I have certainly thought a lot more about writing than I actually have. Sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be enough “space” to sort out my thoughts and get them down on paper or on the screen. Plus, I’m sick once again. I think it’s the fourth time in 4 or 5 weeks. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Travis has been a huge help during this time while Denise is in the States. Yesterday I didn’t even go to Sunday service because I thought I shouldn’t spread my germs around. So he took it all. Thankfully he was already scheduled to do the teaching.
I’m not going to try and think of something wonderful to write since my brain seems to be in neutral. But I’d love your prayers for my health and for a few days this week that I have potentially scheduled as time off.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Reminders Come from All Kinds of Places
Sometimes I can still be amazed at how, where and when God chooses to communicate. After my last written post about compassion, I was reading before going to bed. This is a fictional book by Alexander McCall Smith that takes place in Africa. God used this book to further emphasize what he had already been speaking to me. I’m sure that if I hadn’t begun to understand my barrier to compassion then this passage would have just been glossed over. I was just reading along and the main character, Mma Ramotswe [African title and last name], is talking about her disbelief at how her friend treats her servants.
Her friend who treated her maid badly was not a wicked person. She behaved well towards her family and she had always been kind to Mma Ramotswe, but when it came to her maid – and Mma Ramotswe had met this maid, who seemed an agreeable, hardworking woman from Molepolole – she seemed to have little concern for her feelings. It occurred to Mma Ramotswe that such behavior was no more than ignorance; an inability to understand the hopes and aspirations of others. That understanding, thought Mma Ramotswe, was the beginning of all morality. If you knew how a person was feeling, if you could imagine yourself in her position, then surely it would be impossible to inflict further pain. Inflicting pain in such circumstances would be like hurting oneself.The main character goes on to talk about the Ten Commandments and how they are absolute. That we can’t pick and choose what is right for ourselves and have a “separate morality”. I must admit, I was surprised to find this in my detective novel. But I have also learned that when I am open to God, he can use virtually any source to speak to me. I’m so thankful he doesn’t give up on me but rather reminds and encourages me along the way.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Thinking too much?
All my life I have highly valued observation and analysis and still do. They are useful tools in life for conflict resolution, problem solving and general understanding. Recently, I found myself lacking compassion for someone and their situation so I fell back on one of my old favorites – analysis. But I couldn’t find understanding or compassion this time. So I went to different levels of analysis. Since I live in a culture not my own I probed deeper to see if I had some “blind spot” due to cultural differences. Naturally I found differences but couldn’t reconcile those differences with my complete absence of compassion. I was thinking a lot and trying to understand the situation from their perspective but my feelings didn’t change and I only became more frustrated.
Throughout the years I have questioned whether I was much of a compassionate person. Generally I thought the answer was – no. Therefore, I just wanted to tell the person to make some decision and get on with life. Deal with it! Now I can see one of the factors that was affecting my reaction to this particular situation. The depth of my compassion was influenced by my own self interest. What expectations of mine have been disappointed? How have I been discouraged by this person and situation? My hurt through disappointment and discouragement impacted directly my willingness and ability to look from the other person’s perspective and to touch and receive from my Father’s heart of compassion.
I’ve been struggling with this for probably 6 months but more intensely the last month. I think, I think too much!! And I’m not in touch with my feelings. They can take me by surprise sometimes. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure out my issues regarding this other person. Thinking is good but feelings are important too. I still don’t really know what to do in this situation or how to be supportive but I hope to fully let go of my hurt and disappointment. Then I pray God will be able to move more freely.
Throughout the years I have questioned whether I was much of a compassionate person. Generally I thought the answer was – no. Therefore, I just wanted to tell the person to make some decision and get on with life. Deal with it! Now I can see one of the factors that was affecting my reaction to this particular situation. The depth of my compassion was influenced by my own self interest. What expectations of mine have been disappointed? How have I been discouraged by this person and situation? My hurt through disappointment and discouragement impacted directly my willingness and ability to look from the other person’s perspective and to touch and receive from my Father’s heart of compassion.
I’ve been struggling with this for probably 6 months but more intensely the last month. I think, I think too much!! And I’m not in touch with my feelings. They can take me by surprise sometimes. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure out my issues regarding this other person. Thinking is good but feelings are important too. I still don’t really know what to do in this situation or how to be supportive but I hope to fully let go of my hurt and disappointment. Then I pray God will be able to move more freely.
"Coffee" answers
(If you've come here wondering what this is all about, the post this refers to can be found here.)
As I said here are the answers for the "Coffee" grammar exercise. If you aren't a native speaker of English these exercises can be quite difficult.
