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.