Saturday was launch-day for our small groups development training in Warsaw with the first of three training groups (Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday). I was quite stressed throughout the whole double-session experience. I’m someone who prefers to know in advance what to expect so I can prepare well. However, this was not going to be the case. I had to leave a lot more of the usual unknown with the Lord. I had to share the facilitation of training with two others … through a translator; at an unfamiliar venue; with strangers.

However, the comforting assurance of Isaiah 42:16 kept cycling through my mind … “I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will make the darkness bright before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them” (NLT).

The small groups director (Iza) and her assistants, Martin and Agata, spent some time with me last night in discussion and preparation for the commencement of training today. They are such right-people for the development of small groups with their church. We put together a game plan and prayed earnestly, asking the Lord to receive our best and make it happen according to His will.

What was the result? Although I had weathered some stress, the outcome was great! Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the experience. One couple travelled more than 100 kms (1 ½ hrs) to share in the training, and one other couple decided to change their travel plans in order to take part in next  week’s training. Iza and Martin did a great job in grasping the training strategy and in the facilitation of their parts.

I hope the photos in this post will help you to “see” and appreciate a little of today’s experience.