Today was the last full day here at camp and for those who have been here before, that means the Camp Ostroda Challenge. The campers were placed in teams for the entire camp and this was their final event. We planned a scavenger hunt with activities at each station related to things we have done all week. It was a great time, a nice break from teaching English!
This evening we had our final worship time together. The pastors allowed anyone who was willing to tell the group about their experience at Camp Come Together. It was great to hear all the short testimonials of how they were affected by those around them. We also had an opportunity to pray for one of the campers who will be returning to a reform school after camp instead of a home. We just pray that he will continue to feel God's love around him in that place.
For the rest of the evening, the campers are enjoying a movie marathon and then it's lights out. Tomorrow we will have a gathering to present certificates for attending the camp and pass out the cds we brought for them as gifts. We will also have a talent show for those who are still here. While it will be a time of fun, there will be many tears shed as they head for home. Please keep them in your prayers as they make the transition back to their homes.
We look forward to seeing you all Sunday. Thanks for checking in on us and being a part of our amazing trip.
God Bless!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Polish Praise Night
Tonight we enjoyed a concert with the group Siloe, the band that came to the camp last year. We sang many familiar songs (in Polish) and had a great time dancing and singing praise to our amazing God. It was a night of pure worship.
The worship leader, we discovered was originally from Texas, but is fluent in Polish. He shared a message on turning our lives over fully to Jesus and prayed a prayer of salvation in both Polish and English. You could see that the campers were very involved in the time we spent together. The favorite song of the evening was clearly the "Happy Song" sung in both Polish and English.
We could use some prayers for a string of events that continues to reoccur. We have been having camera problems (lost, broken or defective, seven different incidents!), and minor injuries (except Kim's wrist/thumb injury from volleyball) beyond counting. We would love to make it through the rest of our trip with as few incidents as possible.
We would also like to ask for prayers for the campers as they get ready to leave camp as well. We have seen so many of them grow closer to the Lord and to each other. We know that this will be a difficult time for many as they leave here to places where christian friends are few and far between. Pray that God will continue to work in their lives and provide them with the christian support they need.
The worship leader, we discovered was originally from Texas, but is fluent in Polish. He shared a message on turning our lives over fully to Jesus and prayed a prayer of salvation in both Polish and English. You could see that the campers were very involved in the time we spent together. The favorite song of the evening was clearly the "Happy Song" sung in both Polish and English.We could use some prayers for a string of events that continues to reoccur. We have been having camera problems (lost, broken or defective, seven different incidents!), and minor injuries (except Kim's wrist/thumb injury from volleyball) beyond counting. We would love to make it through the rest of our trip with as few incidents as possible.
We would also like to ask for prayers for the campers as they get ready to leave camp as well. We have seen so many of them grow closer to the Lord and to each other. We know that this will be a difficult time for many as they leave here to places where christian friends are few and far between. Pray that God will continue to work in their lives and provide them with the christian support they need.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Testimonies and Pismo Święte (Holy Writing)
Did you miss us yesterday? It was an absolutely beautiful day in all respects. As a team we spent some time in Sopot and Gdansk. The weather was perfect, we were able to do some sight seeing, and have some time of relaxation.
The most beautiful part of the day, however, was when we came back to camp to worship with the youth. The Polish team told the youth that it was their night of worship. No formal teaching was prepared. Worship time was filled with testimony by the youth and Polish worship songs. Justina was the first to come forward and share her testimony. She spoke of the journey her family took toward God. First her mom started looking for a church to attend and took Justina with her even though Justina's father was against this. Eventually the trial of her mother's cancer brought her father to Christ as well. Now they are attending church as a family.
Alyssa Neace also shared how God worked in her life during this camp. Even before we left for camp, she was anxious because she would not know anyone at camp. Her friend, Courtney Keefer, would not be going with her this year. Also, campers she was comforatable with from last year would not be attending. She was lonely at camp, and prayed that God would send her a friend. The next day God sent her three--Agata, Magda, and Justina. Nothing is too big or too small for God because he cares for us.
