Hi Everyone,December sure caught up with us quickly! It's already the Christmas season, and it seems like it just turned November!! Guess that's what occurs when your life is constantly filled with activity. How well so many of us know that one!!!
We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving. Yes, here even in Germany, we had a Thanksgiving dinner. The bible college and guests totaled 55 people in all. That's a LOT of turkey! (as well as pies, stuffing, and all.) In fact, speaking of pies, the girls and Teresa ended up making 13! 7 pumpkin and 6 apple.. they turned out sooooo good! We even got to view the Packers football game. One of our teachers brought a video of the game. It was very strange, being here in Germany, and watching commercials about Walmart, Geico, and Target... can't quite explain the disorientation you go through.. "where am I" ? as you eat your turkey and stuffing~!!! But seriously, we had so much to be grateful for as we looked back on this past year.
Last night, Teresa lead the women's night at Calvary Chapel Siegen. They wanted a time of prayer, worship, and ministry to one another. Of course, it's all in Deutsch. So Teresa sang mostly German songs, and with the aid of an interpreter, lead the meeting. It was a very big challenge for her, but God gave her the grace to do it. She's been enjoying learning to speak more and more in Deutsch. Impacting another culture and language makes you completely dependent on God!
We had "speaker's week" this month. The school takes a week off from normal studies, and invites speakers to come and share with the school for the week. This time Rob Dingman from London area, and Rafael Manzanares from the Bible college in Mallorca spoke. God moved in the hearts of all the staff and students to press on in Christ, despite the difficulties and adversities we all encounter.
We have had many opportunities to lead worship lately in CCSiegen. We seem to be integrating more and more with their team, and helping them out when there is a need. Bruce also taught at CCHerborn for the morning and evening services, while pastor Edmund was in the States. They are a great church, about 45 minutes south of Siegen. We also spoke with some of their musicians, who were wanting advice and encouragement. Most of the worship leaders in Germany have to fully support themselves in a career outside of the church. It's different than in the States where you can actually make a living in a church leading worship. So many of these guys are very talented, and we marvel that they can do what they do so well.
This semester is ending one week from now. God has done so much here in the lives of these students. We have seen such transformation occur in them. As many have gone through trials, God has made them stronger, and richer for it in their faith. Some of them are struggling financially, and have seen God come through for them in their provision. Many prayers have been answered in wonderful ways. We enjoyed the discipling and teaching of these young people. They are so open to all God has for them,and are such an encouragement to teach. We look forward to next semester and God's blessings~
Speaking of God blessings, you come to mind, our faithful, caring support team back home and globally. We can't under state just how much we covet and appreciate your prayers. Truly, God is faithful to answer us when we call out to Him. As we continue to press on in Christ, especially in adversity, like the bible says, our faith becomes stronger. We know that we serve a faithful, and loving God.
We want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year. As we go into this very busy season, it's so important to remember to take time to worship the One we are celebrating! Truly, the "baby" that was sent into this world to be the sacrifice for our sins, has become our Lord and Savior! Enjoy this season as you remember the great love God has poured out for us! What an unfailing love!!
In His love,
Bruce and Teresa
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Is. 9:6
