March 2020

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

It feels odd to be sharing a simple update of our day-to-day life and ministry in the midst of everything going on in the world today. But in the words and sentiments of CS Lewis, may this be our few paragraphs of “sensible and human things” in this time.[1]

Thank you for your prayers and the many who financially support us. Since out last update, Paige’s health has improved significantly. She is not bound to the couch or bed anymore and has even worked out a few times. Please pray for a healthy pregnancy and that we as parents would mirror dimly God’s love to our kids.

The second meeting with the church in Münster went really well. I (Jonas) taught a half-day seminar on “What is a Church.” We discussed what constitutes a true church and how a true church would grow to a healthier church. That Sunday I preached a sermon from Acts 2 and explained what we can learn from the first church in Jerusalem. Please thank God for the wisdom He has already granted in this process of our next steps in Germany.

Lord willing, a third meeting in Münster is scheduled for the beginning of April. I will preach on Sunday and there will be further discussions about the future. We are hoping to know if this church will call me as their pastor by the end of April. Please pray for further guidance. 

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We are under in-home quarantine, Jonas is working from home and, for now, all of our gatherings at the church have been cancelled. We are thankful for the sunshine coming in our huge windows, our balcony for fresh air, a fridge full of food and our completely sovereign God.

My (Paige) German learning is slow. Language school is not an option right now but I look forward to begin meeting with a German friend who has offered to help me learn and grow in my speaking and understanding.

The emotions of moving and culture shock ebb and flow. I have honestly had to fight periods of sadness and loneliness. I have had to almost daily flight the lie that I am useless here in Germany. As so many idols I’ve been tempted to place my identity in are gone, I have to remember and believe that the biggest aim of my life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  I see God’s kindness in the home group we recently joined and the friends He has given us.

I am so happy to see Jonas really thriving in this season and ministry at the church in Munich. He has led our family well, even when I, literally, can’t even read the directions.

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In these weird days, my heart particularly aches for those reading this who have not yet put their hope and faith in Jesus. We pray these times would cause people to look up, consider questions that only God can answer, turn off Netflix and get off Facebook long enough feel our humanity, how truly fragile we are - our bodies, health, government, economies. We need a Savior, in the midst of corona virus, and always.

In Christ there is freedom from death, and the fear of death. In the days ahead, please feel free to contact Jonas or me with any questions you may be wrestling with about God’s open invitation to life in Him. We would pray for you and do our best to connect you to a church in your area.

We are thankful to God for you and your partnership in our ministry,

Much love

Jonas, Paige and Nora

Check out these helpful links from TGC :

“Gospel Resourses on COVID-19”

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/

“Songs of Comfort for Anxious Souls”

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/songs-comfort-anxious-souls/

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7

[1]https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/cs-lewis-coronavirus/