Here are the latest developments in our ministry that we would like to share with you:
Cologne Project
On October 20 we held an info evening for our church plant. It was a time of sharing our history, values and vision with those who have been attending regularly but are not yet fully committed. In addition to our start--team of eight, five people attended. It was amazing for us to hear what R. and C. had to say. R. told us that if it weren't for this church, that he would never have considered drawing near to Jesus as he has the last several months. He said the very fact he was there that evening is proof that God is working in his heart. Both he and C. kept talking about "we" showing much ownership of the church plant. When we talked about how we value loving God and loving each other, C. suggested that we were being too cautious with our words and that we needed to be proactive and "evangelize" the city if we really love the people who live here! Please continue to pray for the Cologne Project - especially R. and C.
City Mentoring Program
In October, Tobi, our church planting intern, and I started a new City Mentoring Program phase one group. Tobi and I are co-leading the sessions. The participants are mostly contacts of Tobi's who are potential team members for the church he will be planting starting next summer here in Cologne. One coupleis commuting from Stuttgart (a 3 & 1/2 hour drive!) each month and spendingthe night with Tobi and Luci. They are considering relocating to Cologne just to be able to be a part of the church plant. It is exciting for us to be a part of mentoring and encouraging Tobi & Luci and their team that is forming. God's Kingdom is being advanced in Cologne!
City Mentoring Program group
Consultation
The Fall gathering of the Consultation for Church Planting was held in Frankfurt in November. In the morning, Erhard Michel, spoke on the subject of how Church Planting first became a top priority in the Evangelical Free Church of Germany. As he recounted the history, he credited North American missionaries who came after WW2 with the ground-breaking work that is now the foundation for church planting in Germany! Sue's father, Reuben Goertz, was among some of the names he mentioned. They were practitioners but also inspired the Germans to be about planting churches themselves. As we approach the two-year anniversary of Reuben's death, we want to acknowledge our gratefulness for the heritage that is ours and the rich tradition of partnering with European denominations and organizations.
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| turnaround 2013, together for church planting in Germany |
In the afternoon we worked together on our plans for the National Congress on Church Planting set for June 2013. With the help of some of our talented GEM colleagues, we now have a logo and an initial flyer. The theme of the congress will be "Trendwende" which means "a change in course" or "turnaround" referring to the fact that the church in Germany is shrinking - in spite of some bright spots where church planting is occurring. We want to see this trend turned around and believe that one important way this could happen is through a church planting movement. Please pray for wisdom and unity as we continue to work on the program and seek to get the best speakers and workshop leaders possible.
Christmas
It was a beautiful November but the driest month on record in Germany. . The Christmas markets opened last week but the weather doesn't feel right. Nonetheless, as we enjoy the advent season here we are especially looking forward to being with family this Christmas. We will be in New York where Roy is searching for work and an apartment now that he has officially completed his remaining coursework at Juniata College. Sam and Heidi are coming from Denver and we look forward to spending a quick week together along with Sue's brother Sam and family and Sue's mom.
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| Carol Sing Flyer |
Carol Sing
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 18, our church plant will be hosting a carol sing. Germans love to sing and we are hoping to draw a good sized crowd for this event. Our colleague, Kristi will be leading us and has also recruited other musicians who will accompany the singing and perform several pieces themselves. Tobi will be sharing a brief, evangelistic devotional. There will be candles and cookies and hot spiced Christmas punch and a couple of our neighbors offered to come and make waffles. Please pray that the true meaning of Christmas would shine brightly through the candlelight and warm fuzzies.
As you celebrate this Christmas may you above all know that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:17-18)
Your missionaries to Germany,
Jason and Sue
PS: Click here to see our current financial support needs.
