December 2020
Family and friends,
We wish you a merry Christmas! We hope in these days you would rejoice over the greatest gift in the world: Jesus Christ.
This year-end update has two parts. First, Jonas will give you a brief overview of his first months as the pastor, then we will share how we are doing as a family.
MINISTRY:
“Young pastors overestimate what they can do in 2 years and underestimate what they can do in 10 years.” Someone quoted Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, along these lines. I am constantly recalling this little piece of wisdom as I embark on the weighty task of shepherding this local flock.
A main goal for this first year is to strengthen the leadership of the church and to get know the members of the church. We have started a bi-weekly leadership meeting, where we use a substantial amount of our time praying for our members. The church doesn’t have any recognized elders as of now, but there are three men who are formally recognized as leaders. During our meetings, I’m able to ask a lot of questions which is helping me get a feel for the history and current dynamics of the church.
Getting to know our members has been exciting. Every time you hear someone’s story, you can witness God’s amazing grace in their lives. Corona has made it a unique challenge to get to know people, but I have enjoyed going on walks and runs as I begin to get to know them. Nora and I have especially enjoyed going on weekly walks with a long- term member and his white German shepherd, Rosi. We look forward to sharing meals in our home with our church family once the Corona regulations are loosened.
I’m figuring out my weekly rhythm, preparing sermons, meeting members, and leading prayer leadership meetings.
FAMILY:
These last months have been very exhausting and challenging for our family. Tackling an international move, starting ministry in a church, having a baby, then another move into an unfinished apartment, all in the midst of a pandemic have taken their toll- especially on Paige.
About three weeks ago, Paige’s ears got so sensitive that even the noise of water coming out of the faucet was unbearably loud. After seeing a few doctors and finally an osteopath, it seems she has extreme muscle tension in her back, coupled with stress, poor sleep and a strained nervous system. These can all lead to ear issues.
It is by no means gone, but it has become significantly better. Since her hearing sensitivity is directly linked to her level of stress, Jonas rearranged his working hours so that he can help with the kids when they are awake.
Would you please pray for us as a family? Specifically, you can pray for Paige’s ears and that we’d be faithful with the capacities God gives us right now. Even when it has been difficult, we know God is constantly sustaining us and He has made it clear we are in the right place.
We arrived in the States the Monday before Christmas. The grandparents were very happy to meet Fenley and are enjoying Nora singing the National Anthem. Please pray that the time would be refreshing for us.
We would love to hear from you. As of right now there are two opportunities to meet in person.
01/03/2021 —- We will give a short update during the service at Redeemer Bible Church, our strategic partner in the U.S. (www.redeemerbible.church).
01/05/2021 —- We will give a more extensive update during prayer night at Redeemer Bible Church. If you want to come please contact us.
Skype or Facetime: We’d love to take advantage of being in the same time zone! Let us know if you’d like to find a time to talk.
We thank God for you and your involvement in our ministry. If you would like to join our team of donors or our mailing list, you can find the links below.
Much love,
Jonas, Paige, Nora and Fenley