1) which 2) were 3) could 4) to 5) become 6) until 7) first 8) had 9) how 10) where 11)because 12) on 13) their 14) for 15) the
As I said here are the answers for the "Coffee" grammar exercise. If you aren't a native speaker of English these exercises can be quite difficult.
1) which 2) were 3) could 4) to 5) become 6) until 7) first 8) had 9) how 10) where 11)because 12) on 13) their 14) for 15) the
Friday, June 11, 2004
Thursday, June 10, 2004
The Origins of Coffee and My English Teaching in Poland
I usually don’t write too much about my English teaching in my newsletters. And I never thought I’d be teaching as long as I have. Prior to coming here to Poland in 1996, support raising was difficult and going slow. So we (my co-worker and I) decided to teach English to help supplement our funds. This whole idea scared me at first because I had no experience, as I’m a licensed architect. I agreed to teaching for 1 year and maybe I would consider 2 years! This year I just finished my eighth year of teaching. Of course, when asked how long I would stay in Poland I said 2 to 3 years – 5 years maximum. I look back now and laugh at “my plan.” God has been faithful and hasn’t called me to leave yet.
As promised here is an example of one kind of the exercises my students need to do for the Cambridge test. This particular test is one of the hardest for them. You can also learn a little history of coffee through this exercise. For the answers – look for them on my blog in a few days.
(For the answers see "Coffee" Answers.)
COFFEE
Coffee is made from the beans that grow in the fruits of the coffee plant. There are usually two beans in each fruit and harvesting is done (0)___by___ hand.
The word ‘coffee’ derives from the Arabic ‘qahwah’, a word (1)________ was originally used for wine, but which came to mean coffee. Coffee beans (2)_________ to be chewed before it was discovered that they (3)_______ be boiled with water (4)________ make a drink.
Coffee drinking began in Arab countries in the 14th century and did not (5)________ common in Europe (6)_______ the 17th century. At (7)________, coffee was sold by chemists, but it (8)________ little impact until the first coffee shop opened and instructions about (9)_________ to roast and grind the coffee were published.
In London, the first coffee houses – places (10)________ people met, drank coffee and talked – opened in 1652. In 1657 the King tried to close them (11)________ they were reported to disturb ‘the peace and quiet of the nation’. They did indeed have a great influence (12)________ political and commercial life. Several modern banks and other financial institutions have (13)________ origins in these coffee houses.
By the end of the 19th century, demand (14)________ coffee had grown and there were a great many plantations in tropical Africa. Today,(15)_______ world’s largest producers are Brazil, Colombia and the Ivory Coast.
As promised here is an example of one kind of the exercises my students need to do for the Cambridge test. This particular test is one of the hardest for them. You can also learn a little history of coffee through this exercise. For the answers – look for them on my blog in a few days.
(For the answers see "Coffee" Answers.)
COFFEE
Coffee is made from the beans that grow in the fruits of the coffee plant. There are usually two beans in each fruit and harvesting is done (0)___by___ hand.
The word ‘coffee’ derives from the Arabic ‘qahwah’, a word (1)________ was originally used for wine, but which came to mean coffee. Coffee beans (2)_________ to be chewed before it was discovered that they (3)_______ be boiled with water (4)________ make a drink.
Coffee drinking began in Arab countries in the 14th century and did not (5)________ common in Europe (6)_______ the 17th century. At (7)________, coffee was sold by chemists, but it (8)________ little impact until the first coffee shop opened and instructions about (9)_________ to roast and grind the coffee were published.
In London, the first coffee houses – places (10)________ people met, drank coffee and talked – opened in 1652. In 1657 the King tried to close them (11)________ they were reported to disturb ‘the peace and quiet of the nation’. They did indeed have a great influence (12)________ political and commercial life. Several modern banks and other financial institutions have (13)________ origins in these coffee houses.
By the end of the 19th century, demand (14)________ coffee had grown and there were a great many plantations in tropical Africa. Today,(15)_______ world’s largest producers are Brazil, Colombia and the Ivory Coast.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
New Beginnings
This "blog thing" is very new to me so I hope you will bear with me as I find my way. Travis is kind enough to show me the ropes, so to speak. But I would love any comments or questions to help direct some of these postings.
Right now I find myself at the end of English teaching for yet another school year. I'll tell you that the English language has gone into new and sometimes unfamiliar areas as I teach this language to non-native speakers. I also find more and more differences between British English and American. These differences are to such an extent that I wonder if they really are the same language. I teach fairly high levels, and prepare my students for a standardized Cambridge test which is recognized throughout Europe. For one of my next posts, I'll include one of the "Use of English" exercises that they need to do for the exam. It just happens to be entitled "Coffee"!
