We had the privilege of going to Krakow, Poland for leadership meetings with Freedom in Christ. We were incredibly blessed by our time with the FIC family. I was encouraged and inspired by our co-workers, by their struggles, and the work God is doing in the different nations. I was filled up by just being with other people, going deeper in relationships, and being of one heart. Thank you, God!
The first night of the meetings Steve, the international director of FIC, asked to talk with us over supper. He had the president of the board join us too. To our surprise Steve asked Josh to be his deputy director, in other words right hand man, second in charge. Whoa! He said he feels God leading him to Josh, sees Spiritual leadership in him and our family, commitment to the FIC message and that the board approved of it today. The board president said they see integrity in Josh and fully support this decision. I wish I could remember all they said. I tried to take it in, but I found myself very overwhelmed. They said nothing would really change other than Josh would fill in for Steve's position when he was away or couldn't be there. I see it kind of as a mentor position. They said we are sure you don't feel qualified for this leadership role and that is exactly what we want you to feel. A humble leader. They told Josh there was no pressure and he could pray about it as long as he would like to. To everyone's surprise, Josh said, "if this is the role FIC and the board want me to fill than I will. I am passionate about the FIC message, and I am here to serve FIC where they want me." FIC value couples and the spouses being onboard. Steve asked how I felt about this and if I supported Josh in this. I said yes. I see everything they see in Josh and believe in him. I support what he feels called to. Steve seemed so excited and asked if he could announce it during the meetings this week? Josh said yes. And that night Steve told the group that Josh was the new depute of FIC International.
I sat there thinking, what just happened? This feels big. No one knows that we just heard this and agreed to it ourselves today. I needed to process.
Josh and I didn't really get to talk about it for a day or two because we were so busy with the meetings and too tired at night. I felt like I needed someone to talk to. I was feeling more overwhelmed by it each day. Why? I think with Josh's position on the leadership team, then as head of resources, and now depute, things are changing fast. Can Josh do it, can we do it, is it the right position for him? People began to congratulate us on the new position, and I would tell them that we just found out and are still processing it. It was then that people spoke into the situation with wisdom and encouragement. I was so thankful. People understood, affirmed, and were supportive. I began to feel relieved.
As I thought about it all and Josh and I talked, I connected the dots. For years now God has been speaking to us that we are in a season of change. Big things are coming, new things, and it's going to be good, better than before. Josh has been praying for years that God would expand his territory and sphere of influence. There has been a lot of change in the last couple years already, and we feel we are to just continue on seeking and serving the Lord faithfully where He opens doors. We still feel God saying more is to come, be open, trust and wait on Me. He's doing it, He's doing great things!
Beyond that, in the last few years, the leaders of FIC began speaking into us. We held what they said and wondered, "Why did they say that to us, what does that mean?" God was preparing us. Comments to Josh like, "Are you ready to be the face of FIC?" or "When I think of the future of FIC I think of you". Not to mention my private request to God had been, "God I want Josh to be a leader in FIC." It wasn't a selfish prayer - I don't think - it was because I love FIC, love working with them, respect the leadership and see Josh has so much wisdom and love for the Lord and His world to add to the leadership.
I see this unexpected new position as God continuing to lead and use us. An answer to the prayer, "Lord use us greater, expand the territory". This is You God, so let it be so!
(I'll write more about the meetings at the end of the pictures...)
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It's a long journey for Obule to anywhere. We flew into Dubai, had an overnight, then onto Poland.
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Flying over Iran, I was surprised to see a huge mountain range with snow on them!
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On our first day in Krakow, we were able to get our bearings and sightsee a little.
We were warned Krakow could be 70 and sunny or 30 and snowing in April.
We got cloudy and dreary the first day. But got to see beautiful historical buildings. |
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| Inside the Wawel Castle court. |
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We are learning about medieval times in history, so this was perfect, but sure is an odd time.
See all the faces on the ceiling? |
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| Turkish/Ottoman tent |
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Emalai was freezing in Poland!
(She is so African!) |
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| So why not warm up with a cappuccino! |
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| Old town city center |
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| Gothic Cathedral |
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| Makai was intrigued by it all and took time to "meditate" on it. |
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| He also LOVED chasing the pigeons! |
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FIC leadership meetings.
Steve introducing Josh. |
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| This year I was able to be in all the meetings. The kids did a great job watching each other, playing and doing their homeschool work. They enjoying being a part of the FIC family too. |
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| FIC leadership team and board members |
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Leadership team from seven countries and four continents I believe.
It was so nice to meet in person and not on zoom! |
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| The European team joined the leadership team halfway through our time. We started with an outing together - back to old town city center in Krakow. |
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| More chasing pigeons! |
Emalai and I enjoy time together shopping - especially in the covered market.
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| Just gotta jump for one! |
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| I was personally touched by meeting my brothers and sisters serving with FIC in Europe. I was inspired by what God is doing in the European countries. I felt a lot - especially for Poland, Germany, and the Eurasia region. I could feel the bondage; I could see it. I know that Freedom in Jesus Christ is their answer. Forgiveness is the way. We have the Good News and are equipped and empowered to share it with Europe. Pray with us that God will bring His kingdom to this land. They are God's children. |
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| FIC is truly a ministry of prayer and it's beautiful and powerful. |
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Steve and Zoe, the Director of FIC International.
