The 12th of Never has Arrived

The 12th of Never has ARRIVED! we finally got our internet up and it is working. I feel a little like one of those cell phone ads in the states with a background of 6 bars of connection!

We have not been idle since we got done with Goethe. As a matter of fact, we have entered a new phase of language learning - more practical than just going to school everyday. We are in essence doing what I used to do as a Chaplain - wandering around (with a purpose) and talking to people.
We spent last weekend visiting friends in our old hometown on our way to a team meeting in Munich. Practically from the time we arrived in Memmingen, we were practicing our language. We spent 5 hours catching up with our friend Renate - Even though she speaks English, our conversation was in German. We talked about old times, we talked about going to church, we talked about family, we talked about sad times and happy times. It was good to visit.
We connected with some other friends that were responsible for our becoming members of a little German congregation nearly 30 years ago. Marlies told Paula that it only took us about 15 minutes to cover 3 decades of being away . . . We went to church with Marlies and Petros and were truly blessed to have been there. After we ate lunch and chatted with them for an hour or so, we were off to Munich to meet with our team.
We got a good glimpse of what we will be about when we get there . . . for now, we will focus on our language learning and be content in whatever state we find ourselves in (be it confusion or Baden-Wurttemburg). We have more than enough to learn right here in Lorrach.

Please Pray with us about:

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. It is that time of year again when we as Southern Baptists collectively (no pun intended) support M's serving overseas. We are deeply grateful for your gifts and for your support. We are all feeling the effects of the current financial situation, but in the case of many M's like us, we feel the pinch in being less able to do what you have sent us here to do. We have to wait for much needed new personnel on the field. Please pray for not just meeting our LMCO goals this year, but for a change of heart amongst our people to see the need of the Great Commission and respond accordingly.

Our Language and Culture Learning. Although related to the prayer request above, it is encumbant upon us to learn the language; even though funds for our language learning have been effected by the financial situation. We have embarked upon a practical phase of language learning during which we will not be in formal language school, but wandering about (with a purpose) talking to folks; using a "language partner" to help with the difficult bits. We are also mixing in a portion of our cultural learning. We are not for want of something to do.

Our Team in Munich. We visited with our team this past weekend and began being teammates. We have a great vision to see Munich won over for the Lord, churches planted and new leaders sought out and trained. There is a LOT of work to be done, and the workers are few (Sound familiar?). Please pray for the immediate focus for our teammates. Only one of our team families is in Munich right now.

We are looking forward to the Day later this month when we will celebrate the birthday of the King. The space beneath our tree will not be empty, but well not be buying a lot of other stuff just to fill it up. God has blessed us with more this past year than space allows me to tell. The most precious Gift of all He gives us new every morning, anyway!