How You Can Donate...

So now that you know who I am, what I am about and where I am going would you consider how you might partner with me financially so that this dream and call of mine can finally become a reality?

I should mention that monthly partnership is ideally what I am praying for because it gives my ministry longevity and I can have peace of mind because I know there are faithful people like yourself to help me each month. Monthly support doesn’t mean you have to give exorbitant amounts.

My goal is to find people who can give $50 on a monthly basis. However, if you feel lead to give more, or if you feel you can only give less than that at this moment, that is also greatly appreciated. Adjustments can be made. I am flexible! LOL. One time donations are also greatly appreciated. I should also mention that all donations are tax receiptable.

Would you please prayerfully consider what contribution you can make to God’s kingdom through the work He has set me to do for Him?

If you are interested in helping me, simply follow the steps below to finding my information booklet and donation form:

1. Click on the following site: http://portal.paoc.org/PAOC/missionsweb.nsf/?Open&rand=656



2. Click on "Missionaries" (left hand side bar)



3. Scroll down to my name "MROZINSKI" and click on it



4. Scroll down my page and click on "Shannon Mrozinski Missions Manifest.pdf"



5. Browse through my manifest and read about me and my work more



6. The donation form is on the last page of the manifest



7. Print it off, fill it out and mail it to the address at the top of the form.

And that is about all you have to do inorder to personally play a part in helping to make my dreams come true!

Thank you so much for expressing the love and interest you have so far in God’s will for my life. Please be sure to check out my blog regularly as it serves as a great way to keep you in the loop as to how I am doing with my missions work and the journey I am on with all this.

And feel free to get in touch with me through email if you have any questions or comments.

smrozinski@paoc.org

Moving Forward!!!

I am so excited that things are moving forward in my budget! I am reaching the 30% mark, and while for some that may not seem like much, I am ecstatic about it! I am seeing God's faithful right before my eyes! Just the other day a wonderful individual committed to supporting me monthly for the next year by giving me $75 per month starting next month!! Isn't that amazing! I am praying for more people to be so generous because if I receive more wonderful committments like that then I am well on my way to fulfilling God's call on my life toward helping to equip countless young Christian leaders in Europe! I am so excited and cannot wait to see what else God has in store!!

On November 17th, 2007, I am speaking at ConneXion at 6:30 pm (2152 St. Catherine O near Atwater metro). I will be sharing about the nature of my work in Europe and the power behind empowering and mentoring the next generation. If you are able to, please come out to hear my heart and find out more about what God is doing to reach people in Eastern Europe. Check us out at http://www.myconnexion.ca/

I also have the following opportunities to share. Feel free to come join me. . .

November 16th . . . Centre Evangelique youth group... 7:30 pm

November 17th . . . ConneXion Church .... 6:30 pm

November 23rd . . . Fabre Street youth group .... 8 pm

November 24th . . . Evangel Women's Concert of Prayer....10:00 AM

November 30th . . .Laval Christian Assembly youth group... 7:30 pm

December 2nd . . . Trinity Church Youth emphasis night . . . 6:00 pm

Our Path, God's Reasons...

Sometimes we can be so self-seeking. We think anything that is put on our path (especially the unforseen or unexpected) must have some self gradifying purpose behind it. But God has His own reasons for putting certain things, situations or people in our path, and those reasons are not neccessarily always to please or feed into our wants or desires. I am real glad God is teaching me this concept first hand.

We need to become aware of the needs and conditions of those around us and those that God puts in our path. We need to ask ourselves, "What role does God want me to play in this person's life?" Maybe it is the role of an encourager or an exhorter (someone who lovingly puts you in your place). Maybe you are meant to help carry their burden in that moment and pray them through. Maybe you are meant to show them the way when they have lost all hope. Maybe you shouldn't share any words at all and just show them real love. Whatever the case might be, we need to become more sensitive to the spiritual climate the person is coming from and act accordingly. If all you do is go after your own selfish desires when it comes to what role this person could play in your life, then you might just be missing the point of why God put them there in the first place.

Here's a great example: Let's say God puts a real great person of the opposite sex in your path. If you're anything like me, your gut reaction might be "Wow maybe God put them in my life cause something could happen here. Maybe we're supposed to get together". Now don't get me wrong, that could very well be the case, but don't go blindly charging into anything before you have thought and prayed about it. Even though this person may be pretty awesome maybe that person (or yourself) isn't in a position to be having a relationship or going down that path with you. Could it be that God has placed you in their path for another reason.... a reason without romantic attachment.... a higher reason. Perhaps to be an example and an encouragment. Perhaps you can impart wisdom to them because you have gone through a similar experience that they are needing guidance in. Perhaps God has given you the privelege and responsibility to pray into them and their situations. Perhaps you are meant to believe in them when they felt there was no one around who did.

