Spring 2022

CHURCH

There is war in Europe, as the news headlines tell us all daily. We feel we cannot start an update without acknowledging the ache in our hearts for the people of Ukraine. We know that even in such horrible times, Christ will build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

A few members of our church are currently hosting refugees. Thank you to all who donated money to help with their initial needs. Many people are arriving with not much more than the clothes on their backs. Our church has been able to fill needs that have come up like putting together toiletry bags and helping furnish temporary apartments in host homes.

In February our church had the joy of baptizing three believers into membership. We were able to use the baptismal from a nearby church. However, the water was very cold and it was a funny sight to see a few men topping it off with hot water from tea kettles. With more people interested in baptism, there are plans for a second course this Fall.

Our church lacks basic leadership structures. The hope is to soon introduce the roles of elder and deacon along with other structures which will lead, serve, and support the church as we continue to grow and mature. The leadership team is continuing to look for a bigger space for us to gather in on Sunday mornings.

As Corona regulations loosen, the church looks forward to being able to do more with one another. This Spring we are planning both a men’s and women’s breakfast as a chance to fellowship and encourage each other.

FAMILY

We are so very excited to be moving into a house on May 1st. Our apartment has been cozy and special, but we look forward to having a back yard and more space. This will elevate quite a few daily stressors, especially for Paige, and we really see this as great help in staying sustainable in ministry.

In March we celebrated six years of marriage. We adventured and relaxed on the German island, Rügen, without the kiddos for four days. As we have shared in our updates before, adjusting to life in Germany has not always been easy for us as a family. But God, in His kindness, has continually kept us close as a couple and He continues to sanctify us both.

In June we plan to visit family and partnering churches in America. As always, there will be a heavily anticipated countdown chain for that. We thank God for how you have faithfully supported and prayed for us.

PRAYER