he is away, that he can share Christ with his fellow servicemen/women, and be a witness and light for them to see Jesus in him. Please pray for his safety and health! Please pray for his safe and speedy return home to his family!!

Pray for us: that we will have many opportunities to share Gods Love and Faithfulness; Growth in our daily walk with Him, our Bible study with the Roma, our Roma team, the team here in Krakow (growing wondrously), pray for our trip home! Please pray for a young lady we met at the American Embassy. I invited her to the International Fellowship and Compass Coffee House (another of Krakow Team's ministries). She says that she will come, and she seems to be in need of support and fellowship of believers. Her name is Michelle. Also, Allan and I have both been sick for over a week...most people are saying this colf/flu/bug/whatever it is, lasts about a month! Pray that it will be over soon and we can get back to 'normal'! Ha-Ha: whatever 'normal' is!

Please let us know how we can pray for you! Remember to me, praying is my walk, my life, my love, my honor, my joy...if you don't' let me know how I can best pray for you-well, would you deny me my joy?? Please, let me know, so that I can pray for you specifically!

OK, I think this is quite long now....I will say bye for today. May the God of all peace and understanding, the Father of us all in Him, be with you, encourage you, bless you, and give abundantly to you, so that HIS name may be glorified in all the earth! I love you just as Jesus loves you and me!

The Fishermensline,

Sue and Allan

Krakow, Poland

Matt.4:19

Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you Fishers of Men"

P.S. I am so sorry, but this blog, began on January 19, was completed on April 7, 2009!

Merry Christmas!

Roma Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings At The Home of A Roma Believer.

McKenna and Kari at Chocolada-Chocolate Smiles!

Eva and Sue at Chocolada

The 'Chocolada ladies'

Another Picture of the 'Chocolada Ladies'

And It came To Pass In Those Days, There Went Out A Decree From Caesar Augustus That All The World Should Be Taxed....and Joseph, Also, Went Up From Galilee..... Luke Ch. 2

I have known and loved this story from my earliest childhood memories. I can't even remember when it happened, but I read this story from the book of Luke, so many times, that somewhere along the way, I learned it by heart. When I am around someone who opens the book of Luke to chapter 2, I immediately begin to recite it from verse 1 through verse 14.

When I was about 12 years old, I remember being Mary in our church's Christmas program. As we all sang Silent Night, when the program was over, I recall feeling ecstatic at the visions formed in my mind, of the Baby Lord Jesus, The Stars shining serenely over Bethlehem, and the beautiful little lambs in the stable. I could 'see' the shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night, the Angel of the Lord, surrounding the night sky, the shepherds, and the sheep, with a light so wonderful and bright, as it glittered on the snow covered ground-sparkling like a zillion tiny diamonds. I could hear their sweet melodious voices ringing out all over the land; "Fear Not, For BEHOLD! I bring You Good Tidings of Great Joy, Which Shall Be To All People! For Unto You a Savior Is Born...and This Shall Be a Sign Unto You: Ye Shall Find The Babe Wrapped In Swaddling Clothes, and Lying In a Manger!"

I Could 'see' the heavenly multitude praising God and Saying: "Glory To God In The Highest, Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men!"

In my young child's mind, this was all very simple and clear. There was nothing to fear or doubt. How we all should become like little children and 'see' the Glory of God!

Day before yesterday, Allan and I were talking about a message that Pastor Jim (Johnson) had preached one time, about the un-seen battles going on around us. We compared it to the great dynamics (un-seen) that go on inside of our bodies. Although we can't see these things, we know they exist. We know our heart is pumping our blood, we know that our cells are processing our food and oxygen and waste, we know that we are storing knowledge in our brain, however, we can see none of it.

It made us think about these un-seen battles for our walk with God, for our faith, our witness, our very souls (for those who are lost), battles that we know nothing about are being fought all around us.

We know that Satan is alive and well, and that he is going about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). We must be vigilant, yet we also must be like little children, having a pure and un-shakeable faith in our Lord Jesus.

