Poland

SEND—Poland—Brett and Michelle Hamilton

Poland’s national identity is tightly interwoven with the Catholic Church. Key historical events, like the founding of Poland, also have religious significance. The Catholic Church has been a major unifying force throughout Poland’s history, preserving the culture and language against outside threats. The president and prime minister, twin brothers, want to uphold Catholic values. And the vast majority of Poles, 90%, consider themselves Catholic.

In spite of this display of religion, 83% of Poles have confessed they have never experienced the power of Christ in their lives. They are religious but without hope. Even the traditional church is losing ground and Poles are filling the void with materialism, secularism, the occult, alcohol and pleasure-seeking. Religion without relationship is taking its toll.

SEND missionaries come to Poland to share that relationship. The missionaries work in Regional Impact Teams (RIT) to establish reproducing churches in strategic urban centers. They also facilitate other growing churches in the region through training and mentoring.