Bajenski George Vera 1972 Poland

"Ring the Bells ... let the whole world know"News from George and Vera BaJenskI

FEBRUARY, 1972

Dear Christian Friends,

i-f- From the distant land of Poland, we greet you in the wonder-fui name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Many thingshave occurred since we last visited you by our September letter.Some of these events were pleasant and joyous, others were

V not so pleasant.By God's grace, we are presently doing well and rejoicing

in the Lord, while doing his work. Since our arrival in Polandlast summer, we have spent much of our time with friends fromthe USA who were visiting us here. They were such a greatblessing to all of us in the services, in camp and during privatefellowship. We also spent a good portion of our time in theapart-ment, trying to tidy things up by doing some plumbing, wiringand other necessary jobs. This, at least, provided us with nec-essities for our home. Furthermore, every Sunday I was visitingand serving either in the local Warsaw church or in churches ofother cities or villages.

Things were going very nicely towardautumn when suddenly we experienced greatsorrow. Unexpectedly, my father, who was veryactive during the summer mohtiis in youth -Vcamps in administrative matters, was paralizedon the right side. This made him helpless and

few went, .to be thewas a our fam-

to our brotherhood.My father became a

to be home

this time, therefore, could attend the funeral, greetings and news via cassettefor you see, when mother died some years ago, recorder

J_was in the USA. TheLord gives"and"He takesIPraise be unto His name! repair work which has to be made on an old barn and

Now, allow me to say a few words about house on the land. Many brethren and young peoplethe camp property which was purchased last are anxiously awaiting the spring during which timeyear with the aid of many American Christians. they want to expend their energy by working at theThis property was very badly needed for our camp.future work among the young people. In the Now, concerning otherpleasantthings, in January wepast, camp time with the children and young were unexpectedly visited by our father, John K. Huk.^people in Poland was a blessed time. As a He came to see us without a single word of announce-direct resultof this activity, many young people ment and spept. ten days _with us. We were so glad towere led to accept Christ and all were strength- visit some churches in Warsaw with him. In our trav-ened in their faith. There is still a good amount els together we visited Bro. K. Jakoniuk and his churchto be paid on the property. Moreover, other in Bielsk-Podlaskl. Both Vera and 1 were so very happyexpenses are still outstanding, such as the to see papa and to talk with him about many thingsinexpenses connected with the construction and our work.

We sincerely appreciate your prayers on our behalf once said: "Ebenezer, hitherto hath the Lord helpedin our work in Poland. For this we thank you from the us" I Sam. 7:12.bottom of our hearts. We surely agree with Samuel who

In Christ and His service,

Winter Youth Camp Activities

INCOMEBalance on hand Feb. 1, 1971 $ 421Receipts Feb. 1,1971 -March1.1972 15.517

Less Total Disbursements

Balance on Hand March 10

Lincoln Christian ChurchBox 147Lincoln, Illinois 62656

(ADDRESS RETURN REQUESTED)

Vera and George Bajenski

P.S.Here are a few words from John K. Huk, Vera's father:Since I was in Vienna in January of this year, fulfilling some

work for Toronto Christian Mission, I decided to visit Warsaw. It wasso good to see Vera and George. We had fellowship together withthem, as well as with many other brethren in several places. Iwas really impressed by their work for the Lord. Vera's adjustmentto the new country and new language is coming along fine. They arevery happy in their work. John K. Huk

$15,938

14,183

$ 1,755

$7,200899

DISBURSEMENTS

Living Link to George & VeraMarch 1, 1971 -March 1,1972

12 mos. @ $600Travel to arrive on fieldAmt. used to (1) purchase equipment

(2) establish mission(3) establish camp work

Total sent for camp work

U.S. ExpensesPrinting, postageCar lease for George & Vera

when traveling to churches in U.S.Bank service chargesEmergency dental expenseGeor^

Total Disbursements

$12,606

1,577

$14,183

Bulk Rate: Non-ProfitU.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 1 48Lincoln, II linols

Mission SorvicGSBo:^ 177KciTiptDH, Ind. 46049

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The Christian Mission, Vol. 16, No. 8, August 1972 Page 13

POLISH YOUTH CAMP

In February 1972 a letter wasreceived for publishing inHorizons as follows:

Dear Brothers and Sisters inChrist,

Christian Service Camps inU.S. are one of the greatestblessings to our churches. Inthose camps thousands of youngsouls are reached for Christand hundreds dedicate their livesfor specialized service.