As we come upon this holiday season, I think of many things from my childhood. There is just something about Christmas to me, that even the modern day commercialism can't take away!

It's the becoming a child again, the belief and knowledge that HE IS our Savior! He did come to save and redeem the world! My faith in God has been my salvation all my life. He knew me when He formed me in the womb, He watched over me and protected me, and loved me while I was yet a sinner, He kept me while I was rebellious, He never stopped pursuing me, even when I refused to listen to Him! He is faithful and will complete what He began in me! He is still working, daily in me, to make me more like Him, and that is my desire; Oh, to be more like Him!!!

I still have so much little girl in me, and I really never want to lose it. I want to be a child...HIS child. I want to obey and walk with my loving Father.

I am including in this very unusual blog, some pictures of an evening some of the girls here (with our organization), for our evening out...just being fun-loving, silly, and child-like.

We walked to town, to the square we call the Rynek, here in Krakow. We sang along the way, we talked with a "British" accent, we took different names for ourselves, we had a lot of fun, just being 'children' yes, me, too! (I'm actually the instigator!)

We went to a place called "chocolada" (chocolate in Polish), and we had the most delectable chocolate drinks,,,decadent in richness, and we laughed, joked with the waiter, took silly pictures, shopped, and just had fun, altogether.

I looked up at the night sky, very dark and mysterious, no stars seen, pitch black-was the sky, but I saw the twinkling Christmas tree lights, the bustling shoppers, the wares being sold in the little shops, the smell of foods being grilled for the shoppers to buy as they hurried about, I looked around me at this busy city, so far from my home and family and I silently thanked my God for His coming to save us. I thanked Him for the beauty of His universe, for His creation, for all the wonderful blessings he has bestowed upon us, I thanked Him for my church, my family, my friends, I thanked Him for loving us all so much, and I thanked Him that He gave us the most precious gift of all- the gift of His salvation, His grace, His mercy and love, He gave HIMSELF for us, that we might live, by our own choice...to serve Him-as King Solomon says: I have considered the matter and have concluded that we have one purpose: To serve God, to know Him and to make Him known (paraphrased by myself)....Ecclesiastes 12:13

This season, as I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, I have a wish, that we all make Him known to even one person that does not know Him...that we proclaim Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men-For Unto YOU, a Savior Is Born Which is Christ The LORD!

May The God of Peace Be With You All!

In Christ Alone Our Hope Is Found!

Sue

The Fishermens Line

Krakow, Poland

Call Unto Me!

Jewish Synagogue in Prague

MK: Team Member!

Philip....How adorable!!

Another View of Prague's Jewish Synagogue-October,2008

Allan at an AMERICAN-Style Restaurant: Buffalo Bill's! Prague Conference Oct. 2008

Sue and Karen Prayer-Walking at Berkinau: We walked around the entire complex on Saturday

Miss Clare on the train to Prague! Isn't she a cutie!! She's one of our MK teammates!

Hotel in Prague. One of the thousands of beautiful buildings. Oct. 2008

Allan having a relaxed moment on the train to Prague. October, 2008

One of my MANY blessings!

Prague:

Sue on the bridge near the castle. October, 2008

The Fishermensline written from Krakow, Poland

October, 2008

Greetings from Krakow!

My dearest brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,

I must apologize once again for my delay in updating the events that have taken place here in Poland (and elsewhere!).

After we returned from our medical trip to Budapest, we were back for one week and headed to Prague for about four days of conference (Ebenezer).

We had a wonderful time of fellowship, worship, and sharing what has happened and how we have been feeling about our time thus far, in our fields...for some were from Krakow, and many others from different parts of Central and Eastern Europe. We were able to make new friends and meet with old friends.

We were blessed with one day of sightseeing. After our arrival in Prague, Mark Edworthy took us on a 'whirlwind tour' so that we would know what to look for when we had time to explore a bit on our own.

One of my blessings while there, was hearing Karen Pearce speak. She also gave us a copy of the book she has written called "Being An Aroma of Christ". It is an excellent and encouraging book. If interested you may find it at your local Christian book store...I think you'd find it enlightening, regarding Harvest field- life and expectations! It's so true to how we have felt so many times.....I feel as if she's been 'inside my head!'

