Well, here I am again. As you can see it has been more than 2 years since I last posted to the Blog. For those who read this Blog but do not have any other contact with me a brief explanation may help.
In 2011, my beloved wife Joy made good on her promise that she would go to Heaven to be with Jesus before I would. In early 2012, my adjustment to that drastic change in my life was complicated by the physicians' diagnoses that I had developed prostrate cancer. After about six months during which I had to focus primarily on my own physical health, I managed to get away from home for about three and one half months to travel, renew contact with many old friends, and try to find out who this changed person really was. During the Winter Holidays Season of 2012, I discovered two realities: First, the grief process over the loss of Joy affected my emotional state during that time far more than I had expected. Second, the various medications that the physicians had prescribed were having effects on my physical and emotional states that were really quite strange.
After some changes to medication, some love from my brother Rob who watches over my soul, and a sweet encounter with the Holy Spirit (one I might write about some other time.) I was beginning to feel "normal" again. (I put normal in quotes for the sake of my friends who would comment that I have never been really normal.) By this time it was almost time for me to prepare and pack for a trip to Poland. (May 15 - 29, 2013)
THE POLAND TRIP -- Some Personal Impressions and Lessons
Berlin, Germany -- May 16
The 5 person team met together in the Berlin Airport.
Ronald Gray, team leader, is an anointed apostle who has specific vision for serving men and women called to build businesses serving the world's economic needs. Ron has become a wonderful friend. He is a great musician and loves the people of God deeply.
Angela Hough, team administratrix, is an anointed prophet with a tremendous gift for keeping time schedules and expenses reasonable and in order. She and her husband have been long time friends. Angela has such a pure and simple way of making God's love clear to people. She is also an excellent business manager and teaches Godly principles of business management with great clarity.
Chris Hough, in addition to being Angela's husband, is an apostle of The Lord. Chris is an architect both in his profession and in the development of the Temple of God being built of Living Stones. Chris is uniquely anointed to clarify how the analytical and creative aspects of business decision making can function smoothly together.
Jack Turner has a special anointing to communicate to people how deeply they are loved by the Creator God. His prayers and his hands laid on people were transforming folks throughout the trip. He also is an extremely gifted teacher in the field of business personnel selection, management and leadership. His years of experience and his clear presentations build tremendous confidence in the lives he touches.
As you can no doubt see, as the newest member of this team, God gave me many opportunities to learn from my companions.
Szczecin (sounds like - stet chin) -- May 16 - 20
My initial impression of Szczecin was one of an industrial city. The architecture is striking in that it has a small number of older buildings which were beautifully crafted and left primarily undamaged by the wars of the 20th century. It also has a small number of newer buildings built in the last 30 years. However, its skyline is dominated by buildings built during the Soviet/Communist era post World War Two. During that period of severe austerity little or no value was placed on esthetic appearance. As a result the buildings are depressing gray concrete structures.
It was in Szczecin that we first encountered a powerful spiritual dynamic of the peoples' inability to trust one another. We found the same dynamic virtually everywhere we travelled. It seems to be rooted in powerful principalities that have dominated the national culture for generations. Even a casual look at Poland's political history gives ample reasons for the continuation of this dynamic in the Polish social and business communities.
In Szczecin we also found some wonderful friends. While no one would claim that the Body of Christ here is in robust good health, nevertheless there are a small number of leaders who are deeply in love with Jesus and effectively equipping the saints. One of the sad effects of the lack of trust in relationships has been that the process of making disciples is all but unknown among the believers.
Conversely, the distinct minority status of the true believers has fostered a greater closeness and love bond among them than we have seen in other communities around the world. This bond of love is strong and among the saints it offers great hope for the future of the Bride in Szczecin.
Historically various denominations who call themselves the church in Poland have been identified with specific political positions. As a result some such groups have, whether justified or not, been labeled as treasonous. More justification for the lack of interpersonal trust has resulted.
Nonetheless with all the struggles, a solid core of believers now exists in Szczecin. That core is growing and being strengthened. As is true around the world, one of the primary current difficulties facing the body is the discernment between the good ideas of well intended leaders who have good social engineering skills to build organizations and the God given revelations in the midst of the saints which are intended to build and foster healthful joints between members of the Body of Christ. For Szczecin this is an important area for the intercessors to understand.
Legnica (sounds like - leg neats ah) -- May 21;
Wroclaw (sounds like - vrots loff) -- May 22;
Krakow (sounds like - it looks ) -- May 23
These three cities in the southern part of Poland were each distinct and unique communities. For our purposes however they were very similar. In each we were present for only one day/evening. Our efforts were specifically focused on the business community, primarily the Christians in that community. In each we taught groups, counseled individuals, and were warmly received by some wonderful friends.
Torun (sounds like - it looks ) -- May 24 - 28
Torun is a strikingly beautiful city that was not as devastated by the bombing of World War II as many other cities. Here the team met old friends and made new ones. To our surprise the numerous attempts to meet again with the business and academic segments of the community as the team had in past years seemed to produce no results. However, several solid contacts were developed during our visit which would appear to make for more action in those arenas on future trips.
Conversely our interactions with the Bride of Christ were blessed by The Lord. Revelation flowed and many of the saints were deeply encouraged. We saw the foundations of the Church strengthened and relationships were showing signs of renewed growth and development.
Warsaw -- May 29
When all the team except the Hough family drove into Warsaw, we had contemplated the idea of spending some time seeing the older historic parts of the city. As we arrived however, we were admitting to ourselves that we were just too tired to enjoy being tourists for a few hours. After a night of sleep we headed for the airport and the very long flights home.
I arrived here at home about 1:30 AM on May 30. Today, June 1, is the first day I have felt like my mind and body were both readjusted to the Pacific time zone.
Love to all.
His, thus Yours,
Stuart
The following 2 Comments were posted to the Blog entry before I accidentally erased it. Your added comments below will be enjoyed by all.
Shannon Dee Bailey said...
It's a good thing you put normal in quotes cause you know I would have walked through that door :-) Good to have you back home and thanks for the blog. I enjoyed reading about your adventures in Poland. Love you deeply and miss you more then you words can express :-)
June 1, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Bill Rinderknecht said...
Stuart, I am moved by your poignant description of the state of the Church in Poland. I can imagine after so many years of Communist rule, and in spite of the labor political uprising for liberty in the 80s & 90s, the people in the natural have no real basis for trust except through Christ. I so appreciate your communication and will pray as the Lord brings these precious ones to mind.
June 2, 2013 at 4:34 AM
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