October update

Dear Friends,
Here are some of the words we used to describe the refugee camp Moria on the Greek island of Lesvos after our first day there (Sept 22): Tents, tarps, crates, containers, cardboard, plastic, hanging sheets, ropes, string, cables, hoses, dust, garbage, squalor, extension cords, pop-up shops, barbers, smart phones, music, smiles, tears, smoke, stares, hellos, high fives, shouting, pushing, shoving, fights, police, documents, security, levels, gates, fences, locks, razor wire, unaccompanied minors, single women, single men, families, children, noise, fear, resignation, hopelessness, hope, meanness, friendliness - All this in a space less than 1 square Kilometer with 9000 displaced, traumatized people from over 20 (very) different nations and cultures in a space designed for 3000.

The week we volunteered with a team of Germans and Americans was physically and emotionally demanding. We helped people find a covered corner to sleep in while we told others that they could not take up so much space so that others could also have a place. We tried to guard the entry gates to areas where unaccompanied minors or new arrivals were being temporarily housed, constantly asking people to see their papers to see if they were allowed in - which they often resented because they were just plain weary of it all. We manned the information center where we faced relentless emotional pleas for more blankets or pampers and we often had to say a heartbreaking “no” because the supplies were so limited. We accompanied people as they borrowed a pick and shovel to try and improve their makeshift tents outside of the camp - especially as a wind storm approached over the weekend. As we hiked up and down the big hill that is the camp, we often found a small hand in ours or were high-fiving or fist-bumping with the refugee children – who were always a bright sport for us.

As we met together before our shift with other volunteers in the Euro-Relief office (the Christian NGO we were working with) in the middle of the camp, the din of throngs of jostling men lining up just outside the thin walls of the container to get breakfast for their families drowned out the voice of our supervisor as we were briefed for the day. This is daily life in Moria.  Most of the refugees spend hours every day just standing in line to get access to the basics, which are rationed to the bone.

Our hearts were broken a hundred times a day. But then we would hear someone say “my friend” or “sister” as they approached us with a need or request or just the desire to talk to someone and we would try once again to help and - perhaps give a little hope.

Why did we go on this trip?  What does it have to do with our ministry in Cologne?  For over two years we have been working with refugees who have managed the long journey to Germany.  Many of them have recounted the horror stories of flight including stays in refugee camps, especially in Turkey.  In addition to answering the desperate call for volunteer help in Moria, we wanted to get a get a real look at what most of the refugees have experienced.  It is sobering.  To hear of inhumane conditions is one thing, to experience it, another.  However, we also experienced God at work.  Sue had a long conversation with G., a young woman from Cameroon who experienced unthinkable abuse while in prison due to political oppression.  She was sweet and gentle, claiming that her hope was in the God who held her safe in his hand, quoting John 10:29.  I believe she is a Christ-follower through the witness of another worker in the camp.  PRAY for G. that she will seek and find fellowship, now that she has been transferred to the Greek mainland (an answer to prayer!).  Many spiritual conversations with confessions faith in Christ take place at the GEM Welcome Center which is just down the road from the camp.  Three Farsi-speakers were baptized in the Aegean Sea while we were there.  PRAY for the permanent and temporary workers who facilitate the many opportunities and programs that are offered there, for open hearts and minds, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Please keep praying for a new location for our church in Cologne to have a ministry center that could facilitate services and refugee outreach. We feel there is much potential ministry that could happen but for the lack of the right space which we experience presently.

