Darmstadt: God is up to something here!

When we first felt God’s prompting to go to Germany, it became clear that Darmstadt was the city He intended us to work in.  As we shared the vision for planting an international, English-language church, lots of people were excited about it, but many asked, “Why Darmstadt? Certainly there were and are larger and more influential cities in Germany…”

Well, God is definitely up to something here!  Check out these recent developments:

·         Hessen (the German state we are located in) has been identified as the fastest growing state in Germany, and Darmstadt as the fastest growing city in the state.

·         The European Union issued a report on the “Regional Competitive Index” of the entire European Continent, and Darmstadt was listed as number 7 – ahead of Paris and Copenhagen!

·         And, most exciting to us, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, when determining where in Europe to come and hold a campaign, has selected Darmstadt!  Preliminary work is being done to welcome Franklin Graham to the city in 2015!

We invite you to join us in this exciting mission to reach the world through the planting of international churches in this strategic city in Central Europe.  If the Lord moves you to partner with us, here’s what you can do:

Web-based support: Go to www.convergeworldwide.org/give/133261 to set up a one-time, or ongoing support.

USA:     By Check to: Converge Worldwide (in the memo line, note account # 133261).

     Address:  2002 S. Arlington Heights Rd. / Arlington Heights, IL 60005 

      Automatic Withdrawal is available.  Contact Jennifer at 800.323.4215

EUROPE:  Bank: Spar-und Kreditbank  BLZ: 50092100  Konto: 1162233  Note: “Darmstadt”

Prayer Focus

·         Pray for current outreach efforts:

o   30-second advertisement during English language films at the theater.

o   New brochures and flyers distributed at the Tech. Univ. student center, dormitories and classroom buildings.

o   Facebook advertising campaign.

·         Pray for leadership identification and development for the church:

o   Elders: spiritual leaders of the congregation

o   Ministry Leaders: effective, strong leadership of our ongoing efforts, particularly those to students and the international scientific and business communities.

o   Bob & Carol:  pray for our physical health, spiritual protection and emotional encouragement.

o   Constitution: pray as we complete and approve the constitution of the new church.

First Birthday Celebration!

A little rain can't stop our prayers for the city!

The week after we returned from our Home Assignment, we joined with our church family in celebrating our first anniversary of public ministry.  Our first birthday as a church!  Beginning with a time of prayer overlooking the city on Saturday the 5th, the celebration continued through the day on Sunday, with a special time of worship, communion (served by IBC General Secretary Dr. Jimmy Martin and Rev. Carsten Lotz, pastor of  ICF Oberursel), followed by a fellowship meal complete with birthday cake!  

Enjoying the Fellowship Feast

Our birthday week was filled with reconnecting with the church's LIFE Groups, distribution of new church brochures in hotels and at the University, and was capped with a special visit by Dr. Gene Selander, the director of Converge Worldwide's "A2:5" Ministry.  Gene visited with LIFE Groups, shared at a Men's breakfast and filled the pulpit on Sunday the 13th.  The highlight of the week was our second baptism service that evening! 

Baptism of Carin Haddad,
who returned from Lebanon for her baptism!.

  

Late Summer Recap

"YOU CROWN THE YEAR WITH YOUR BOUNTY; 
       YOUR WAGON TRACKS OVERFLOW WITH ABUNDANCE. 
THE PASTURES OF THE WILDERNESS OVERFLOW, 
       THE HILLS GIRD THEMSELVES WITH JOY, 
THE MEADOWS CLOTHE THEMSELVES WITH FLOCKS, 
      THE VALLEYS DECK THEMSELVES WITH GRAIN, 
           THEY SHOUT AND SING TOGETHER FOR JOY...” PSALM 65:11-13 ESV

Walls decorated by God with fall color.

 David obviously loved this time of year! He saw the Autumnal harvest season as the “crown of the year.” He saw the hills splashed with color, and described them as “clothed with joy.” In fact, the hills, fields and valleys “shout and sing together for joy.” It’s hard to believe that autumn is in full swing, but what David described in Psalm 65 has once again become a reality for us in Central Europe. The air has that crisp, cool feel; people have begun to bring out their sweaters and coats and families have returned from summer holidays. Schools have opened and University students have poured into the city – in record numbers for Darmstadt! “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few – pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:35&35 ESV)

Like many, this autumn season follows a very busy summer.  We spent August and September in the United States on “Home Assignment.”  During a nine week period, we traveled through 11 states, visited 11 churches, and friends from four other churches, logging over 6,000 miles on our car!  Along the way we were blessed to be able to visit with all of our children, both of our grandsons, our parents, and most extended family.  We were not able to visit all of our friends, or get to every church partner we have, though we would have loved to!  If we did not see you this time, we will surely put you on the top of our list for next time!

During those weeks, we were able to share the exciting story of God’s work in Darmstadt with dear friends, make new friends, and have special times of worship and celebration.  It is always exciting to share with people the new way that God is at work around the world through English-language international churches.  For many it is a whole new concept in fulfilling the Great Commission – as it was for us just a few years ago!  What a thrill it is to now be part of that work, and report to the church how God is drawing people from every nation under heaven, gathered in the city, to Himself (see Acts 2:5). 

Some of the Nations represented in the CIF family!

In our absence, the church in Darmstadt continued to meet and reach out to the Darmstadt community.  Pastors from neighboring IBC churches filled the pulpit on some Sundays, and men from the church brought the message on others.  So far, three of our men have shared a message from the Word of God at one of our services!  In addition, the LIFE Groups continued, each one led by members of the group, and new people were welcomed into the church.  It was a great joy to meet new people who had been coming to the church for weeks but had not yet met the pastor and his wife! We praise the Lord for providing such wonderful leaders and partners in this work!  Continue to pray for the church as we grow in size and depth!  Pray for leadership development and ministry effectiveness.