Holidays

Lucy has been helping in two schools by teaching English to the children. One school went on a field trip to a nursing home for Christmas. Lucy assisted the teachers and the class of second graders to pass out cookies the children made. Lucy did not make it into a picture, sorry. But the teacher did, her name is Christina Serafy from Columbus, Ohio.

We are in the middle of the holiday season. The Christmas markets have closed down, but many lights are still shining brightly. We had a Christmas Eve service at RB (Rock Berlin) which started at 4p.m. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve in Germany so the folks were looking forward to worshiping and getting home to family and gifts. Germany also closes down for two days following Christmas Eve. We spent most of the first day calling family via Skype.

We enjoyed a quiet Christmas in Berlin, but we have been told that New Year's is a different story. Fireworks are a major part of New Year's Eve. We were advised that large numbers of people are out overnight setting off fireworks anywhere and everywhere. We saw a church with long rockets set up like a teepee waiting to be set off! We will watch the fireworks from the safety of an apartment belonging to one of RB's members.

In the previous blog we mentioned recycling. Recycling is very important in Germany. There are special containers for every building and also along the sidewalks.

These three containers are for different colored glass, green, clear and brown. Cute, aren't they?

God is slowly stretching us - Dieter helped out during the service on the 29th by leading the music which included two songs in German (Shout to the Lord and I Love You Lord). Lucy was interviewed for an article about Forgiveness to be published in a German Christian magazine.

We also helped redecorate the church. Remember, we rent space on the first floor of an apartment building. We've included a few pictures to help you visualize Rock Berlin.

Rock Berlin has about 35-45 people that attend fairly regularly. The space can hold double that number.

Next week we will travel on the high speed train to attend a Great Commission Europe conference called Awaken. There will be six countries represented at this four day meeting, Jan.2 - 6. Please pray for God's blessing and that He is glorified. Thank you and may God bless your new year.

Legal in Berlin, Germany

What an amazing few days! This past Saturday was the first time I presented the message for the service. It was in English, but challenging, since I would say a sentance or two then wait on the translator. I hope to preach in German in the future, after more improvement with my German language skills. But God blessed the evening (our services at Rock Berlin are on Saturday evenings) and we were blessed by the responses we saw and heard in the congregation.

Today was our appointment for our visas to remain in Germany. We had been warned that we will probably have to go more than once to the government offices. Also, as with Pastor Dave, the government will require Rock Berlin to run a wanted ad for 30 days to give nationals an opportunity to apply for the job that I am here to do. And the entire process would take weeks.

But, God had different plans. Florence Deppe, a Rock Berlin member, had meticulously prepared all the paperwork and was able to answer the government officials questions thoroughly. God also gave me an opportunity to talk with the official in German for a minute. She even joked that since I was born in Hamburg, I was an American Hamburger:)

The net result was that we left with our visas! No waiting, no want ads, just the visas. So Lucy and I are legal, finally. Praise God !

On the lighter side of German life, we finally have a pic of Dave and Sandy Lennander to share with you. They are the couple we are living with and whose apartment we will take over when they leave Jan. 22, 2008. They have served at Rock Berlin for almost 3 years. Then came with no German language knowledge and have done an amazing job. They helped the Rock reorganize and refocus and have helped the Rock become a very healthy church. Dave has been a pastor for over 25 years and his experience made a difference here. Praise God for them!

Here we are with the Lennanders around the Christmas tree in the apartment.

Also, for those of you that think you are good parallel parkers, check out this photo.

This is a normal parking scene in Berlin. It's also the reason we are glad for good public transportation. We haven't gone for a drivers license yet, we may reconsider. But, here is a car you need if you do drive.

It's a SMART car.

Next blog will include something about recycling. Exciting isn't it?!:)

Starting Our 2nd Month

It's hard for us to believe that one month as gone by already. The month has been filled with the challenges of living in a different culture, connecting with a new group of friends, understanding a different church culture and keeping our walk with God our top priority. These challenges have not been easy, but it has been a blessing being in God's will.

In regard to the culture, we are glad we do not have to drive in Berlin. Besides watching for other cars, you must be alert for a lot of bicyclists and pedestrians and for the trams and buses. But to help with becoming legal in Berlin, Dieter will apply for a drivers license next week. Then on Dec.11 we have an appointment for a work visa. We continue to work on our language skills and hope to find out about starting language school in Jan.

Our new group of friends have kept us busy helping a couple of them move into and out of apartments. Plus, we have had to say good-bye to the Shafers, as Gene and Kathy went back to the states after serving the Rock Berlin church for 5 years.