Gratefully,
Sue and Jason

July update

Dear Friends,
At long last!  Summer vacation has finally arrived for hundreds of thousands of school children in our state of North Rhein-Westphalia.  The summer break is short here – just six weeks – those poor kids!  Statticians estimate that 20% of the Cologne population migrates out of the city to holiday destinations, far and wide.  You can literally hear and feel a quietness come over the city.  Despite the migration, we were thrilled about the great turnout and fellowship at our last church service.  As we fellowshipped together I made a note of the intercultural representation – German, American, Canadian, Turkish, and

Afghani.  I thought, “This is what heaven is going to be like – this beautiful mix of all peoples, all nations.  Praise God with us for this beautiful gift of intercultural fellowship and Pray for the individual members of our church, KoelnProjekt. (Photo: stained glass window design from Jason, done on his iPad, representing the diversity in the kingdom of God)


Among Jason’s many responsibilities and activities as Cologne area leader for GEM, is that of  occasionally filling in the pulpit.  Recently this was the case for J.’s church, a long-time GEM colleague in Cologne.  The German pastor of the church in which he ministers was called away due to a death in the family.  J. has had an amazing and blessed ministry both to Germans and refugees within this ministry setting.  Before the service started, J. introduced us to S., who would be leading the service that day.  S. is a refugee.  While I watched him, I was moved by his obvious love for the people of the church and his attitude of service.  As he led the service, his love for God and passion for evangelism were obvious.  After the service I asked him what his story was - how he came to faith.  After arriving in Germany, he started attending a church, made a confession of faith and was baptized.  Alrighty then.  However, he was quick to add that his motivation for professing Christ and becoming baptized was so that he might more readily receive a visa or official refugee status, allowing him to stay in Germany.  AHA – there you have it!  But God wasn’t through with S., even though he had accomplished his goal of refugee status.  He continued to attend the church because the fellowship filled a deep need in his heart.  Friends kept inviting him to small group studies.  He even agreed to attend a mini Bible college seminar on the exegeses of Scripture.  The final assignment was to exegete a passage of Scripture for sermon preparation.  As he intensely studied Scripture for this assignment  the Spirit grabbed ahold of him in a new way.  Now he can’t stop reading and studying the Bible.  In fact, he just finished the first year of a three-year Bible college course in Bonn, where another GEM colleague  from our area is teaching.  When he is finished he wants to be involved in evangelism and church planting.  Isn’t that an amazing story!  Where our heart and mind might tell us  to distrust, doubt, or even be suspicious, God keeps going.  False motives and intentions are no barrier for him.  Pray that God would enable and protect S. 
Along with the holidays we are experiencing an unprecedented heat wave and drought.  It seems like an odd request for this part of Germany, however, could you please pray for rain.  Hope you are enjoying and sunny and not-to-dry summer season.
Faithfully,Sue and Jason

June update

Dear Friends,

We want to accuse you of praying for requests that we mentioned in our last letter.  THANK YOU and don’t stop!  Sue was able to finish this teaching year with much more satisfaction and confidence compared to last year.  She is now exercising patience in the recovery from minor hand surgery.  

E. continues to deal with very difficult circumstances, but he remains committed to his new-found faith in Christ.  He still brings the occasional immigrant friend to our weekly small group which is often a challenge regarding language and culture but so sweetly infused with his desire to share his faith.  He also brought his ex-wife to our annual church grill fest which was the first opportunity for many of us to meet her.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY for E., for discipleship and growth and for his ability to deal with the challenges that face him.


I., a young immigrant from eastern Europe was also a first-time visitor at the grill fest.  She has come to Germany on her own, no family or friends, with the hope of somehow obtaining a long-term working visa.  Seeking anyone who could help she looked for an immigrant orthodox church from her country.  Her knock on what she thought was the church door was answered by an older German man who informed her that, no, this was not a church but the home of his family.  Sensing that she was needy he asked about her situation.  He quickly decided to offer her a room in his aging mother’s home in exchange for household help.  Because he and his wife have occasionally attended the jazz

concerts in Jason’s Atelier, he knew of the German language class being offered for refugees and immigrants, advising her to attend.  She has been attending faithfully for a month.  At her first visit, Sue invited her to the grill fest – and she came – and then to church on the following Sunday – and she came.  We sense that she is very lonely and also very concerned about her long-term future in Germany.  The story ​continues.  Last week four young women arrived in Cologne for a summer internship with GEM.  They “happen” to be housed in the same part of the city as I.  At last week’s class Sue worked with I. and three of the interns on beginner German.  Close in age, the girls were able share a number of laughs and enjoyed the session which led to the exchange of contact information.  The interns met with I. just to chat and get to know each other last Sunday.  PLEASE PRAY for I.  God works in amazing ways.

