When we came here October 1st we had big goals for this trip but were not sure how we could accomplish these goals.
Our goals were for Brandy to learn German, for us to introduce our work to different churches to strengthen old and build new relationships, and for us to increase our monthly support by $1,000 to start a travel budget for our annual outreaches and to start a retirement fund which we have been advised to do many times.
When we got here we were not sure if Brandy was going to be able to do the German classes at all as they had already started three weeks before our arrival. We did not have any places to present our work at. We did not have a car to get around and we did not have a confirmed place to live. Needless to say I felt very stressed about everything. :-)
But God took care of everything. Brandy was able to join the German course and to catch up quickly. We have already preached in three churches and done two mission presentations in cell groups. Next weekend we'll preach in Berlin and there are opportunities to do two or three more presentations. We are living in a wonderful little apartment and were lent a car by a good friend for the time we are here. We have also found one new supporter (with another one praying about supporting us) and had two friends pledge to raise their support besides two one time gifts from the Jesus Freaks Frankfurt and the Baptist church in Sterup which were a HUGE blessing. Though we still got ways to go to reach the $1000 goal/month we are so encouraged by how God has met our every need and how He is touching people's hearts to partner with us.
When we were with the Jesus Freaks in Frankfurt which was the first church we visited someone had a picture for us of an umbilical chord together with the word that God will strengthen our roots in Germany and give us a new line of support (money, prayer, relationships). We have seen that happen so clearly and are thankful.
Another goal I did not mention in the beginning was for us to connect with YWAM in Europe. That also has happened beyond my wildest expectations. I was able to teach in the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) in YWAM King's Lodge. It was a wonderful time and a very special connection for me as I have never had any interaction with the SBS before. The SBS is considered the official Bible School in YWAM and it was so encouraging to have them bless the work we do with Bible School for the Nations.
Besides that we were able to attend a conference in Hamburg to end human trafficking, extreme poverty, and child pornography. At the conference we were able to see what people are already doing to end these humongous issues and how we can join them in their efforts. I also was able to connect with the Training Director of YWAM Herrnhut. She invited me to come and hold a seminar for their Discipleship Training School (DTS) which has 120 students this year. So I will hold a seminar on "the necessity of having a Biblical worldview when fighting injustice". This is another answer to prayer as I always wanted to visit this base and connect with them.
So this trip has been an encouragement and blessing and I am looking forward to the next four weeks to see how God will continue to work.