With God's help we were ableto start this very importantministry in Poland after thereturn of Kostek Jakoniuk andGeorge Bajenski from U.S. Eachyear hundreds of young peoplecome for two or three weeks tolearn about Jesus. Each yearmany souls accept Christ. Buteach year we had to rent facilities in different places, paying a high price.

But this is just the beginning. In order to meet the requirements of the governmentand to attract youth, we musthave more than just grounds.We need BUILDINGS.

After much time spent inprayer and consideration, itwas decided to purchase ourown grounds and in March 1971we were able to purchase 12acres of land with some buildings for S3,000. It was theLord's answer.

Lately I received lettersfrom our preachers, especiallyfrom George and Kostek who begfor $10,000 in order to erectbuildings and to be able tostart a youth program in thesummer of this year.

For $10,000 they will beable to build a kitchen, dormitories , a chapel and recreational facilities.

The facilities will serve notonly for camp purposes but alsofor training new workers for

Christ, for conferences, specialcourses, conventions, etc.AMERICAN VISITORS VISIT CAMP

Brother Desmond Tease, minister of the First Christian Churchin Tallahassee, Fla. visited Poland in 1971 dJid was impressedvery much with the work in Poland and the need for the campand here are his words:

"I have seen the camp groundin Poland, and when I was therethis past July I was excitedover the wonderful addition tothe work the camp will become.Our people NEED a place such asthis where our young folk cango for their summer conferenceand camp, where the ministerscan gather for refresher courses,where there can be expansion inthe form of additional accommodations for our Christian oldfolk. Whatever the Christiansof this country can contribute,sacrificially if necessary, itwill be a tremendous blessingto our wonderful Polish brethren in Christ."

Desmond Tease, MinisterFirst Christian ChurchTallahassee, Fla.

From Max and Gladys Randall:"Mrs. Randall and I were in

Poland almost six weeks duringthe summer of 1971- Two weeks ofthat time were spent in ChristianService Camps in which a totalof 190 young people were in attendance. The churches of Christin Poland can boast of as fineyoung people as any in thechurch anywhere. They love theLord Jesus and long to worshipHim and serve Him, and they arewilling to sacrifice and sufferto do so.

"Their facilities for youthcamp have, so far, been verypoor. The two camps we attendedmet in church buildings without

Page 14 The Christian Mission, Vol. 16, No. 8, August 1972

(continued from previous page)adequate sanitation and accommo^dation and with no recreationfacilities. Better things, however,are in store for the future.

Near the city of Ostroda inNorthern Poland the churches haverecently purchased an attractiveand adequate campsite - actuallya small farm with a reasonablygood farm house and barn along asmall lake. Considerable work willhave to be done, but it will makean excellent camp.

To make the campsite useable,however, considerable investmentmust be made. We know many of theyoung people and love them. We havebeen personally at the camp siteand know of its potential. To buildthe camp at Ostroda is a worthyproject.

Max and Gladys Randall

Contributions to the camp inPoland should be sent to

DEPARTMENT OP MISSIONS ^P.O. Box 629Bel Air, MD 21014

with the note: Designated toChristian Service Camp.

