April 2013

May 1st

“For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”Phil 2:13

Dear Ones,

We surely have seen God’s hand at work this semester, doing His good work in the students, the staff, the many churches, and in us.

It is for His good pleasure, which also gives us great pleasure to be able to partake. Here’s a brief review of what’s been taking place since our last newsletter.

In March, Bruce was involved with a worship conference in Budapest; He was on a panel for different questions, and enjoyed seeing many old friends involved in worship ministry. Afterwards, he went to CCBC in Vjata, Hungary. He was working with some of the team there, and was able to share his vision of outreach to the leadership there.

The following week, we took a team of students to Hannover to do a worship weekend seminar. At these seminars, we teach classes, as well as lead worship..then we evaluate their teams, and give them needed feedback for improving. On Easter Sunday, our entire team led worship. It was a glorious time of blessing!!

 On Passover week, we led a Passover Seder (dinner/service) for the college. It was a wonderful time remembering how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, and how God has delivered us from sin and death. Everyone enjoyed learning about the true roots of the communion service we enjoy in church. Afterwards, Teresa taught Jewish dances. The whole college got involved, and had a great time!!

The next week, Bruce traveled down to Rome to give a worship seminar there. He also ended up preaching in three churches on Sunday! It was a very fruitful time, working with the teams there, and coming alongside the churches.

Afterwards, he headed up to CCBC Montaballuna to share his vision of outreach with the school. He wants them to be able to do what we do here; train, then take several worship teams out to churches in need.   While there, he played guitar on a CD project, as well as connected with several worship leaders. The hunger for teaching, training, and discipling in Italy was great.

In mid April, our school had outreach week, where we sent teams to Berlin, Lippstadt and Cologne. They did evangelism, worship, teaching, and just helped in many practical ways. It was a very enriching time for both those giving and receiving.

On April 19^th, Teresa led a night of worship for the women’s ministry at CC Siegen. There was worship, a teaching, and then an afterglow. The church here is so hungry for this.

This last weekend, we took a team of students to Sinsheim to do another worship weekend seminar. The church was so great and open to anything we had to offer. We all led the worship on Sunday, and Bruce gave the sermon. They were asking if we could come back soon. In fact, everywhere we have given these seminars, they ask for more. They can’t seem to get enough, for the workers are few, and the churches need lots of help.

The online worship school is coming along. There have already been 180 hours of teaching uploaded. The classes all need to be edited before they can be viewed. We are excited that this is coming together. We want to see this become available everywhere around the globe.

We have witnessed the growth of the students here. Their love and passion for Christ has increased, their skill in worship has improved greatly, their knowledge of God and His Word has been stirred in their hearts. Through teaching, mentoring, and discipleship, lives are changed and hearts are transformed.  We are so blessed to be able to be a part of the work God is doing.

At the end of May, we will be giving workshops and leading worship at the EU Worship Conference here in Siegen. Every two years, CCSiegen hosts this conference, where leadership and Worship leaders all over the EU, UK, and beyond attend. Please keep us in prayer as we’ll be very busy and we want God to move greatly in lives.

On another note, many of you have heard that the bible college here is closing. The church is in the middle of a transition, from the change in pastorate of Nick Long to Alex Kruse. This has been going on for a while, but the church needs to be the main focus right now. Things have to get healthy and redirected in many ways. Although the bible college has been a fruitful work for the last 10 years, the church doesn’t have the extra resources (in every way) to be supporting the bible college at this time. This is the last semester.

Many want to know how this will affect us. We have been asked to stay and work out of the church here as our base. We are considering that option. We also are praying about other options, as our main desire is to work with the youth. They are the future of the church. You can please pray with us for God’s leading. The need here is great. We will have to move out of our present apartment by the end of August. Our dog, Ice, is also a factor, so please keep that in prayer as well. We are doing well, not anxious, for we know God has a plan. Like the children of Israel in the desert, He will lead and guide us where we should be. We are already receiving invitations from throughout Europe to go and lead Weekend Worship Workshops. We are still very excited about what God is about to do in the midst of this transition.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and financial support. You have made it possible for us to be here, doing the work.

                                    “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” 2 Cor. 9:8

This is the statement the bible college has posted on its website;

Dear Students, Friends and Supporters of CCBC Siegen,

We at CCBC Siegen, are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for the last ten years of fruitfulness that God has poured out upon us. It has been with great joy to have served the many students, interns and staff that have passed through these doors.

