"May Your ways be known throughout the earth, Your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise You, O God."Ps. 67 2-3
We continue to praise God for these last few weeks. He has been so faithful to answer prayer, to do wonderful things, and show Himself strong on our behalf. A hearty "thank you" for all of you praying for us. We see God's hand in our health, our ministry and the student's lives.
What a packed schedule this last month has been!!!
The Salzburg women’s retreat was such a blessing. Cary and Lee Underwood, our California friends, came with us. The ladies said they were so filled up and blessed; we were as well. We experienced our first snow on that Sunday morning; white-washing everything, just like God white-washing our sins away.
God faithfully provided a dog sitter for us; He always provides, even though we sometimes fret about how He will do things. We were very grateful for the Beevers, our neighbors who came every day to take care of Ice.
We saw a big turnout for the CCSiegen worship seminar we put on. We joined with Olli, the worship leader for the church here. Bruce taught on the Heart of Worship, and did a guitar workshop. Teresa taught on Creating a flow in worship, and did a keyboard workshop. It was all translated into German, as most spoke Deutsch. We had different churches in the area also attend. They wanted to know when the next one would be when we were closing. It was a blessing for all of us.
Teresa led a women's evening of worship for the CCSiegen's yearly Christmas gathering. We had an afterglow (where we waited on the Lord, and different women spoke out scriptures, words that God put on their heart, many thanksgivings, etc), and women came for prayer. It was a refreshing night, where God once again reminded us to come to Him, draw near, and find peace and rest in His presence.
Bruce taught at CCSiegen for their Sunday service. Afterwards, two men came up to him for prayer and received Christ. One was a doctor who had lots of questions. It was such a blessing for him!
Our school put on a Thanksgiving dinner, as so many here are Americans. The girls in Teresa's women's discipleship class made the pies. (all 15 of them~) I guess you could call it "Home Ec, 101!)
Some of the girls had never made a pie before, and they got to try out their creativity on the crust designs. :) We invited the church staff as well as the school. A great time to remember to give thanks for all that God has done.
This last week, was speaker's week. We had two speakers, Jeff and Bonnie Johnson, and Drew Macintyre bless us. The students were encouraged to not do much during this week, but to draw near to God , and get refreshed with good teaching, prayer, and reflection. We were all reminded of our choices in life, to follow after Christ with all our heart, and to live for eternity. Good reminders!
We have less than two weeks before the semester ends. (December 12th is grad night). Students are busily writing papers, preparing for finals, and trying to make the most of their newly made friendships! It's always a very busy time.
We have seen them grow so much in their relationship with God, with one another, and in their service and skill levels. Making a difference in their lives is what it's all about. Just being able to mentor and encourage them is so needful in these days where young people are scrambling for answers. We count it such a privilege to be here, being vessels in God's hands, and doing His work.
After graduation, Teresa will be going to the States for a few weeks to see our kids and grandkids. We have a new grandson, Caleb, who was born to Simeon and Alli. It will be difficult to be separated from one another during Christmas. In all our 38 years of marriage, we've always spent it together. But it is important for Teresa to see the grandkids, especially the new one~~! We are so glad we have skype, to at least be able to be together through technology! Please pray for travel mercies for her, as well as good health and freedom from migraines! Bruce has received invites from friends here to come and spend some time with them. Again, we'll pray for God to provide a dog sitter.
Praying you have a wonderful, blessed and Spirit filled Christmas. Be encouraged that Jesus is the light of the world. As the days get darker, His light shines brighter. Soon we will all be together, as we spend eternity in His presence, in His glory, and in His joy!!! Until then, we press on, for the harvest is great and the work is never done!!
We love and appreciate you standing with us, with your prayer and support.
