Saturday, July 24, 2010

Back in Germany!

Dear Friends and Family~
We are now back in Siegen, after quite an adventure filled couple of months. After the spring semester was completed, we went back to the States. Our new grandson, Jamin Carmi Muller, was born May 4th, and we just had to see him! We also stayed a week to help Simeon and Alli with their work schedules, and help attend to their newborn blessing!
While we were in California, we were able to spend time with the rest of our family and friends. It was so wonderful seeing everyone again. Bruce's mom, Mary, had her 89th birthday, and all of Bruce's family came to celebrate. Mary was so filled with emotion having everyone around her. She's been having health problems, and this was a special gift to her.
The Lord opened up many opportunities to minister at several churches as well. We shared in CC Vancouver, CCVisalia, CC Escondido, Crossroads Community in Oceanside, and home fellowships. The pastor of CC Visalia, Bob Grenier, blessed Bruce with a wonderful gift. He paid for Bruce to attend the CC Pastor's Conference in Murrieta. That was such an unexpected blessing! Thank you Bob!
We flew back to Germany, only to spend a couple days before leaving for York, England. Our good friends, Dave and Nancy Sylvester, oversee the bible college there, and CCYork. They showed us around England, and we learned a lot of English history. They also asked us to teach and lead worship for their women's ministry and Sunday services. God richly blessed us , even in the midst of the relentless warfare we experienced there. Gave us a passion to pray for our brethren in England!
Now we are back in Siegen, and preparing for this coming semester. So much to do!! There are work projects (like painting the whole villa), class preparations, and various errands and chores, (like picking people up from airports!). This is a transition year for the college. Because of David Guzik leaving after 7 years, there's a transition of leadership and staff. We really need more students to register, as well as interns and staff. So, we covet your prayers for this next semester. Transition years are challenging, yet we know that God is faithful. The church here, CCSiegen, is behind the school, supporting it, and working with it. They also need our prayers for finances, wisdom in leadership, and extra hands for the college.
We look forward to the classes. Bruce will be teaching Apologetics, as well as a Monday evening class for the church; Psalms, and of course, Worship. We are planning to teach workshops as well, on various subjects, including Songwriting. We're praying for students that can play and lead worship to fill our many devotional times, etc.
We so covet your prayers, support, and fellowship. We know this will be an exciting year. As the days grow darker, God shines brighter. We don't have much time left in this world, and we want to keep working til we are home with Him!!! Til next time!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Looking Forward~

So much has occurred since our last blog update. Time is flying by, with little time to record it all! The students did great during their outreaches. So many of them did street evangelism, and even in airports during the volcanic disruption of flights!
The spring semester has finished at CCBC.de and what a wonderful
blessing it was to see the students graduate. Not only did they
complete their courses of study but they also impacted the continent
of Europe at the same time. It was bittersweet for us,as we all miss them very much!
This last semester students travelled around to minister in five
different countries. They preached the gospel on the streets of a
dozen different cites from Prague to Amsterdam. We sent teams to ten
different Calvary Chapels and still more churches that are not
directly affiliated with CC but are hungry for the sincere word of God
that is resident within the hearts of these great young students.

This last semester Teresa and I went to Siegen to start a pilot
program to investigate the feasibility of integrating a School of
Worship into the Bible College curriculum. We had tremendous results
in this first season. Of the 37 students that attended Calvary Chapel
Bible College in Germany,19 were involved in the music program and 10
in specific classes in worship leading. One woman, Lydia, went to
assist with the church plant in Luxemburg as a worship leader.
Another stsudent, Chad, will be assisting a church plant near the Polish border. One student had no thought of ever pursuing a calling as a
worship leader, but shereceived a push from the Holy Spirit to follow up her
Bible College experience with further training at Liberty University. There
are so many opportunities in Europe and so few people available to
fill them, we are thanking God for this window to invest in the
Kingdom!

