Summer 2014

Today is the Summer Solstice and we are enjoying the exceptionally long days of summer here in Darmstadt.  This morning the sun rose at 5:16, and sunset will be at 9:38pm. We are amazed (and thrilled!) to look at the western horizon at 11pm and the sky shows evidence of the fading sun!  It’s been a wonderful spring and early summer, with beautiful warm days and lots of sun. 

We had a very surprising “jolt” on May 18, when a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rumbled through our city.  The epicenter was just a few kilometers south of our apartment, and some minor damage was done.  We were hosting a birthday party for Bob at our flat and it cause quite a buzz among our guests! There have actually been three earthquakes here over the past 5 months – all very minor – but it’s a feature we didn’t anticipate when we moved here! 

Of course we pray for the Lord to “shake the foundations” of the culture and bring the living light that never fades to this wonderful city!

The Darmstadt Earthquake, 2014:
"Let the recovery begin!"

New Faces, New Places!

We’ve welcomed new people from new lands to the church over the past few months - wonderful new friends from Taiwan, South Africa and China.  Our most recent Chinese university student told Carol that she came to the church because her department head at the Technical University recommended it to her.  He had heard that we were a church that welcomed new people from around the world!  What a wonderful reputation at the TU-we are humbled and grateful to God for such a recommendation!

Prayers for Ukraine

As an international church, we are particularly sensitive to the global political crises that take place around the world.  Many of those countries in conflict are home to our members!  On a recent Saturday a number of us gathered to pray for the situation in Ukraine.  We encourage everyone to pray diligently – in particular for the Christians in many of those nations who are targets of oppression.

Team Converge!

On Sunday, June 8, three men from the church participated in the Darmstadt Triathlon.  Kevin, a student from Germany, was joined by Adam, a space agency scientist from England, and Kevin, a member of the US military.  They all completed the course (“to finish is to win!”) and represented the church by wearing CIF shirts.  

Please Pray for Us

• Pray for the church as we appoint our first elders.
• Pray for Carol as she ministers 3-5 times a week with women, and hosts groups and individuals in our home. Pray for strength and health.
• Pray for Bob as he serves as coordinator of the Church Planting Management Team for the IBC, works on a degree at Liberty Seminary Online, and pastors the church.
• Pray for enhanced exposure for the church, and greater impact of our ministry among students at the university, scientists and support personnel at the Space Agencies, and business & military personnel from the US and around the globe working in the area.
• Pray for our family – parents, children and grandchildren back in the USA.  We love and miss them – it’s hard to be so far away!