Dear Ones,
We had a good morning. "guten morgen."Bruce and I played worship with a couple students, and it was great!! Bruce led the devotional. (They start their day M,W, and F with devos for 1 1/2 hours. ) Afterwards, we had a meeting with anyone who wanted to be involved in worship. We had a good response. The kids are eager to learn and be used. 6 of them claim to be worship leaders already, and there are other singers, guitar players, keyboardist, and percussionists. We put them on a list with their gifts, and availability. So now we'll be putting together teams for them to play. There are 4 opportunities a week to play. There are 12 weeks left in the semester. One of those weeks is called outreach week. The students pick a place to go with a team to minister in different ways. Some are going to Greece, some Germany, some England or Israel. They have to pay for it as well. They will do things from evangelism to helps ministries in various outreaches and churches.
Tomorrow is Bruce's worship class. We put together a syllabus for the semester. It will be an overview of worship. Both the "heart and art" of worship. It's a 2 1/2 hour class. The first half will be about worship in the scriptures, including examples of men and women of God. It will address the heart of the worshipper, and his attitude and motives.
The second half will focus on the technique and skills of a worship leader, team member, and individual. It will cover everything from playing instruments to creating flow on a worship set, congregational connection, etc.
We'll also be mentoring students in their skill level with guitar, vocals and keyboards.This will be done on an individual as well as class level. We have our work cut out for us!!!
We're adjusting well to Germany. Jet lag is pretty much over, although sometimes around 4 pm we'll get a bit sleepy. We've been walking a lot, and breathing fresh, snowy air! Everything is covered in white. There's a river right across the way from us that's very full. Yesterday we hiked up a hill that overlooked the city. It was very pretty. I hear bird songs here I've never heard before. Still can't see them, but they sure are inspiring!
Tonight there is a class open for the church community, held at CCSiegen .It's David Guzik's weekly class in Hebrews. (he's in brazil right now, but will be back on Sunday).David is the head of the bibleschule(college) and is a tremendous teacher. Tomorrow night there's a class on German offered. Of course, we'll be taking it!. Have to learn this Deutch!
Thursday is Bruce's other class on Church History. It's a 2 1/2 hour class as well.
We're connecting well with the students. They are very welcoming, and are coming up and talking with us. They have a heart for God and for learning. Some are Americans, and others are from all over Europe ; one's from Ethiopia.
The church here is about 800 people. It's a very dynamic church, and is attracting lots of young German families. The Lord is really moving in this church. You can pray for their pastor, Nick Long. He has a slipped disk, and is probably going to need surgery unless God miraculously heals him. (which we pray He will)
We'll keep you updated with more details as we go. We're so grateful to be here, to be available for whatever God would have us do. We are so grateful for you as well. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be here; for your prayers, support, and love.
Maranatha!!
Bruce and Teresa
Monday, February 15, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Deutchland!!!!
We made it here in the Norte Country!!!! God was faithful during the whole 23+ hour trip! Going standby during major flight cancellations across the country was a challenge. Especially trying to sit together. But God intervened (thanks to all the prayers)and we got our flights, and even sat together! We had good flights. Not much turbulence or problems.
We arrived here on Wed @ 11 am. Another answered prayer: we were concerned about all the supplements and vitamins we brought over (enough for 6 months). Germany customs are very strict about vitamins, etc. But..... one of Bruce's suitcases was delayed for 1/2 hour. No one could find it. We prayed, and then it just appeared! By that time, everyone was gone, including the customs control . So we just walked through the area uninspected! PTL! We were met by Andrew, from the college . When we stepped outside, we felt the cold!!! We drove for a little over an hour. As we neared Siegen, it started to snow. Siegen is higher elevation than Frankfurt. We arrived at the college in a winter wonderland! We were shown our cute 1 bedroom apt, right across from the college!!! Originally, we were going to stay about a mile away in another apt. But the people are still living there for another month. So we are much closer. It's a cute newly upgraded place. All tile floors (which I'll have to get used to) and nice and bright and warm. Plus it will be so easy to get together with the students. We're right across from them!
Bruce taught Thursday morning his 2 1/2 hour church history class. Even though he was tired, God gave him the grace to do it!
