june update

Dear Friends,
Our corona experiences and emotions in Germany are probably similar to those of you in North America.  We find the opening-up period just as stressful as the lock-down because it is very complicated and it is hard to know if you are following the rules.  We actually met physically as a church on Sunday and it was great to be together, despite keeping distancing rules, masks, no singing (but great music!), etc.  We plan to meet this way again on the first Sunday of July.  On the Sunday’s in-between we will continue to meet virtually on Zoom.  Step by step.

Although some ministry activities have been suspended (German tutoring for immigrants, etc.), some activities have continued and increased in intensity.  Our co-worker moved the therapy art class on line and has had the opportunity for long spiritual discussions with the participants.  PRAY for wisdom and discernment in these discussions.  Our Zoom services have also generated deep sharing and prayer.  A foreign exchange student from Argentina, who visited our church while he was attending the University of Cologne, has joined us every Sunday from Argentina!  PRAY for wisdom as we work out the next steps for our gatherings.  Also, our location need has become more acute because of social distancing regulations.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY for a more suitable location for our services and also to be able to continue ministry events that now require more space.

After my knee replacement surgery in mid April I was able to get a spot for a 3-week out-patient rehab starting just a week after my hospital stay at the University Klinik. The rehab was beneficial and the progress I made was encouraging. Our German health insurance (mostly) paid for it all  - including being picked up and dropped off every day. Despite the barrier of face masks, a camaraderie quickly developed with the other patients in the van during the 30-minute drive every morning and afternoon. Ursula (name changed) was very engaging and curious about me and what I do. She is a fiery red haired high school art teacher who is recovering from a bike accident. I liked her sense of humour and quick tongue. She is into eastern religions and esoteric stuff.

One morning she asked me what I thought about a certain eastern religion and I had to admit that I had never heard of it. She was surprised. I said that there is much more in this world that I don't know about than what I do know. But I do know this - I don't like religion because most religions are just a set of rules. (By now, the other 2 patients and the driver were all ears as well.) For me, my faith is about having a relationship with God. Jesus himself was very critical of religion and all about relationship with God and with each other. That's one of the things that fascinates me about Him and why I seek to follow him every day.

She didn't have a come-back or any kind of a humorous deflection so I just let that hang in the air for a few minutes and there was basically silence in the van until we arrived at the clinic. Please pray for Ursula. We have had some contact since rehab and she said that she would very much like to drop by my atelier sometime after she is mobile again.

THANKS FOR PRAYING for my knee.  I am doing amazingly well and am grateful, but there are still months of recovery ahead.  CONTINUE TO PRAY for a full recovery.

PRAY that each of us would be reflective and mindful with regard to the racism that is a part of the daily social environment we live in.  PRAY for open hearts and the Spirit to transform our lives.

Blessings,

Sue and Jason

march update

Dear Friends,
I'm sure many of you have Corona stories to share. Here is ours. In light of the acute and constantly changing situation in Germany, we decided last week to cancel our church services effective immediately until further notice. The very next day, the mayor of Cologne prohibited all non-essential public gatherings - including church services. We quickly arranged to have an online gathering which went really well. I was also scheduled to preach at another church that same Sunday and they asked me to send them a video of my sermon so they could incorporate it in their online service, which I gladly did: Genesis 12:1-4a. A very appropriate look at the totally new and uncertain future that God asked Abram to enter into in faith and obedience. The sermon is of course in German, but if you’re interested you can see it here. My sermon starts at 3.55 minutes.

We have all entered into a totally new and uncertain future. In my shop window I currently have these words: “the corona-break is a chance to reflect and search for God. He promised to let us find Him.” Many of the folks who pass by and read this may not be believers, and I hope that the earnestness of the situation will cause them to really seek the Lord. But I think that many believers are finding themselves looking to the Lord in a whole new way as we try to make sense of things and look for what God is up to in the midst of the fear, anxiety and uncertainty.

Each day brings new restrictions on public life and stories of illness and hardship. The streets of Cologne are extremely quiet. The tourists are gone. Shops and restaurants are closed down. Sue and I are staying home or in my case, hunkering down at the Atelier and avoiding physical human contact with anyone but each other. But we are staying in close touch with our church family and our missionary colleagues and of course, our own family. At the time of writing, we are both still corona symptom free. The number of infected continues to grow exponentially, but we feel safe and confident in the excellent German health system.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7

In Christ alone,
Jason and Sue

New Color: Corona Green 😊

November update

https://mailchi.mp/7e1a1b27af54/4z9cwme5mw-2644953

July update

Dear Friends,
Last year we threw a typical German 60th birthday party bash for Jason, inviting friends, neighbors, colleagues, our church family and volunteers who help us teach German to the refugees. Instead of gifts he asked everyone to donate toward a special outing with the refugees. Having postponed because of bad weather, we finally were able to take them all to the zoo for the day. We had a wonderful day admiring God’s creation, meeting new people and deepening relationships with our refugees.

