Anabaptist International Ministries

Here’s what has happened since our last update.

• Melvin and Sheila Lehman, AIM board member, visited for a week. They spent time with the team and old acquaintances. Laverns went with them to Gdansk for two days. Unfortunately, Lavern’s faithful van was stolen there, and hasn’t been recovered.
• Laverns hosted the end of the year barbecue for the English school. About 20 students and their families joined us for food and games. It was a beautiful evening of socializing outside the context of the classroom. Many students are already talking about coming back next year for lessons!
• Marlin Hostetter from PA has arrived to be one of the new teachers. He’s living in the summer cabin where John Smuckers used to live, and is taking daily Polish lessons. He also spends time at school in English classes, getting oriented in teaching. We are so grateful for him coming!
• Jewel went to the US for 3 weeks over the time of her sister’s wedding. Anita went to be with her family in Ireland for 10 days.
• Two Amish young men came to help with the remodeling in Lavern’s house. They are living with Marlin in the cabin and plan to stay as long as it takes to do the job.

As mentioned above, Lavern & Lolita’s van was recently stolen. If you would like to contribute toward a replacement, please contact Matthew Mast at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 814-789-4394 for more information.

In addition, there is still a need for additional funds for the remodeling project on Lavern & Lolita’s house. For more information or to make a contribution, visit their gofundme project.

We are still seeking additional financial support for Jonathan & Heather. To date, we have received pledges or donations for $23,000 of the $33,500 needed for the first year of Jonathan & Heather’s time in Poland. To discuss the possibility of pledging ongoing support, please contact Matthew Mast at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or 814-789-4394.

Our prayer and praise requests are updated at www.aimpoland.org/pray/.

Here’s what has happened since our last update. Read More

Here’s what happened since our last update. Read More

This month’s happenings included the following:

• Jewel was super happy to host her siblings, Matt, Marcus, Melody, and Nate for ten days. Since Matt had lived here for three years, it was a good chance to reconnect with local friends and visit old haunts.
• Anita flew to Arkansas to teach at Calvary Bible School for six weeks. Jewel Yoder from Kansas is coming to be her substitute and experience this kind of service for the month of March.
• The school was closed for a two-week winter break. This is a chance for many students and their families to go skiing in other parts of Europe. The teachers always welcome this breather. Regina, Ria, and Jewel took advantage of cheap plane tickets to Rome and spent a week being tourists there. They also spent two days near Krakow visiting Graceland Ministries, which operates an English school as a means of being a Christian witness. Their experience and input is refreshing and encouraging to us.

Several young men are considering the possibility of serving in Poland beginning this fall. Pray that God will direct their decisions and give them peace.

The happenings this month include the following:

1. Some of the girls organized a New Year’s Eve party at the school for any friends who wanted to celebrate with games and fun. It was a great alternative to the wild drinking parties that the majority of Polish people have that night. Afterwards, everyone was blown away with the amazing fireworks that were all over the town.
2. Anita and Regina spent 2 weeks in Ireland with their family, and came back on New Years Day.
3. Lolita and Hadassah flew to Brisbane, Australia for 10 days, having been given plane tickets to attend Carolyn Kauffman’s wedding. It was a grueling journey that took 30 hours. On arrival, they reveled in the sunshine and high temperatures when they finally got there. They very much enjoyed their time in Aussie-land and its completely different animals, plants, and culture. Carolyn taught here last year, and some of us stayed up during the night to watch the wedding via live-streaming.
4. Our adult class of high beginners has been learning about food and dialogues related to restaurants. Since they didn’t know what pancakes or apple pie are, we decided to give them a chance to demonstrate their English and experience some American food. Instead of having a formal lesson, we set up a cafe and they chose drinks, appetizers, pancakes, and apple pie from a menu. It was a great success and everyone—teachers and students—had a ton of fun!

As we continue to prepare for Jonathan & Heather Miller and their family to move to Poland, we are seeking for partners who will commit to regular, monthly financial support on their behalf. Pledges of support will enable the board to plan more effectively. The average monthly cost for a second family is at least $2,500. If the Lord leads you to partner with AIM in this way, please communicate your pledge to the board by email at homeoffice@aimpoland.org or phone at 814-789-4394.

On average over the past six months our expenses have exceeded income by $1,000 per month. This means that funds previously held in reserve have all been used. We are trusting the Lord to provide the needed funds for general operations.

Three men and three ladies are needed to help with Vacation Bible School in Poland in July. Be part of a team that brings the message of the gospel to Polish children. Through songs, games, Bible lessons, and English lessons, you can be the one person in a child’s life who tells them about Jesus. Training provided. Team members need to provide their own support. Contact Shannon Lehman for more information at sklmail124@gmail.com or 814-789-2812.