Don't be self-seeking in your encounters with others. You never know how God may want to use you. As Christians, we are God's ambassadors or representatives (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are always on call and never off duty. The TRUE Christian life is a 24/7 deal that demands all of you, whether you desire to give it or not. Don't do it half-heartedly or half-willingly. Live beyond your own wants and needs and look at what those around you may be in need of. Not everything or everyone that crosses your path is meant to serve your purposes. Try seeing how you can serve them. In doing that you may learn more and gain more in the long run then you ever thought possible!

Take It Up in Prayer . . .

I'd be foolish to think that prayer has not or will not continue to be a major key in this whole transition phase of my life. What I am embarking on began YEARS AGO IN PRAYER. I remember being 18 and 19 years old on my knees (sometimes even on my face) literally weeping before God asking Him what I should do with my life. I was crying not cause I was sad but because I was so moved by God's love and sacrifice for me that using my WHOLE life for Him deeply moved my heart. Crying and weeping was simply an expression of that.

When I realized that God was putting a strong desire for missions on my heart, I BEGAN TO PRAY MORE as to how He would want to have that happen in my life. So through prayer, wise counsel from others, and just using the common sense God gave me, I came to the conclusion that I would head into missions through the avenue of TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Thus an arduous 4 YEAR journey into the realm of university began....and boy did I ever need to keep praying through that whole time! It is so easy to lose your true self in those years or to get easliy discouraged and give up on the original reason why you began your studies in the first place. If I had not conitnued praying during those years (and had others lifting me up in prayer) I can guarantee you that I would not be where I am today!

And I should mention, even though I knew roughly what God wanted me to do with my life and where my heart and passions lay, I still had to pray and continually ask God to keep these passions real and burning in my heart until I had the right opportunity to embark on them. I also had to keep praying that God would show me WHAT the right opportunity would be and WHEN the right time would be. I almost quit university at the beginning of my 3rd year cause I thought the right time had come, but because I lacked peace about quitting and because I was praying God had a channel through which He could tell me "No Shannon, this isn't it...keep moving forward....I'll let you know when". I can tell you one thing...I was pretty cheesed off! I wanted to run out and do "God's work" but God knew it wasn't time. And boy am I glad I listened! See we have the choice to obey or not. Often times, WE SCREW UP CAUSE WE DON'T OBEY!

SO....why am I telling you all this....I don't know! I guess cause we need to learn the importance of praying through situations and being led by prayer and God's wisdom. Sometimes we pray for or about things and then just storm off and forget about it and do what we want anyway. The opportunity I have right now to affect lives for eternity's sake in Europe is only because of the pray that was laid down almost 6 years ago! So don't give up!

PS...

Over the last few months, I have had a number of people ask me what they could specifically pray for on my behalf. The picture above is a JPEG of my prayer card. Feel free to save it (JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE) or print it as a reminder of what God is doing in my life right now। I desperately need all of your prayers cause I know God hears them and they make all the difference! I would also appreciate you prauing about how you could partner with me financially to help me get to Europe and help change lives! Simply click on the donation form below, print it, fill it out and mail it to addess at the top of the form. THANK YOU!! :))

When Ukraine & Canada Collide . . .

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had last summer (July 2006) to visit the country of Ukraine. It has since become such a strong and empassioned part of me that some who know me best just roll their eyes and sigh when I break into one of my Ukraine stories (that's right Tanya, I am talking to you! LOL). I was so sad when I was not able to join the team that went this past June. That is why I was over joyed to have my friend Denis Davidov (aka Malsoman!) come visit from Ukraine for couple of days this past August. If I was not able to go there, then his coming to Canada was a way for me to get a piece "home" anyway. Denis has been our translator for the 4 years whenever we go to work in Ukraine.




When Denis came we spent a whirl wind 4 days visiting everything from the House of Jazz restaurant in Montreal, to the Govenor General's home in Ottawa. We toured all over Montreal and learned things about the city that I didn't even know, and I have been living here my whole life. I know I will definately miss this great city (and even province!) once I am gone. I already get choked up now and then and I am not even gone yet! I am so mellow dramatic- I know! LOL. We got to spend a beautiful day in Ottawa with Sonny, an old teammate from the 2006 trip to Ukraine. It was so special being able to have been together again.

While Denis was here. I also got the chance to have him meet and hang out with my best friend Maxine, and her boyfriend Daniel. We had so much fun. I was so surprised when I over heard Denis and Daniel having an entire (long and drawn out) conversation in Spanish! Daniel is Columbian so of course he could speak, but Denis... I knew he understood but I was really surprised at how much he knew. At one point Max and I just looked at them and were like "OK I guess they are in their own little world right now!" LOL. They became friends instantly!