Baaaaaah! The sound of bleating sheep was heard many times over the course of our annual church retreat where our theme was SHEEP! There are hundreds of references to sheep and shepherds in the Bible, so that we had plenty to talk about. We played sheep games, made little sheep out of clothespins, cardboard and yarn, sang sheep songs and dug into the scriptures to learn more about how we are like sheep and what a great shepherd we have in Jesus.

We are indeed sheep in need of our Shepherd  Our church family recently went through two difficult challenges as two of our members were considering ending their lives. C has been in poor health for a long time as a result of decades of smoking. Her lungs were already in bad shape when she came down with a bad case of pneumonia - leaving her gasping for every breath. It finally got so bad that she called us, and we immediately called for an ambulance. After days in intensive care - with little improvement - she decided she wanted to end her life and refused all further medical care, food and water. She removed the tubes, monitors and oxygen mask. She didn’t want anyone to visit her - including her own daughter. She finally agreed to let Jason see her. It was one of the most difficult hospital visits he has ever made. While he was there the church family was praying for the Lord to intervene. He pleaded with her to not end her life this way (without medical care). As he was leaving, he thought it would be the last time he would see her and that she probably had just hours to live. Our time is truly in God’s hands, so that we are now rejoicing that God did intervene and C turned the corner. We are thankful to the Lord for his mercy and grace.

Discipling E has been a roller coaster. He has many problems that are a challenge and easily drag him down.  When we see him, we know immediately by his face and demeanor if he is up or down.  He was extremely down a few weeks ago and started to talk about taking his own life. We spent hours counseling and praying with him, trying to persuade him to check into a local hospital for professional help. He refused but finally agreed to see a psychologist that he has met with before and is now in an out-patient therapy close to his home. In the meantime, he is doing much better.

We are thankful for how the Lord in His mercy intervened in these two lives. It was also gratifying to see our little church family rally together in prayer for their sister and brother. We are reminded of Paul’s encouragement for the believers in Ephesus: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Peace,

Jason and Sue

April update

Dear Friends,
Sue and I recently had the joy of attending the installation service of Gerd Dyck, the new pastor of the Evangelical Free Church in Cologne-Porz, the first church that we were privileged to be a part of starting 26 years ago. After years of good shepherding, Hermann Fritz, my successor felt that God was leading him to move on last year. The Lord then led Gerd and the church together. God has blessed that church so much over the years and it was a joy for us to be there for this special service. In recent years some of their growth has been through refugees who have trusted Christ and been baptized. Integration is a challenge, but Jesus unites and there is a lot of joy in  their fellowship. Please pray for Gerd. He is very young but has an awesome grace-based posture and a desire to be a part of advancing the kingdom of God in Porz and Cologne.

Last Sunday we celebrated our monthly interactive worship service which includes brunch and hands on learning together. This time we did a bibliologue - where the participants assume the role of one of the characters in a bible story.  They are interviewed by the director but also interact with each other in their roles, talking about what they saw, heard, felt and experienced as the story unfolds. We read the Easter account from Luke 24 and then entered into the role of four characters at four different locations:

1.    The women at Jesus’ gravesite, early in the morning; location – a dark street corner under the train tracks just down from the church, which is a memorial site commemorating the execution of teenagers who led a resistance movement against the Nazis.
2.    Two disciples on the road to Emmaus who are joined by Jesus; location – the road to Venlo, i.e. Venloerstrasse, also around the corner from the church.
3.    The two disciples and Jesus in the house in Emmaus:  location – around the laden brunch buffet table in our church.
4.    Peter recalling his denial, running to the grave and finding it empty; location – around the painting of the cross at the front of the meeting room in our church.

Each scene, reflection and discussion were marked by a sadness, hopelessness, remorse and confusion which slowly turned into hope, light, understanding and joy.  No matter who you are or where you are this is the story of Easter, the power of the crucifixion and resurrection.

We had a new guest among us who remained quiet but witnessed our interaction with scripture and with each other. K is a Kurdish Yazidi refugee from Iraq. He is a kind, gentle man who has been attending our German and English classes at the Pastorenatelier. Please pray that what he witnesses will move him toward the Lord. Please pray for the rest of the refugees and German helpers who we see every week. We took time this last week to explain the events and significance of Easter to them.

May you be filled with the joy and hope of Easter!

Jason and Sue

January Update

Dear Friends,
In December we asked you to pray with us about a place that we were hoping to rent for our church. Unfortunately, the landlord decided to rent to someone else. We’re very disappointed but are accepting it as God’s will and trusting that He has some place even better for us in mind. And so we continue to search. Please keep praying for us in this regard.

Thanks for praying for our Christmas Eve celebration.  The two young refugee men we invited had the courage to come, enter our home and celebrate with us.  We had a wonderful time of dining and sharing, with much conversation about the significance of the Christmas holiday.  They even attended a late Christmas Eve service with us.  Pray for openness to the Spirit’s work in their minds and hearts.
 

