CEE Story From The Mission Field
Polish Deaf See a New Church Start
November 3, 2004
Poland’s very first Deaf church start was born on October 24, 2004. With 14 new believers, a deaf pastor and an IMB missionary to train and mentor, this new church is off to a good start. After much prayer and hard work, Missionary to the Deaf, Diana Carraway, is in awe at all that God has accomplished in her presence.
"Recent events have overwhelmed me and I cannot put into words the sheer beauty of His glory as He worked His power among the deaf of Poland. I am completely humbled to be allowed to see and participate in what He is doing here in Poland,” she said.
On October 17th, a volunteer team of deaf Americans arrived in Warsaw to help Diana reach the deaf multitudes of Poland. The team spent 5 days in Warsaw visiting deaf schools and deaf clubs, presenting and evangelizing. Three people confessed Christ as Savior there. They spent 5 days in Diana’s hometown of Czestochowa also presenting and evangelizing at the deaf club. They spent time with individuals in building relationships, sharing, and being an example. On Sunday the 24th, a deaf church service was held and many were invited. The deaf evangelist on the volunteer team delivered a passionate sermon and issued an invitation. Eight people came forward after the invitation to confess Christ as their Lord and Savior. Three more did the same at Diana’s home during fellowship times.
Kasia S. is one of the new believers who confessed Christ as Savior at the church service. After the service, she sent a text message to Diana’s cell phone that said, “I am very happy. Thank you Jesus!”
"It’s amazing to see the change in them and their joy in having Christ in their hearts!” said Diana.
Daniel, who is a trained deaf pastor, will now be responsible for shepherding and leading this baby church. Of course, Diana will be there to help, and this is a job she doesn’t take lightly.
"There is a lot of follow up work and more training to do. I am completely inadequate to the task of discipling, training, teaching, and leading, so pray for my complete obedience to the Lord’s commands. Pray for God to give me wisdom and to show me through Scriptures what to do next.”
Diana plans to move to another city in December and can see how this is God’s perfect timing for her.
"That’s when I need to exit to avoid their dependence on me as a missionary and to encourage their dependency on the Lord, “ she said. She asks that many will pray for Daniel as he takes on this responsibility. “Pray for God to give him compassion, wisdom, humility, and strength. Pray that Daniel will devote himself to studying the Word everyday and that he will take his leadership role seriously and with focus,” she said.
Prayers are also needed for the new church. These are critical times because spiritual warfare will be intense. The believers will need to stick together to find encouragement and strength in their fellowship. They will need boldness as they share with their friends and families members about what Christ has done for them.