July update

 Dear Friends,

In our last update in March (oh my, how time flies!) we asked you to pray for the refugees flooding in from the Ukraine. In the mean time the flood has become a smaller but steady stream, most of whom are able to find housing themselves or through German government agencies. Many of our missionary colleagues are helping directly in serving these people and sharing the gospel. Please continue to pray that God would bring peace to the Ukraine.

A heartfelt thank you for praying for our church retreat April 9-10. We had a good group including a refugee family from central Asia that we have been working with for the last 5 years. God was present and blessed us. We talked about peace and what that means to us and what God has to say about it in his word. Please continue praying - for God's peace to dig deeper into the hearts of us who have been following Him for a while, and into the hearts of those who don't yet know Him.

Many prayed for me as I did a funeral in April for the mother of a friend of ours. I spoke words of comfort and shared the gospel clearly for all those in attendance. Shortly after, a dear neighbor’s mother passed away and she asked me to do the burial as well. Pray for God’s continuing comfort and that He would draw the family and friends to Himself.

I recently read that "Something does not need to be perfect to be wonderful, especially weddings.” That was a good reminder for me and for the 2 happy couples that I have recently pronounced man and wife. Starting with the pre-marital counselling, weddings are very personal, and the expectations can be high. But they are also an opportunity to share the gospel and Christ’s love.
 

We had a wonderful weekend with all of our colleagues at our annual GEM Germany field retreat in April. We are grateful for how the Lord continues to send new workers to Germany. We have grown. In fact, half of those there, were at there very first field retreat. Here is the report I gave from our Cologne area: https://youtu.be/c2kDDcBaE6k

We asked you to pray for our Alpha course that started in April. We almost cancelled it because we were having trouble recruiting participants - but then we suddenly had 5 who joined us for our first evening in the pastorenatelier. We ate together, had everyone introduce themselves, and then watched the input video which gives a clear presentation of the Gospel through people who share their own journeys to Christ.

The philosophy of the Alpha course is that, after the lesson, you allow people to say what they thought and how they felt about it in an open and inviting atmosphere, allowing the Holy Spirit to work. There were many different opinions shared. We marvelled to see the Holy Spirit guiding the discussion. By the end of the evening, they were talking about other friends that they wanted to invite!

However, the next week there were four instead of more. The week after that, unfortunately 2 of the participants got into a tiff during the discussion and it got personal. One of them decided to stop coming. After week four, 2 more participants dropped out, leaving us with just one and so we ended the course prematurely. Fortunately, he has remained connected with us and even spent a whole day with our church on our bike trip recently. Pray for D as we continue to speak into his life. I also have continued contact with one of the other participants.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support on which we are so dependant.

Blessings,

Jason and Sue

March Update

 Dear Friends,

The war is definitely being felt here. In our talks with neighbors and friends, there is a lot of fear and very little hope. We pray constantly that God would intervene so that any further death and suffering will stop. The refugees are pouring into Germany. Through my extended network, I have been able to connect several women and children with christians in Cologne willing to take them in. One of our colleagues and his church have taken in a family;  Another one spent a week on the Polish border with Ukraine helping refugees.

There is a large tent welcome center set up right in front of the main train station in Cologne where hundreds of people a day are being welcomed, given immediate necessities including SIM cards and being assigned to temporary housing around the city. I ride by there on my bike almost every day and pray.

I saw a report on the German news about a 12 year old Ukrainian girl who had to choose what to bring with when her mom said that they were fleeing. She decided on bringing her violin and her pet ferret. She is a talented musician and was immediately given a spot in a music school for talented kids in Berlin. It moved me to see just a snippet of her giftedness and see this little bright spot that comes out of such a dark place. Please pray with us for Ukraine and for God's intervention. Pray for us and many others as we respond with Christ's love to the traumatised refugees showing up here. Pray for wisdom in how to help them beyond their immediate needs.

Also, please pray for me as I do a funeral for the mother of a friend of ours on Friday. Pray that I would be able to speak comforting words but also share the gospel clearly for all of the not-yet-believers who will be present.

