Kamil and his wife, Anna, are in the planning stages of planting the first Penecostal International Church in Warsaw, Poland. In this interview, we learn about Kamil’s background, his call to Europe and to Warsaw in specific, the great need for an international church in Warsaw, how their plans are developing and how we can pray for them.
1. Share some of your background with us: where you are from, your call to
missions, and what you did before missions.
I grew up in a Christian family, my father has been a minister (pastor) of Polish Pentecostal Church since 1987, currently serving as a pastor of the Pentecostal Church in Brussels (Belgium). I got saved as a young boy and quickly got involved in a different kind of ministry including catechist, youth pastor, preacher, a lecturer at the Seminary, church planter and senior pastor (since 2010). I have preached in more than 30 countries of the world, including the USA, Kenya, Iceland, Ukraine, etc.
2. Share with us about your call to Europe.
After spending few years in the USA, studying and working and ministering in different places, together with my wife we sensed that the Lord is leading us back to Europe and so we decided that we are going back with the desire to start an international church.
3. How would you characterize Warsaw and Poland in particular in terms of ‘international-ness’.
Warsaw is a capital and the center of Poland. It is the wealthiest and fastest-growing city in the country. There is a growing need for an international church because of the rapid growth of the population of businessmen, international students, etc.
For example:
- English is the common language of the international community in Warsaw, especially in the tourism, hospitality, and hotel industry, suggesting a large potential population, especially among youth and young adults.
- Polish universities continue to attract foreign students, many who speak English.
- Many American companies are moving into Warsaw, including two large US banks expanding operations, plus the increase of permanent US military personnel.
- There is a continuous flow of English-speaking retirees returning to Warsaw, and Poland, who may benefit from an English-speaking Pentecostal Church.
- Additionally, with the beginning of the English BA program at WSTS, we will have a continuous group of students in need of practicums and service-learning requirements, providing a great human resource to an International Church.
- However, English is not the only language in need of an International Christian Church in Warsaw. There are many other languages spoken in Warsaw, including German, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others. Already, there is a Venezuelan couple planning to start a Spanish speaking church in the city. So, the vision for an IC should and will include the expansion to serve other foreign languages as well.
4. Tell us about your call to the city of Warsaw.
I know Warsaw well because it was my first step in education after I graduated high school. Before I moved to the USA to study and work, I lived there for several years (did my bachelor, masters, and doctoral studies) and fell in love in this historical city. There is no Pentecostal International Church in Warsaw. It may be the way to open the doors for the Gospel even for Polish people (for example those who speak English but would never be interested in the evangelical church). There are millions of international tourists coming to Poland every year, many with a common English language. Many are from traditional denominations, but also Charismatics, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals who would benefit from an English-speaking church in the city.
5. Describe the spiritual environment of Warsaw and in particular, Poland.
Poland is a conservative Roman Catholic nation, and includes other traditional denominations such as Orthodox, Lutheran, etc. But these do not attract the youth, young adults, families, and foreigners.
An International Christian Assembly with its independent vision, style of worship, preaching, ministry outreaches, and children and family-oriented discipleship programs would attract many who seek truth and guidance for their lives, but are not attracted to the traditional denominations.
6. How is the church plant going?
We are at the beginning stage, planning and praying the vision, but also building the team. We are also working to find the best venue and establish the date for the pre-launch service. Another crucial point is that we are praying and working to raise the budget necessary to implement all steps of the process.
7. What are your current needs and how can fellow FEIC churches pray for you guys?
Our most current needs are to finalize building the core team members and raise the funds necessary to start the next steps of the process (pre-launch service, renting the venue).
8. Is there anything else you’d like to share or mention?
We would appreciate the prayers, encouragement, and words of wisdom from other experienced pastors and church planters of international churches across Europe. Networking is also crucial, so we are open for all the contacts, and will gladly host those willing to visit and share wisdom. In the future, we are very much open for all kinds of cooperation, and will happily receive mission groups, worship teams, etc. At the same time, we believe God to be a blessing to you all, and we are open to all kinds of support and help that we can bring to other international churches in Europe.
Contact Information:
Name: Kamil Marcin Halambiec
Website: www.pentekoste.pl
Facebook: Kamil Halambiec
Instagram: kamil.halambiec
Email: [email protected]
Phone (in Poland): (+48) 505 987 349
Other?