WBST News –Spring 2004
News from the Warsaw Baptist Theological Seminary, Warsaw

‘… And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ’ Phil 4,19

Dear Friends,

This Bible verse is one of two which are special motto texts for my work here at The Warsaw Baptist Theological Seminary. If you do not know already, I have recently handed in my notice as the Rektor of the Seminary as from the end of this academic year. I am longing to return to the local church now. For the past 10 years I have experienced the truth and blessings of this promise.

Several times I claimed this verse while looking at the accountant’s report - when the bank account was empty and when we were due to pay the bills and salary cheques. I have learned that the most important riches are in and from Him and that He meets all our needs. Praise Him. Your friendship, prayers and support have also strengthened the faith and the work here. Thank you.

PRAISE AND PRAYER CONCERNS AT THE MOMENT

In February we started a new one-and half year part-time program with 57 students called The Institute of Jewish Studies. Hania, my wife, is directing this new program. There is increasing interest in it and she is preparing second course from September.

Our third year students are reaching the end of their time at the Seminary. They are working hard to complete their dissertation and are seeking settlement in churches or places of further education. This can be a testing time; they would all value your prayers.

The School of English continues to attract many of our neighbours; the number of students is again over 100. Our concern is for their spiritual life as well as their English skills. We are especially praying for a new Director.

SUMMER MISSION PROGRAM.

• Vacation Bible School. (VBS) A team from Forest Hill Baptist Church are coming for the 8th time and we are thankful for their support, friendship and hard work. This year we expect 200 children and several pastors and their families. We pray that this event will lead many from our Community to know Christ better.
  
  
• Senior Camp this year has as yet no team. Perhaps you would come and help us?!
  
  
• Youth Sport and English Camp. This is an attractive time for young people to learn to play and - more importantly - to find new life in the Lord. Last year 10 young people out of 60 gave their lives to Christ.
  
  
• The Department of Evangelism is helping several churches with their summer mission activity this year. Please pray especially for VBS in Olsztyn and Chelm
  
  
• Medical Conference. Several years ago we were encourage by Dr Winchester and the BMDF to organise a conference for Christian medical personnel. We have found this to be a good time of spiritual refreshment and an opportunity to consider serious medical and ethical questions. We hope that this will help our medical personnel in their church mission work to poor and needy people.
  
  
• In-service training for pastors. We have just finished a course with Dr Gilbert Bilezikian “Church as a Community” He is co-founder of the Willow Creek Community Church and so this was a special time for all of us. The next course is in the middle of May when the topic will relate to Evangelism and Mission. Then in October, the Rev Michael Bochenski, a former President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and an experienced Baptist Pastor from St Albans in the UK, will lead a series of seminars in pastoral studies. These conferences are all possible because we have been able to offer some scholarship help. Thank you all for helping in this.
  
  
• ‘Barnabas Project’ This year we could offer 7 full scholarship because of gifts from friends of Poland in the USA. This is an excellent help for the students and the new churches or ministries where they serve. If you wish to help with this or any of the above programmes please send your gift to Warsaw Baptist Theological Seminary School fund # 886 at the KBF P.O. Box 436389; Louisville, KY 40253-6389

Finally please pray for me for wisdom in leading the Seminary in a Godly way into its exciting future and for the Trustees and Baptist Union Executive as they seek to appoint my successor.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gustaw Cieslar, Rector of WBST