Our small church group here spent this weekend together at a local church retreat. This place is run by a dedicated Christian couple that work hard to give you a wonderful time. We had such a good time connecting and learning to know each other in new ways.
One of the purposes of the weekend was to give everyone that attends our church a chance to tell their life story and show how God has worked in their personal lives. This was scary for most of us, but especially those who aren't used to being open about themselves. It was so encouraging. We heard how God protected specifically one man's life during the war and how God pursued him until he was ready to give his whole life to God.
A dear sister shared that she was Catholic when she married a Christian man, and it took 13 years before she gave her heart to God. Another sister found that in loneliness God spoke to her and that he was faithful as He was drawing her to himself. A new Christian testified that little details in her life pointed her to God and she remembered exact times that God knocked on her door. We saw God at work in all our lives, but in many different situations.
We all had our story and how God moved and worked in our lives...through joy...through pain...through tradegy...through family...through church. We spent time praying over each person individually and this again was something new, but very special for the Polish people and all of us.
We enjoyed a bonfire, roasted marshmallows, endured mosquitos, enjoyed after-hour snacks, solved a treasure hunt, built balloon towers with scotch tape, sang together, encouraged each other, searched for a lost dog, laughed, cried, and prayed together.
And the setting was so peaceful. Sometimes living in town, I forget how fresh and clean nature is. And how good the air smells, how sweetly birds sing, how the wind whispers through the trees. We returned home refreshed and ready to renew our responsibilities this week. Thank you, God, for giving us this time of drawing us all together.
One of the purposes of the weekend was to give everyone that attends our church a chance to tell their life story and show how God has worked in their personal lives. This was scary for most of us, but especially those who aren't used to being open about themselves. It was so encouraging. We heard how God protected specifically one man's life during the war and how God pursued him until he was ready to give his whole life to God.
A dear sister shared that she was Catholic when she married a Christian man, and it took 13 years before she gave her heart to God. Another sister found that in loneliness God spoke to her and that he was faithful as He was drawing her to himself. A new Christian testified that little details in her life pointed her to God and she remembered exact times that God knocked on her door. We saw God at work in all our lives, but in many different situations.
We all had our story and how God moved and worked in our lives...through joy...through pain...through tradegy...through family...through church. We spent time praying over each person individually and this again was something new, but very special for the Polish people and all of us.
We enjoyed a bonfire, roasted marshmallows, endured mosquitos, enjoyed after-hour snacks, solved a treasure hunt, built balloon towers with scotch tape, sang together, encouraged each other, searched for a lost dog, laughed, cried, and prayed together.
And the setting was so peaceful. Sometimes living in town, I forget how fresh and clean nature is. And how good the air smells, how sweetly birds sing, how the wind whispers through the trees. We returned home refreshed and ready to renew our responsibilities this week. Thank you, God, for giving us this time of drawing us all together.
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Iain
My maternal Grandmother's name was Ada Evelyn Baker, I don't know much about my father's side of the family so I don't know if we could be related that way or not. My Paternal Grandfather & Grandmother lived in Poplar Bluff, MO. That's about the extent that I know of my father's side. Mom and Dad met during WWII in Boise, Idaho.
I told Donna that you were from Oregon and she was very excited as well. If you have time when you're here, we'd love to meet you and your little sis, or anyone else you'd like to bring along!