Please pray for our church retreat April 9-10. We are thankful and excited for the many who will be attending, including a refugee family from central Asia that we have been working with for the last 5 years. The theme for our weekend is peace.

And finally, check out this 2 minute video from GEM’s president Jon Burns about “Why Europe, Why Now?" There you will find a further link on the page that shows exactly what GEM is doing in response to the war.

Thankful for you,
Jason and Sue

November update

 The Unplanned Adventure – An Exercise in Thankfulness  

Thursday, September 9: we flew to beautiful, sunny Colorado, one mile higher than where we live (huff huff, puff puff).

Sunday, September 12: We visited Calvary Church in Longmont, where I was once on staff while studying at Denver Seminary. We shared briefly in their two morning services and more at length in one of their most dynamic Sunday School groups called “Rounding Third”! That afternoon, friends of ours hosted a little open house for us. Had supper with our kids in Denver on our way back to Colorado Springs.

Saturday & Sunday, September 18-19: preached twice at 1st Evangelical Free Church in Colorado Springs and met with their missions committee. We are so thankful for this church and their support. They made their wonderful “hospitality house” available to us for our entire stay.

Tuesday, September 21: started coming down with cold symptoms.

Wednesday, September 22: the drains backed up at the hospitality house. It took the plumbers and the angel from 1st  E. Free church (you know who you are ;-) all day and over 100 feet of “snake” to free them.

Thursday, September 23: despite persisting cold symptoms we drove up to Longmont to have lunch out in a park with dear friends (we are only here for a few weeks every few years…). It was a special time. We would have loved to had coffee with another dear friend (you know who you are ;-) but we cancelled because of health concerns. Then we had supper outdoors with, other super cool friends before heading back to the springs.

Saturday, September 25: shared a tasty pot-luck lunch with the folks at Grace Community Bible Church in Pueblo and then shared about our ministry. They have been with us from the start, and we are so thankful for them.

Unfortunately, my cold symptoms just kept getting worse which led to the following:

Sunday, September 26: I stayed home because I was too sick, so that Sue went alone to share about our lives and ministry at Faith Evangelical Free Church in the Springs. She came home and during the course of the afternoon, started to get sick.  By late evening felt like she had been run over by train.

Monday, September 27: We both tested positive for Covid.  

Covid week.  Isolation.  A practice in thankfulness:  He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”  Psalm 50:23

jason's corona ipad art

Saturday, October 2: We both tested positive again for Covid.

Sunday, October 3: We had to cancel our visit with our amazing supporters at Crossroads Bible Church.

Slowly recovering and no longer contagious, we were able to spend a few blessed days in the Rockies with our kids.

Sunday, October 10: Took yet another PCR Covid test; mandated by Lufthansa before permission to fly is granted. 

Monday, October 11: Test results - negative. Just in time to fly as scheduled.  Nothing but a miracle!

Tuesday, October 12: Flew back to Germany.

Wednesday, October 13: Arrived back home in Cologne. Whew!

Proverbs 16:9 - We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Our trip certainly did not go according to our plans. We are thankful to the Lord that we didn’t get hit harder (we are both vaccinated). We are also so grateful that we could hunker down at the hospitality house. What a blessing that was! We wanted so much to connect with all our friends and supporters in Colorado. We are sad that we couldn’t see many of you.

So now that we are back in Cologne, we are trying to understand what the Lord may have had in mind as we went through this. It certainly wasn’t the trip we had envisioned. We are also keeping our eyes open as to why we were able to test negative just one day before we were scheduled to fly back to Cologne. We want to be open to whatever the Lord is doing as we begin re-engaging with some of the refugees and anticipating new ones arriving from Afghanistan. Also, as we plan for ways to jump-start our little church plant which has lost some ground during Covid.

In the end though, we can definitely say that we are grateful. In this Thanksgiving season - we are so thankful for the Lord’s protection, provision, and mercy. We are thankful for so many of you who are a part of His provision for us - through your prayers and encouragement, practical help and financial support.