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Q?]ie Clrristian Mission, Vol. 16, No. 8, August 1972POLAM)

Page.9

RING THE BELLS"Ring the bells. Ring the-

"bells, let the whole world know."George Bajenski, native of Poland,son of Paul Bajenski, one of thepioneers and leaders of the restoration movement, made that songpopular among the Christian population in the U.S. His inspiring messages in song and sermonto the youth of the U.S. broughtthe needs of the Polish churchesto the hearts of the Christianshere. He came to this countryto study for the ministry andto prepare for his return toPoland to witness and teachthe Word and to use his tremendous God-given talent forthe Lord.

NEWS PROM HOME 1970The brethren in Poland wrote

that they were already makingplans for George's return. Theyreported that the work of theChristian churches in Polandwas really progressing in thecities as well as the villages.In August George's father, alongwith a group of young people andand few older Christians, spentsome time in. a small villagewhere the New Testament messagehad not been preached for morethan thirty years. There wasno established congregationthere, but on the invitationof some good people, farmersmostly, they were able to arrangemeetings there. His father wroteGeorge, "The whole village came.There were young and old present.Bome were laughing at the messages but many were crying and -inviting the Christians to comeagain with their Gospel andwith Christian music. There isa need in Poland for more evangelists and preachers who arededicated, doctrinally correct,fully committed to the Lord and

who would be willing to go andmake personal contact with thosepeople to show them the life inChrist Jesus."

Out Christian congregation inWarsaw asks for our prayers.They ask the question, "George,are there any good fundamentalChristian preachers who couldpossibly come at this time topreach for us."We would alsouse him in other area churches."This is a real need and opportunity! God is opening doorswhere doors were closed for along time.

YOUTH WORK IN POLANDNews was received from the

young people and their sponsors,Kostik, Lonek and Paul's sister.Donna who wrote of their greatprogram last summer, especiallyof their camp activities held intwo different places. Fourteenyoung people gave their lives toJesus as a result of the summer'scamptactivity. Altogether about110 youth attended all five weeksof the camp's teaching and fellowship. Because of this typeof program the local congregations have stronger and moreactive members. Favorable comments were made of the groups ofstudents from Lincoln ChristianCollege and other Christiansthat visited Poland last suimnerwith the Toronto Christian Mission tour. The only real complaint was that the tour wasn'tlong enough; that there justwasn't enough time for all theneeded teaching, preaching andfellowship. When Brother A1Hamilton was present in Polandfor two very important weeks ofpreaching, and teaching, hespread enthusiasm and life andhelped set the camp program ona high spiritual level. Everyone loved him and the message

Page 10 The Christian Mission, Vol. 16, No. 8, August 1972(continued from previous page)he had to proclaim. Thank God formen with vision. Now as summer isended, plans are being made for awinter camp in the Polish mountainarea.

RING THE BELLS POLISH MISSIONESTABLISHED

In February 1971, George Bagenskiand his wife, Vera established anIndependent Mission program with apersonal forwarding agent. LincolnChristian Church is now home base.Here he was a student member duringcollege days at Lincoln ChristianCollege and was ordained as a minister. Jim Emerson is now forwarding agent for the

RING THE BELLS POLISH MISSIONP.O. Box 147Lincoln, IL 62656

On Nov. 27, 1971 George receivedthe sad news that his father, faithful minister, pioneer and leader ofthe Restoration Movement in Poland,had gone to meet his Lord and Saviour. ^Today his son, George Bajenski, ' ^carries on the work with the supportand prayers of Christian friends inthe United States.

OThe Christian-Mission, Vol. 16, No. 8, August 1972 Page 11

LETTERS PROM POLAND

BOLESLAW WINNIEBoleslaw Winnik, producer of

the Polish language programbroadcast over Radio Monaco,tells us that he had receivedword that young people hearingthe program in Iron Curtaincountries are recording it sothat they may "pass it on."(Listen, Oct. 1971)

Polish broadcaster, BoleslawWinnik, sent this news, "I thankGod for your work and I am happythat I can be co-worker in this^eat ministry. Radio is veryimportant to reach people forChrist in most parts of theworld. I see from our ministryit's importance. Many peoplewrite to us from Europe and howgood it is to know that becauseof this ministry many peopleaccept Christ as personalSaviour."