And speaking of language class, aside from several long-term refugee participants, several new refugees are participating.  PLEASE PRAY for A. and O. from Syria, Z. from Afghanistan and F. and F. from Eritrea.  PLEASE PRAY for several additional German helpers for the language class.

PLEASE PRAY for the consultation for church planting in Germany in Hannover – June 18-19 that Jason was involved in planning. PRAY for a breakthrough in moving toward a shared vision and a church planting movement.

Jason turns 60 on July 1! Germans love to celebrate the big round number birthdays so we have invited over 60 people to help us celebrate the night before. It will be a grand mix of friends, neighbors, church family, volleyball group and GEM colleagues. Both of our boys are coming for the week as well, which is very exciting for us. PLEASE PRAY for a blessed celebration and Gospel conversations. PRAY that the believers present will be real salt and light to those who don’t yet know the Lord.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY for a more permanent church location.  Nothing in sight at the moment.  However, you have been praying and we have been witnesses to the outcome.  In the middle of it all is an incredible, almighty, sovereign and loving God who is at work.

Gratefully,

Jason and Sue

Dear Friends,

Are you still basking in the joy of the Resurrection?  We had wonderful time of celebrating with our church family as we remembered, worshiped and feasted together, starting on Thursday evening and ending Sunday afternoon.  It’s interesting to note that the celebration, the sense of euphoria, seemed to be lacking among the disciples after the Resurrection …

“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberius.  It happened this way:  Simon Peter, Thomas …, Nathanael, from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.  “I’m going out to fish,“ Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.”  So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”  John 21:1-3  

Although they had witnessed the empty grave and Jesus had physically joined them at least once before this account (and some of them possibly two or three times), they seem confused, down, and filled with uncertainty.  So much so, that Peter decides to go fishing.  Whether he was actually thinking of returning to his former life and work or that he just needed to busy himself as a distraction, as a way of coping – we don’t know.   Either way, the experience of the Resurrection had not yet translated into the transformation power of the Resurrection for the motley crew of disciples and followers of Jesus.  But the euphoria is yet to come – on Pentecost - with the amazing, life-giving, transformation power through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Did you know that Easter is culturally celebrated for 7 weeks in Germany?!  How awesome is that!  Each Sunday has a celebratory name and theme, starting with Easter and ending with Pentecost.  So, we are still celebrating ; ).  

This is a reminder to us that we are on a journey, both in our personal lives and our public and ministry lives.  And here we are in April 2018.  Our last letter to you was in December 2017 Sorry about the long pause.  As you all know, we were on the road for 7 weeks in September/October and then in November/December in the USA and Canada, visiting churches and supporters.  This was an intense time of travel and meetings.  We are thankful to report that our monthly support deficit has been reduced from $2700 to $400 a month.  Many of you also gave special gifts that transported us into the black.  Thank you so much.  It also was an intense and amazing time of conversation with many of you about our ministry.  We definitely felt God’s leading in these conversations.  We arrived home in early December and plunged into all the preparations for Christmas that had been left unattended while we were gone.  As we stopped to catch our breath, we both came to the realization that we were exhausted – and also the realization that we are catching up to our age – not quite able to produce the energy that was available to us 26 years ago when we arrived in Germany.

But, we continue to be very busy.  Sue has had a full teaching schedule at the State School for Public Administration and also was asked to lead a workshop in intercultural competence at our annual GEM Germany gathering.  Jason has juggled his roles as pastor, Cologne city leader, GEM Germany leadership team, and leadership on the newly resurrected (!) Consultation for Church Planting in Germany. 