Filip shared about his resistance to coming to camp and how glad he was that he is here.
Szymon was very repentant about his relationship with his parents. He is seeking God in his life and has realized that he has a great life that he has been taking for granted. He expressed a desire to go home and strengthen his relationship with his parents. After sharing his desire, Pastor Marek asked that we pray for him. He also asked that if there were any other youth that had the same desire they should join Szymon up front. One by one they came until over half the campers were up front holding hands and joining in prayer. It was a powerful moment that will hopefully lead to changed lives.
So you may be wondering about today's blog title. At worship tonight we had a presentation from the Polish Bible Society. Everyone who attended recieved a New Testament Bible (in Polish). We also heard an interesting presentation on the history of the Bible and why we have so many translations. We also learned that Sergiusz is part of the team that is working on a new Polish translation. We hope that the Bible that the campers recieved tonight will be treasured as they are growing in their faith.
Each day has been amazing and just when you think that it can't get any better than this, God amazes us again. Oh, Praise Him!
The most beautiful part of the day, however, was when we came back to camp to worship with the youth. The Polish team told the youth that it was their night of worship. No formal teaching was prepared. Worship time was filled with testimony by the youth and Polish worship songs. Justina was the first to come forward and share her testimony. She spoke of the journey her family took toward God. First her mom started looking for a church to attend and took Justina with her even though Justina's father was against this. Eventually the trial of her mother's cancer brought her father to Christ as well. Now they are attending church as a family.
Alyssa Neace also shared how God worked in her life during this camp. Even before we left for camp, she was anxious because she would not know anyone at camp. Her friend, Courtney Keefer, would not be going with her this year. Also, campers she was comforatable with from last year would not be attending. She was lonely at camp, and prayed that God would send her a friend. The next day God sent her three--Agata, Magda, and Justina. Nothing is too big or too small for God because he cares for us.
Filip shared about his resistance to coming to camp and how glad he was that he is here.
Szymon was very repentant about his relationship with his parents. He is seeking God in his life and has realized that he has a great life that he has been taking for granted. He expressed a desire to go home and strengthen his relationship with his parents. After sharing his desire, Pastor Marek asked that we pray for him. He also asked that if there were any other youth that had the same desire they should join Szymon up front. One by one they came until over half the campers were up front holding hands and joining in prayer. It was a powerful moment that will hopefully lead to changed lives.
So you may be wondering about today's blog title. At worship tonight we had a presentation from the Polish Bible Society. Everyone who attended recieved a New Testament Bible (in Polish). We also heard an interesting presentation on the history of the Bible and why we have so many translations. We also learned that Sergiusz is part of the team that is working on a new Polish translation. We hope that the Bible that the campers recieved tonight will be treasured as they are growing in their faith.
Each day has been amazing and just when you think that it can't get any better than this, God amazes us again. Oh, Praise Him!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Gift of Love
It was the perfect day for Adam and Marta's wedding and we were blessed to be able to attend. They were married at the Catholic church that was just a short walk from camp, the one seen in many of our pictures from years past. While we were unable to understand the words that were spoken, the spirit of the occasion was not lost. When the ceremony was over the entire camp joined in a song to bless their marriage.
The day ended with a spirit filled time of worship. One of the campers was moved to speak at the service after hearing Marc's testimony from the previous night. She told of how she came from a family of nonbelievers and how camp has become her christian family. Life has been hard on her but now she knows that God is with her at all times if she just looks for Him. She has given her life over to Christ.
Robin was also moved to tell her testimony tonight. She spoke of spending 35 years "wandering in the desert" and hopes that her story will help others find their way to Him more quickly. Now that she has Christ in her life, she can't imagine a life without Him.
Andrej, our translator, gave tonight's message. It was amazing how he connected all of the week's themes. His message was on having trust in God to provide our needs and to lay out the best plan for our lives. God is good, all the time!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Surely the presence of God was in this place.
