Stretched Thin
In Poland, Evangelical Christians - those that believe Salvation is by faith alone - are an extreme minority.
That means resources are thin - particularly where manpower is concerned. There is a strain on volunteer availability to serve, and this affects everything in the life of a church - children's ministry, discipleship materials available, and funds to operate. The list goes on.
In short, Evangelical Christians, and particularly leaders, are stretched thin.
Responding to the Lord's Calling
Part of the ministry ITMI's Anna Wakula has been called to is serving, encouraging, and equipping Pastors' wives in Poland.
"Because I am myself a pastor’s wife," Anna says, "I know that there are other pastors' wives in the country, but we don’t know each other. And we don’t have the space, time, or place to meet and get to know each other and fellowship. For many years I had this desire to do something to help pastors' wives get to know each other. But it still was not the time and not possible when I first was dreaming about this."
At first, Anna wasn't sure if this was God's idea or hers. But now, that has changed.
After the first conference, it was clear to Anna that this ministry was deeply appreciated by those who came. They wanted to be there and spend time together.
"It's a way of strengthening them in their ministry as they help their pastor husbands," Anna said, "After three years I am convinced it was God's idea because, without His help, motivation, and guidance, it wouldn't have happened."
This year, 33 pastors' wives - more than the previous year - came together to share a weekend of spiritual nourishment, physical rest, and joyful fellowship.
Remember, there are only 110 Baptist churches in the country for an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 Baptists to attend. About 60 of those 110 Baptist churches have pastors.
The others are led by some other kind of leader like an elder or lay leader. In this context, 33 is a large percentage.
(Most of the other 40-60K Evangelicals in the country belong to the Pentecostal denomination.)
Anna's husband, Leszek, writes,
Thank you for supporting the Wakulas as they serve in Poland.
