Twain Harte EFC
(209)586-3835
Missions
Marian and Hania Pawlas
Marian and Hania Pawlas
Marian Pawlas pastors the Palowice Free Christian Church in the small rural village (population 1,260) of Palowice in Southern Poland. He is a native of this village. The church ministers to about 220 people, including children. Hardships include very high unemployment - 30% in Palowice, low wages - average income $500 per month for a family, alcoholism and its effects. Because believers are often shunned by even their families, they often feel a sense of isolation. Therefore visits by fellow believers are very much appreciated. Most members speak only Polish. Poland's populations is approximately 40 million - 94% Roman Catholic; less than 1% evangelical believers. Outside of the Catholic churches, the majority of churches in Poland are small, about 30 people.
In 2003 a group of Christians from the United States went to Palowice to help Marian add-on to his small church. They raised the money and did the construction work themselves. It is important to have additional space since the church activities meet with great opposition from the catholic environment. Often they aren't allowed to rent space because the are considered, "a dangerous sect."
Physically the church in Palowice has experienced tremendous growth since the fall of communism about 10 years ago with 200 attending the church. The facility right now is too small for even these, and any extracurricular evangelistic activities often require them to tent other building. However because of the opposition of other groups in the area they are not always able to find these or the cost is prohibitive. The Palowice church desires to be a central launching point for training and other missions projects in Poland. To do this they are planning a facility that will allow them to house and teach others.
Spiritually the church in Palowice has also experienced growth. They desire to reach out to others and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. They have on going English camps each summer and other means which they use to evangelize. It is not unusual for them to lose their family, friends and jobs when they convert to faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Pawlas was born into a typical Polish family, very strong in the Catholic Church. Although uninterested in God as a small boy, he was baptized, confirmed and took communion in the Catholic Church. Despite this, his ungodly life became worse and worse. He looked for satisfaction in sports, alcohol, and girls. He doubted God's existence, but continued attending church because it was expected. He finally awoke one morning, after a night of wine, women and song ,with a sensations of helplessness and uncertainty. Did God exist? He became afraid of what would happen to him if he died.
In 1980, a friend invited him to a Christian camp for youth. While there, he heard the words of Jesus Christ: "You must be born again." He had never heard that before. The words kept coming back to him. At the end of the camp he gave his life to Jesus.
Returning home to Palowice, he faced a lot of opposition and verbal persecution from his family. Palowice Free Christian Church was small, with 25 in the fellowship. He started to attend and was soon encouraged to preach. Their ministry now includes planting churches in two other cities, organizing evangelistic events and various camps.
Marion serves alongside his wife Hania and his four children. You may also contact Marian at pawlasmarian@poczta.onet.pl