Hi Everyone~
Another year has passed before our eyes. God has been faithful again to bring us through. We pray your Christmas time and New Year’s were filled with the love of family, friends, and most importantly, our Lord and Savior, Jesus! Our son, Jonathan, was able to join us during the holidays. Even though we are far away from our home and family, it was an immeasurable comfort to spend Christmas break with one of our sons, as everyone here at the bible college was gone! This has been a needed down time from all the busyness of last semester. We spent the 2 weeks resting, reading, visiting Heidelberg, playing with the dog, and most importantly, enjoying one another, In Germany, everyone is with family. In America, people are spread out more, and it's difficult to always see their family. But here, people are always together. It's such a different culture!
As we reflect back over 2011, we surely see God's hand in a marvelous way. It was a packed year, full of ministry, challenges, opportunities, and blessings. We wanted to recap a few of the highlights:
We witnessed two graduating classes, students built up in their faith, and equipped for ministry; we watched them grow into servant/leaders. Some were sent out to other churches to minister. Many of the student worship leaders are now leading in different churches.
We led worship and taught at several churches across the EU, organized and led a worship conference in Stuttgart, and taught at a marriage conference in K-town (among US military stationed there). We took a team to Nice France, did street evangelism, taught on marriage, led worship, and came alongside CC Nice in every way to support and help. . Last summer we had the opportunity to teach and lead worship for the EU mission’s conference in Millstadt, Austria. We taught and led worship for the EU worship conference held here in Siegen last May.
We saw many students filled with the Holy Spirit, and they experienced new anointing in their ministries and evangelism. Teresa taught the women's discipleship class, and was also the dean of women. She saw the fruit of many girls opening their hearts more to Christ, and experience His freedom. Bruce taught classes on The History of Hebrew Worship (1 and 2 Chronicles) , Guitar Theory and Worship, The book of Ephesians, and Workings of the Holy Spirit .. Teresa taught Music Theory, Keyboard, Women's Discipleship, and did one on one mentoring.
On a personal note, we had the pleasure of seeing our son Nathan marry his bride, Kamicca. They live in South Carolina and he's still serving in the Air Force. We got to reconnect with our family last June, as Bruce's mom celebrated her 90th birthday. We still rejoice over the great victory of obtaining our German driver's licenses. What a relief it's over! Our Deutsch is coming along. Everyday we learn new words and phrases, as we interact with the German culture.
Our prayer for this year is that we would have more opportunity to go into the varied churches in the EU and come alongside of them in worship and development. Again, there is a tremendous need here for helpers.
Once again, our hearts turn towards you, our faithful family, friends, and supporters. We know that the work of the ministry here could not go on without your involvement. It was your prayers that got us through last year. It was your support that provided our needs, and your love that was there to remind us of why we are here. We are and continue to be so grateful for you. Our prayers are continually lifted up on your behalf.
May this 2012 be a new year for God to be glorified, here in the EU, America, and the rest of the world. May He continue to use ordinary people like all of us, to do His work.
You are a great blessing to us, and we pray for a prosperous New Year in every way!
Bruce and Teresa