Later that evening, Denis came to my church, ConneXion, and performed a song that he had written and composed. It is called "Imagine". Everyone really loved it and were very moved. I think he was a real hit with the crowd that night! Afterward, we hit the town and showed him the view of the city at night from atop Mount Royal. We had him close his eyes as we walked him to the edge. When he opened his eyes, he was blown away at the view. It was the sweetest thing to see.

Support of many kinds . . .

You know God is in something when the various pieces of your personal puzzle seem to just fall into place. Part of my journey in getting to Europe has been finding people who will support me in prayer and finances. I have thankfully been very very blessed so far in both these areas.

Native Women's Conference


From September 7-9 2007, I had the privelege to attend a Christian women's conference for the amazing ladies of Northern Quebec. This was the second time I attended and I am thankful to have had the invitation and the means to get there. Over the course of the weekend, I got to meet some wonderful ladies and also sell some products (t-shirts, hand made bags, etc), whose profits went toward my budget for Europe. The ladies there are sooooo generous and supportive. Their sensitivity to God's Spirit and His presence was so beautiful.


Toward the end of the Sunday morning service, I got the chance, along with a fellow missionary Melissa Williams (El Salvador), to share about what I am doing in Europe. Afterward, they took up an offering for both of us. One native woman came up to Melissa and I later on and shared with us a very moving story. She has struggled with a gambling problem for years and decided that day to give us $1000 instead of using it to feed into her bad habit. I was very moved and felt led to pray with her. I told her that I was very appreciative for her show of obedience and generosity. I told her that she was my personal answer to prayer and that i would be her hands extended to peoples in Europe that she wished she could directly touch. God is certainly working in the hearts of the native women. Amen!


HFC "Hope Missions"

The following Sunday (September 16), I received a very warm welcome at my own home church. For close to year back in 2005, I volunteered at Heart for the City, a ministry that operates in conjunction with Evangel Church and that serves the homeless and less fortunate of downtown Montreal. It is this same organization that hosted a night on my behalf to help me spread awareness about my work in Europe and to help raise funds. There were about 75 people who came and jam packed the tiny cafe that it was held in. I was deeply moved and touched by the show of support that came my way. Many people from Evangel, my home church, came out and even two of my old co-workers from the school I taught at last year came. I had the opportunity to share for about 15-20 minutes and then my pastor came up and made the financial appeal. This was followed by a special time of prayer for me the work I am about to embark on in Europe. My old friend Stephanie, through whom I came to know Jesus, led in prayer for me. I was reduced to tears in this moment because of many factors. The greatest one being that who would have thought that I would be standing before such a crowd and being commissioned, so to speak, to go out into a lost continent and bring Jesus. It is my greatest dream come true and I almost couldn't believe it! LOL.




God is faithful and He is providing. Just today in fact, an old co-worker gave me a cheque to go toward my budget. I didn't even ask and she gave it to me. I believe that is God's favor at work. I know without a doubt (ok some minor ones cause hey I am human! lol) that this is exactly what God wants me to be doing and where He wants me to be. I have said this many times and still believe it: I am thankful to be who I am and where I am right now. I think that is crucial and neccessary for anyone who wants to be walking into God's personal purpose for his or her life.

Somewhere inbetween limbo and destiny...

I would have never thought that finally getting the very thing I have wanted most would be such an arduous and strange phase in my life. Embarking into full time missions sounds exciting, and it is, but the transition phase is so unsettling and weird. It's like seeing your exit a few miles down the highway, but not being able to reach it fast enough. The goal is finally in sight but I can't seem to get to it when I want. But it is part of the refining process of my character that God is putting me through. If there is one thing God isn't it's a waster. He will use any circumstance or experience (good or bad, expected or unexpected) in your life to teach you something, refine your character, and ultimately draw you closer to Him.

Its just the weirdest feeling though. As my friend Natalya put it, we're not quite living in the real world. We're not working steady 9-5 jobs, holding down the fort at home, or settling down. To the contrary, we are for the most part, jobless, fundraising full time (which is like having a job!) and living our day to day lives with the hope that God will allow us to embark on this next phase of our lives abroad soon. We are learning to let go of home while trying to grasp what our new life will be like. We want some stability and certainty for today, but can't hold on so tight to what we have that it would impede us if we had to leave tomorrow. You can't put down roots where you are, but you're not able to place them yet where you are going. In short, you are somewhere between limbo and destiny.