Josh and I, the new Deputy Director of FIC International.
And Makai! |
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'til next year my friends!
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| On our last day, it was cold and even snowed. |
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Josh and Luka went to Auschwitz.
Very hard but very important. Luka thought it was the "highlight" of his trip. |
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| All the people (mostly Jews) who ended up at Auschwitz... |
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| The underground gas chamber and incinerator. |
The shooting wall.
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It is really hard to end on such a heavy note. Like I already said I could feel and see the effects of years of darkness, pain, war, oppression, fear and hatred. I enjoy seeing new places and cultures. I like observing and learning. What I observed was people who don't smile, don't greet you and overall are not very friendly or helpful - until you know them. Most are very Catholic or atheists. If you looked around a lot of people wore black. Many of our days there were cold and dreary adding to the atmosphere. All of this is a stark contrast to Uganda! I think that is why it hit me. Talking to the FIC couple serving in Poland I learned that just a few decades ago people were standing in line for bread and milk and now it is a modern first-world country with stores filled with everything you could need. They told us heart breaking stories from the past and how the Polish feel betrayed, that no one helped them, and have pain and bitterness. They weep for the Polish people. They are there to bring freedom through Christ! To see Poland set free!
The last day I had the honor of praying for this couple and for Poland. I prayed with tears, repenting, I prayed with power, knowing we have the authority over the enemy and knowing Poland and it's people are God's, I prayed forgiveness knowing it will set them free, I prayed God's will, knowing He is their Healer. When I finished praying the FIC prayer coordinator came up to and said, "that was a very anointed prayer!" I looked around and saw I wasn't the only one crying. And the dear couple serving in Poland were sitting there wiping away tears. He came up to me and thanked me for that very meaningful prayer.
I kinda sat back and said, "wow God I was just talking to you, moved by Your love for Your people and using the authority we have in You." I have heard many times, "I love when you pray" and I always think we can all pray like that. I am also realizing I am a very discerning person and can feel if things are right or not. I wrestle with this gift and what to do with it, but I am learning to receive it. I think that the discerning and prayer go together. It allows me to know what and how to pray. I am realizing how much I love to pray for people, with people! Taking someone to Jesus in prayer is an honor, is powerful, is peace filled. He's with us, He knows, He is able, He's got it, we can trust Him, His will is done for His glory... I felt that day very called, confirmed that prayer is one of my gifts. Add discernment and faith and I am feeling really empowered to use my gifts.
We also were able to see our FIC brother from Eurasia again. Our family was very inspirited and challenged by the work God is doing in the warzone, among the Roma (Gypsies), and in the persecuted church. Honestly, I walk away feeling like "God I'm doing so little." I wept as he told us about our persecuted brothers and sisters who are beaten, in prison, abused and even killed. One pastor was put in prison with extremists who would likely kill him, but when he was released all the terrorists where calling out, "Pastor don't go, don't leave us." He said there was a pray meeting led by those from the Western Church who were praying free them from persecution, protect them, help them to be safe...and the persecuted church people said, "no, stop! Don't pray that! Pray for more persecution. More hardships and struggles so we grow in our faith. We will suffer with Him, for Him." I sat there crying. All we want and hold onto at all costs in the Western Church is our safety and comfort. And the persecuted church is saying we want to suffer with our Savior. They count the cost daily for serving Christ. I am such a wimp, lazy Christian.
He also talked about the Roma people who have suffered so much, are hated by all, and pushed into unwanted areas of the world. I think he said there are 2.7 million Roma people and less than 2% are Christians. Almost totally unreached. They are working on a translation of the Bible in five of the largest Roma languages. They are fighting for rights for the Roma girls sold off as livestock to marriage or other countries, and kids maned to go out and beg. The Roma also have a cast system and the lowest cannot come out in the daytime, no one can go near them or touch them, they are under the witches, and they have rugs in front of their windows so no one can see them. They literally live in darkness! It's evil. At night our friend's team goes to them, a stones throw away, and throw them food and audio Bibles. Oh God how the world needs Jesus!!! My heart aches with Yours... |
Many of the FIC workers talk about their own forgiveness story that led them to serve with FIC. They know that forgiveness is the answer, the healing, freedom. The FIC worker in Eurasia saw the communists kill his three uncles. Forgiveness set him free. The FIC worker in Nigeria saw his dad buried alive. Forgiveness gave him peace. The FIC worker in Europe was abused as a child. Forgiveness brought healing. And forgiveness is the answer for our brothers and sisters at war, persecuted, hated, hurt, downcast, traumatized, lost and unloved. Jesus sets people free! That is why we serve with Freedom in Christ. We all need Jesus. We have been changed by Him and want to share with the world how they can be free in Christ. I am so thankful to serve the Lord with my FIC family.
*Coming soon part two, our little vacation to Zakopane, Poland in the Tatra Mountains!
Prayer Requests from FIC:
-Germany for the first time ever will be uniting all churches and have a Jesus Conference in May.
-In May one of the churches in Estonia is going on a mission trip to the outskirts of London where many unreached live. Praying it is the beginning of missions in the church there.
-Latin America conference will be happening in May in Columbia.
-Christian youth camps in or near Muslim countries this summer in Eurasia.