God bless you Karen and Preston! Now you have another prayer warrior in your court of PRAY-ers!

Well, I suppose one of the things on my mind is the recent Presidential election. Therefore, my title from Jeremiah 33:3. This is one of my favorite verses, because I have found His Word to be so absolutely true...God IS faithful! I am well aware of the millions of people who have prayed for this election in the hopes that the 'one who seems so against what God has taught us in His Word to do and not do' would not be elected. However, in His infinite wisdom and according to His perfect plan; God has chosen (through His Sovereignty), to allow the events that took place to be so. Nothing is a surprise to Him!

We know that God is sovereign! He builds up nations and kingdoms and He tears down nations and kingdoms. What we need to consider now, is to be in equally fervent prayer that our new president-elect will have his eyes opened to the truth of Gods sovereignty, and that he will change his mind about many of the plans he has for this country. It is my prayer that he will come to know that he got this position because of the Most High God of the universe, the creator, because of the plan God has for us, as a nation.

We all should be in prayer, continuously, about what we, the people need to do as well. Nothing is too big for our God! We still have the strongest voice on earth...the voices who call on our God to intervene on behalf of the nations. Our nation is in a terrible state of sin, abominable sin, and very grievous to God, our Father. Our country needs to see this truth and repent of the rampant sin in America. My prayer is that we will do so, and very soon!

Out Reach:

Allan and I are trying to venture out of the city more to do EV in some of the nearby towns and villages. We found that there are Roma in some of them, but have not been able to contact them yet. Please pray that we will be able to do so and that their hearts will be prepared to receive Gods Word!We visited a city near the Czech border a couple week-ends ago. There are Roma there. We had gone to attend a Jewish festival/Conference. Through a friend, we met a couple of British Christians, who showed us around the city and told us about Roma there. He didn't know exactly where, but he had seen them around town.

We've also been prayer-walking in Oswiecim (near Auschwitz and Berkinau) several times. We have added that city to the three regions we already have. It's less time that we can go to our regular areas, but this little town needs a lot of prayer. This is where people all over the world come to visit, dine,go sightseeing, hold conferences on the Holocaust, etc. There's a lot of dispute in the village right now, concerning the future of the area in connection to Auschwitz/Berkinau. It seems many people are attempting to make them more of a "Theme Park" style of museum! That, of course, will make it 'appear' less real and lessen the shock of the entire Holocaust! The shock of the TRUTH is what people need -always to remember, lest it happen again.

Today there is a funeral for the little baby I mentioned to you in previous letters. His name is Zacharias. He is the third baby this couple has lost to a respiratory disease. He has struggled to breathe the entire year that we have been here, and in fact, his entire little life. His mother and daddy have suctioned him since he was born. My heart goes out to this sweet Roma couple. Jerry said there will be three days of mourning together with friends and family. The day today will be long and sad, but one consolation is that they are believers. They have the certainty that they will see their children in heaven someday.

Family:

Michael seems to be doing fine. He's in language study and is very busy. We haven't talked on Skype for quite awhile and we aren't sure why. We have had several letters (e-mail) from him, though....Thank God for that! Please continue to pray for him as he does the work he loves so much! Oh, yes, we also met more of Michaels (From Va.) associates in Prague, and that was very nice!! They are all such a precious group.

Lora, Jim, Ryan, Ian, and Zane are well. The boys are in public school for the first time since maybe kindergarten/first grade. They all three enjoy it. Lora is doing things she hasn't been able to do for a long time....like more errands (Ha-Ha!). I don't think for a wife and mother, you can ever have really 'free' time! At least I never could (but then I was an obsessive-compulsive worker). Ryan wants to try out for basketball (of course we all think swimming would be best since he has an injured knee from football, and has always been an excellent swimmer!!) Pray for him that he will choose wisely!! Ian ran for student council and lost by only one vote! (and this is his first year in public school-I think that in itself is a great feat!) Zane is in Top Dog and he'senjoying school much more than when he was first "drafted by Mom!" Jim is very busy with family, job, and week-end GI Joe 'fun'!

