Dear Friends,
There is something to be said about having an ongoing presence and testimony in one area. I am in my 8th year in the Pastorenatelier. There are so many people that I greet every day as they pass by on their way to the market or post office. I don’t know most of their names, but there is a connection there. Two elderly women who come by every day with their walkers always take a little break here - one sits on my bench and the other on her walker. I’ll often go out and chat with them and have made some minor adjustments for them on their walkers. They are a bright spot for me each day. They crack me up on the days when they dress the same or both wear the same cool shades. I often wish them God’s blessing when we part ways.
Then there is the little old lady who lives across the street and keeps an eye on things along with her husband through their front window. She comes over every couple of weeks and slips me a 5er or 10er for my “candy fund” and I wish her God’s blessing as well.
The Turkish locksmith on the corner never charges me when I need a key or have a lock issue. He just asks me to pray for him. I assure him that I not only pray for him but for the whole neighborhood. All our work with refugees hasn’t escaped his notice. A few weeks ago he came over with an immigrant friend of his who was having visa issues asking me to help. I was able to offer some advice, respect and compassion.
The North African barber next door (Uncle Georges Hair Generation!) sent me one of his immigrant customers the other day who was also having visa issues. Unfortunately, I really wasn’t able to help him very much, but I was encouraged by the fact that George thought to send him to me.
The other night, as our Bible study group was praying with the front door wide open, one of the refugees who was walking by noticed our posture and stopped at the door just to say “As salaamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you).
Granted, I may never get to actually share the gospel in words with many of these people but I think that God uses our ongoing presence as a testimony and a beacon of light and hope. It also can pave the way to future gospel conversations.
MEETING SPACE
Please pray about a possibility that has come up for an amazing new space to rent for our church and refugee ministries. It is a long shot and we really can't afford it but we think God may be opening a door. The openness of the owner for what we are doing is especially heartening. We have to wait until next week for an answer from him concerning how the space is zoned. This could be a deal-breaker. Please pray that whatever is on file with the city will allow for us to use the space for ministry, specifically for gatherings of people. May His will be done.
COVID-19 CONCERNS
After months of online church services, we have decided to start meeting in person again. It is not optimal with distancing and masks. Also, some people do not feel safe enough to join us yet. Before Covid-19 we would also share a meal together twice a month but have decided that for the time being we will not be doing that in order to be sure we are in compliance. Please pray for our little church, which has gotten even smaller. Pray for wisdom and courage. Pray that God will continue to work and build His church.
We are thankful for God's provision through many of you over the years. We are so dependent on Him and on you to be able to continue in this ministry. Unfortunately the economic fallout from COVID-19 is beginning to catch up to us. If you are in a position to increase your support or to give an extra gift, we would be grateful. See the GIVE links below.
TRAVEL PLANS
We had to cancel a trip we had been planning in May to Colorado to visit supporters and family, which was a disappointment for us. We haven't seen our kids for over 2 years. We thank the Lord for skype, but we need to be able to hug them! To that end, we are risking a trip in October to spend some time with them, other family and friends and also 2 of our supporting churches in NJ and WI. Please pray for safe travels and God's protection.
Thankfully,
Jason and Sue
