Oklahoma!

A group from Oklahoma came to work with us, so with my camera and a computer, I made this!! :) Enjoy!

Eggs & Bunnies?

As I have walked the streets of Olsztyn this week, I have been greeted by strong sense of tradition. I find this devotion to tradition somewhat beautiful, but sadly, it is almost completely saturated with an air of apathy. This nation is primarily Catholic, but I get the sense there is a growing amount of indifference toward the church and Christianity as a whole – especially among the younger generation. Among university and high school-aged students, I find it more common to encounter someone who would fall into the category of “postmodern” than it is to find someone who is devoutly Catholic.

Despite this fact, I have noticed that the holidays – namely Christmas and Easter – are drenched with traditions rooted in the Catholic church, and most people, postmodern or not, celebrate these holidays in some form or fashion. For the last few weeks, the “Easter industry” has been out in full force, and in several places in town, including the end of my street, you could conveniently pick up both your religious and commercialized Easter items with no added stress to your schedule. I liken it to the holiday aisle at Walmart.

It is distressing to see people so entrenched in their tradition and works-based salvation that they completely miss the true meaning of this wonderful celebration of the risen Savior. Similar to America, people focus on the eggs and bunnies and forget or don’t care that the implications of this holiday are tremendous.

I am convinced that the distraction from the true meaning of Easter doesn’t come solely from the commercialization of recent years, it is primarily the result of a nation lost and in darkness. It says in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” This, I believe, is the root cause for the distracting holiday traditions and the tragic devotion to a works-based salvation. These people are unable to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and therefore, cling to rote, mechanical behaviors attempting to fill the gaping hole in their lives.

Please join me in praying for this nation and these people.

How to Get Out of the Snow

Have you ever wondered what to do when you're stuck in the snow? Me too. Here's what we suggest. :)