After the semester was completed we sat down with the elders at CC
Siegen and they gave their unanimous consent to pursue a full course
of Study with the School of Worship as another major within the Bible
College.
We will be developing the course one step at a time as we gather our
course materials and develop a staff of teachers who will be able to
teach all the classes. Needless to say we are thrilled. We will be
opening a new web site that will join the Calvary Chapel Bible College
and the Calvary School of Worship. Again this is still in the
development stage and needs lots of your prayers.(please!)
We are currently in the States, visiting our newest grandson, Jamin Carmi Muller!
While we're here, we got to see Nathan, our son stationed in Shaw AFB in South Carolina. What a blessing. We'll be seeing our sons, David and his family, and Jonathan. We'll be doing ministry in several churches as well. We return to DE on June 29th.
This life is an exciting and adventurous ride. As we see the days grow more confusing, and darkness overtaking the whole world, we also see the Light of God, pouring into his people, to share His love , His message of redemption, and His power. Come quickly Lord Jesus!!

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and support this last
semester. We could not have done it without you. May His love and presence pour into your hearts as you look to Him~
B & T

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Outreach Week~

What a different week we had! At the college, there is an outreach week every semester. Each team, composed of students and team leaders, goes on a mission. Some go to different countries; some stay in Germany. The goal is to get experience in helping churches, evangelizing , and learning to be a group, working together. Bruce and I went with a team to Austria, to help at the CC Castle in Millstatt. The Castle is used for conferences, refreshment, and is a hub for Europeans. They only have a small staff of 6, and needed much help cleaning, repairing, and ministering to several guests currently there. Most of the week, we were there, coming alongside of them in any way we could. Also, in a nearby town, Spittal, we helped the church with their services, as well as cleaning, etc. It was a full week. We left the Bible College last Saturday, and headed for the Castle. It's in the Alps, and is overlooking a gorgeous lake. While we were cleaning windows, we'd often pinch ourselves, as we couldn't believe the views we were seeing. Just like the "Sound of Music." On Sunday, Bruce taught the church service in Spittal, and I led worship with some of the team. It was great singing some German songs. Good experience learning a new culture! Sunday evening, we led a worship night at the Castle for the staff, guests, and our team as well. They were so hungry for having worship in their language. There were missionaries there from Russia who miss English worship.
Then on Monday, we all went to work. I haven't worked that hard in manual labor for years!!! Running up and down several flights of stairs in the Castle, cleaning bathrooms, doing yard work, etc etc... We were tired Monday night!!
Tuesday, we went back to work at the Castle again. Then on Tuesday evening, we took a 45 minute drive down to a border town in Italy to eat pizza. You know how Americans yearn to taste of Italy!!! We walked around a bit, and then came back.
Wednesday, we worked again at the Castle, then went street witnessing in Spittal. We passed out tracts, and got to speak with different people. My German is "nicht" (not!) so I didn't talk much. We met some girls from Hungary, and they didn't speak German or English! As we were leaving town, a man riding a bicycle, was checking out the girls in our van. They smiled at him,then held up a sign that read Jesus loves you, in German. He smiled,then the girls handed him a tract out the window. He took the tract and rode off. Talk about being instant in season!!!We laughed at God's unique creative ways!

