Dear Friends,
As we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth this advent season, we greet you with Isaiah 40:3-5 - "A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Isaiah’s words resonate with us as we continue to declare the word of the Lord in the spiritual desert that is Germany. We are grateful to have played a small part in seeing some roads straightened and some rough places levelled out and to have had glimpses of the glory of the Lord being revealed in the lives of Germans and Internationals in our sphere. Please continue to pray for us as we share the Lord here in Cologne.
Sometimes God’s method of straightening and levelling are amazing. We met E and E at the house of fellow ministry workers several weeks ago. They are from Ontario, Canada, a young couple with partial First Nation heritage, a professional musician, college graduates, searching for their next steps. A few years ago, God moved through our friends to introduce them to the Savior and now they are back, looking for further input and guidance. They just became engaged. After hearing this wonderful news, Jason offered them premarital counselling while they are here – all of this taking place half-way around the world from where they are from. They are happy and eager to do this in the next month or so while they are here.
And the story gets more interesting… We first met them and heard their story while the wonderful prayer team from Bethel Baptist Church, Strathroy, and church plant in Glencoe, Ontario, was spending an intense week of prayer ministry with us. It was a totally serendipitous and sovereign moment. The young couple is from the Strathroy area. Please pray for E and E. They are earnestly seeking God’s will for their lives as they journey together into the future.
Praise and thank God for the Prayer team that was here. They spent an intense week meeting with fellow GEM, national and international colleagues, listening to their stories and then lifting them up in prayer. They were tirelessly engaged and a great encouragement to all of us. God granted safe travels and good health. Thank you Bethel Baptist prayer team!
Speaking of rough places … For several months Sue has been in an advisory role with area churches of a denomination that we have been associated with since the beginning of our time in Germany. This denomination has long supported immigrant groups and also immigrant churches, which officially have become a part of the denomination. Where cultures meet there tends to be tension, and this has been the case in recent events within the denomination. It is humbling to be asked to speak into this situation in general, but also a joy that the regional leadership wants to address this and is developing a long-term vision. Please pray for sensitivity and insight into how to pick people up where they are at. Please pray for the ongoing consultation with the regional leadership and for future seminars and workshops. “… and all people will see it together.”
Yesterday Jason was admiring the window display of the book seller next to the PastorenAtelier. He has had a very friendly and neighbourly relationship with the owner, D. She sells new, used and antique books and creates amazing window displays centred around a theme – the current theme being Advent and Christmas. Prominently displayed this time is a large antique Bible from the 1700’s. With her permission, Jason was gently paging through it when he asked D, “Have you ever read in this book? Do you know what’s in it?” She admittedly said no. He encouraged her to take a look by reading the Gospel of John. Maybe she could even join our small group on Thursdays! We believe in the power of the Scriptures. Pray for D to be curious and have an open heart. “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,…”.
We are very grateful for your faithful support over the years. Your partnership has been essential, and we continue to rely on you. Presently, we are in need of additional support. If you are interested, here is a link to our present missionary support need. As we near the year’s end, would you please consider joining our support team or, if you are already supporting us, increasing your giving? We want to ask you for another five-year commitment. Here is our giving link.
Grateful Advent Greetings,
Jason and Sue
