This statue of a man and a bear is located at Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle. The plaque next to them identifies them as Polish soldiers and World War II heroes—yes, even the bear. Wojteck, the Syrian brown bear, spent years in the Polish army before his journey ended in Edinburgh. His bronzed nose now gleams with a golden tint from thousands of friendly pats. But his journey began thousands of miles away in Iran, in 1942.

But how did Wojteck arrive at the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish II Corps? A young Iranian shepherd traded the orphaned bear for a Swiss army knife, some chocolate, and canned beef.

In return, the Polish soldiers received a tiny cub in a burlap sack, who was placed under the care of a soldier named Peter Prendys. To everyone’s delight, Wojtek quickly assimilated, and in 1944 he became Private Wojtek, meaning “joyful warrior” in Polish. He was even fed double rations.

Even though Wojtek’s antics provided much-needed entertainment, he was more than just a pet. The bear proved his worth on the battlefield when his company was reassigned to Italy.

Eyewitness reports from May 1944, during the Battle of Monte Cassino, purport that Wojtek bravely carried artillery shells and ammo crates across the battlefield.

After the battle, the company changed its insignia to a bear holding an artillery shell, and Wojtek was promoted to corporal.

When the war ended, Wojtek said goodbye to his soldier friends and retired to the Edinburgh Zoo, where he lived from 1947 until his death in 1963. A statue now honors his extraordinary life of adventure and achievement.

As amazing as this is, God has even MORE amazing plans for YOU! Check this out:

“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (Ephesians 3:20 LB)

God dreams bigger for you than you can even dream for yourself. His plans for you include His supernatural power, joy, peace, goodness, patience, love, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If you’re not manifesting this fruit of the Spirit in your life, ask God what’s standing in the way.

You are loved!
Susie