Wed night, Bruce gave the study at Church. He shared a beautiful song he wrote about Millstatt, and the people. He has such a gift for story songs!
Thursday, we went to the church to help out there. We were served an authentic Austrian lunch. These amazing dumplings filled with different ingredients. Thursday night, we did another Worship Night for the Castle. It was really good! God touched our hearts with His presence, and it was a great time of fellowship afterwards.
Friday, we packed up and left for Innsbruck. One of our team members, a couple, is praying about starting a Calvary in Innsbruch. We prayed for the city, and stayed in a hostel. It is a beautiful city, but very dark, and you can see it in people's faces. We'll continue to pray for God's will in that city.
The next morning, I woke up to a birthday surprise. I turned 60 on this special day, and I had already decided I wouldn't get sad that I'd be riding in a car all day back to Germany, with a non-eventful ride. But God had put it on Katha's heart(our team leader) to bring us to Schloss Newschwanstein. Thee fairy tale Castle of all times!!!
I so enjoyed this special day, in such a special place. Bruce brought me up to the castle in a horse drawn carriage. How special was that?! I felt like a princess~
We all needed this break, as we had worked so hard all week and were in need of some down time. God blessed our week with good weather, good health, good relationships, and good fruit. He is such an awesome God.
There are only 2 more weeks til the semester ends. Lots of things to do before school ends. Bruce and I will be serving at the Pastor/Leadership conference here after school lets out. This is the main conference in Europe for leaders. Please keep it in prayer.
We continue to be so grateful to you for all your prayers, and support.
May God keep pouring out His blessings and His spirit upon you!
Love in Him, Bruce and Teresa

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Easter in Prague

Happy belated Easter to everyone!!

We got back from Prague safely. What a time we had there. We went their to both get away together alone for a few days, and also to minister at the CC there for their Sunday service. We led the worship, and afterwards got to minister to the budding musicians there. Bruce took lots of pictures of the beautiful architecture there. Amazing details in their buildings. He posted them on facebook for those who want to see them. We passed out some tracts, drank some CZECK coffee, and walked along the river.
Then in the midst of it all, our car light went on for engine malfunction. The manual said not to drive on it. So fortunately (hmm) we just "happened " to be right near a Volkswagon dealership/service center, and we took it in. They did a whole workup on it. Boy were we praying. We had thoughts going thru our heads of engine breakdown, etc, and how we'd deal with it. All this to find out that the gas cap wasn't closed properly. When we first arrived in Czech republic, the gas station had an attendant there pumping all the gas. So he put the cap back on wrong. But hey, $75 to find that out was a relief after thinking about what it could've been. I guess perspective plays a huge part in how we look at life. And we were very thankful to have a normal car back!
Bruce and I are the cooks this weekend for the college. Every staff member takes a weekend, to give the regulars a break. We're going to make Fajitas, spaghetti, chicken soup, and cinnamon rolls. Not all in one meal of course!! We have 2 students to help us. We cook for around 50. Will be an adventure!
The afterglow this morning went well. We learned about the gift of prophecy, and then we all got to wait on the Lord, pray, etc.
It was a good meeting. We only have four more weeks of school. It's going so fast. Our outreach week is coming up on April 17th.
All the students go on teams to different places to do ministry. We'll be going with 13 to Austria to help a church in Millstatt. We'll
be staying at the CC castle. It's near the church there. Bruce will be teaching, I'll be leading worship, and our other members will help with sunday school, etc... If you think of it, keep us in prayer for good weather, safety, the car (!) and ministry opportunity!
Thank you for all the prayers! God is so faithful. We are confident of His purposes being fulfilled here, and realize that there's so much opportunity to spread the good news of His life, and hope here in this dark world.
Truely, the time is short. Our lives here are just for a moment before we are gone. Like King David said in the Psalms, "make me to know the measure of my days, O Lord."
For HIs glory,
B&T

