September 2021

Family and friends,

We had an amazing July in America. We thank God for the rest, and for our time with family, friends and churches who support us. Yet after a month with many of our favorite people, places, and the beautiful thing that is the Starbucks drive thru, I (Paige) was content to come back to Germany, and deep in my heart I know we are right where God would have us.

Things have been rocking and rolling since we returned in August:

Jonas performed a wedding.
We started a youth group in our home.
Corona regulations have allowed for homegroups to meet in actual homes again.
We hosted a women’s breakfast.
A group of us updated the church’s baby room.
The church has added two new members.

And most importantly, our church has been full of regular means of grace from God which have undoubtedly been an encouragement and spiritual sustenance to this body of believers.

The room where we meet on Sundays is full. As a group of 70-80 people gathered on Sundays, we have people from all over the world who have, for some reason or another, found their way into the church by the Aldi parking lot. God cares for Evangelische Freikirche Gemeinde am Bohlweg and is continuing to bless it.

Looking ahead, Jonas will lead a baptism seminar in October. We are planning a men’s breakfast and are incredibly encouraged that in-person fellowship is again a regular part of the church´s life. November will mark one year with Jonas as the pastor. And we look forward to our first Christmas here at the church.

I (Paige) wanted to be the one to write this update because Jonas would never let you know how hard he works. I am incredibly proud of how he has served the church with patience, wisdom, and love. He spins many plates, and wears hats he probably never expected to have on his head. He’s regularly preaching, and often leading through service or playing the guitar. All while being a loving and kind husband and papa. While he has done a lot this year, Jonas never sees this as his “show” or that the church sits on his shoulders. I know he’s grateful for the other leaders and eager to make much of Jesus, not himself.

As we were fundraising someone once said to us, “Church revitalization is basically useless.” To that, I wholeheartedly disagree.

FAMILY

As a family, God continues to sustain and provide for us. It has been a huge blessing to live near Jonas’ parents. Fenley is walking and babbling, and Nora is anxiously awaiting a “big girl bike” for her birthday in October. I am continuing to learn German, and that will be the case for years to come :)

On heavy days, I have asked God, “Why in the world are we here?” And in His kindness, I feel like I have recently seen a bit of the “why” more clearly.

SUPPORT + PRAYER

We continue to raise financial support. Your giving has allowed us to serve this local church here in Münster. Thank you to all who have continued to support us. If you would like to join our team, you can click the link below to begin giving monthly or to contribute a one-time gift. Please pray: