John H. Byk and With Poland Behind Me (and the Lord rebuke Gog and Magog in the name of Yeshua)

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From the preface to the book:
It has been over a quarter century since I visited Poland in the summer of 1985. Ihave many relatives here in the States that frequently travel there and I am awareof the tremendous changes that have taken place in the country that the Britishhistorian, Norman Davies, refers to as the "cockpit of Europe." Included as part ofthe Schengen Agreement, Polish citizens are now free to travel Europe withoutrestriction as they were once forbidden while under Soviet control. However, inspite of their westward cultural inclinations and support of American militaryefforts in the Middle East, Poles are still treated as third world citizens when itcomes to visa applications in the United States. Despite the improved standards ofliving and democratic government that Poland now enjoys after decades ofcommunist oppression, the country is still treated as a pawn or potential killingfield in the continuing Great Game between NATO and Russia and countries stillculturally tied to the former Soviet Union. Poles are not so quick to forget theabusive history against them, especially with regards to the Germans and theRussians, as the world may like. Polish roots run deep and that's why they havemanaged to survive as a distinct linguistic and cultural society for centuries despitecountless attacks, massacres and rapes from foreign intruders. A true Pole is like aperennial plant that can remain buried under the soil in the harshest conditions,waiting for the slightest opportunity to sprout again, defiant and confident thatfaith, tradition and custom will provide the necessary impetus for survival. Theyare hard working, proud people who are not afraid to get their hands dirty andclean up the mess others have left for them in order to provide a better future fortheir children, even if it forces them into a temporary exile for economic reasons.
But one thing is certain. No matter how far a Pole travels from the motherland, hisheart remains rooted in the soil of his ancestors, anchored firmly in the memory ofwhat was once a sprawling empire that dominated central Europe, protecting thegates of civilization from barbaric forces that have repeatedly attempted to crushthe resistance of a fiercely proud culture that asks only to be left alone in order tocultivate prosperity and democracy. As the Polish proverb says, "As long as there'sa chicken in the pot cooking, Poland will always survive."This illustrated travelogue, which I composed during my graduate student years atNorthern Michigan University, is a stark reminder of Poland's most recent, darkestdays and a personal journey of self discovery that reaffirms my pride and culturalheritage as a first generation American, born of Polish immigrants who instilledvalues of determination, reflection and sober pragmatism in me that has helped meto endure personal struggles in my own life with courage and optimism, alwaysreminding me that faith, humor and honor are virtues that must carefully benurtured like a constant gardener.