Better Together - Poland Missions

Romans 10:14-15 states, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”

Ostroda Camp in Masuria, Poland. This thought had never crossed my mind. I could barely point out Poland on a map, let alone guess at the amazing opportunity that would lie within it. Yet God works in wondrous ways, for I now frequently find myself excitedly pondering a camp that is halfway across the world.

During a brief interaction with two of the administrators from Ostroda, I was inspired by the work they do to provide children and families with a consistent place of comfort and joy. Ostroda is a summer camp focused of serving children and adolescents through a week of games, fellowship, and exposure to the Gospel. Campers, representing 12 countries, spend each day enjoying creative games, challenging activities, and of course building new friendships. The testimonies of campers glow with adoration and appreciation for their counselors and the camps ability to relieve their stresses. "Better Together," is a true representation of their teaching of the Gospel and their dedication to creating a community of encouraged, refreshed campers. Through bible studies and personal relationships, Ostroda has impacted thousands of lives, in ways that can only be described as marvelous.

After this meeting, I couldn’t wait to find out more about an opportunity they offered as a “missions trip.” Having grown up hearing and learning messages like the one found in Romans 10, I knew that God calls each believer to share the Word of God unto the corners of the earth. However, it wasn’t until that moment, talking about the little camp in Ostroda, I realized that I too could take ministry beyond my daily environment. I had never imagined myself as a person who would go to another country to share the Gospel. I saw myself as a “homefield” missionary, centering my energies around the local church ministries and sharing my faith at school.  Yet, something about this little camp captured my mind and enthralled my heart. God urges his children to challenge their comfort zones in order to bring glory to his kingdom. He builds our testimonies in stunningly intricate ways. After prayer and deliberation, I long to make this experience with Ostroda Camp a piece of my testimony.

I am excited to join a group from Eastford Baptist Church on a trip to Ostroda Camp. In July, we plan on volunteering at Ostroda’s junior camp, filling in any positions necessary to make the week a success. This may include helping in kitchen/dining staff, facilitating games and activities, assisting group counselors, and a range of smaller tasks. We are all looking forward to becoming a part of God’s plans for the the camp and His mission field on an international level.

In order to be apart of this mission, it is necessary for me to collect funds for expenses such as transportation and housing. These costs add up to about $1,800. To accumulate these funds, I have started saving from my work income, as well as taken on tutoring fellow students. I plan to also have a few fundraising events like tag sales, bake sales, and other community oriented events. Donations would be greatly appreciated, as it is a large sum to accrue in so few months.