august 2026

 

Dear Friends, Over the years we have spoken of E., a long-time member of the CologneProject and the small group in the PastorenAtelier.  E. immigrated to Germany when he was a young child with his parents.  He professed Christ as Savior and was baptized in our Fellowship.  His past is filled with abuse, tragedy, and regret – all of which continues to haunt him in the present.  Last week his visa extension was denied and he is facing deportation, which could take place any day.  He will be returned to a “home” country which he no longer knows and where he has very few contacts.  The photo belong was taken at our small group meeting last Tuesday.  Please pray for God’s miraculous intervention, his presences and provision for E., regardless of the outcome.   On a joyful note, Sue has been supporting Z. and M. for many years in their endeavors to receive a basic secondary education.  Countless hours of tutoring in English and German have been spent together.  Both Z. and M. received a grade 9 certificate during the COVID pandemic.  After state exams in May, they were both informed that they had received the Grade 10 certificate.  This is comparable to a CAEC in the Canadian system and a GED in the US.  This achievement allows them to pursue a technical skill, and potentially study at university, attaining satisfying jobs in the general economy, and freeing them from dependence on the social system.  In the photo below the three of us are celebrating this milestone at an ethnic coffee shop.  It was a great opportunity to talk about the goodness of God and his care and provision for us.  Both women continue to face many challenges, including in their family and personal lives.  Pray that God would enable them to continue taking the steps toward full self-support and that they would find their ultimate refuge in him.   Sue has been a member of the Belong Group (and its predecessor) within GEM for many years.  GEM has become an international organization with staff from many continents and countries, not just North America.  The purpose of the group is to make all staff members of GEM feel recognized and equally valued.  To this end she has generated articles and training material.  Here is a link to access an article that she wrote spontaneously after reading a news article on the World Cup.  If you are interested in more articles or training for your work, church, neighborhood or ministry contexts, please contact her. Thanks to each one of you for your encouragement, prayers and financial support.  We are intricately linked in this work for the Kingdom. Jason and Sue   PS: It has been a rough year financially. Some of our supporters have retired resulting in a reduction of their support. Others have passed away. The strong euro and the weak dollar have also diminished our ministry account - leading to a salary cut. Would you prayerfully consider supporting us or increasing your support and/or giving a special gift? (Goal: $2000/month and $10,000 in special gifts to catch us back up) Here is the link to give.