A couple of weeks ago E. asked us if he could bring a friend to our Thursday night small group. He’s Turkish and has spent most of his life in Germany, like me, E. said. Jason said of course you may bring him to our group. So B. came along with E. the next Thursday night. His participation was limited but he listened intently as we read Scripture, shared how the Spirit was speaking to us and prayed together. The following Sunday B. also attended our church service. He appears to be very shy and also have multiple personal problems, including health issues. But isn’t that why Christ came – to heal the sick and broken-hearted. So, last week E. said can I bring another friend? He’s Turkish and we grew up together in the same neighborhood here in Cologne. Last Thursday O. joined our group. He is an outgoing, successful businessman, with a lot of questions, and so he readily entered into the conversation. E. has repeatedly told us that he feels God has called him to the Turkish/Muslim community and he is taking that seriously.
Please pray for E. – that he would continue to grow in his young faith; that God would guide him through the messy issues in his life; and for his eagerness to witness. Also pray that God would protect him. Pray for B. and O. – that God would open their hearts and minds and that they would hear his voice calling with forgiveness, healing and abundant life.
Praise God with us for the safe and good arrival of D. and E., associates who will be helping specifically with refugee work and our church plant. God has graciously enabled them to make big strides in the settling-in process. Pray that visa application, which they are just starting, will go smoothly and successfully; for the hard work of language-learning that will soon begin; and for their children as they enter the German school system in September.
On July 1-2 we had our church retreat with the theme Power for Living: connecting your spiritual life with everyday life. The turnout was rather small because of people's travel plans - but we had a blessed, encouraging time. It was fun for me (Jason) to celebrate my "last birthday with a 5" with the church family. God is good.
Pray that our church family will be refreshed during the summer months and for safety as many are traveling. We look forward to seeing many of you as we travel to Colorado in September/October for a short home ministry assignment. We are excited to be able to thank you personally and up close for your faithful support and encouragement.
Jason and Sue