Meanwhile, our ministry to refugees in the Pastorenatelier continues to hearten us. Their stories are stirring and their determination to make a new life for themselves here inspires us. On Wednesday afternoons we offer German lessons followed by English instruction. Jeff Imperial, one of our newer GEM colleagues, helps to head up the English group. Last week he posted this to Facebook:

Tonight I had a great opportunity to help a 16 year old young lady from Afghanistan. She is studying English presently and I was able to assist her with a project at our weekly Deutsch/English Nachhilfe session. In our work here, we have come across many types of personalities, good and bad. It's just like you would find anywhere else. This particular young lady moved here with her family in 2015/16. She immediately was plugged into school and began learning German (including the alphabet), and then 6 months later she was learning English. By the way, her spoken English is good enough to live in an English speaking country. She was not allowed to go to school in Afghanistan. She was of course very polite, and seemingly very smart.

But as a teacher, I saw something. She had an excitement and drive to learn. I was really moved by it. It was one of my favourite moments since we have been here. Her project was about serving others because she wants other people to have the opportunities that she has had here. As we work with different people from different cultures, I am regularly moved by their experiences. Many of the people that are here from other countries are driven to succeed and thrive. They understand that there are no guarantees, and want to make the most of the opportunities they have been given. I was thoroughly impressed with this student. It is difficult for them to consider other spiritual paths, because theirs is so engrained culturally, so we work to be the light, we share what we believe, and we pray that the Holy Spirit moves.

This month we celebrate 27 years in Germany. More about that in our next update. Stay tuned!

Gratefully,
Jason and Sue

December Update

Dear Friends,

ROOM

The vision statement for our church is, “Raum schaffen für Jesus Christus” (Creating room for Jesus Christ).  This  photo is of the entry way to a possible permanent location for the church.  We have been longing for our own “room” – a space where we could expand our ministries with immigrants, children, women, discipleship, etc.  A space where we could meet during the week or in the evening.  A space where we won’t have to sound the clean-up alarm because the next group is coming in at 2:00 – just as the fellowship is sweet around the long row of tables where we are enjoying a bowl of hot soup, coffee and cake.  We are probably not the ideal renters for this landlord, but the leadership has had a strong sense of God leading us to this location.  Would you pray for God’s provision and this possibility, that has us so excited about room.

“Room” also seems to be an issue over the ages – and of the Christmas season.

“So Joseph also went up … to Bethlehem …
He went there to register with Mary,
who was pledged to be married to him
and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn,
a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manager,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7

We are praying that you will be able to pause and take time to reflect, opening up space in your busy life for the Savior this Christmas season.

With the Joy and Peace of Jesus,

Jason and Sue

Thanksgiving update

Dear Friends,

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;… He will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets.  A bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.  In his law the islands will put their hope…  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness…  Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.”  Isaiah 42:1-12

Because of their prophetic nature these familiar verses from Isaiah are often quoted or chosen as sermon texts during the Christmas holiday season.  I have always wondered why God chose to emphasize “the islands” instead of the nations or peoples, as is the case in many other Scripture texts.  The islands seem so small and insignificant.  However, since our ministry trip to the refugee camp, Moria, on the small Greek Island of Lesvos, I suddenly have a different opinion of the “the islands”.  As we stood on the shore of Lesvos, we could clearly see the Turkish coast 

towards the east and north.  I wondered what it was like to be standing on that shoreline, gazing at the shoreline of Lesvos.  Longing for safety, freedom, peace and  hope.  Fearfully stepping into a flimsy overloaded rubber boat, praying that the sea would be calm, pushing off, risking everything, risking the lives of your family as they cling to each other, eyes fixed on that distant shoreline.  It is my deepest desire that these hundreds of thousands who continue to set out for that distant coastline, those small Greek islands, will find ultimate peace for their souls.  That they will, indeed, “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them”.

Praise God with us for a number of amazing spiritual conversations with refugees and German acquaintances.  Pray that the Spirit would continue to work and for fruit out of these conversations.  Thank God that E. is recovering well from his emergency surgery.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to our US friends and we hope that our Canadian friends are still basking in thankfulness.  We are so thankful for you, your faithfulness in prayer and financial support over many years.  And for your friendship.   Without your support and encouragement we could not carry out the ministry that God has called us to.

Unfortunately, the weak Canadian dollar and some who have fallen behind in their giving has led to us taking a cut in salary.  Would you please check to see if your giving is current?  Tuesday, November 27, has become known as giving Tuesday. Maybe God has blessed you this year in such a way that you might increase your support of our ministry or consider a special year-end gift.  Thank you.

Many blessings,
Sue (and Jason)

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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Download response card to mail in with check: USA
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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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Download response card to mail in with check: USA
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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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Download response card to mail in with check: USA
Download response card to mail in with check: Canada

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.

Donate online - USA
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Download response card to mail in with check: USA
Download response card to mail in with check: Canada

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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