And we are experiencing some setbacks that make us long for Pentecost moments.  E. has continued to deal with difficult family issues that are testing his faith.  The location that we were so hoping to rent as a stable church facility has fallen through.  PLEASE PRAY for these two requests.  Also PRAY for Sue’s ongoing teaching, presentation, and training assignments.  PRAY for the nation-wide Consultation for Church Planting event on June 18-19.  Yes, and also PRAY for physical health and wellbeing.  We are more convinced than ever of our calling and the current responsibilities that HE has given us for ministry.  Thank you for partnering and standing with us.

Thankfully,

Jason and Sue

December update

This is the nativity scene that I have in my show window at eye level for all the little ones who walk by with their parents. The simple message of Christmas. A child is born, bringing light to the whole world. The prophet Isaiah wrote: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

This message resonates with us this year more than ever as we have played a part in bringing light and hope to so many refugees who have fled the darkness of war and terror and have come to Germany in search of a measure of peace. Little did they know, that they would meet those of us who would introduce them to the Prince of Peace.

It has been humbling for us, but very fulfilling to be used of God in this unexpected way these last 2 years. We are blessed and grateful for all of you who have stood with us in prayer and financially.

May the God of Peace bless you this Christmas season.

Jason and Sue

PS:

• We need just 8 additional partners who will commit to $100 per month. Or 16 partners at $50 per month. Or four new partners at $200 per month.  Or two new partners at $400 per month!
• $1,000/mo. of the support needed is designated to the ongoing monthly expense of renting and maintaining the Studio, which is the hub of much of our ministry activity.
• Those who have been praying for us in this regard - perhaps God is nudging you to be a part of the answer to your prayers!
• If all of our 83 individual supporters were to increase their regular giving by just 10% - we would meet our goal! Costs go up every year. What about our giving?
• Those who have given at the end of the year in the past but have never pledged to do so, would you please consider making this year’s gift the first installment of ongoing support for us by letting us know your intentions.

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November update

Dear Friends,

We are lingering in a Thanksgiving mode as we thank the Lord for His provision for us - through 26 years in Germany and through this current 4 week, 3000 mile road trip. Many of you have prayed for us and have encouraged us along the way. We have seen much (but not yet all!) of our needed financial support come in (see below) as people have committed to partnering with us.

One of the stories that we have been sharing is that of the L family from Afghanistan. R and H are brothers who,along with their aging mother and combined 6 children, fled the Taliban to Iran, where they found a measure of safety, but were still despised because of their ethnicity.  They decided to flee to Europe but were imprinsoned for a month in Turkey - women and children separated from the men, not knowing what was going on. Then they were deported back to Afghanistan. Facing the daily threat of kidnapping and/or murder, they tried again and made it through Turkey to Greece, on through the Balkans and eventually to Germany, to our neighborhood and into our hearts.

They enrolled in the German classes we hold in my Studio and we began to become friends. Earlier this year, they were enthralled for two hours as we showed the Jesus film in their language, Dari. We have helped them with their paperwork and gathered used furniture when R was able to move into a drafty, rundown apartment with his wife and two children.  One of our GEM colleagues and E helped them install their kitchen. Eventually, they invited us all over for a meal to thank us for the help. R and H have also attended one of our worship services.

We have invited R and his wife, Z, and their two children to our house for our Christmas Eve meal next month, along with our colleagues who speak Dari. Please pray that as we share the greatest gift of all, Emanuel, God with us, for the Spirit to open their hearts and minds to receive Christ’s love and forgiveness.

We have one week to go on our road trip. Please pray with us that the remaining needed support will come in by Wednesday Dec. 6 when we fly back to Germany.