As you begin to plan your own year-end giving, would you please consider directing a portion to our ministry. Currently, our monthly shortfall is $385. We are also in need of appr. $15,000 in special gifts to cover a deficit due to some fallout from Covid and a generally weak dollar the last couple of years.

Gratefully,
Jason and Sue

September update

 Dear Friends,

The Corona restrictions for worship services were rather strict in the spring, so when the weather started to get nice, we began meeting outside in the spacious garden that our colleagues, Dan and Elly, had recently leased. Most of our services are interactive and unplugged and don’t rely on technology - so it worked out just fine. One of the themes we chose for this year is creation, so that when we met, the garden surrounded us in techno-color and surround sound as we dug into God’s word: birds, bugs, warm breeze, sunshine, clouds, fruit trees, flowers, veggies… You get the idea! This solution to one of issues of the pandemic has been a gift from our amazing Creator.
 

The Gießen School of Theology, which was founded by GEM missionaries in 1974, is one of the largest evangelical theological seminaries in Germany today. Currently, about 180 students from many countries of the world are taught by sixteen full-time faculty members and various excellent guest teachers. More than 1000 alumni are serving as pastors, teachers, or missionaries around the world, in over 40 countries. The FTH is an exciting place for people who love the Lord and his word. I currently serve as the GEM representative on the Board of Directors. Check out my recent interview with Stephan Holthaus, the president here. Please pray for the students, staff and leadership of the school.

Thanks to those who have been praying for E who finally got a good job with the German Train company in the spring. Many of you have prayed for him in the past, and this was truly an answer to prayer.  Because of his immigrant background, past failures, and struggles with depression, it has been many years since he was able to obtain a solid job. Unfortunately, he now has to deal with a very serious and challenging problem regarding his youngest son.  Please continue to pray for E and for his family. 

In light of the recent heartbreaking events in Afghanistan, we are expecting more traumatised refugees in Cologne. The mayor has let it be known that the city is ready to take in hundreds more. Please pray for God’s mercy and that He would use us and the other churches and ministries here to care for these people and share Christ’s love with them.

Please pray for Alex, who arrived recently from Canada to join our team here in Cologne.  He has a heart for refugees and has ministered in Lesvos several times. He is staying with one of our colleagues until he finds his own place. Pray especially that he would find just the right apartment soon. It's a challenge these days in Cologne. Also, the bureaucratic hurdles for registering and getting a visa are much higher because of corona.

We are coming for a visit! We will be in Colorado from September 9 to October 12. Here is our schedule of the church gatherings we will be at: 

September 12: Calvary Church, Longmont
September 18-19: First Evangelical Free Church, Colorado Springs
September 26 (am): Faith Evangelical Free Church, Colorado Springs
September 25 (11:00): Grace Community Bible Church, Pueblo
October 3: Crossroads Bible Church, Aurora

Blessings!
Jason and Sue

Download our new prayer card here!

June Update

 Dear Friends,

I’ve had some little visitors at the Pastorenatelier lately. I’ve noticed that one of the barbers next door has recently been bringing his kids to work with him. They play in the shop, in the car and out on the sidewalk. So I invited them in to color and play. Awiwan (8) said that their mother hasn't left them, she just wanted to take their baby brother and live in another house. They are very cute and well behaved. Schirach (4) doesn’t speak German very well but that doesn’t keep him from babbling on and on to me. Please pray for this immigrant family in crisis. They fled Aleppo, Syria 5 years ago and have suffered so much loss already in their lives. May the Lord have mercy on them and draw them to Himself. 

What a joy it is to celebrate Pentecost at the end of  the Easter season - the coming of the Holy Spirit (Emanuel, God with us, 2.0) and the birth of the Church.  This is the underlying theme of the diversity training and workshops that Sue leads.  Through the Spirit we are united, although not the same, and through the Spirit our differences our reconciled.

