For the past few weeks I have been reading various books on leadership and discipleship. The weekend of the 16th - 2th of February was like going on practical leadership training course. When leaders become servants themselves (Matt. 20:26) only than people will follow them. They will 'imitate their faith' (Hebrews 13:7). These verses were truly alive in leaders of Brunswick Baptist church in Gloucester Colin Pavitt and mission pastor Rafal Sadowski from Pulawska church in Warsaw. Pastor Colin and his wife Marcia hosted Rafal and his family. While they were enjoying each others company they have got to each other. To welcome pastor Rafal and his family everybody helped to organise International Night, which gathered 90 people including 20 Polish, who were kind to bring food and enjoyed fellowship with people they have met for the first time. The event helped Rafal to get to know church people and meet local Poles. We all had so much fun! The July, 2012 mission planning went very well and we agreed on the size of a Polish team, dates, the rock band 'Euangelion' concert at Guildhall, publicity and etc.
Indeed, the weekend demonstrated how important for church leaders to get together, share vision and begin serving our Lord Jesus Christ by being servants themselves and encouraging church to follow the example of Christ by loving people and inviting them to the table of Hope.
We are very privileged to work alongside these churches and witness God's grace and love for His people when they join His mission together.
As Christians we are told to be hospitable
'As Christians we are told to be hospitable and to open our homes to strangers. However, there is always a little apprehension when the person or in this case a family is unknown to you. However, Pastor Rafal and his family could not have been more charming. We enjoyed 4 days of great fellowship and the added blessing of hearing Rafal preach and the plans made for our summer mission. I believer that the Polish band Euangelion and the Labyrinth arriving in July is going to be a great opportunity for us to do Mission in Gloucester, to proclaim the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus.' Rev Colin Pavitt
Warm visit in UK
'On February 16-20 me and my family had visited the Brunswick Baptist Church in UK. We came to Gloucester to discuss with the pastor and church leaders as well as Rita and Vidas (missionaries from ECM) about summer missionary trip with the Labyrinth of the Polish team.
But it was not the only goal of our escapade. It was a great opportunity for us that our churches might get known each other and establish relationships. We had met a remarkable church. The church of many nations with great people. The Church, which wants to go out to the people with the Gospel.
We spent several days with Rita - a missionary from ECM and her family. Rita, Vidas and Rugile are very cool and open people. We are glad that our families became friends.
It was a warm visit and not only due to the difference of temperature between England and Poland. It was a warm visit because of the relationship we have established with pastor Colin and his wife Marcia. We were welcomed very well and had many interesting conversations with them.
Although the aircraft flying is very stressful for me I cannot wait to July when me and a group of youth from my church get the plane to the UK and together with the church in Gloucester we organise the Labyrinth. See you in July!' Pastor Rafal Sadowski
Thankful
We are very thankful fpr Rafal and his family for coming over to meet Brunswick Baptist church; planning for July, 2012 mission; for all the planning time; for friendships and their openness!
We are thankful to all our partner churches for their ongoing support in prayer and encouragement.
We are thankful for our supporters, because without them all this would not happen.
with Love
Rimkai