He is still planning on leaving next summer. Please pray for all of my family as all these changes come about. Pray for strength, for wisdom, leaning on He Who is able to do all things! We need a lot of prayer about this, too. Knowing that Lora will be alone and have the boys to try to raise, once again, on her own. We think of the many needs of a young mom with three little (well, to me 12 and 14 are little!) boys, the long and hard Michigan winters, trouble with power outages, cars that won't start......well, you know as their mom and grandma (and dad/grandpa), that we'll have many concerns for them!!!

Changes in The Wind!

There are many changes coming within the "Company" this summer, also. The way people groups are divided is changing, new leaderships, moving to new locations, schools, and making new friends, contacts, etc. are some of the coming changes. Please pray for the leadership, other staff, and for all the "Laborers" everywhere. We are not sure how this will all work, as any change is usually challenging and a learning process for everyone. Pray for patience as the process unfolds.

I'm not sure how Poland and Krakow will be affected, but will try to keep you posted as we learn new information. Just know that your "LOTTIE " donations continue to be hard at work to best reach the UPG's of the nations! Pray for those who make decisions on behalf of the "Company Laborers" The ultimate goal is to "Know Jesus and make Him known!"

Thanskgiving!

We are so thankful for all of you who faithfully pray for us.

We are thankful for LOTTIE!

We are thankful for your sacrificial giving!

We are thankful for Pumpkin Pie!

We are Thankful for:

Lora, Jim, Michael, Ryan, Ian, and Zane!

I am Thankful for my precious, and most patient husband, Allan!

We are Thankful for God (through Dagmara) sending a translator for the Wednesday night Bible study! He is excellent, and his name is Tomasz. Pray for him, as he is also seeking the truth! This study will be helpful all around!!! God Knows what He is doing in all events, no matter how small they may seem to us!!! (nothing too great or too small for HIM)

We're Thankful for Gods Mercy, Love, Grace, Forgiveness, Longsuffering,

Wisdom, which He gives freely when we ask, for His Holy Spirit, for salvation through Christ Jesus, for all things that are from Him, for His gifts are good and from above. We Thank Him for WHO HE is, and that He loves us, unconditionally; even while we were yet sinners! We thank Him for allowing us to be His instruments of His Word-please pray that we do this faithfully, out of a loving and obedient heart! Pray that we will walk worthy of Him because HE DIED for us! We are Thankful for THAT!

Closing:

Well, I'll close for today. As Thanksgiving nears, I have so many things for which be thankful! I thank my God at every remembrance of YOU!

Please write to us and let us know HOW we can best pray for you!

We love each one of you! '" and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Ph.4:7)

I Th. 5:16-17

Matt.4:19

Eph. 4:30

The Fishermensline

Ul. Modrzewskiego 8/5

Krakow, Poland

31-216

Video Clip: Berkinau, near Auschwitz

Allan taping video during Prayer-Walk around the Berkinau Concentration Camp. October, 2008

Trip to Budapest!

Budapest, Hungary
Sept. 2008
Modern Building Downtown
The "Walking Street"
Very European!
See the difference where renovation is being done!
This along a side street...no matter where you go in Budapest, you'll find this wonderful archtecture!

Budapest, Hungary

Sept. 2008
One of the many beautiful buildings!
Along the Danube!
The River Danube

Sept. 2008
Parliament Building, Budapest

This is only a very small portion of the building!The other side, and each of the four sides are just as exquisitely beautiful!!

Greetings from Krakow,

May the Lord Bless you as you praise Him in all things! The past few weeks have been very hectic, to say the least. We have been in a virtual whirlwind of activity. Expecting things to slow a bit, we made our long put-off trip to Budapest for some medical work-up. Little did we know that our one week trip would turn into three weeks! Had we known, we would have made sure the potato and onion bin was emptied out!!!

You know though, that even the little things turn out ok. When we arrived back at the apartment-the veggies were still alive and well....no rotten veggies to be found!