When the day of Pentecost came they were all together in one place … All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.  Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under Heaven … each one heard them [the Apostles] speaking in his own language.  Utterly amazed, they asked:  “how is it that each of us hears them in his native language?  Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the part of Libya near Cyrene; victors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”  Acts 2: 5 - 11.  

Many thanks to those who prayed for the Intercultural Team Building workshop in May.  As Greater Europe Mission staff, not only do we work interculturally, but we are increasingly becoming intercultural in our membership.  Within the Frankfurt staff there are about 8 broad cultures represented.  It was an intense, lively, and constructive conversation.  Please continue to pray for Sue’s involvement in these workshops.  Pray that as GEM staff we would be models of the  Spirit’s unifying and reconciling work.

Considering diversity, we want to share a video interview with our close colleagues, Dan and Elly. They have been working alongside of us and also within our church, primarily with refugees.  Please pray for their many contacts, relationships and conversations.  They will be returning to their sending country for a one-year home ministry assignment.  We will sorely miss them.  Pray that they would be refreshed and blessed during this time. Video interview link.

Praise God with us that E. has begun a solid long-term job.   Many of you have prayed for him in the past, and this is truly an answer to prayer.  Because of his immigrant background, past failures, and struggles with depression, it has been many years since he was able to obtain a solid job.  Pray that God would grant him success and draw E. ever more closely to himself. 

Blessings!
Jason and Sue

April Update

 Dear Friends,

As we face another and possibly more severe lockdown here in Germany due to the pandemic, I thought of the phrase, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross.”  This phrase is imbedded in a grand theme of endurance stretching from the saints of old all the way to the glorification of Christ.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of Witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow wear and lose heart.    Hebrews 12:1-3

Who could have known the race of endurance that had been marked out for us even a year ago.  It is indeed tempting to lose heart.  The writer’s admonishment is to continuing running with joy (!) as we steadily gaze into the face of Christ.  

As we take another deep breath and start the next lap, we are grateful for God’s reminder to us of the work that he has authored and perfected through the ministry in Germany, that we have been privileged to be a part of the last 30 years.  Take a look and listen to the interview with a cherished colleague, Sasha Ritzenhof.  Here's the link.

We wish you the persevering hope and joy of our crucified and risen Savior for the race yet to come.

Jason and Sue

november update

 Dear Friends,

If you live in Germany Thanksgiving was celebrated on October 4 this year.  If you live in Canada Thanksgiving was celebrated on October 12.  And if you live in the USA you will be celebrating on November 26!  Over the years our Thanksgiving observance has evolved from a day of celebration to a SEASON OF CELEBRATION, which is probably more in line with the biblical mandate of “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything”. (Eph. 5:20)  ALWAYS.  REALLY!  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (2 Thess. 5:16-18)  Most of us are probably struggling with that this year – 2020 - marked by the ongoing threat of a dangerous pandemic, political unrest, and all the various ways we have been personally affected by current events.  As difficult as it may be, giving thanks is one of the most effective practices we can exercise in the face of fear, uncertainty and hardship.

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most
High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you
and you will honor me…He who sacrifices thank offerings
honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show
him the salvation of God.  Psalm 50:14,15,23 

Practicing mindful and willful thanksgiving takes our eyes off of the fear, uncertainty and  hardship that consume our minds and hearts, to focus on our abundance, blessings and hope – and the One who is the faithful source of all that we are and have.

We asked you to pray for an exciting location possibility for our church in Cologne.  As promising as it looked, it didn’t work out.  However, we are thankful for the ongoing use of the location we presently meet in.  We are thankful for our wonderful church family during this ongoing time of uncertainty and restrictions – for their faithfulness, encouragement and fellowship.  We are thankful for God’s protection from harm and sickness as we traveled extensively, internationally and domestically.  We are thankful for precious time with family that we haven’t seen for years.  We are thankful for encouraging meetings with supporters and churches in New Jersey, Illinois and Wisconsin.

