This past January, we received a list of countries that we could apply to serve in with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. We had no idea that we'd be headed to Northeast Germany in a year--almost exactly to the day!
This was exciting and shocking news to us in several ways! We'd been praying for Spain for the past three years, and so when Spain wasn't an option at the time of our application, we were sad, frustrated, and grieving the loss of what we thought life would have been. But, God had a different plan that we could see at the time! See, we had our hearts set on Latin America, but were told that it wouldn't be an option, so we prayed about Spain, visited, and fell in love with the culture. When Spain became a closed door, we prayed through the list, and after some amazing confirmations from our pastors, we knew God was calling us to Northeast Germany.
Our church graciously sent us on a vision trip where God further confirmed His leading to serve in Northeast Germany, and so the process began. Interviews. Paperwork. To be honest, I couldn't wait for October--the date when we'd find out our assignment. So, you can imagine our surprise and shock at receiving a phone call in July asking if we'd be willing to serve in Germany and leave in January! We knew that it was God's will for us and that He wanted us to follow Him to Germany.
So, that finds us at the present. Packing, organizing, more paperwork, getting together with as many people as possible, finishing up ministry responsibilities, and looking forward to spending the holidays with family (our last for four years). It is bittersweet. We're excited that this time to move overseas and pursue our calling has finally come! We're also very sad to live far away from family, our church--which has been our family these last 3 1/2 years, gracious landlords who love us like family, and well, basically our entire support system.
That said, we need your help! We need you to pray for us in these days of transition. We need you to keep loving on us like you have done so well. And we need you to prepare yourselves to join God's work in Germany because you're sending us.
Prayer is the greatest GIFT you can give to us!
Pray for us in the following areas:
German language and cultural learning
Investing- in people in Germany whose hearts are ready to hear about Jesus
Friends-that we would make new friends quickly
Transitions-from Northeast Ohio-lots of goodbyes, to Northeast Germany-lots of hellos We're currently at 55 days left at NorthMar and 99 days until departure for Berlin. And there's lots to do between now & then!
If you aren't local and would like a prayer card, please send us an email with your mailing address and we'd love to send one to you!
If you'd like to contribute financially, we are raising funds for our outfit. We will be starting over--buying all of our furniture, household items, even the kitchen sink! The monies in this fund will allow us to buy these essential items upon arriving in Berlin. Click here to give.
Thank you!
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