It's been five months. Five months in a completely different continent, country and culture. Overwhelming, exciting, heartbreaking, and faith-building, these five months have brought me closer to my Savior, broadened my perspective for ministry and grown my patience to whole new levels. So here's a quick recap for you.
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In September I began collaborating and working with a stduent group here in Freiburg called Studentum für Christus (Students for Christ). It's an incredible group who's mission is to teach university students how to impact their world right here and right now for the Gospel's sake. This organization is all over Germany, but the group in Freiburg has only recently been restarted after it died down for a few years. The recent 're-founder' (Whom I will refer to as S for security purposes) is actually an alumni of University Freiburg who actually came to know Jesus through the ministry 10 years ago. It's really incredible to see some of the fruit and gain a broad perspective of the organization and really be able to put a focus and goal on reaching the students in this incredible city! This semester our focus has been Discipleship: What is discipleship and how do we do it? S has been teaching sessions (all in German) about community and discipleship. We have already seen our numbers double since last semester and are confident that this is just the very beginning of what God is planning for this city! It's really cool to watch these young people hear (some for the first time) what God intended for His people and how we ought to live with believers and non-believers alike.
So where do I fit in with SFC?
We (SFC) meet collectively once a week for a time of teaching, musical worship, giving, prayer and fellowship. Then, throughout the weeks we plan several activities together to strengthen the bonds of community and really 'do life' together. This semester has been a really crucial semester as there have been many 'seconds' and 'firsts' for the activities that we planned. I am involved with the organization and planning of the group as a whole, so for those weekly meetings I collaborate with our student leaders to come up with uniques and creative ideas to keep the meetings fresh and relevant to all the students we welcome in. I'm excited to say that when I started working with these precious student leaders(SLs), there were many miscommunications and missed deadlines because there was a lack of intentionality and importance put into the projects. However, with time, patience and wisdom, these same SLs are now completing some of their tasks before the deadlines!
I have also been responsible to head up the planning of several bigger events including a Thanksgiving celebration, our very first weekend retreat this past weekend, Christmas Party, and Christmas outing. I also help with logistics and organization of 'in-office' information, as well as one-on-one meetings with students and planning small group activities. I've also really enjoyed leading worship again for the weekly meetings.
In addition to working with SFC, I have the pleasure of helping the families in my house. When I was still in China (almost exactly one year ago), I had a sister in Christ look at me one night and tell me with the utmost certainty that God was providing a community in Germany for me. I had no idea that He was providing a literal community (house) to live in and interact with on a daily basis! Everyone in the house is a believer and it's such a unique blessing to 'do life' under a microscope, as it were. This atmosphere really cultivates openness and transparency with brothers and sisters as we all seek to please God in all that we say and do. I am able to provide childcare for the five children in the house (usually in groups of two-three :P ) to allow their parents a bit of much needed adult/date time and conversation. As a community we get to share meals together and sometimes a cup of tea or coffee when needed most. It's really such a blessing!
I am also attending German classes five times a week for about three hours a day. I am just LOVING learning this new language and have been told that I am learning quickly- which is always encouraging to hear. I've just begun my second module and have about a month in this module before graduating to the next level (close to fluency level). I've had really great opportunities to share Jesus with my classmates and strangers on the street. Please pray for my classmates and the people God brings into my path. This past Tuesday, at our weekly meeting, I prayed that God would keep us aware of the people He puts in our paths and willing/wanting to give generously and graciously- whether financially, emotionally, spiritually, or in our time. I really believe that every person we come into contact with has been placed there specifically to receive something from the Spirit. We are vessels and our words, smiles and body language can change someone's life. I hope and pray that I don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Two questions I get a lot are, "Do you like Germany?" and "How are you adapting to the culture?" In answer to these questions, I absolutely LOVE Germany and have adapted very well to the culture. I have no idea if this is because of my heritage and roots from Germany or if it's simply that this is where God has placed me for this season, but whatever the reason, I'm just really loving and valuing my time here!
In conclusion, please pray for wisdom and endurance for me as I continue to work with SFC. Pray that the Lord will grow this little group into the community He desires and that everything we plan and do will bring honor and glory to His name.
Please pray that I will continue to take in this beautiful language and that God would open my mind and understanding to keep building vocabulary and understanding grammar.
Lastly, I am very short on my monthly support. I'm currently receiving 1/6 of the financial support that I need monthly. Please prayerfully consider if God would be inviting you to join His work here in Freiburg by partnering with me financially. I need about $700 a month, which is shockingly low for expensive Europe. But God has been incredibly faithful to provide low cost of living and minimum monthly expenses. However, if I am not able to present proper financial documents to the visa office, I will not be allowed to stay in Germany. I do believe that God has orchestrated this time and I continue to trust Him to provide for me. I am not allowed to get a job currently because my focus is on partnering with a non-profit organization (SFC) and study language. Under the Language Study visa, I am not officially allowed to work. I am hoping that once I have fluent German I will be able to get a stable job that will provide a visa and good enough hours to continue working primarily with SFC. But until then, I need to raise ample support for my living expenses.
God bless you all, as we are in the middle of this Advent Season. I hope it's bringing the same hope, peace and joy to you that it is to me!
Grace and Peace,
Jo <3
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