Missions Trip to Poland

Pastor Greg and Elaine Olson

By Elaine Olson I have just returned from the privilege of speaking and ministering at three conferences throughout Poland, two for women, one to train pastors and leaders in effective counselling. I also led several house meetings, leadership meetings and of course, was asked to counsel some of the more difficult cases experienced in the church in Jelenia Gora. Truda Sawlor, a gifted altar minister traveled with me, and was a terrific help during the ministry times.

Women's Conferences Over 300 women attended the two conferences in Wroclaw and Warsaw. For the first time, I ministered with national female pastors, indicating a fresh boldness on their part to step into their callings with confidence and authority. There were many salvations, and we sensed God's power touching, healing and ministering very deeply and personally. The leadership expressed sincere appreciation for the content of the Word as well as the following altar ministry.

Counselling Conference Pastors from five churches brought their leadership to participate in a day of counsellor training, in Jelenia Gora. The teaching was very practical; empowering interested leaders to believe for the Spirit of counsel and might (Isaiah 11:2) to work in their ministries. The training was held on the country's November 1st national holiday. One pastor of a large Pentecostal church in a neighboring city commented "this was the best "All Saints Day" of my life."

House Meetings Over the 10 days there, we traveled and ministered in three house meetings. One meeting was an outreach to women living in Jelenia Gora. It seemed like the women could hardly wait for the opportunity to accept Christ. Their openness and desire to make a commitment to Christ, without the usual debate, greatly surprised me.

Summary This year the ministry in Poland seemed much easier than in previous years. There has been tangible change physically and economically in the country, but even more exciting is the obvious change in the spiritual atmosphere. For the first time, in eight years of ministry in Poland, salvations were common to every meeting. The teaching was well received. The church in Warsaw recently offered the Alpha program, with 50 non-Christians registering from the community. It seems the heavens are beginning to open. Poland's acceptance and willingness to adopt change as a result of entering the EU, could be God's strategy for His church. I believe the death of the Polish Pope this year has also contributed to the openness to the gospel. Considering most of the church leadership is under 40 years old, the church is set on a course for long-term impact.

Prayer for this Nation Pray that the seeds invested during this trip would be watered and bear their intended fruit. Pray for new national business opportunities to keep the young Christian leaders from leaving the country for better prospects in neighboring nations.