God has been tugging at the hearts of many of us on this trip. We were blessed to have been asked if one of our team members would like to teach at our evening worship. Kim had been praying about this opportunity, but wanted to wait to see if the moment was right and if this was part of God's plan for her on this trip. After much planning and praying, tonight was blessed by the Holy Spirit in so many ways.
Tonight's teaching was on Eternal Value. This message was shared through drama, worship songs, a message by Kim and testimonies from Marc and Kim. It was a night presented by the entire American team, young and old.
Through the sharing of testimonies, the Polish students and camp leaders were brought closer together through Him. As Marc shared his journey toward a relationship with God, you could see God working through him as his story unfolded. Afterwards Kim felt the nudge to share her story on how she and her family were called to Poland. Everyone was moved by how God worked in each of their lives.
Hearts were touched and tears were shed as we ended the night with the song "Shout to the Lord."
Tonight's teaching was on Eternal Value. This message was shared through drama, worship songs, a message by Kim and testimonies from Marc and Kim. It was a night presented by the entire American team, young and old.
Through the sharing of testimonies, the Polish students and camp leaders were brought closer together through Him. As Marc shared his journey toward a relationship with God, you could see God working through him as his story unfolded. Afterwards Kim felt the nudge to share her story on how she and her family were called to Poland. Everyone was moved by how God worked in each of their lives.
Hearts were touched and tears were shed as we ended the night with the song "Shout to the Lord."
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Another Day
Woke up. Ate breakfast. Had devotions. Taught English. Ate Lunch. Celebrated an Anniversary (Kim and Glen!) Played Games. Made Crafts. WATERFIGHT! Ate Dinner. WATERFIGHT! Worshipped together. Planned for tomorrow. Going to bed!
God Bless!
God Bless!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day Four
It was business as usual at Camp Come Together. Our day included English lessons, games, crafts and worship. Tonight was our first segment of the CTN News video--written, produced, directed and presented by the advanced level students and teachers. After 6 hours spent in the editing room, all enjoyed the production at the beginning of our evening worship time.
Our Olympic challenge today was the shot put--yes we packed the shot puts in our suitcases. (Water balloon shot puts that is!) The event nearly got out of hand when a water balloon fight broke out, but the English teachers prevailed and restored order with as little water shed as possible.
The afternoon activity, organized by Przemyk, was an international game of Capture the Flag. With Marc and Glen as team captains, both the English and the Polish students and teachers defended their flags with honor. Everyone had a great time running around the campus, taking prisoners and making plans to capture each team's flag. The winning team won both times.
Worship tonight was a beautiful combination of worship songs (in both Polish and English) and a moving testimony given by Marek Glodek. The Holy Spirit was certainly among us during this time together. At the end of worship time, we were able to practice a Polish song that we will sing as a surprise at Adam and Marta's wedding. The song is a blessing taken from the Revelation of John.
Thank you so much to those of you who have been adding comments and praying for us. It means so much to us to know that we are in your thoughts.
Our Olympic challenge today was the shot put--yes we packed the shot puts in our suitcases. (Water balloon shot puts that is!) The event nearly got out of hand when a water balloon fight broke out, but the English teachers prevailed and restored order with as little water shed as possible.
The afternoon activity, organized by Przemyk, was an international game of Capture the Flag. With Marc and Glen as team captains, both the English and the Polish students and teachers defended their flags with honor. Everyone had a great time running around the campus, taking prisoners and making plans to capture each team's flag. The winning team won both times.
Worship tonight was a beautiful combination of worship songs (in both Polish and English) and a moving testimony given by Marek Glodek. The Holy Spirit was certainly among us during this time together. At the end of worship time, we were able to practice a Polish song that we will sing as a surprise at Adam and Marta's wedding. The song is a blessing taken from the Revelation of John.
Thank you so much to those of you who have been adding comments and praying for us. It means so much to us to know that we are in your thoughts.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Let the Learning Begin
Dzien Dobre!