However, after much prayer, discussion, and wise, spirit-led counsel, both from Siegen and elsewhere, we have felt the Lord is leading us to close the Bible College. Our church here in Siegen, is in a process of restructuring and rebuilding. We have come to the conclusion that the Lord wants to redirect our focus and our resources.

It is on our hearts to minister to the church here, discipling the saints within the body and equipping future leaders and church planters. Our vision is to strengthen what is weak so that we would be healthy on the inside and powerfully reach out to those on the outside.

It is with both sadness and yet expectation, that we have made this decision. CCBC has served God's purposes and been used by God in many fruitful ways. We now look ahead to what the Lord will do in this new upcoming season.

Thank you for being part of our journey, and for coming alongside of us in so many different and precious ways! Please keep us and the church of CC Siegen in your hearts and pray that the Lord would help us in this difficult transition process and guide us as we experience new challenges and blessings.

Spring Semester 2013

May Your ways be known throughout the earth, Your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise You, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise You.” Ps.67:2-3

Spring semester 2013 is in full swing. It’s hard to believe this is our seventh semester in Germany. Three years have just whisked by. God has continued to give us strength and grace to fulfill the call He has given, in leading and equipping others in worshipping Him.

We have 20 students, distributed fairly evenly between women and men. There are several very talented musicians and worship leaders this semester. It’s been a blessing to see their zeal and hunger to worship God. It’s contagious for the rest of the college.

The semester officially started February 4^th. We helped out on registration day, and then we both got hit with this flu bug going around. For two weeks, we were pretty much out of commission. It was difficult to start the semester being sick, but we learned that God’s grace filled our lack, and things went on despite us being there~ IMAGINE THAT!!!!

We were asked to teach and lead worship at a retreat for CCParis.. We had been looking forward to this for a long time. Afterwards we had plans to see Paris for a day before heading back. We’ve never been there.

While there, Teresa developed a bad head cold, as an aftermath to the flu. While she stayed in bed in the hotel, Bruce was downstairs, teaching and leading worship, trying not to cough too much! But God moved , and again made up for our lack. People were filled with the Spirit, and encouraged. Praise God! We headed back to Siegen right after the retreat, however. We weren’t up to doing any sightseeing, especially Teresa!

We were feeling a bit disconnected from the students, as being sick kept us from being as involved. We decided to invite them over for a night of prayer and worship in our apartment. It was a tight squeeze, but we had a great time. There’s nothing quite like worshipping and praying together, and having God’s presence fill the room. I think we all were very blessed and refreshed that evening.

Bruce’s worship class is going well. He is teaching on Biblical Worship, and enjoying it greatly. He is also discipling several men, as well as leading worship.

Teresa is still the 

Dean of women, teaching 

Women’s Discipleship, discipling girls, and leading 

worship. For women’s Discipleship this semester, we are focusing more on outreach. Part of our class is teaching and the other part is training in outreach.

We are doing prison ministry( for the men), helping at the Muslim Girl’s club, street evangelism, helping at the local Mission for street people, and maybe senior’s housing centers. This is a good way to not only have head knowledge but put it into practice. 

We also have several worship conference weekends we’ll be putting on for churches.

Budapest WC: Wed. March 14 - Wed March 20 ( attending/& participating in a Q & A panel)

Hannover WW: Thurs March 21  - Mon March 25. (We could take Students)

Montabelluna IT: Mon April 1- Fri April 5

Rome IT WW: Sat April 6- Wed. April 10

Senseim WW: Fri April 26 - Sun April 28. (We could take Students)

Siegen WW: Fri May 30 - Sun June 1

Please be in prayer for these, that God would anoint the teaching, inspire, and use it to equip and train up worship leaders. 

We have been helping a couple we know with pre-marital counseling. They are getting married in three weeks! Bruce used to do this as a pastor before, and it’s been a great blessing being used to prepare them for the greatest commitment they’ll have, outside of our commitment to Christ!

We pray that you will stay strong and focused on Jesus, as the everyday media news isn’t always so encouraging. Sometimes it’s so bleak that it’s hard to hear. Jesus tells us to trust in Him, focus on Him, and know that He is in control. Our job is to draw close to Him and spread the light of His love with those everywhere, sharing the wonderful hope we have in Christ.