• We need just 13 additional partners who will commit to $100 per month. Or 26 partners at $50 per month. Or four new partners at $325 per month.  Or two new partners at $650 per month!
• $1,000/mo. of the support needed is designated to the ongoing monthly expense of renting and maintaining the Studio, which is the hub of much of our ministry activity.
• Those who have been praying for us in this regard - perhaps God is nudging you to be a part of the answer to your prayers!
• If all of our 83 individual supporters were to increase their regular giving by just 15% - we would meet our goal! Our costs go up every year. What about our giving?
• Those who have given at the end of the year in the past but have never pledged to do so, would you please consider making this year’s gift the first installment of ongoing support for us by letting us know your intentions.

With grateful hearts,
Jason and Sue

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Dear Friends,

Last Thursday our weekly small group gathering was quite unusual.  First, it was one of the largest with regard to attendance and second, the Americans and Germans were in the minority.  In previous letters, we have told the story of E., Turkish-Moslem background, who became a follower of Christ last year and was baptized.  In his exuberance, E. talks to everyone about his new faith and is constantly inviting his friends, acquaintances and family to church and small group.  Most of them share his background and so they are hesitant or reject his invitation.  However, last week 4 of his friends had the courage to attend our small group.  So, there we sat around the long table at the PastorenAtelier reading Scripture, discussing what we read, and what the Spirit was saying to us personally.  It made for a lively and challenging discussion.  Are they searching or just curious?  We don’t know.  Would you please pray for these men, that the Spirit would cause them to long for more.  Pray for us as we lead and manage these discussions.  And pray for E. who has also started a Turkish-speaking group in his home, that he would be filled with wisdom and led by the Spirit.

On another front, we have also mentioned in the past that we continue to look for a more suitable place for our church services, especially with regard to location.  The church body is in agreement that it would be better to meet somewhere in close proximity to the PastorenAtelier.  It appears that a possibility may be available right across the street from the PastorenAtelier – consisting of 4 rental garages with a large room behind and a large room in the basement.  Would you please pray about this possibility with us.  Pray that the landlord would desire to rent the space to us.  Pray for a simple solution in meeting fire code standards.  And pray for the finances for both the monthly rent/expenses and the up-front renovating costs.

Lastly, we are once again preparing for a fund-raising trip to North America.  In November and December, we will be visiting churches and supporters in New Jersey, Illinois, Wisconsin Michigan and Ontario.  Please pray for God to lead us in every encounter; pray for stamina and joy as we share about the ministry; pray for safety as we travel many, many miles: and pray that our financial needs would be met; lastly, pray, for church body and the ministry while we are away.  We say THANKS to so many of you who greatly encouraged us during our time of sharing in Colorado. 

Please continue praying for our financial needs. We need 22 people to support us for $100 per month.

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Your missionaries to Germany and the nations,
Jason and Sue

Dear Friends,
We have been in Colorado for 2 weeks now and are so very thankful for the time we have had with family and encouraging  meetings with supporters and future supporters.

Please check out our current update at http://mailchi.mp/cfbbc44278ff/4z9cwme5mw-1812217 for a snapshot of what we are still trusting the Lord for in order to continue our ministry in Germany.

If you haven’t seen our new video you can view or download it here. For the privacy and security of those we minister to, we ask that you not post it on the internet. Thanks.

Please continue praying for our financial needs.

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Your missionaries to Germany and the nations,
Jason and Sue

CRITICAL NEED update September 2017

Dear Friends,

As Sue and I prepare to travel to Colorado next week to visit supporters we need to share with you a critical need that we have. With the strengthening of the Euro and weakening of the US and Canadian dollar, the small surplus that we have had in our GEM account has disappeared and we now have a deficit of $11,000. A further contributing factor has been the attrition we have experienced in our support base due to death, retirement, etc. which has led to our present critical need of $2700 in additional monthly support.

With the recent arrival of hundreds of needy refugees right in our neighborhood - we face new opportunities and challenges in our ministry of church planting, evangelism and discipleship. The names of some of the people we work with are Ali, Fahiyo, Zainab, Christopher, Levon, Reza, Reinhard, Ute, Mahsun, Nathnael, Matin, Jan, Sara, Christine, Jalal and Maiden.

