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Cornerstone Communications
Poland
February 11, 2006

Dear Friends & Family,

Greetings for the last time from Poland! The weather continues to be in the sub-zero zone. We've seen so much knee-deep snow, and so much cold weather, than I wouldn't be surprised to see a Polar Bear or the Artic lights! Still, it's beautiful, and the people are the warmest anywhere.

Production Update

Well, it's been a week of miracles, and none too soon! We got our theatre! It's truly amazing, because we were looking inside the city limits, and could find nothing. Then, the pastor, while handing out Samaritan Purse gifts to needy children, was outside the city limits, in a theatre. He quickly called me, and we saw it the next morning, and it was PERFECT! It's the biggest stage I've seen in Poland (15x15 meters) , it's relatively new and modern, has electric curtains (something none of the other theatres have) , and other perks only a theatre nut would enjoy reading about (so I won't bore you!) . Here's the best part! It's 1/10th of the price of any of the theatres IN Rzeszow! God is so good!

Our wonderful Lord has sent us saints to help with the production, like Ryszard Tomon, who owns a platform company here in Poland, who is donating all the stairs and platforms, which saves me a fortune. There are so many others who help by building costumes, sets, work on lights, create electric flames, and other special effects. I truly couldn't do the production without all the wonderful people here.

The sets are almost ready, the lights are ready, the costumes are ready, and we're in rehearsals doing last minute "tweaking". So, what do we still need? Prayer. Lots of prayer! It doesn't matter how professional a production is, only the Holy Spirit can change a life. Please pray that the people will come, that their hearts will be open to the message of Jesus, and that we'll see a wonderful harvest.

After visiting friends in Warsaw, Piotr & Ania Koplotski, and pastors Andrzei & Maya Stepanov, I return back to Rzeszow by train. You can SEE how cold it is here!

One Year Anniversary!

This is, and isn't, the kind of Anniversary you want to celebrate! It's been one year since I was detained and imprisoned in Moldova. If you'll recall, I was detained at the airport for "illegally trying to smuggle money out of the country". Moldova has an atheist government, and Christians are not allowed to rent public space. I went around the system by saying that I was a theatre (I am) , and want to do a show (I did) .

When the director of the theatre realized it was a Christian show, she tried to stop it herself, but I had a contract. She then called the Orthodox church, who tried to destroy the set to keep us from performing, then held a rally in front of our theatre nightly to discourage the audience from attending. And it was all led by the Orthodox priest himself! Talk about spiritual warfare.

Finally, I was searched more carefully than others, as the Customs had been alerted by "someone" of my departure. When I showed them the funds, they arrested me. Of course, the money was mine, but they kept it, and said I was smuggling their money. If that is true, then why was I carrying dollars, and not THEIR currency?

It resulted in a 3 week detainment. However, the American Embassy was incredible, and took GREAT care of me, as did my friends and pastors, Victor Antoci and Sasha Bragari. In spite of the detainment and confinement, we were able to do three more productions for a total of 8 more performances, which resulted in almost 1,000 people coming to Christ! God can turn to good what Satan meant for evil.

Last week, I had a chance to visit the mayor of Rzeszow, Tadeusz Ferenc. We met when he came to our performance 2 years ago.

Temptation 101

Scenario: You're reading your Bible: Suddenly, the most vivid, graphic, disgusting thought comes into your mind. I used to think what a horrible person I must be to think such thoughts during such a holy time with my Lord. I didn't understand temptation. Of course, like everyone else, I thought I did.

I've never heard of temptation put this way, but imagine the following: You are walking along a road alone, when Satan sends a few demons towards you carrying signs. Each sign represents some kind of sin, like taking drugs, or smoking, or pornography, or alcohol, or stealing, or materialism, or lying, etc.

As you walk, one by one, a sign is thrust in your face. You see the picture on the sign, and push it aside and keep walking. Another sign is thrust in your face with a different picture and again, you push it aside. So far, none of the signs are affecting you. This continues, until finally a sign is thrust in front of you, and it's a picture of (name the temptation in your life) . You hesitate and look at the sign for a moment, before pushing it away.

Suddenly, Satan and his imps take notice! They continue to thrust different signs at you, but the same sign is re-introduced more frequently, as this seems to have gotten your attention earlier. Sure enough, you stare at it again before reluctantly pushing it away. This is one that the demons will continue to thrust in your face more and more, until finally, the temptation has born the very act that you saw on the sign, which becomes your sin.

At a rehearsal for "Judgment Seat" the actors go through their motions before we move to the theatre stage.

This illustration should help to show you how you can be so engrossed in your Bible reading, when suddenly a terrible thought crosses your mind. It's not you! It's Satan at work to distract you! However, even though he is orchestrating demons to "try" to find out which sins will beset you, the "weaknesses" are already within you.

James 4:1 says "For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these vile things come from within." They are already within, and the enemy is trying to find which are there in order to more effectively tempt you, and thus, destroy you and your work for the Lord.

What is the best way to overcome your temptations? Study them. I have found that whenever I am being tempted, I make note: the day, the date, the time, the situation, the place, the people around me, or if I'm alone. Make a list of the specific temptations and their frequency with which you are plagued with them. You will be surprised at the pattern! Those reoccurring sins are called iniquities, or weaknesses in your life.

By analyzing your temptations, you will also learn the best way to deal with them. You'll be ready for them! Break that pattern. Psalm 50:15 "Call on Me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor Me."

The beautiful Polish architecture makes Rzeszow such a quaint and charming city, and very picturesque.

One vision: Three stories: Story 1: A man is walking, and suddenly a huge demon confronts him. The man seems powerless, but pulls out his sword and after a very long, exhaustive battle, defeats the demon. Story 2: The same man is walking, and suddenly a demon his same size confronts him. The man pulls out his sword, and after a battle, defeats the demon. Story 3: The same man is walking, and a tiny demon appears. The man pulls out his sword and quickly vanquishes his foe. The man represents you. The demon represents an iniquity in your life. The more you overcome it, the easier it gets to overcome.

Once I studied my temptations, broke their pattern, and called on the Name of the Lord, I saw my temptations diminish. Are they gone forever? No, they never will be. They are a constant reminder that we must stay in the presence of God. Press in to God, my friend, and you will find yourself living a truly more victorious life, and overcoming temptations!

Niech Cie Bog Blogostawi!

That's Polish for "God Bless You!". I'm so busy, as we're 5 days away from Opening Night, and yet, I'm so happy! I praise God for the opportunity to simply help Him accomplish His one desire, to have a personal relationship with man. Our purpose is 3 fold: To bring glory to God, to encourage the saints, and to save the lost. Let's accomplish ONE THING in our lives today, okay? I love you, friend!

For the Kingdom,
Richard Montez