As usual, the campers are learning English more quickly than the Americans are learning Polish! Today was the first day of English lessons which went smoothly. We all had a lot of fun--especially since we are incorporating an Olympic theme in lessons this year. Today lessons ended with campers being assigned their "Olympic" teams and then participating in a javelin throw. (A.K.A. Pool Noodle Toss) Every day lessons will end with a new "Olympic" challenge and medals will be awarded and tallied.
The campers all added to their wardrobes today as they created their own unique t-shirt using fabric pens, iron-ons, and masking tape. The creative and artistic works the campers come up with from a few simple materials always amazes us.
God strengthens us through devotions every morning. Today was especially meaningful as the following Bible verse was shared by the Polish team during devotions and then again by Jen during the American team's devotions. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is great to see how God has us come together.
Our day ended in warmth, both in worship and around the bonfire. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
As usual, the campers are learning English more quickly than the Americans are learning Polish! Today was the first day of English lessons which went smoothly. We all had a lot of fun--especially since we are incorporating an Olympic theme in lessons this year. Today lessons ended with campers being assigned their "Olympic" teams and then participating in a javelin throw. (A.K.A. Pool Noodle Toss) Every day lessons will end with a new "Olympic" challenge and medals will be awarded and tallied.
The campers all added to their wardrobes today as they created their own unique t-shirt using fabric pens, iron-ons, and masking tape. The creative and artistic works the campers come up with from a few simple materials always amazes us.
God strengthens us through devotions every morning. Today was especially meaningful as the following Bible verse was shared by the Polish team during devotions and then again by Jen during the American team's devotions. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is great to see how God has us come together.
Our day ended in warmth, both in worship and around the bonfire. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Monday, July 21, 2008
English Testing Day!
We started our camp today with an English test (oral and written) to determine which class each student will attend. We have students ranging from the very literate to those who need everything translated. Our hope is that everyone will leave here speaking English better than when they came and that they have fun learning it.
After testing we had some free time, unfortunately like last year we had a cool rainy day. We spent the day mostly indoors dancing (Macarena anyone?), playing ping pong and doing crafts. Then just before worship a beautiful rainbow appeared. It was a just the thing to lift our spirits , reminding of us the rainbow we saw last year. A perfect reminder of how God works in all our lives no matter where we live.
During worship, we had a special guest at camp, someone very familiar to Camp Come Together. Adam, a counselor from last year, is getting married this Saturday and wanted to personally invite the entire camp to be a part of his special day. We are all looking forward to this very special occasion.
That's about it for now. Till tomorrow...God Bless!
After testing we had some free time, unfortunately like last year we had a cool rainy day. We spent the day mostly indoors dancing (Macarena anyone?), playing ping pong and doing crafts. Then just before worship a beautiful rainbow appeared. It was a just the thing to lift our spirits , reminding of us the rainbow we saw last year. A perfect reminder of how God works in all our lives no matter where we live.
During worship, we had a special guest at camp, someone very familiar to Camp Come Together. Adam, a counselor from last year, is getting married this Saturday and wanted to personally invite the entire camp to be a part of his special day. We are all looking forward to this very special occasion.
That's about it for now. Till tomorrow...God Bless!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
We made it!
Hello everyone. After a long trip to camp we finally arrived safely. We met up with some old friends, had a great polish dinner, opening ceremonies and had a wonderful time of worship. We are looking forward to getting to know all the new faces we saw today and rekindling old friendships.
We are getting settled in and will have more for you tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers as we begin this 6th year of Camp Come Together.
We are getting settled in and will have more for you tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers as we begin this 6th year of Camp Come Together.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Friends
We are looking forward to seeing friends old and new in just a few days at Camp Come Together 6. We have been praying for those who were at camp last year and those who will be there this year. Please join us in prayer for all the children, youth and adults who will be at Camp Come Together this year! Please pray throughout the length of camp including our travels to Poland and home. July 19-August 1, 2008.
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