One listener writes, " I donot know why, but I must writeto you because I feel a specialsympathy to you. I like yourbroadcasts very much, especiallythe Word of God which is presented in such a wonderful andclear way. Many of your messages and beautiful songs I puton tape. I would like to ask youto send me "Life of Christ Visualized" which I would like touse and give to others."A.K. (A Roman Catholic priest)

Brother Winnik says, "Iprepare each program prayerfullyand with great care and effort.We try to do the best and theLord is helping. I would liketo ask you to pray that ourradio ministry will reach manymore for Christ."

PROM A PREACHERDear Bro. Bajko, I greet you

and your family in the name ofour Lord. Please also greet fromus Bro. Winnik and the Church

of Christ in Baltimore andall Christians and ministersin the brotherhood in America.

In the name of our ministersof the Churches of Christ Iexpress our sincere thanks foryour care of us and our workfor the Lord. Your actual contribution toward our work isgreat and it is hard to describehow much effort you invested inour work. Xou did much and wesee the fruits of this work acrossthe land as we saw it during our50^^^ Anniversary in Poland. Wesaw it in the dedication of anew sanctuary in Bial, in YouthCamp, in our baptismal servicesand in our worship services. Allbrethren are very happy andthank God for you and your co-workers. P.D.

PROM A READER"I am a faithful reader of the

Polish magazine 'Drogowskaz.'I treasure and love this magazine because there are notmany magazines in the Polishlanguage, and they are neededso badly for each Christianas well as other people. Iwould like to have my part inthis magazine by writing shortarticles from my observationand experience in my lifewhich can help others in following Jesus."Yours in Christ, M.D.

PROM A.K., CATHOLIC PRIEST"Dear Priend, Thank you very

much for the Polish Christianmagazine. I trust you will sendit to me regularly. In theneighboring parish I saw yourbeautiful songbook. I likethose songs vBry much. Pleasesend me several copies, so Ican teach my people to singsuch great religious heart-

Page 12 Tlie Christian Mission, Vol. 16, No. 8, August 1972

(continued from previous page)searching songs. I listen to your"broadcast faithfully and thank youvery much for the great messagesfrom God's Word. May God "bless yourichly."

"I want to congratulate you onthe establishing of Center forEvangelism in Austria. Our oldcontinent is full of churches,church organizations and churchmissions, but we need more evangelism now than any other continent.I am sure that your center will notdo the whole work of evangelism inEurope, this work needs a lot ofpeople and means, but I am surealso, that it might be, and willbe, a great contribution to thatholy endeavor.

"I have one suggestion moreconcerning the work of center ofevangelism. I think it would bebetter if you, I mean the center,invite sometimes other yoimg people besides Churches of Christ.It: will enrich the fellowship andhelp for some other Christiangroups in Poland and Europe.

"I shall be very glad to visit"Vienna someday and I want toexpress my gratitude to you inadvance. I remember still ourtalks. (Report from Toronto)

Ring the Bells ... let the whole world know"News from George and Vera BaJenskI

CHRISTMAS 1972

Dear Christian Friends,

We greet you in the Name of our Newborn Saviour. This is the time of year when our personalwish is to be with family and friends. Since we are so many thousands of miles apart we haveto be content with a short letter to all of our friends in the U.S. and Canada. We are both well

and after an extremely busy summer (as reported in our last newsletter) we are well into ourroutine of local church activities' in Warsaw. Regular services, special services, conferences,choir activities and visitation tohomesand outlying areas are all a part of our everyday activities and programme. Our wish from the heart is to thank you all for your prayers, loyal supportand love, without which it would be impossible for us to carry on. Christmas wishes and God'sblessing for the coming New Year. We remain.

In Christ and His Service,

Vera and George Bajenski