Regarding the church culture, we are learning about church-hopping. It seems to be normal. Since RB meets on Saturday evenings, some of the attenders visit other churches on Sunday. This sounds okay except when the hoppers do not have accountability relationships. That is inviting trouble. Our enemy is on the prowl for loners.

The second month finds us attending administrative meetings at RB, ones we have not been a part of yet. There is also a need to schedule appointments with believers young in their faith for Bible study. Lucy has made contacts with an international group of Christian women. She met a diplomat for South Africa at the study. The diplomat reinforced with Lucy the need to meet with other believers to help with discouragement.

There are Christmas markets popping up in many places. They have booth after booth of food and things to buy. But there is very little mention of the reason for the season, our Savior.

Berlin is a huge city with a tremendous need for Jesus. There are churches doing God's work and reaping fruit and we give God the praise for that, but there is so much more to do.

Thanksgiving in Berlin

GIVING THANKS
Any day is a good for reflecting on God's goodness to man but it is a little extra special today as people meet with family and dear friends and give God thanks.
I was reminded of Ps. 8 where David wrote about the magnificence of God, but yet He cares for us, we are special to God. It is very humbling.

As Lucy and I think about this past year, how incredible it has been, we are so grateful to our heavenly Father for all of His blessings. He has brought us so far. Again, David comes to mind in 2 Sam.7:18, "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that Thou hast brought me this far?" Two years ago this reality wasn't even on our radar, but here we are in Berlin, Germany.

Yes, we miss family and friends. We'd love to be there to see our parents, children and grandchildren. But God's word is clear, following His will is not an easy road. We thank God that our family and friends understand why we are absent. We are looking to the eternal perspective. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

TURKEY IN BERLIN
Thanksgiving is not a holiday recognized in Germany. We did see that a restaurant or two advertised a T'Day Dinner. There must be enough Americans around to make it worthwhile.
BUT, we will not be without turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, or any of that good stuff!!!!!
Rock Berlin is hosting a turkey dinner this evening with all the trimmings, mmmm! And if that isn't enough, Lucy and I will participate in an outreach turkey dinner Friday evening hosted by one of the members at RB. Christina is having a dinner for her co-workers and some of the people in her apartment building. The only thing missing besides you all will be American football! Oh well, can't have everything. Pray that hearts will be touched for Christ.

A Very Full Week

It's been a week since we blogged (is that a real verb?) (sounds like a German dance).

At the end of last week we attended our first birthday party in Berlin. One of the wives from RB (Rock/Berlin) turned 30 and that's a good reason for a big bash. We played games and were able to meet more of the saints at the party. Instead of a birthday cake there was an ice cream bar. No complaints from us:) Germans love to meet to talk and eat.

After getting to bed around 1:30a.m. we arose Saturday morning in time to help one of the single woman at RB move into a new apartment. Lucy and I thought we were in good shape, but we were WRONG! There weren't many items - they all fit in a small truck. But, in Germany, apartments don't come with built-in closets so you have to buy a Schrank (closet). We were able to take the doors off and move the schrank in 3 big sections.

Another lesson, when counting floors in an apartment building you don't count the first level as 1st Floor. So when someone moves from the 3rd floor it's really the 4th. And when they say they are moving to the 4th floor, it's actually the 5th. Also, no elevators, only winding staircases.

The move only took two hours, but my legs were like rubber bands. I can wait another week before I join the gym. Lucy's legs are still sore.

The saints didn't want us to be bored (or rest too much) so they planned a Welcome Party for us after the Saturday service. There was, again, great food and desserts! And more new faces.

The woman that turned 30 and had the great birthday party found the time to make us the beautiful Welcome sign. Thank you Stephi.
















We started becoming legal this week - we registered with the local authorities, so they know we are here and where we live. Another RB member, Flo Deppe, is working on our residency permit and on the application for a bank account. Then appointments have to be made in both cases. It good be a couple of weeks yet. Plus, I'll need a work visa, which will take a few months.


RB is preparing to say good-bye to three families that are heading back to the states over the next three months. The first, the Shafers, have been here for five years. They have been tremendous examples of servants for God. They have helped Germans come to the faith and to grow in their faith. And, of course, there will be a party for them Saturday after the service. Also, a brunch and the opportunity to move furniture that they aren't taking. We will benefit by receiving a few pieces of furniture. They only live on the 4th floor (5th) and we live on the the 1st (2nd). Plus we have a decent sized elevator:) I'll mention the other families in later blogs.