Ok, now for the trip itself and to update you on the medical tests, etc. We left Krakow on August the 31st, on the night train to Budapest. The trip was un-eventful, and we were even able to sleep a little on the way down. We arrived at Kelety Station at about 0830 and were met by Glen Borders.

Glen took us to the Eden House, where we were met by his wife, Cile. As we were settled into our room, Cele took us to buy a few groceries for our 'weeks' stay.

This was on Sunday morning. On Sunday evening we attended the church service at Eden House. The music (led by Robert Rierson) was beautiful. The message given by Alvin Doyle was also a wonderful message from the Gospel of John.

Monday morning was our 41st anniversary. 41 years...wow! 41 years...wow!

It seems only yesterday, that Allan and I met, and just days ago since we held our precious Lora and Michael for the first time. Time truly does have a way of slipping away. God has so richly blessed us, that words fail me in trying to thank Him enough.

We had so many tests and labs drawn, that all I can tell you is that most things were good, some unchanged, and some new things going on.I know that most of you want to know about our health, so here's the brief summary:

Allan is now on blood pressure medication.Our doctor told us that he can only have kielbasa once a month for dessert! He must watch his salt (he's been told that by R.N. Weaver for years!!), yet she says that I may have his salt, because I need sodium.

He had to be fit for orthotics for his heel pain-we are calling this "transfer technique" it transfers his pain from his heels to his arches!!

He also needs to use lotion for severely dry skin...can you believe she recommended MY favorite-if he can get it (Hmmmmmm, maybe I can sell him some of mine-ha-ha!)- Jergens!!! A couple of his labs were abnormal, but then he is 61 now. Anyway, he seems to be in pretty good health for a kielbasa, salt, fat, buttery pop corn, ice cream,Frito-loving guy!

As for myself: my colonoscopy showed the (known ) collagenous and lymphocytic colitis with inflammation. There is a new thing, though-an ulcer in my stomach, which will be treated with antibiotics and prevacid for a couple of months, then re-evaluated in four months (H. Pylori +).

After avoiding anti-cholesterol meds for all my years.....I now must take meds for high cholesterol! Now, isn't this just life; I am long term vegetarian, no meat/dairy (but an occasional egg or cheese-rarely), and he eats every fat-laden thing he can find..and I have genetically high cholesterol, and now have to take meds for it. My doctor said, "you have done everything humanly possible and you have done all the right things, and I'm so sorry, but you must do this now." Ok. I am.

My Ophthalmology exam for Glaucoma (since 1999) was also not as good as I had hoped- pressure high in both eyes. He was amazed at my good vision though. He did write an Rx for reading glasses (he doesn't seem to think Wal Mart glasses are as good, for some reason!). Anyway, I will need an additional eye med added to my current med.

My stress test was abnormal-and still not determined as to why this is so. They did a Coronary PET scan, in which the results were good. PTL for that, as we have a strong cardiac history in my family.

Now for that beautiful city; Budapest! We were able to see a lot of the city between appointments, labs, etc.

Budapest is divided by the Blue Danube River. What an enchanting city! The architecture is awesome. The detailed beauty of each building seems more delightful than the one we saw before it. The old Parliament building was one of the most beautiful man-made creations I've seen anywhere. God has certainly blessed man with an incredible gift for design, detail, and craftsmanship! We took a lot of pictures during our time there, and I hope some of them will give you an idea of how lovely this city really is.

One of my most memorable times in Budapest was at the Budapest International Fellowship Church. The pastor spoke one day of the praise and worship of our God. As I had just begun reading a book by Tommy Tenney called "Finding Favor With the King" (highly recommend it, too!!)I was very interested in this particular message. As I listened to this parallel to the book I was reading, I began to think about what he was saying.

The pastor was talking about God inhabiting our praise and worship. Just as the book was talking about how much God loves our worship, and how He responds to our worship far more than anything else we can do. This message made an impact on my thinking. Many times we hear pastors preach about our sort of making God out to be our "demands of needs and wants" supplier. To be honest, it's so good to know that our Father really does care about every small and great detail of our daily life. Yet as parents, we know how special it is to be appreciated and loved, and obeyed.

