Graceland intends to be the destination of choice for middle class business people both as a cultural language centre and as a mission destination. We believe in giving our best to build the kind of irresistible community that Jesus built to attract believers, seekers and skeptics alike. We intend to win the lost by developing authentic long-lasting relationships with them. And although we have changed locations, our mandate in Krakow is exactly the same: to be so irresistible that people can’t wait to hear what and who motivates us and join us in the Kingdom.
Graceland Ministries was pioneered in 1998 by two Canadian business women, Colette Ladan and Jay Bowyer. Born out of an invitation to teach English to middle class business people in Ciechanow, Poland, Colette and Jay began a work that continually grew over the next 8 years.
Using God-honouring, Biblically focused materials, Graceland has taught over 500 students and many have come to accept the life-giving message of the Gospel. Stories such as the life of Joseph, various parables and even the classic; Robinson Crusoe give the teachers the opportunity to talk about real faith issues in real life situations. Students also get exactly what they need for their language acquisition since the Graceland team write and develop their own curriculum for various levels: high beginner right on up through advanced.
Graceland has also caught the vision for cultural exchanges and has hosted over 120 short term mission guests. These guests are ordinary people who share their personal passions with the Graceland students in Poland. People have done family and business seminars, cooking and craft classes, sporting events, concerts and lots of one on one conversations and visiting in student homes. “I never realized going to someone’s house for dinner could be such a great ministry opportunity. We got to talk about our faith and their faith and answer some questions they had about God and church. It was a great night.” That’s the personal insight from one short-term guest, but the perspective echoed by many.
