There’s no doubt that it’s a clear message from Scripture. Joy is mentioned 57 times in the Psalms, seven times in Esther, and even nine times in Job. However, joy is defined in Merriam Webster’s as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune.” Doesn’t it seem odd, then, that in Deuteronomy, doom was predicted for the Hebrews “because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity” (Deuteronomy 28:46)? Good fortune and faith-based joy may not be synonymous, and the Biblical joy might be more a way of being than an emotion. As God’s people, we are called to a different kind of joy - a joy that is not dependent on prosperity or success, but a joy that extends from our understanding that we are not owed by God, and yet God continues to provide enough. This is a joy that exudes from us in all circumstances, and a joy that spills over into others’ lives.

Lord God, as we experience the Advent season, help us to seek opportunities to serve you through others, not out of pride, guilt, or obligation, but out of joy – pressed down, shaken together, and running over!  Amen

Gracious and Loving God,
We give thanks for the continued faithfulness of those who have answered your call in Poland and the U.S. to serve you through the Evangelical School of Theology. We continue to pray for those involved in the reconciliation project as they work to bring peace into this world. Thank you for  Martin Lancaster's recent and fruitful visit to Wroclaw. We give thanks, oh Lord, for the ways you bring people together in your name. Amen.

EST Student Prayers

I am married with two children.  My wife is a sales assistant. Our daughters are 16 and their future plans revolve around music. I’m doing my best to provide for my family but at times it is not easy. Please pray for safety for me and my family.  I enjoy studying at EST very much.  God teaches me new things with each new course I take.  I enjoyed Introduction to Psychology and expect to use things I am learned in my prison ministry but not only there.  God teaches me to respect people more and more, to love them, understand and help them.  Please pray that I will be more effective in sharing the Gospel.  

Currently I am involved in a prison ministry in my town and involved in Project Philip of Bible League – inside and outside prison.  The project aims to lead groups and individuals to the Bible, assist in problem solving and church/group building.  On top of it I am trying to regularly organize meetings of Biblical Discussion Club and I am active on the Internet where I participate in discussions related to Christianity. I need courage in evangelism. I studied it in theory and at EST I feel supported by the faculty and students.  The scholarship offers me a sense of being supported, money is important but not the most important.  In fact without this kind of support my studying at EST would be uncertain. In the summer I am going to continue what I am doing during the year. 

Daniec Leszek Age 43.

EST Student Prayers

 My family includes my wife and children – two daughters, and two sons from my first marriage.  The boys don’t live with me though but they come practically every weekend to my house to spend time together.  My wife is a Christian and she supports my ministry and me.  I have a full-time job but I’m also a pastor.  Lately we have been encountering difficulties as a family and we need a lot of prayer, wisdom in raising children from two marriages; financial matters; we need a larger apartment and also a larger church building.

Studying at EST, I am learning to see other faces of Christianity.  By interacting with people from various walks of life and with different outlooks I can appreciate diversity in the church and see that God does not favor anyone.  I want to take full advantage of EST program. Please pray that God will continue to open my eyes to more issues and that I may see God working in new ways. At the moment the scholarship is of key importance.  I am having financial difficulties and most likely I would not be able to continue my studies at EST without it.  I have a business and in the last six months the economic situation hasn’t been good and affected my business.  I publish and distribute Christian literature.

I am a pastor of a small home church and we are talking about getting a facility where our ministries could take place (children and youth ministries, bookshop, and café).  As I have a full-time job I am limited as to how much I can do as a pastor.  Combining the two is my greatest challenge.  Please pray for:  wisdom in leading the church so that it has impact on the community; church facility, that God may open the right doors; and co-workers. This summer we are planning to organize a few evangelistic events (concert with performance and evangelistic message) in my city and most likely in two other cities with help of a visiting youth group and their leader.  ADAMCZAK Tadeusz; Age: 41.

Student Prayers

 I grew up in a Christian family that has been involved in the church for generations.  My father is a pastor in a Lutheran parish in central Poland.  A large part of my family is musically gifted and that allows them to be involved in worship during services.  For a few years I led youth meetings.  I work as a violin teacher.  I got married three years ago.  My husband also studies at EST.  Please pray that we will build a solid Christian home. 

Studying at EST deepens my biblical and theological knowledge.  It helps me understand the reality I live in and helps in ministry.  During classes we address many difficult issues and we search for answers.  As a youth ministry leader I need to learn more about various biblical, social and dogmatic issues.  Interacting with EST students from various denominations gives me a clear picture of Christianity in Poland, teaches me how to dialogue and seek what we share and not what divides us.  This program definitely broadens my horizons. Please pray that I may have more time and motivation to read books recommended by the faculty. Thank you for the scholarship funds.

I am a member of a parish council where I’m in charge of evangelism and missions.  During school year I teach Sunday school and sing in the parish choir.  Every two weeks I host a Bible study for young people where we study the Word, pray, encourage them to follow Christ and be strong in faith.  There are many challenges ahead of me.  Please pray for co-workers who would want to work with me in the church and in our town.  Every summer I organize activities for children from poor families, mission and evangelistic language camps where we try to reach the people of our town with the Good News.  EWA BEREZEWSKA ; Age: 28

Prayer for November

Gracious and Loving God,
We praise you for your blessings and guidance during these times of changes and transition at EST. We pray for continued discernment and strength for all involved as they continue to dream and develop projects and plans for the future.

"In the day when I cried out, you answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."
         Psalm 138:3

Dear God, We pray for all the churches of all denominations in Poland, and especially those who helped us on our journey.
Amen