Right now I find myself at the end of English teaching for yet another school year. I'll tell you that the English language has gone into new and sometimes unfamiliar areas as I teach this language to non-native speakers. I also find more and more differences between British English and American. These differences are to such an extent that I wonder if they really are the same language. I teach fairly high levels, and prepare my students for a standardized Cambridge test which is recognized throughout Europe. For one of my next posts, I'll include one of the "Use of English" exercises that they need to do for the exam. It just happens to be entitled "Coffee"!
How to Pray for Missionaries like ME
Specifics for my situation are in bold
Their prayer letter
Missionaries all write regular prayer letters, so why not ask to receive them? They will keep you up to date with their work and personal needs. Remember, spiritual work can bring tears as well as joy; disappointment as well as hope. Working as a missionary can be lonely, so pray imaginatively for them in their work.
Their personal needs
Pray that your friends will feel at home in a new country, culture and climate.
If the missionary is single, which she is, feelings of loneliness and isolation may creep in. Pray for good, sustaining friendships, for holiday arrangements and time to relax and unwind.
Pray for your friends when it’s time to adjust back to life in their own country. Pray that as they visit churches and supporters they would build strong links and renew relationships.
Pray for my elderly mother back home and for those who support her. Ask that God would look after her during my absence.
Pray for good relationships with national Christian leaders and with fellow workers, some of whom may come from different cultures and countries.
Grasping the language takes time. Pray as your friends learn a new language, understand its nuances and attempt to communicate. Pray against set backs and discouragement.
Pray for their language helpers; people with the courage to correct and advise, and who will encourage your friends in their work.
Pray for spiritual growth, and for their ability to teach, preach, disciple and witness. Pray for vision and for love, and for any resources or literature that’s needed.
Their country
Pray for the leaders in your friends’ country. Pray for freedom to preach the gospel and without automatically being labeled a cult. For political stability.
Find out as much as you can about the country, its history, and what’s happening now. Read the papers. Watch TV. Ask the missionary questions. (I don’t always know what interests you or what you don’t know. So please feel free to ask via email, comments on this blog or phone calls!)
Pray for the Christians to be ‘salt and light’ in their neighborhoods, society or government, and for good relations with those of other faiths.
How to pray each day
If you want to pray for your friends every day, why not use these topics? Choose from these items and use whatever background you have from prayer letters or other sources.
Sunday – Their spiritual life
Time to read and pray. Spiritual growth. Encouragement. Fellowship with local Christians. Good links with sending churches and prayer supporters. For integrity, reliability, consistency. Phil. 1:9-11
Monday – Their personal life
Their relationships with co-workers. Maintaining contact with parents and family back home. Health and strength. Physical and spiritual protection. Regarding health, please pray that the progressive nerve damage due to the tethered spinal cord birth defect would stop and, Lord willing, even reverse itself. Please also pray for discipline in keeping fit which also helps my general physical condition.
Tuesday – Communication
Progress in language study that I can find the time to have consistent study time throughout the week. Adaptation to culture, customs and people. Clarity, creativity and relevance in preaching and teaching. Biblical emphasis. Involvement with those hearing the message.
Wednesday – Relationships
Harmonious relationships with other Christians, church leaders and for Spirit-led contacts to develop new friendships with nationals. For understanding in knowing the time to take courage in being vulnerable.
Thursday – Evangelism
For boldness. For godly, sensitive, Spirit-led ministry. Hungry hearts and the opening of spiritually blind eyes. For the establishing of Christ’s church. For national missionary movements. We live in a highly traditional Catholic area. Anything other than Catholic groups are under great suspicion and labeled a cult without any questions asked or having met with anyone in the other group. So we definitely need wisdom, discernment, and sensitive perseverance.
Friday – Discipling
For patience and empathy. Training young people. Encouraging new believers. Equipping those with leadership gifts. Time coordination with people can be difficult because the basic elements of life take longer here, like shopping, cooking and longer work hours. Please pray that consistent times can be established.
Saturday – Their country
For those in authority. The political situation. Religious freedom. Openness to the gospel. Favor with officials, especially the State church – the Catholic Church. So we are not seen as a threat but just part of God’s Church with a different “flavor” than theirs.
Your part to play – is without a doubt a very important one
God has a part for you to play in mission, building his Church world-wide. No Christian worker, whether at home or overseas, can ‘go it alone’. Missionaries need the support of a team.
When you decide to pray regularly for someone, you join that team. Whether you pray, provide financial support, or work to plant churches, you are playing your part in world mission. As you pray, God uses your prayers to work out his purposes. Our prayers make a difference to the Sovereign Lord. They can make a difference in the world.
It takes discipline and commitment to pray for people who live in a place we know little about, who work in a language we don’t speak, who may eat breakfast while we’re going to bed, and who may not be back for some years. But they don’t stop being our brothers and sisters while they’re away. Let’s not forget them once they’ve gone. Continue to pray for these missionaries.