Thanks to the faithful support of so many individuals and churches, we have been able to help dozens of people from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in practical ways and introduce them to the love of Christ. We have been able to challenge and encourage Germans and internationals to reach out with us and disciple the nations who are literally on our doorstep.

Please continue to pray with us for the salvation of all people groups and for intercultural reconciliation between nationals, immigrants and refugees through the power of the Gospel.  At this critical point in current events, we ask you to pray that we would not be prevented in any way from ministering to the many Germans and Refugees that God has placed within the context of our daily lives.

Please pray for our financial needs to be met so that we can continue to serve Christ’s purposes for the nations of his creation.  Please consider how you might contribute for our financial need, whether it might be a first time financial commitment, an increase, a special gift or encouraging a friend to become involved with this ministry.

Click on one of the links below if you would like to make a donation to the our ministry through GEM's secure website. Be sure to include our account number 22810 in the comments field.

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Your missionaries to Germany and the nations,
Jason and Sue

Update August 2017

Dear Friends,

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.

Your missionaries to Germany and the nations,
Jason and Sue

May Update

Dear Friends,

I had seen D., 61 years old, many times looking at my signage in the window of the Pastorenatelier. He couldn’t gather the courage to come in until recently. His wife died 2 years ago and he has struggled in his grief, looking for help and support in various places.  He related about his disappointment in both the Catholic and Lutheran church. He underwent therapy in a psych clinic for a time but broke it off as he felt that all he was being offered was medication.  D. told me how encouraging the quotes are that I put in the window and change out every week or so. We talked about how a person's faith can help them through the hard and lonely times in life. He asked me what I meant by faith. I was able to tell him about having a personal relationship with God and explained the Gospel to him. I then invited him to our small group that was meeting that evening and he came and participated and seemed to be blessed by our fellowship, prayer and time in the Word. I invited him to come to church on Sunday but he didn't show up. Unfortunately, I didn't have his phone number and didn’t see him again until I bumped into him a few days ago. I said that I had missed seeing him again. He replied that he thought that we were all nice people, but that it just wasn’t his “thing” and he will continue his search for answers in other directions. Please pray for D. Pray that he would find the Lord in his searching.

In March, we attended the annual GEM German field retreat. It was encouraging to have GEM's new president, Jon Burns, join us for a day. But the highlight for us each year is the extensive time we take to share with each other about our joys and struggles and pray with and for each other. As you can see from the photo, our field is growing.

I (Jason) have once again taken on a leadership role within GEM Germany.  The German field has been divided into three main regional areas.  Since 2016 I have become the Regional Leader of the Cologne area.  There are 12 GEM missionaries (plus kids!) currently working in this region. Please pray for me as I lead this group of dedicated and gifted servants.  Pray for wisdom and patience in the many administrative tasks and for the ability to encourage, inspire, and wisely counsel these colleagues. Pray too that God would send us more workers for this part of the harvest field that we love so much.

In that regard, we are delighted to let you know that Dan and Elly MacLean and their two daughters will be arriving in Cologne next month to work with us in our church plant with a focus on refugee ministry. Elly's parents are former colleagues of ours in Germany and Elly grew up here and still speaks German. Dan and Elly met, married and worked in Afghanistan for eight years and are fluent in Dari. We are excited they are coming. Please pray for them as they prepare to move and say their goodbyes in Pennsylvania.

Auf Wiedersehen,
Jason and Sue

December update

Dear Friends,

We will never forget the radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes as M. enveloped Sue in a huge hug with kisses as she said, “Ich liebe dich” (I love you).  She was proud of the sentence she could express in German but what amazed us more was her joy.  M. is an Afghani refugee, a single woman without a male family member who has accompanied her – which is culturally both unusual and problematic.  Since her participation in the German class last August it was clear to us that she was very depressed.  We now know that she is not just depressed but grieving.  Somewhere in Turkey, along the horrific path of her flight, her husband died of a heart attack and lies buried in a strange place.  We have watched with wonder as she begins to read in German – a very important skill if she is going to not just survive but thrive as a single woman in Germany.  But what about her grieving soul?  Would you please pray that M. would open up her heart to Christ’s comforting, forgiving, healing, and enabling power – that the Savior would become her Emanuel.