We met with the staff and lots of students. We will be doing the worship class next week, and working with the students. We'll be developing those who are already leading worship here. There's lots of opportunity here for many things that need to be done.
Another couple here are Mike and Valerie Harrington. I met them in Israel, and they were over the bible college in Jerusalem. They had to leave because they had stayed there too long (7 years). They are working here with the administration paperwork, while Mike is teaching 2 classes. It's nice to be with them again!
The low here has been anywhere from 14-15 F. and the highs in the 20's. Next week is supposed to drop down to a low of 4F.!!! This is all new for me. I've never lived in a climate like this. But it's not bad outside if you dress warm! But inside is another story. We're used to in Seaside having doors and windows open all year. Love the fresh ocean air. But here you keep the windows shut so you don't freeze!! That means lots of dry heated air. We have pots of heated water going to put mist in the air!
Yesterday we went into Siegen to get a few things. They have a store here like home depot. It's even orange and white! We got a broom, shower mat, and little humidifiers that hang on the heaters( heated by hot water). By the way, this place is fully furnished, so we don't have to get much.
Our car will be arriving up north (3 hours) next week. Praying for good dry weather to get it.We don't have the right kind of tires here for snow/ice. I'll be happy to get our music equipment and other things.
We are praising the Lord for His goodness. He is faithful, and we trust Him for all that's in store. We never know what is around the corner, but we know Him, and He is good!! We miss you all, and are a little homesick, but know that God has put us here, and we live to do HIs will!
Until next time, "chooz" (bye) and may God fully bless you and keep you in His hand. A big THANK YOU for all those who have kept us in prayer. It surely has not been in vain!!
Love B&T
We arrived here on Wed @ 11 am. Another answered prayer: we were concerned about all the supplements and vitamins we brought over (enough for 6 months). Germany customs are very strict about vitamins, etc. But..... one of Bruce's suitcases was delayed for 1/2 hour. No one could find it. We prayed, and then it just appeared! By that time, everyone was gone, including the customs control . So we just walked through the area uninspected! PTL! We were met by Andrew, from the college . When we stepped outside, we felt the cold!!! We drove for a little over an hour. As we neared Siegen, it started to snow. Siegen is higher elevation than Frankfurt. We arrived at the college in a winter wonderland! We were shown our cute 1 bedroom apt, right across from the college!!! Originally, we were going to stay about a mile away in another apt. But the people are still living there for another month. So we are much closer. It's a cute newly upgraded place. All tile floors (which I'll have to get used to) and nice and bright and warm. Plus it will be so easy to get together with the students. We're right across from them!
Bruce taught Thursday morning his 2 1/2 hour church history class. Even though he was tired, God gave him the grace to do it!
We met with the staff and lots of students. We will be doing the worship class next week, and working with the students. We'll be developing those who are already leading worship here. There's lots of opportunity here for many things that need to be done.
Another couple here are Mike and Valerie Harrington. I met them in Israel, and they were over the bible college in Jerusalem. They had to leave because they had stayed there too long (7 years). They are working here with the administration paperwork, while Mike is teaching 2 classes. It's nice to be with them again!
The low here has been anywhere from 14-15 F. and the highs in the 20's. Next week is supposed to drop down to a low of 4F.!!! This is all new for me. I've never lived in a climate like this. But it's not bad outside if you dress warm! But inside is another story. We're used to in Seaside having doors and windows open all year. Love the fresh ocean air. But here you keep the windows shut so you don't freeze!! That means lots of dry heated air. We have pots of heated water going to put mist in the air!
Yesterday we went into Siegen to get a few things. They have a store here like home depot. It's even orange and white! We got a broom, shower mat, and little humidifiers that hang on the heaters( heated by hot water). By the way, this place is fully furnished, so we don't have to get much.
Our car will be arriving up north (3 hours) next week. Praying for good dry weather to get it.We don't have the right kind of tires here for snow/ice. I'll be happy to get our music equipment and other things.
We are praising the Lord for His goodness. He is faithful, and we trust Him for all that's in store. We never know what is around the corner, but we know Him, and He is good!! We miss you all, and are a little homesick, but know that God has put us here, and we live to do HIs will!
Until next time, "chooz" (bye) and may God fully bless you and keep you in His hand. A big THANK YOU for all those who have kept us in prayer. It surely has not been in vain!!
