Sharing Christ in the Midst of Grief

By Doug Mitts, Greater Europe Mission (Poland)

FBA Faith Promise Missionary since 1995

By now you are well aware that on Saturday, April 10, 2010, Poland awoke to the news that the presidential jet crashed. Onboard were the President of Poland, Lech Kaczynski, his wife, Maria, and 94 others from the highest echelons of government, military and church. No one survived the crash.

The plane was flying to commemorate the travesty of Katyn from World War II, when members of the Soviet Security Service needlessly murdered 20,000 of Poland’s military leadership along with various members of the intelligentsia and other public servants. Katyn is now doubly etched in Poland’s memory.

Poland set aside one week as a time of grief over the deaths of their country’s leadership. The news has been full of people openly weeping over this most recent tragedy. The week of official grieving ended with the funeral of President Lech Kaczynski and his wife on Sunday. A number of world leaders were present.

It is a huge loss for Poland and there are many sad people here right now. As the time of official mourning has ended, we are praying that there will be more opportunities to share the Gospel and that people will be receptive to hearing our message of hope in Jesus.

The time for rebuilding has begun. We ask that this rebuilding will begin in the hearts of Poles open to a redeeming relationship in Jesus Christ. As such, we ask you to join us in prayer for Poland and its future:

-         Ask God to fill the governmental positions with qualified and competent people who desire to do His will.

-         Ask God to draw the Polish people to Himself through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

-         Pray that this event would not aggravate the already fragile Polish-Russian relationship.

-         Ask God to lead believers in conversations with their friends and neighbors about the hope we have in Christ.

Our desire is that many will come into the family of God, even through this tragedy. Thank you for helping us reach Poland for Christ!