Wittenberg (officially named Lutherstadt Wittenberg) is the German city most associated with Martin Luther (1483-1546), leader of the German Reformation and was our destination with Pastor Dave when he visited for two weeks in May(he tries to make sure we are seeing some of Germany). We enjoyed our time with Dave as he encouraged us.
I was there previously in 1995 with my dad and relatives and WOW how it has changed. It has become very commercial. What that means is you can buy Luther beer, bread, candy and many other assorted things.
It was still neat to see a few of the old buildings, but I have to think that Martin Luther cannot be too pleased with what the town has become.
We had an interesting conversation with a restaraunt owner. He's a German who thinks Joe Cocker is the best guy in the world and who wants to travel Route 66 on a motorcycle. He sounds like many Americans:)
JUNE
June found Lucy in the states taking care of some family business and, of course, visiting with family, but only in Ohio.
While Lucy was gone, one of my cousins and a friend came to Berlin and stayed with me. It was very cool to be able have family visit after being gone for so many years.
Before Lucy left we were able to visit with a couple of Berliners, Guenther and Charlotte Grosche. We met them in Columbus, Ohio when they lived there for two years. We met them at a restaraunt and watched a European Cup game on a huge outdoor screen (the bigger screen was nearby:)
The European Cup was huge. It felt like being in Columbus on Buckeye football gameday. The people really enjoy their soccer, all day and ALL NIGHT! Germany made it to the finals, but lost to Spain.
JULY
In July, Lucy and I celebrated our first anniversary in Germany, number 21. We stayed in and Lucy cooked a special meal, and it was awesome to reflect on how God has worked in our lives. All praise goes to Him.
We had visitors in July, too. Drew Hage, a church planter working with the Amsterdam church, spent a few days with us so he could look around this incredible city.
Then on July 22, a missions team from our old church, Linworth Rd. Church, came for 10 days. It was great to see some old friends and to hear news from the "old country". Mike Faler kept the team of seven working from the morning into the evening. They witnessed in a local park and also downtown where young people congregate. They also helped RB celebrate our 5-year anniversary. We also gave the team a todo list for a little maintenance work around the church.
Daniel Goering visited RB for the anniversary celebration and shared the message with his son, John, and me. We talked about the past, the present, and the future of RB and Great Commission Europe.
Here is a picture of Daniel with one of our RB folks, Maria Larson.
Here are a few photos of the team. They shared breakfast together every morning before prayer and music worship.
Lucy finished her third language class in July. She is off until the end of August. Here is a photo of her classmates.
Here is Tim Short with a couple of RBers. Below are Rhonda Hearon and Kelley Faler
sharing with women in the park.
Lucy finished her third language class in July. She is off until the end of August. Here is a photo of her classmates.
God is alive and working in Berlin, even though most of the people do not believe in Him.
As always, thank you for your prayer support. It is critical and it really is encouraging to know that people are bringing us before the Father. It is a blessing for us to pray for you too.
And, of course, we appreciate the financial support. The euro and the dollar are locked in a battle. You are supplying us with the means to stay in the spiritual battle that rages on here.