My cousins, Ralf and Peter Schlesiger, did not make the church service, but came on Sunday.
Ralf has been to the states often, but I haven't seen Peter in over 38 years. We had a great time roaming east and west Berlin by foot and double-decker bus. Lucy found a pool hall where we shared some laughs (because we stink at pool). We spent some time talking about the church in Germany and listened to what turned them away from church. They are interested in visiting RB sometime in the future. They live in Hamburg, my birthplace, which is a 3 hour train ride for us. It took them the same amount of time by car too. It was special visiting with family in Germany and sharing what great things God has done for us, Lk.8:39.

The Second Week is Under Way

We have turned the corner on the first week in Berlin and are a couple of days into our second week. When people have asked how it feels being in Berlin, our answer has been, "let's wait until the second week because we've been here three separate times of one week each." Well, now we have to answer the question - it's incredible realizing where we are and how God brought us here.

We continue enjoying new experiences. Both of us now have been in Bible studies with others of our gender. Lucy attended an international women's study today. It was all in English, although Lucy has begun language instruction.
And last night we were part of a conversation group that consisted of English only and German only speakers, believers and a non-believer, employed and unemployed, with 4 countries represented.

Yesterday we found a very well-equipped music store which was near a great place to buy a bockwurst and broetchen (here's an opportunity to do some internet research:)
We have also experienced sore and tired feet and achy leg muscles (esp. our shins). We walk a lot every day so we can eat plenty of German pastry and not get fat! (it sounds good in my mind)
There are trams (Lucy rode alone for the first time today:) and buses and trains for traveling, but we can enjoy the neighborhood more by walking. On the other hand, it has rained almost every day.
Tonight is another mentoring opportunity for Dieter with a new believer.
There is a 30th birthday party for one of the leaders wives on Friday. It will be a dress up occasion. Birthdays a big celebrations here so there will probably be a lot of food:)
We are expecting one of Dieters cousins to attend the church service on Saturday, PTL.
One of the main goals for next week is to become official in Berlin. We'll keep you posted.
The Germanators are on our minds and hearts. We wouldn't be here without you.

First Weekend in Berlin

The Rock/Berlin church has services on Saturdays at 6 p.m. This past Saturday saw approximately 40+ people sitting on sofas (the service is advertised as the Sofa Service) and other living room furniture as worship music began the service. The song list included ones in German and English.
Most of the congregation can speak some English, and all but two spoke German. Several of the folks came from other countries. The message was presented in German this week. Translation into English was available for the two that needed it. Other weeks when Pastor Dave teaches in English, someone translates into German.
The people were very friendly and hung out afterwards to fellowship. Twice a month the church offers a potluck meal after the service and a snack on the other weeks. Often they will show a movie for entertainment when the meal is over.
We helped clean up after the meal. A Baptist church rents the space on Sundays, so we must leave the place in good shape. Cleanup includes sweeping and mopping and dishes. They never use paper plates, but fortunately they have a good dishwasher.
We were done with everything around 10p.m. and then went with a few people to a cafe for a snack and to talk. It was just after midnight when we arrived home.

Sunday morning found us at the home of an American couple, the Shafers, that have been here since 2002 but are headed back to the states to live. We were invited for brunch and to meet a missionary with Campus Crusade. Claudia is a German who attended The Rock for a while before God called her into ministry. So even though the Rock is a young church they have already sent someone into fulltime ministry.
Another reason for the brunch was to look at the Shafers furniture for anything we could use. The missionaries pass their possessions to others as needed.

Today was a pretty peaceful day. We spent some time traveling on the tram and saw a little of West Berlin and went grocery shopping. Being the capital of Germany, Berlin is a city of almost 4 million people, so there is a lot to see and do.

Becoming Official in Berlin

We have learned that before we can open a bank account, purchase a cell phone, join a gym, have the utilities put into our name, or do anything official we need to register with the local authorities. That's how the they keep track of everyone, citizens and non-citizens.

But before we can register with the authorities we need to prove we have a place to live and that we are gainfully employed. We are currently gathering the paperwork to make registration possible.
I guess you cannot just show up in Germany and live happily everafter:)

Arrival

We arrived in Berlin on Oct. 30, 2007 to a smiling group of faces. Each person was needed to help with our luggage. Try shrinking your possessions down from a 3 bedroom house with garage to a 1 bedroom apartment with a 10 x 6 storage unit down to 3 large suitcases, 1 guitar, and 4 carryons. Quite a change. We rode a bus and train with all the luggage to the apartment.

The weather has been cool, in the 50's during the day, with very little sunshine. The sun did shine on Wed., our first full day here. We were given credit for the rays:)

The evening we arrived Dieter attended a mens Bible study at the church. On Wed, we were part of an operations meeting for some of the church leaders. It was good getting right to work.

We are thrilled to be here and look forward to doing the work God has for us.