Sunday

Today we got up at 3:30 AM local Poland time. We took 3 or 4 ubers to the airport to catch our flight that left at 6 AM. Our original flights were actually canceled. 

Our new flights, we have 3 legs to get home. 1st we flew from Krakow Poland to Frankfort Germany. We then had to go immediately to our next flight, This flight was from Frankfurt to Amsterdam. Then we had a 7 hour layover until our next flight next flight, which left at 5:25 PM local time, from Amsterdam. It arrived in Atlanta at 8:25 PM local.

We ended up landing on time and I got to use global entry, Which was quick getting through customs. I had recommended to anyone traveling International. Thank the Lord, that things were smooth and we got home without being delayed.

Thank you, to all my supporters (financial and prayer) we couldn\'t have done it without you! You are much appreciated, God-bless you. Once I get some sleep and recover from the jet lag, I will begin to put together a date where we can have you all over to view pictures and barbecue.

Thank you again!

God is Great!

Randy

Saturday

Today we had the opportunity to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau. That was a very somber and humbling experience. Something I think everyone should do once in a lifetime. 

The Natzi\'s built Birkenau so large, it held 100,000 jews at a time. They would bring 2 or 3 trains a day, bringing in upwards of 12,000 Jews. The ovens or gas chambers would kill about 5,000 per day. 

It is really hard to believe that people could be so evil. Pray that mankind never repeats such an atrocity again. Here is a link to the official site, if you would like to take a look. 

https://www.auschwitz.org/en/

God is good, Until tomorrow,

Randy

Friday

Today we say goodbye to the refugees and take a 6 hour train ride to Krakow. We arrived in late afternoon, and were able to see the old town. The next Poland missions team arrived from Amsterdam and we were able to have dinner together. It was great having both teams together to fellowship over a meal. 

God is good, Until tomorrow,

Randy 

Thursday

The New Life Center is a beautiful place of peace. In a gorgeous surrounding village. And full of precious hearts. Kids can explore - go on walks, play by a creek (if there is water), and fill the hearts of our Ukrainian friends :) The children love the activities, and the traditional food.

Upon arrival the team got a tour of the property. The New Life Center was an hour drive from Poznan in the town of Dluga Goslina. There were 23 refugees mostly women and children living there. 

The team participated in a ground breaking ceremony for a tiny house that Perimeter provided the funding for. They dug the trenches for the foundation. We had a prayer time dedicating the tiny house. 

We played games with the children and the mothers and grandmothers cooked a traditional Ukrainian lunch. Potato soup, meatballs, and vinerschnitzal and yellow cake.

God is good, Until tomorrow,

Randy 

Wednesday

Monday was Poland day, Yesterday was Ukrainian day. Today was American day. We had the opportunity to teach the children about different aspects of America. 

We taught about the flag, The star spangled banner, Typical American foods, Hamburgers and hot dogs of course. A holiday that\'s unique to America we chose Thanksgiving.

We also set up a photo booth for the children. We had a tripod a light and an iPhone. We also brought along a small printer and about 300 pieces of photo paper. The kids love getting their pictures printed out.

After the Bible lesson we will say our goodbyes to all the kids and mothers. Hugs all around. We head out after that to go for gardening and the Polish BBQ.

 The latter half of the day we went over to a home where some of the Ukrainian refugees are living. It was an old dilapidated house. We cleaned up the weeds and the overgrown shrubbery and landscape. 

We also put together a grill that was donated. Trying to make their house a little more homey.

God is good, Until tomorrow,

Randy 

Tuesday

Today we helped with the bread of life food distribution. We drove down to a warehouse in the bread of life truck to pick up all kinds of food. Hundreds of boxes of cheese, catch up, Syrup, toothpast, 7up, yogurt, milk, tonic water, m&ms, vanilla puddings, cookies and various boxed fish, plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

After we loaded up the truck we brought it back to the bread of life church and offices. We then unloaded the truck and began going through the fruits and vegetables to separate them into what was good, bad and for the people to decide. 

Ranier ( International director Poland ) told me that the food that was donated from grocery stores was valued at about $3,000 to $4,000. And it would feed about 200 Families. 

We then put all the different items in bags per family. The people began to lineup and we handed out the food. By that time my back was aching, But what a satisfying day. 

One lady was in a wheelchair and missing her legs. But she had the most amazing spirit about herself. A big smile and grateful for the food that she had received. I think she was a better example of Jesus than I try to be. 

 After we left bread of life, We went back to the hotel, And then walked down the street to an event that was going on in Poznan Commemorating the 1956 uprising against the Communist. It was very eye opening and real cultural experience. Here\'s a video documentary about that time if you care to watch. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sao9Rof743c

God is good, Until tomorrow,

Randy 

Sunday, we went to the PIC Poznan International Church ( http://www.poznan.church/ ) which is the church of Bread of Life, our partner ministry here in Poznan Poland.

We got to take a walk around the Poznan area and see a lot of the town as well as visit an old Catholic cathedral.