Remember them. Pray for them every day. Your prayers count.
‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’ (Matthew 9:37, 38)
This material, although adapted, was taken from this web site For further info and other links please visit this site.
Their prayer letter
Missionaries all write regular prayer letters, so why not ask to receive them? They will keep you up to date with their work and personal needs. Remember, spiritual work can bring tears as well as joy; disappointment as well as hope. Working as a missionary can be lonely, so pray imaginatively for them in their work.
Their personal needs
Pray that your friends will feel at home in a new country, culture and climate.
If the missionary is single, which she is, feelings of loneliness and isolation may creep in. Pray for good, sustaining friendships, for holiday arrangements and time to relax and unwind.
Pray for your friends when it’s time to adjust back to life in their own country. Pray that as they visit churches and supporters they would build strong links and renew relationships.
Pray for my elderly mother back home and for those who support her. Ask that God would look after her during my absence.
Pray for good relationships with national Christian leaders and with fellow workers, some of whom may come from different cultures and countries.
Grasping the language takes time. Pray as your friends learn a new language, understand its nuances and attempt to communicate. Pray against set backs and discouragement.
Pray for their language helpers; people with the courage to correct and advise, and who will encourage your friends in their work.
Pray for spiritual growth, and for their ability to teach, preach, disciple and witness. Pray for vision and for love, and for any resources or literature that’s needed.
Their country
Pray for the leaders in your friends’ country. Pray for freedom to preach the gospel and without automatically being labeled a cult. For political stability.
Find out as much as you can about the country, its history, and what’s happening now. Read the papers. Watch TV. Ask the missionary questions. (I don’t always know what interests you or what you don’t know. So please feel free to ask via email, comments on this blog or phone calls!)
Pray for the Christians to be ‘salt and light’ in their neighborhoods, society or government, and for good relations with those of other faiths.
How to pray each day
If you want to pray for your friends every day, why not use these topics? Choose from these items and use whatever background you have from prayer letters or other sources.
Sunday – Their spiritual life
Time to read and pray. Spiritual growth. Encouragement. Fellowship with local Christians. Good links with sending churches and prayer supporters. For integrity, reliability, consistency. Phil. 1:9-11
Monday – Their personal life
Their relationships with co-workers. Maintaining contact with parents and family back home. Health and strength. Physical and spiritual protection. Regarding health, please pray that the progressive nerve damage due to the tethered spinal cord birth defect would stop and, Lord willing, even reverse itself. Please also pray for discipline in keeping fit which also helps my general physical condition.
Tuesday – Communication
Progress in language study that I can find the time to have consistent study time throughout the week. Adaptation to culture, customs and people. Clarity, creativity and relevance in preaching and teaching. Biblical emphasis. Involvement with those hearing the message.
Wednesday – Relationships
Harmonious relationships with other Christians, church leaders and for Spirit-led contacts to develop new friendships with nationals. For understanding in knowing the time to take courage in being vulnerable.
Thursday – Evangelism
For boldness. For godly, sensitive, Spirit-led ministry. Hungry hearts and the opening of spiritually blind eyes. For the establishing of Christ’s church. For national missionary movements. We live in a highly traditional Catholic area. Anything other than Catholic groups are under great suspicion and labeled a cult without any questions asked or having met with anyone in the other group. So we definitely need wisdom, discernment, and sensitive perseverance.
Friday – Discipling
For patience and empathy. Training young people. Encouraging new believers. Equipping those with leadership gifts. Time coordination with people can be difficult because the basic elements of life take longer here, like shopping, cooking and longer work hours. Please pray that consistent times can be established.
Saturday – Their country
For those in authority. The political situation. Religious freedom. Openness to the gospel. Favor with officials, especially the State church – the Catholic Church. So we are not seen as a threat but just part of God’s Church with a different “flavor” than theirs.
Your part to play – is without a doubt a very important one
God has a part for you to play in mission, building his Church world-wide. No Christian worker, whether at home or overseas, can ‘go it alone’. Missionaries need the support of a team.
When you decide to pray regularly for someone, you join that team. Whether you pray, provide financial support, or work to plant churches, you are playing your part in world mission. As you pray, God uses your prayers to work out his purposes. Our prayers make a difference to the Sovereign Lord. They can make a difference in the world.
It takes discipline and commitment to pray for people who live in a place we know little about, who work in a language we don’t speak, who may eat breakfast while we’re going to bed, and who may not be back for some years. But they don’t stop being our brothers and sisters while they’re away. Let’s not forget them once they’ve gone. Continue to pray for these missionaries.
Remember them. Pray for them every day. Your prayers count.
‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’ (Matthew 9:37, 38)
This material, although adapted, was taken from this web site For further info and other links please visit this site.
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