Maybe you have noticed (or not!) that we have rarely made an appeal for finances in quite a long time.  God has graciously and faithfully provided for us – through many of you!  We are excited about new and greater opportunities in our ministry in light of the new and greater challenges that our sovereign God has placed on the country of Germany in the last 18 months with the refugee crisis.  And it should not come as a surprise that we are suddenly faced with a financial deficit in our support finances.  Through our many years of ministry service it is our experience that new challenges are often accompanied by a financial crisis attack.  Would you please pray for God to enable us and to bring workers alongside of us to meet these new challenges?  Would you please be willing to help us dispel this financial deficit by giving towards our ministry? Just click the appropriate link below if you can help

We wish you a Merry Christmas and joyful celebration of our Emanuel!

Your faithful partners in Germany, 

Jason and Sue

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At the end of August we invited the Afghani’s from our German classes to come to the Pastorenatelier to watch the Jesus Film in their language - Dari. We were delighted to have about 14 adults and children come. We asked them to bring finger food, which just sat on the table until I realized that they were waiting for me, as the host, to take the first plate, after which they partook as well - but only briefly, because they were totally enthralled with the film for the entire 2 hours. At the end, as Jesus ascended to heaven, they all applauded. Communication with these dear families is still very limited for us so it is hard to know what kind of an impact the film had on them. Please pray that the seeds of the Gospel will take root in their lives.

After the good experience of showing the Jesus film in Dari, I was anxious to invite our Syrian friends to watch the film in Arabic. When I asked them if they could come at the beginning of September they said they couldn’t because they were going to a “party” in another part of the city. They were celebrating Eid al-Adha, also called the "Sacrifice Feast”, which is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. They invited Sue and me to be their guests. It turned out to be a lovely afternoon eating interesting and delicious (Syrian-Kurdish) food and visiting in the warm afternoon sunshine. It was good to be on the receiving end of their hospitality and to be able to show our respect for a holiday that is important to them. M, with whom I have already had some interesting spiritual conversations, was the Grillmeister - and with about 100 people in attendance, he had his hands full tending two large grills. Later at home, the first thing we had to do was air out our clothes from all the grill smoke.  Continue to pray for a date to show the film in Arabic.

Dan and Elly MacLean, who are raising their support to come and work with us in our church plant with a focus on refugees, came for a short visit in September.  Aside from experiencing first-hand the work with refugees here in Cologne, they also attended a conference near Stuttgart on reaching out to diaspora peoples.  It was a great encouragement to all four of us as we experienced what our partnership could look like, hopefully in the immediate future.  They attended our worship service on Sunday, connecting with our church family.  But the highlight of the weekend was the party that we spontaneously organized in the Pastorenatelier on Saturday night. We invited the refugees, the German class helpers and our church family. The connections that were made that night were amazing. The children sat on the floor playing and coloring. Folks from our church and from the German classes were able to connect on a deeper level with the refugees. Refugees were connecting with other refugees. Dan and Elly were able to speak with the Afghanis and listen to some of the horrendous stories of how these families fled (including separation and imprisonment in Turkey) and their frustrations with everyday life as a refugee in a foreign country where they understand so little and are not understood by the locals. Please pray that the love of Christ that we continue to share with them, would begin to capture their minds and hearts.

Please pray for God’s blessing on the baptismal service we will hold on November 6, 2016.  E., our dear Turkish-German brother who put his trust in Christ early this summer, will be baptized as an expression of his new found faith in Christ.  Please pray that God would encourage and strengthen him as he faces much opposition in his life.

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and with your financial support.
 
Peace,
Jason and Sue