Friday, March 26, 2010

PASSOVER

It's that time of year again, when we reflect on our Lord and Savior's death and resurrection. We are also going to lead the school in a "seder", a passover service.
This is the last supper that Jesus was having with his disciples. We will all go through the hagaddah,(the worship service book), then have a meal with mazto ball soup, chicken, veggies, and a kosher dessert! Then we finish the meal with a short final closing service. Last year, we had one at our home with some of Nate and Jonny's friends. This year, we will have 50 attending. We will be celebrating it on April 1st. Not the actual passover date, but this is the only time the college can do it, because of many time conflicts. We have lots of preparation this next week. I'm so glad that death has been passed over, and we can look forward to life forever!!!
Tomorrow, Bruce and I are driving to Frankfurt with some students to attend a music expo. There will be lots of different instruments, and equipment there from every dealer. This is the largest one in Europe. It will be quite an eye opener for the students!
Mid terms are now over! Everyone did well, although there was lots of nervousness going around! It's hard to believe that we're half way through the semester already!
Next weekend, we are going to help a church in Prague with their worship service. The school is off for 4 days for Easter, so we'll be able to enjoy Prague for a couple days as well. It's about 5 hours from here. It will be nice to take a little break from the tight schedule we are on.
We're continuing to learn German. It's getting easier, and we can now pronounce words when we read them. We're also learning more German songs. The worship services here use both English and German lyrics.
The afterglow sessions are continuing to be a blessing. Last week, we laid hands and prayed for those who feel called to go on the mission field, or be pastors, worship leaders, or other positions they feel called to take a step of faith. We discussed the gift of faith and healing. We also prayed for healing for several with needs.
God is meeting many needs here, and although there are many trials for the kids being in such intense and tight schedules and quarters, God is maturing, and filling them up with more of Himself.
Please continue to pray for their growth in the Lord. The German culture has a hard time embracing grace. They are so diligent in their works, and it tends to carry over into their relationship with God. God's unconditional love needs to be embraced in their heart as well as their heads.
Thankyou for your many prayers. God has been blessing our hearts. We are so blessed being in the center of His will, and are so grateful for being used to mentor and encourage those around us. I'm sure it's because of all the prayer!
Because He lives, we can face tomorrow... Because He lives, all fear is gone!!!!

Amen! Love and prayers,
Bruce and Teresa :)

Friday, March 5, 2010

"March|" On!!

"Guten Tag" Dear Ones~

The weeks here seem to be flying by. Everyday is packed with things to do, so time passes quickly. Life at the bible college is fast paced, with every minute filled with studying, ministry, worship, fellowship, and of course, eating!!! Some of us even throw some sleep in there!!! But we are revelling in the blessings of ministry here.
We have a praise report, for those who have been praying about our car. As many of you know, we shipped it here, filling it with our musical equipment, instruments, and a couple of boxes of "stuff" that we couldn't fit in our suitcases. Our car arrived, and sat for almost 3 weeks in customs, waiting to be cleared. They don'tlike people bringing in things, in case of selling for profit,etc. We all prayed hard,and last Wednesday, Bruce got the clearance to pick it up! The first all sunny day we had, and God blessed his travels back from Bremehaven, (3 1/2 hours north). Everything arrived in good condition, including the car. We are so grateful. It's like a good old friend came to be with us. I was so excited to get keyboard, I stayed up til midnight just playing it!
Last night, we had a wonderful prayer meeting in our apt, and we worshipped away, and interceeded for many people, places and things. WITH our keyboard!
God is really stirring up the students to worship Him more, and press on towards more of God in their lives. The special times we have in our afterglow meetings have been a sweet and learning experience. Fears, walls, and insecurities are beginning to fall to the wayside, as God's presence is pouring out.
We found out that the last pastor's conference here in the EU, had pastors on their face, crying out before God, pleading for worship leaders. There is such a dearth of worship leaders with a heart to serve here. So many church plants are sprouting up. We had heard that before, but now we see first hand, the real need. We pray that God sends and raises up more young people (and even old!)to step out in faith and "go."
A student in the devotions this morning, shared how his parents left everything in America and went to Ireland to serve the Lord. They have found, like so many, that God is faithful, dependable, and will provide when we step out in faith to do His will.
Well, this already is pretty long......So much to say. The Lord is doing a marvelous work here, and we are so grateful to be a part of it.
Once again, we are so grateful for you, your prayers, your support, and your love. We are one body, and linked together. You that partner with us, are reaping the same rewards and blessing. May God continue to glorify Himself, and pour out His presence on this school, and the staff and students.

In His hand,
Teresa