In His love,

Bruce and Teresa Muller

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD.” Ps. 31:24

Winter Break 2013

Dear Ones,

   Here we are, already in 2013! As the years fly by, we rejoice in knowing we're that much closer to seeing Jesus face to face! We hope you rejoiced in this Christmas season, as we all celebrated our Savior's entrance into this world.

As we mentioned in our last blog, Teresa spent Christmas in the States with our children and grandchildren.

   Bruce remained in Germany, as the cost of flying for both of us was very costly. We had a new grandson, Caleb, born in August, and Teresa had to go see him! While she was there, she also saw our other sons and families.

It was a delightful time seeing our kids growing into the wonderful men and husbands they are, and their families blossoming . Although it is difficult to be so far away from them, God is faithful to meet them and take care of them. If we take care of God's business, He will take care of ours and our families.

 
Bruce had some wonderful opportunities back home.
He taught Sunday morning at Calvary in Holland,  leading worship with one of our students. He also ministered at Calvary in Lippstadt. He ministered in music in KTown, also bringing a student with him.Several friends from the church in Siegen welcomed him over for meals and fellowship. Our dog, Ice, was very glad he was there! Bruce is also in the process of writing a book on worship. We're excited to see this long time coming project get completed. What a blessing it has been for him to make use of this extra time to write. He also learned garage band, a program that records songs and programs instruments, voices, etc. He was able to record some of his songs, another long time project getting completed!

   The EU pastor's conference was held in Siegen Jan 21st to the 25th. Bruce had the opportunity to connect with many pastors here,   some old friends and some new. It's a challenging field to start a church in Europe, as it's an atheistic culture. Most churches are very small in comparison with the US. Students and staff from the college hosted pastors in the Villa. Cleaning, making beds, etc. It was a blessing to those staying.

   Next week, our staff will be preparing for the returning students, cleaning up after the pastor's meeting, establishing schedules, getting classes in order, airport runs, etc. The students will be arriving this coming week. School officially starts the first week in February.

   We had a wonderful graduation with our students in December. Several will be returning for the spring semester. Teresa will again be the women's dean, as well as be involved in worship at the school and church. Bruce will be teaching on worship and mentoring worship leaders. We are going to have more traveling this semester, as more churches are asking us to come to them,to work with their worship teams and put on workshops. We have several lined up already, including France, Italy, as well as Germany. Bruce is working with Costa Mesa in getting the online worship classes uploaded. We are excited about the progress being made. It's our hope to make this available for all the churches, in every nation.

   This break has given us some down time to get refreshed for next semester. How important it is to take time to know Jesus, to sit at His feet, to drink in His Word, and to reflect on all He has done. In the busyness of ministry, it's easy to become too busy to make the needed time for Him.

   Truly our God has been so faithful this last year to work among us, prove Himself strong on our behalf, and to bring glory to His name! How privileged we all are to live with other Christians, to have sweet fellowship and be able to worship our God and King. There's no one like Jesus who can fill us with grace, love and power to live a fulfilling and blessed life.

We count it an honor to serve Him and be served by you, our faithful prayer partners and supporters.

May God bless you and pour out His Spirit and unfailing love upon you.

In Him,

Bruce and Teresa

Nov 2012

"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.

Fall 2012

Hello Everyone~

“…The Lord has chosen you to stand in His presence, to minister to Him, and to lead the people in worship ad make offerings to Him.” 2 Chron. 29:11

We are well into our fall semester, our fifth week! The students are growing in their walks in Christ, and learning not only their studies, but also how to love one another.  This semester we have students from Holland, Canada,

Germany, and the US. There are 23 in all, counting off campus students.

Our classes are going well. Bruce is teaching Revelation, in light of Worship in Heaven, as well as the Holy Spirit class. In the HS class, they are learning to pray, worship, wait on the Lord, listen to His voice, and minister to one another, as well as the functions and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each week we see surrendered hearts, crying, praying for one another, and growing closer to Jesus.

Teresa is teaching a class on Worship Leading. She’s covering the basics of what a worship leader needs to have in his personal life as well as skill level.

She also is teaching and overseeing the women’s discipleship class. We’ve been able to have several guest speakers which have been a great blessing.

Teresa is again the Dean of Women and every week she gets together with the girls for discipleship and mentoring. Even though it takes a lot of time, it’s becoming one of her main passions.

 Calvary Chapel School of Worship in Costa Mesa, has begun
working with us, uploading their classes in an online format. In the near future, we will be able to incorporate these classes into our worship program here in the EU and around the world. This has been a major desire for Bruce, and now to see it coming along is very exciting. This means we will be able to take these classes to the local churches, and use them to train worship leaders there. Not everyone has the time or finances to attend a worship school.