Love B&T
Sunday, February 7, 2010
We're Leaving!!!!
Well, time has come. These last few months seem to have both flown by, and taken forever ; all at the same time. So much has happened, and God has taken care of so many little details.
We have been moved out of our house, and have been staying with Bruce's mom, Mary for the last 2 weeks. Everything is put away in storage, and all the paperwork has been taken care of.
Many dear friends have come alongside of us, to help with so many areas. Cleaning, packing, feeding us, doing errands, storing our car and valuables, our papers, managing our mail and financial matters; and just being wonderful come-alongside friends. Without all the help, we would not be able to do this.
That's just how God works though. We are together united for His purposes and for His glory.
Today Calvary Chapel Monterey prayed over us for both services. It was a wonderful send off. We said goodbye to many friends and loved ones.
We are looking forward to what's ahead now. Monday (tomorrow) we catch the plane and leave at 6:10 a.m. We go to Phoenix, then transfer to Charlotte. We have a 3 hr layover, then go to Frankfurt. It will be a long trip. But God's grace will be with us.
We arrive in Frankfurt on Tuesday morning.
The bible college has already started it's spring semester. They started the first week already. We'll arrive ready to start working. Bruce will be teaching two classes: Church history, and worship.
I'll be leading worship 3x/week. Monday, Wed, and Friday. Our little apartment will be waiting for us. It's part of the bible college, and is about a mile? away. Praise God it will be furnished, so we don't have to bother ourselves right off the bat with details of living. We're excited about working with the students, and are looking forward to all God's going to do.
It's always a bittersweet thing to leave. Leaving our family, friends, church, house, and even our dear dog is sad. Yet moving into what God has planned is fulfilling. Today at communion, I again reflected on how much Jesus gave up for me. How much suffering, loss, and sacrifice He endured, and willingly chose to go through. All because of HIs great love for me. So again, how can I EVER say no to anything He would require?
Nothing compares to the excellency of knowing Him, and pleasing Him.
Our next blog will be in Deutchland. I won't write in German. Even if I wanted to, I don't yet know the language. But.........I will learn.
So farewell, and we'll meet up on the other side of the Atlantic. STay tuned for the coming adventure!!
Lots of Love in Him,
B &T
We have been moved out of our house, and have been staying with Bruce's mom, Mary for the last 2 weeks. Everything is put away in storage, and all the paperwork has been taken care of.
Many dear friends have come alongside of us, to help with so many areas. Cleaning, packing, feeding us, doing errands, storing our car and valuables, our papers, managing our mail and financial matters; and just being wonderful come-alongside friends. Without all the help, we would not be able to do this.
That's just how God works though. We are together united for His purposes and for His glory.
Today Calvary Chapel Monterey prayed over us for both services. It was a wonderful send off. We said goodbye to many friends and loved ones.
We are looking forward to what's ahead now. Monday (tomorrow) we catch the plane and leave at 6:10 a.m. We go to Phoenix, then transfer to Charlotte. We have a 3 hr layover, then go to Frankfurt. It will be a long trip. But God's grace will be with us.
We arrive in Frankfurt on Tuesday morning.
The bible college has already started it's spring semester. They started the first week already. We'll arrive ready to start working. Bruce will be teaching two classes: Church history, and worship.
I'll be leading worship 3x/week. Monday, Wed, and Friday. Our little apartment will be waiting for us. It's part of the bible college, and is about a mile? away. Praise God it will be furnished, so we don't have to bother ourselves right off the bat with details of living. We're excited about working with the students, and are looking forward to all God's going to do.
It's always a bittersweet thing to leave. Leaving our family, friends, church, house, and even our dear dog is sad. Yet moving into what God has planned is fulfilling. Today at communion, I again reflected on how much Jesus gave up for me. How much suffering, loss, and sacrifice He endured, and willingly chose to go through. All because of HIs great love for me. So again, how can I EVER say no to anything He would require?
Nothing compares to the excellency of knowing Him, and pleasing Him.
Our next blog will be in Deutchland. I won't write in German. Even if I wanted to, I don't yet know the language. But.........I will learn.
So farewell, and we'll meet up on the other side of the Atlantic. STay tuned for the coming adventure!!
Lots of Love in Him,
B &T
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