This past Christmas was different for us. For financial reasons, we decided that we would not fly the kids here or fly to the U.S. for Christmas. What to do? Although we dreaded going through the holidays without Sam and Heidi and Roy, we are very aware of God’s grace in our lives and thankful that this is only the second time that we have celebrated without any of our kids. As a distraction, we spent nine hours on Christmas Eve helping to setup, serve, and tear down a meal for several hundred homeless and lonely here in Cologne. We came home exhausted but thankful for God’s goodness to us. On Christmas Day we had a wonderful 2-hour conference Skype with Roy in Pennsylvania and Sam and Heidi in Denver. We are so thankful for Skype.
On January 24 I hosted a jazz concert at the Pastorenatelier with 2 singers accompanied by upright bass. It was the biggest crowd I have ever had with over 40 people. The music was exceptional and we were able to meet several new people from the neighborhood and add many names to the mailing list. Please pray that these contacts would turn into friendships and opportunities to share the gospel and make disciples.
The deluge of refugees coming from Islamic countries has created much fear among many German citizens and has been the impetus for sometimes violent marches in various cities - including Cologne. The German and local governments are contending with difficult questions related to tolerance and civil society. This task is made more difficult by the fact that Christian values have long ceased to serve as the foundation for private and public life.
At our recent GEM German field retreat we agreed together to pray every day at 10:02 - Luke 10:2: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest". The acronym COG is our guide: great Crisis, great Opportunity, great God! We have all set our cell phones to remind us each day to pray regardless of where we are or what we are doing. Please join us in praying that God would mobilize His people to reach out and, perhaps, for our church and us to reach out in new ways in response to this rapidly evolving situation.
On a final personal note, the skin doctor has found more spots of cancer on my (Jason) nose and cheek. I will be undergoing photodynamic laser therapy on March 12 and 26. I had the same treatment on my forehead last year and it was very painful but effective. I would appreciate your prayers for a successful treatment with minimal pain.
Peace and Blessings,
Jason and Sue
