update august 2025

 

Dear Friends,
These are the first 4 lines of the lord's prayer - hanging on the side of a bookshelf in Jason’s pastorenatelier next to his dad's favorite fishing lure (rapala!) and a set of angel wings (you never know when they may come in handy ;-). Recently, after one of the english conversation group meetings, S asked him why he has those sentences hanging there. She recognised them from her childhood. He told her that some time ago we had some church meetings here where we unpacked those sentences one word at a time, starting with “Vater”. What does it mean for us to know that we have a heavenly father? What is heaven like? There are so many aspects of that prayer that we can talk about. She seemed truly interested as they chatted for a few more minutes and he invited her to check out our bible study group. Please pray for S and the others in the group, that the Lord would continue to draw them to himself.

Jason has been able to set a date to perform the concert in the well-known location that is the home of the men's choir. Having Sebastian accompany him is an answer to prayer - one of the best jazz pianists around - who had played countless times in our church services. Please pray for them as they prepare these songs of love, life and faith. Pray that God would give Jason the right words to say in his comments between songs.

Also, we are looking for people to sponsor this event financially. The budget is $2500. We just need 5 people to contribute $500. Here is our giving link. Please let us know if you want to get behind this special outreach.

Gratefully,

Jason and Sue

 Dear Friends,

There are so many people we have relationships with who we are discipling toward faith or growth in their relationship with Jesus. Sue continues to teach and help people to interact with others who may be very different from themselves. Jason is an accessible pastor to the people in the neighborhood in his artist’s studio called the Pastorenatelier (pastor’s workshop) occasionally hosting events that draw people in. But we are always looking for ways to reach new people for the gospel in ways that fit our gifts and the platforms God has given us.

Jason is singing again! Taking voice lessons from a jazz artist and now, after a lengthy audition process, joining a traditional Cologne men’s choir that has a 180 year history. With 130+ singers, there are lots of new people to get to know. Music is a gateway into people’s hearts on so many levels including among those you sing with. Please pray for good connections and spiritual conversations that lead toward Jesus.

Z and F are a couple of refugee women with whom Sue has developed a close friendship. Z has been looking intensely for another apartment as she, her husband and son, are being forced to move because the landlord supposedly wants to live in their apartment himself. Recently Jason bumped into them at the market and asked her how the apartment hunting was going. Her exasperation was evident. It is very difficult for anyone to find a place these days in Cologne - especially refugees. Jason told her confidently that He knew that God had a place for them.  A few weeks later Jason was scheduled to preach in a church right in their neighborhood so Sue invited them to come. We were so happy that they decided to brave all of their uncertainties to attend a Christian church service. They experienced a very loving, hospitable fellowship of Believers and were exposed to the Gospel as Jason preached on the glory of God (Rev. 21). Later, with tears in her eyes, Z shared with Sue about how Jason’s words about God having a place for them impacted her.  As she walked away she felt the huge burden of concern being lifted and was filled with peace.  One week later they were offered an apartment! Please pray for these 2 women and their families.

Gratefully,

Jason and Sue