Chris Bednarczyk spent hours in developing the work in the kitchen.  She gave input on everything from setting up the appliances to menu production and sanitation protocol.  Chris is a culinary arts teacher in the US and was able to stay for only three months, but hopes to return one day.

She writes: "About seven years ago, God called me to missions and I firmly believe it was to Poland.  However, the timing was not right... and I questioned if He actually called me.  As I went on with life, there was something missing, and nothing could fill that void.  After a Faith promise weekend at my local church, God reminded me that I have been called and it was time to do something about it.  I attended a weekend mission corps training and was told about the new ministry in Poland.

I thought WOW!! I could actually use my skills to assist in planning the menu, teaching others how to present appetizing dishes and set-up the kitchen.  I had NO idea what I was getting into, but after the first skype session and the following phone calls and emails.. I thought, yes.. I want to work with these people to develop relationships in Poland.  The missionary team there is very special... they adopt you into their family... and they are there in times of laughter, tears... and  ready at a moments notice to help you.  I hope to return to Poland one day soon to see the work and be a part of the family once again."

Lindy Bennett arrived in May on a one-year Mission Corps assignment.  Her tasks have been to focus on worship and concert ministry development.  She has also spent considerable time in building the website: www.sweetsurrender.pl and pitches in wherever else she is needed.

Lindy came to Poznan because,  "First of all, the idea behind the coffee shop afforded the opportunity to present the gospel and share my faith in a non-threatening environment whilst building meaningful relationships with people.  This was both inspiring and attractive to me because I believe authentic change in a non-believer can come from a deeply, invested friendship.  I can say that with a degree of absolution because I remain a life changed due to that very relationship I just described.  Secondly, the coffee shop's name was inspired by one of the most influential people who impacted my life spiritually.  Coming to Poland was a way to "give back" using the very talents/gifts that Spencer Green helped to awaken in me!  And thirdly, I received overwhelming and undeniable signs of affirmation from the Lord that I could plant a seed or two in Poland. "

In discussing the journey so far...Lindy writes, "About 11 o'clock one evening when I received a text.  This text launched a lengthy discussion where I was asked some very difficult questions about my past.  Through this conversation, I was able to live out the very reason I chose to come here!  In one evening, I was able to be real and authentic with someone who decided to trust me - to share my past failures and the process I took to reconcile with God, to share the stages in my spiritual growth and how I allow the Lord to guide my perspectives and choices regarding the sensitive life issue we were discussing.  I was able, through a meaningful relationship, to share Christ."

Katie Fitch arrived in July with a plan to serve for six months.  She is currently working as the "Community Services Coordinator", endeavoring to draw the Coffee House into the social atmosphere of the people who live nearby and along the way has done everything from painting to scrubbing floors and serving up coffee drinks.

Katie's story goes like this, "I have always had a passion for missions and have been working in the ministry for the past few years. Last fall I felt God leading me to the mission field so I began exploring options through Mission Corps. When I heard about what was happening in Poland with the coffee houses I just knew that was where God wanted me to go. It was clear to me that God was doing something great and I wanted to be apart of it. "

She will wrap up her term at the end of January, but hopes to return whenever the pieces come together, "My experience during the short time I have been in Poznan has been an amazing one. I can see the need for people to experience authentic Christianity. The coffee shop is already impacting the neighbors and we are not even open yet. People are interested in us and what we are doing. It is opening doors for us to talk with people about our faith.  Also, through the trials we have had, I have seen God grow my faith and the faith of other team members. He is teaching us to depend fully on Him and blessing our faithfulness."

Ev and Rhonda Tustin, Directors of Church Development for the Baltics write, "We knew when we got started in this, that we were going to need a lot of help.  We will need more when these people leave.  They have been terrific!  We trust that Christ will bring great meaning to these days of sacrifice that were given to serve here.  We also hope that when they go, they will take a bit of Poland with them and leave a piece of themselves here."