We just finished putting on a weekend Worship Seminar at CC Kaiserslautern. The church mainly consists of those living at the military bases, and we were so blessed to work with these wonderful men and women. We taught on the Heart of Worship, Creating a Flow in Worship,

Putting together Set Lists, as well as offering workshops in Keyboard and Guitar. We received great feedback, and saw eight more people become interested in joining the present worship team. Some upcoming Worship seminars coming are in  Paris, Hannover England and Malaysia.…we’re putting the final dates together.

Teresa will be leading worship for a women’s worship weekend in Salzburg, the last weekend in October. We will have our dear friends, Lee and Cary Underwood visiting us for a couple of weeks. They will get to come with us to Salzburg, as well as sit in on our classes, and see how we live here!  We’re so excited they’re coming! We invite ALL of you to come for a visit! What a great opportunity to see the EU!!!

Please continue to pray for us. We need abundance of energy and good health to keep up with our schedules, wisdom in mentoring these students,  and continued grace to be faithful in doing the work God gives us.

We also are praying fervently for our nation in these dark days before election. It’s so good to know our lives are in God’s hands, He holds all things together by His mighty power.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer, giving, and support. We are so very grateful for God placing you in our lives~

We love and appreciate all of you who are standing with us.

“For God is not unfair; He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.” Hebrews 6:10

Sept 12

Dear Friends, Family, Loved Ones~

We have had an exciting summer here in Deutschland.
We came back from the States in the beginning of July, pretty tired from jet lag and our busy schedule. After recuperating for a while, God poured out some interesting opportunities for ministry.

The Calvary Chapel in Munster ( a city 1 ½ hours north of Siegen) invited us to give a weekend worship seminar for their musicians and others in the area. We taught on Saturday all day, and then Bruce gave the sermon Sunday, as Teresa and their team led the worship. 

We held several classes, then had a question/answer panel; the response was very positive. So many want to learn more about worship, and are eager to minister. The current worship leader, Laura Reeh, is a graduate from our school in Siegen. She’s doing a good job there, and God is blessing her ministry. We’re very proud of Laura!

In Siegen, we were involved in a street outreach. We teamed up with another young couple and played songs, and shared the good news. One of the girls that joined us, Carolyn, was also a student from the college, and leads worship. Several from the church in Siegen joined with us. So many young people are walking the streets downtown, looking for answers in life. It was a great  blessing to talk with them, and listen to their stories. Bruce looked like a dad..He was sitting on the sidewalk in front of McDonalds,  surrounded by young men, wanting to learn guitar, playing his guitar, and just talking with him. Was very cool!!

Bruce has been filling in for pastors that can’t preach on Sundays in different churches.

We led worship for a local Calvary in Neunkirchen during their midweek service…it was

great playing with people that we haven’t played with before, and watching how God unites our hearts because of His Spirit living inside of us. Teresa continues to help with worship at CCSiegen on Sundays.

This last week, we were in Austria at the CCCastle in Millstatt attending the EU Missions Conference. It was such a great time, fellowshipping with other missionaries , and servants throughout the EU and UK. We were reminded that God uses empty vessels, that are relying upon and being filled with His grace and equipping.  God answered many prayers as doors are opening for more opportunities to help churches with their growth in worship.. we have some upcoming conferences we’ll be giving, as well as praying  about developing an online worship program. You can join us in prayer for someone who is equipped in this high tech area to come alongside of us.

God answered our prayers for a dog sitter..we were getting desperate and posted on Facebook our need.. Jessica, a visiting intern from the States, responded, and blessed us with loving care for Ice during the whole conference!  God is so faithful to meet our needs. He loves to prove Himself strong on our behalf as we cry out to Him.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!” Phil 4:19

The fall semester is rapidly approaching. Next week, the students begin to arrive. We are preparing for everything, and praying that this next semester will bring life change.

We pray for strength to meet the demands, grace to love with God’s heart, and revival for all of us to be passionate about our Savior!

The work of God is endless…the needs are so great… Only through Christ can we bear the fruit He desires. Truly, without Him we can do nothing; but through Him we can do all things. May God continue to pour out His grace, His strength, and His favor on all your ministries, your families and your lives, to show forth His light in this dark world.

John 15:5  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”