How often we'd love to have our children (at any age) tell us how much they love and appreciate us, and to not only speak the words, but to show us through their actions! Just as we feel taken for granted and not appreciated at times, so does our Father!

Can you imagine that He would just love for us to come before Him just to worship and adore, praise, thank, and glorify Him without a long list of do's and dont's! How often do we do that? I have decided to make it a point to NOT ask for things every time I come before Him. I have usually used the ACTS form of prayer in the past (A for Adoration, C for confession, T for thanksgiving, S for supplication), but I am re-thinking my prayer life!

Adoration, Adoration, Adoration!

I will always continue my supplication and intercessory prayer, of course! I am a committed prayer-walking warrior. I am a committed down on my knees and flat on my face prayer warrior. I awaken in the early morning hours, and I am and have been for years, and worship God with adoration and praise-before I even get out of bed warrior......but I want a new level of closeness with my Lord. I want Him to inhabit my praise and worship! I want Him to whisper things to me and tell me things that are "great and mighty" (Jer. 33:3).I want to dwell in his secret place (Ps.91:1).

I am telling you all of this because I desire that you will pray for me, as I have such a desire that God will hear me when I call, that He will tell me what He wants me to do/know/see/understand and learn from Him and His Word!

There is a desire that God has placed in my heart, for America, for Poland, and for China, as well as many other places....a desire to see these countries united in a common goal- God first in their governments and people and churches...to know WHO Jesus is! I also have come to love and have a very deep burden for the Hungarians during our three week visit there. They, too, have been victims of WWII and the dictatorship of Communism. They too, need to know God and His free gift of mercy and grace, His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ!

I am praying about some things that I feel certain that God is wanting me to do. I have been asked by a Great Commission Church here to speak one Sunday, and share my testimony. I am thinking that God is leading me to also share Prayer-Walking for this city, with this church. Please be praying for me about this!

Another prayer request is that (last year I did the children's Christmas play), this year I am hoping to do a drama with the teens...please pray about this.

Back home, Jim is away again, so Lora an the boys are working toward getting homework, chores, etc. all taken care of. Jim is working very hard and is tired. Michael is happy in his new apartment in his city. He's in language school, and staying very busy. Ryan is hoping to come to see us and now he has yet another delay: he has injured his knee and is having physical therapy-so please pray for him, for healing...14 is too young for bad knees! Ian is getting good grades and very proud of that! (so are we!!). Zane is in "Top Dog" at school and hopes to win a trip to Traverse City this year. Ryan is in swimming, soccer, and Civil Air Patrol...so he really needs his knees! Lora is doing some ladies book studies and one of them is with my niece, Betty Sue (online). Pray for these precious souls, along with us! Thank you so much for these prayers for our family!!

In summary, we have had teams here all summer. The Clear Vision Drama Team, Hilton Head S.C. Team, IWC, Summer missionaries (Kate and Stacy), a team of football coaches, Hixon Church from Tn., Women of Hope with Paula Hemphill, Harvest Baptist Church, Sally Klein O'Connor, and numerous others. God has richly blessed the International Fellowship with wonderful, spirit-filled messages and music, testimonies, those who came to faith in Christ (and planning baptisms), services for the children, new people coming (so that we'll need a new building!), and just so many blessings altogether!

He has blessed the prayer -walking trips, the day camps, the over night camps, sports, English classes, Bible studies in homes, coffee house ministry, and we have all grown in our personal walk through the willingness to obey Him. Pray that we all keep the team spirit, through coming changes with the company, over the next few months. God is working and we need to be listening to where, when and how, so that we are in His will and not our own!

Please write to us and let us know how we can pray for you! Thank you all once again for your faithful prayers!! May God bless you, so that you may bless others, so that HIS name may be glorified in all the earth!

The Fishermensline

Matt. 4:19

I Th. 5:16-17

Eph. 4:30

Sue and Allan in Krakow