We are hard at work here in Poland and wanted to stop and give a brief update. The first Sweet Surrender Coffee Shop is nearly ready to open in Gdansk! A GREAT work and witness team from Chicago Central District just spent two weeks (September 16-30) helping in this process. Twenty-three people made it all the way to Poland under the leadership of Ken and May Silvers. It was an amazing thing to see what could be accomplished in such a short time by such willing volunteers.

Our group was divided into three parts. We had a Construction team, Decor Crew and a Teaching team. Since the actual space at the coffee shop was so limited we were each given assignments and spent the two week time period trying to do what needed to be done. The construction team and décor crew spent roughly eight hours a day at the center, painting, plumbing, running electrical etc, and in all ways transforming this blank palette of space into a functional meeting area and coffee shop.

We had a group of eight teachers who taught English each work day at a local school. They gave creative lessons on American Culture. It was fun to hear the stories of how they interacted with students and what the similarities were to teaching at home. They made friends with teachers and really came to learn a great deal about Polish culture.

At the end of the last work day, Saturday, the teachers invited some of their acquaintances to come and take a peek at the coffee shop in progress. We had around 15 Polish visitors who came to see what we are doing and they were all very excited about this new place. Many told us that it will be the nicest place to hang out in any of the nearby area. What a compliment considering we had a makeshift bar top and no furniture besides our new tables! Wait until they see the finished product! It was a great way to end our time in Gdansk together.

Missions is all about sharing. This team came and shared what they had with the people in Poland. I t was all summed up when a young lady from the youth group in Gdansk, Natalya, walked into the space for the first time after the team had completed their work. She stood speechless in the space, mouth open, taking it all in. She had tears in her eyes as she turned and said, "It is so beautiful!" This space is a very emotional place for many of these young people as it has been a place they have found Christ. What the Chicago team did for these young people and many more to come is PRICELESS!

THANK YOU CHICAGO CENTRAL! YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!

The Tustins are serving in Poland as Dirs. Of Church Dev. For the Baltic Connection. Their furlough dates run from Feb. 1—April 30, 2009. They can be reached at evtustin@hotmail.com or by phone at (0048) 618-420-597. Development resources for the Sweet Surrender Coffee House ministries can receive 10% giving status if sent through The Spencer Green Memorial Fund, and Northern European Partnership.