We are thankful for three people who put their trust in Christ.  While in Chicago visiting dear German friends, we took part in a Thursday evening Alpha course that they were hosting on Zoom. It was a joyful and exciting experience. We prayed for them as they met on the following Saturday over an extended time, where participants were challenged to put their trust in Christ. What a joy it was for us to hear later that 3 people accepted the Lord.  We are thankful that God continues to work, undertake and provide.

And so, we are thankful for you, dear friends – for your witness, your example, your encouragement in word and deed, for your prayers of petition, and for your financial support.  Let us know what sacrifices of thanksgiving you are offering up to the Lord!

Thankfully,
Jason and Sue

PS: SAVE THE DATE! December 5, 2020 at 12:00 EST (11 central, 10 mountain, 9 pacific) live zoom with Jason and Sue! All our supporters and friends are invited to hear what God is up to in our lives and ministry in Germany. We'll have some short interviews with those we minister to/with. Q&A, prayer requests and points of praise. Please join us! Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81916449657

September Update

Dear Friends,

There is something to be said about having an ongoing presence and testimony in one area. I am in my 8th year in the Pastorenatelier. There are so many people that I greet every day as they pass by on their way to the market or post office. I don’t know most of their names, but there is a connection there. Two elderly women who come by every day with their walkers always take a little break here - one sits on my bench and the other on her walker. I’ll often go out and chat with them and have made some minor adjustments for them on their walkers. They are a bright spot for me each day. They crack me up on the days when they dress the same or both wear the same cool shades. I often wish them God’s blessing when we part ways.

Then there is the little old lady who lives across the street and keeps an eye on things along with her husband through their front window. She comes over every couple of weeks and slips me a 5er or 10er for my “candy fund” and I wish her God’s blessing as well.

The Turkish locksmith on the corner never charges me when I need a key or have a lock issue. He just asks me to pray for him. I assure him that I not only pray for him but for the whole neighborhood. All our work with refugees hasn’t escaped his notice. A few weeks ago he came over with an immigrant friend of his who was having visa issues asking me to help. I was able to offer some advice, respect and compassion.

The North African barber next door (Uncle Georges Hair Generation!) sent me one of his immigrant customers the other day who was also having visa issues. Unfortunately, I really wasn’t able to help him very much, but I was encouraged by the fact that George thought to send him to me.

The other night, as our Bible study group was praying with the front door wide open, one of the refugees who was walking by noticed our posture and stopped at the door just to say “As salaamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you).

Granted, I may never get to actually share the gospel in words with many of these people but I think that God uses our ongoing presence as a testimony and a beacon of light and hope. It also can pave the way to future gospel conversations.

MEETING SPACE

Please pray about a possibility that has come up for an amazing new space to rent for our church and refugee ministries. It is a long shot and we really can't afford it but we think God may be opening a door. The openness of the owner for what we are doing is especially heartening. We have to wait until next week for an answer from him concerning how the space is zoned. This could be a deal-breaker. Please pray that whatever is on file with the city will allow for us to use the space for ministry, specifically for gatherings of people. May His will be done.

COVID-19 CONCERNS

After months of online church services, we have decided to start meeting in person again. It is not optimal with distancing and masks. Also, some people do not feel safe enough to join us yet. Before Covid-19 we would also share a meal together twice a month but have decided that for the time being we will not be doing that in order to be sure we are in compliance. Please pray for our little church, which has gotten even smaller. Pray for wisdom and courage. Pray that God will continue to work and build His church.

We are thankful for God's provision through many of you over the years. We are so dependent on Him and on you to be able to continue in this ministry. Unfortunately the economic fallout from COVID-19 is beginning to catch up to us. If you are in a position to increase your support or to give an extra gift, we would be grateful. See the GIVE links below.

TRAVEL PLANS

We had to cancel a trip we had been planning in May to Colorado to visit supporters and family, which was a disappointment for us. We haven't seen our kids for over 2 years. We thank the Lord for skype, but we need to be able to hug them! To that end, we are risking a trip in October to spend some time with them, other family and friends and also 2 of our supporting churches in NJ and WI. Please pray for safe travels and God's protection.

Thankfully,

Jason and Sue

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