The process of becoming a missionary is a slow one, at least for me. But I figure God knows best, and His timing has always proven to be the best! I don't expect Him to fail me now...infact I fully know He never will. SO... in the meantime I am trying to get a feel for this "inbetween time" in my life. The great part is I know that a few months down the line I am going to look back at this and say, "Wow, God sure has brought me far. I didn't think it would ever come quick enough, but you brought it Lord. I didn't care for the process but I am glad I went through it. The only reason I made it this far is because of You! Thank you! " LEAD ME ON LORD!

My European Mission....

SO...what exactly am I doing moving to England? Well the short and sweet version is that I am seeing my dreams come true (at least some of them anyway!). To get the long, detailed version read on....

Decades of communist oppression have left a deep scar on the nations of Eastern and Central Europe. Through much prayer and dedication, Communism has collapsed, providing a window of opportunity to impact nations with a message of hope, renewal and restoration. There have been many short-term “evangelistic” initiatives into the nations of the former Soviet Union, with great success, but they lacked in any long-term strategies concerning leadership development, discipleship and church growth. Next Level International (NLI), however, under the leadership of Ian Green, has developed an effective long-term strategy to “raise a new generation of radical leaders” that will impact these nations with the Gospel.

Toward the end of 2007, Shannon will relocate to Bedworth, England, where she will partner with NLI to see scores of new leaders raised up throughout Eastern and Central Europe. Shannon’s role, as assistant to the Leadership Development Team Leader, will utilize her giftings of teaching, administration and mentoring so that more young men and women, and existing pastors and leaders in Eastern and Central Europe will be effectively trained to win their generation for Christ. This will be done through strategic Leadership Training Conferences and influential mentoring. Presently, this vision is expanding into Western Europe, starting with the nations of Spain, Italy and France.

NLI is a “faith based mission” requiring all staff and leadership to raise their own financial support. The cost of living in England is very expensive in comparison to the average Canadian income. Therefore, it is imperative that Shannon creates strategic partnerships with individuals and churches that believe in Shannon personally and the mandate the Lord has placed on her life.

NLI is in a strategic partnership with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Therefore, Shannon is a PAOC missionary, whose responsibilities will be 100% dedicated to Europe through the mandate of NLI. Shannon is seeking partners who will participate with her in the following ways:

1) Regular monthly financial support for living expenses
2) One time gifts to assist in annual living costs and project costs
3) Strategic prayer partners

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Assistant to the head of the Leadership Development Department...

As assistant to the head of the Leadership Development Department at NLI, Shannon will have the following responsibilities, which will work toward equipping countless leaders of all ages in Europe:

* Liaison between NLI staff & foreign contacts in target countries (Ukraine, Estonia, etc)

* Opportunities to travel to the countries NLI works with and train the European leaders of tomorrow

* Coordinating leadership training conferences

*Creating and implementing training books & materials

* Coordinating the development of training resources

* Corporate responsibilities (multi media work, promotions, etc)

NLI has long been looking for an individual to assume this much needed role, as the needs in the Leadership Development Department are varied and of a special nature. Half of the staff in this department are located internationally and therefore cannot directly lend a hand in the day to day operations of the head office and the preparations that go into putting on the various conferences that NLI hosts.

A large part of Shannon’s job will be to smoothly co-ordinate the communication and interchange between key players internationally and those in the head office. She will also have the opportunity to accompany her co-workers to these conferences and personally influence and inspire present and future European leaders. In short, Shannon is the glue that vitally connects the various parts of this department together.

There is always a beginning...

Hello folks!

So here I am a young twenty-four year old woman about to embark on the challenge and adventure of her life. I am moving to England in a few short months and becoming a career missionary! Life just doesn't get sweeter...at least for now!

In short for those who are not aware, I am moving to England in order to work with Next Level International http://nlieurope.com/, whose expressed purpose is to help empower and grow the church in eastern and central Europe. My personal role is to help in the leadership development department. So basically I will be using my teaching, administrative and mentoring skills to help equip, encourage and train hundreds of up and coming young leaders in countries like Ukraine, Romaian, Poland, Estonia, Hungary and so on. I am looking VERY forward to this and cannot wait to get there and start a fresh!

One of the more strenuous and faith stretching aspects of all this is the fundraising that goes into this. You see I am not payed for what I am going to do there. Infact no one on staff there is payed. Any salary that we do have comes from the generous support of individuals that believe in the work we are doing and the way we are trying to sacrfice our lives in order to enrich the lives of those we will work with and train.

SO, if you are interested in finding out more about what I am doing or would even like to financially support me, I would honestly be thrilled to get in contact with you and share my heart and vision for what I am about to embark on. OH and did I mention that any money that is given toward my salary is tax receiptable! Oh yes sir it is!

I look forward to sharing more about my joureny and having you partner with me in this great faith adventure!

Until next time....

Blessings,
Shannon