Monday, was Ukrainian Children\'s Camp day 1 At PIC Church and Bread of Life ministries HQ. We had a really full day. We interacted with the children and moms all day. We had a meeting with the children and mothers first thing.

Then we had a time of worship in which two of the children on the mission trip lead the Ukrainian children in a dance to a song. I also tried to participate in a polish dance, that was funny. Later we went down to the local park to play games with kids.

We taught the kids how to play ultimate Frisbee, they had so much fun, even if it was too forget their troubles for a moment.

We spoke to one of the Ukrainian mothers, her brother was captured by the Russian soldiers and she doesn\'t know if he\'s alive. These people have been through so much.

For lunch we had a traditional Polish meal which was really good.

Later that afternoon, We helped the bread of life ministry at a 5K run. We were bringing awareness to what the ministry is doing for the people of Poland and for the Ukrainian refugees.

We ended the day late, about 8:30 with dinner at Lake Malta Poznan ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Malta ) where the 5K was run. Our hotel was about half an hour from there. I decided to take one of those  Electric scooters you see parked in the cities. Our leader Simon came with me.  I had never ridden one of those scooters before that was a really cool experience.

What an amazing 1st day interacting with the Ukrainian refugees and Polish people. Working side-by-side with the bread of life ministry partner.

God is good. Until tomorrow,
Randy

30 hours later, after a:

Car ride to the airport, Two flights, a taxi ride, a train ride and a walk to the hotel, we have arrived in Poznan Poland! Praise Jesus, for He is good. 

Our team leader has from the beginning said, \"be flexible\". I think that will be the phrase of the week

It is 6:45pm local time now. We are 6 hours ahead of EST time. 

We were greeted by our Partner ministry Bread of life. They have been so gracious and helpful. We will have dinner as a team and then collapse and get some sleep. 

Randy

We arrived at the ATL airport and have had our flight delayed twice and had to change concourses. All is good. 
We also got to see the other missions team the Tanzania team and got a group photo. I will try to include it here.

I changed my money into Zloty pronounced (zwaty). Pray for smoot flight and connections.

Until my next update,

Randy

Hello All, here is an update from our leader Simon. We leave for Poland this Friday the 24th.

From: Simon Cole <SimonC@perimeter.org>
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 2:50 PM
Subject: Poland Trip - Almost Time

Hello Everyone,

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal 6:2

Final Details:
• June 21st, 7-8p, Fellowship Hall – Prayer Night.
• I believe everyone on our team has their ride situation worked out to the airport…
• If you’d like to bring gifts, consider s’more ingredients, tootsie pops, crayons, English coloring books, etc
• When transiting AMS or CDG, consider getting to the gate quickly. I’ve heard security lines can cause you to miss your flight.
• Everyone should land by noon in Warsaw. I’ll meet you at the airport!
• Print your transit letter from Bread of Life (previous email). Get your negative Covid test 24hrs before you board.

Although I do not know what Poznan will look like compared to Warsaw, from the feedback I’ve received, make one of your goals to connect with the Poles and Ukrainians through conversation. We will be serving and doing things, but make every effort to offer your smile, a willingness to listen, and maybe even sympathetic tears. Get your Google Translate app (or similar) ready to go. I believe you can download the app and the languages so you can use your phone offline if necessary. Download Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian. Kyrychenkos will already have an advantage there. 😊

As of today, we are at Day 117 since the war started. Pour all you’ve got into our few days there. When in Poznan, take what burden you can. When we leave, it will be over for us, but the struggle there will continue. Endure the feeling of being useless. Let any judgement and criticism be turned to humility.

God has worked out many things to bring this specific team together for such a time as this. May we bring glory to Him and tear away the veil that hides Jesus from many.

By His Grace,
Simon Cole

Global Outreach Operations Director

o 678-405-2113
o c 404-421-0734

perimeter.org
____________________________

The Poland Warsaw first team has returned with many great stories. One being that everyone got home without any issues, and without need of a negative COVID test.

Here is one Quote from one of the team members: It was hard, wonderful, surreal. Lots of opportunities to help and minister. Full days. Hard stories. Strong people! 
Wow, I cant imagine what it will be like to interact with the people of Poland and espcially the Ukrainian refugees.

Our Poland Poznan first team will have a Pack and n Pray on June 21st. We will be packing extra suitcases (some are still needed) to pack emergency medical supplies to take
with us on our trip for the refugees.

Thank you so much for your fiancial support and prayers. Prayer is the most important part.

Randy

Hi all,

I wanted to post an update before any more time got away from me. Things are so busy and so much going on as im sure is the case for you too.

It\'s now under 2 weeks before my team leaves for Poland on June 24th. I think most of our team has almost met their goal, which is great!

I am about to go to the airport to pick up some of the folks from our first Poland Team ( Our first Poland Ukrainian Refugee Team ) that left on May31st and arrives back today Sunday afternoon June 12th. I am looking forward to hearing all about their trip and interactions with the Ukrainian refugees, as well as our Poland partners.

Please continue to pray for the following:

     Our team
     Our saftey
     the refugees, their saftey, their mental state
     Provisions for the refugees and more.

Hope you are having a great week.
Randy