Dear ACEFC Family,
Over the last couple of months, the COVID restrictions here in Germany have gotten stricter and stricter. I’ve been hearing and personally experiencing that this latest and most strict lockdown (since Christmas) has been the most difficult of all for many, many people. And it’s just been extended again! Maybe until Easter, which makes it hard to plan any event. Currently, we can only meet with one other person outside our household. Yet I find much comfort in knowing that GOD is still in control and He never stops working behind the scenes, regardless of what’s happening here or in the States. I’ve been clinging to the truths in Romans 8:28 recently: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Regardless if we can see or understand it. It has been quite encouraging to those of us on the church leadership team in Oberursel to see more people tuning in to our worship services online, even more so since Christmas! Many who are in our church family have been staying connected over the months with their small groups via Zoom, etc. Relationships have been strengthening and growing deeper. New people are asking how they can get connected. It’s exciting to see the spiritual hunger in people. God is on the move!!!
For me, my cell phone is my main ministry tool to connect with people and has been for several months. The ladies in my Bible study group are “Zoomed out”, so we’ve not met since November when the COVID restrictions prohibited it. However, they do appreciate the text messages from me, and I appreciate the prayer requests they share with me. – I also enjoy and am grateful to those who are willing to meet with me and go for walks one-on-one. That has been such a joy and sanity saver!
Yesterday I went for a walk with one of the ladies I sponsor/mentor in Al-Anon. (Al-Anon is a 12-Step program for families and friends of alcoholics.) This lady (Mary) calls me almost daily – and sometimes several times a day. Anyway, I was so surprised, yet thrilled, to hear her say that last week she and one of her Catholic friends went walking in the woods and prayed as they went! – Mary has heard me pray for her several times over the years and I’ve noticed subtle, encouraging changes in her. I always pray to Jesus. Mary knows He is my “Higher Power”. – One day in early December was the first time in five years that I heard her call her Higher Power Jesus! — So please pray that in my last few months on the field, Mary will hunger to know Jesus more and be willing to have in-depth spiritual conversations.
Prayer & Praise Requests: 1. Feb. 25-26 GEM-Germany’s Virtual Winter Retreat. This will be the last time I “see” many of my teammates from other parts of Germany. 2. Pray that I finish well here; for my time of transition and all the “Good-byes” … 3. June 30 is my official date of retirement. However, I’ll be flying home at the end of April and staying at Son-Shine Apartments in Menasha for an indefinite period of time. 4. I praise the Lord Jesus for you, my ACEFC church family, for standing with me in this ministry for over 18 years, for your faithful financial and prayer support, and all your encouraging words via letters, cards, emails, and visits! I couldn’t have done what the Lord called me to do in Europe without you! I’ll be forever grateful. 5. My prayer for me and each of you is from Ps. 92:14 – that we will still bear fruit in old age, that we will stay fresh and green…
To God be the glory!