March 2007

Praying for Berlin, beginning our work , and Learning German

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We are thankful for:

~ Regine, our German language tutor.
~ The Lord’s provision of $1000 towards our car trouble (see prayer request below)
~ Encouragement during times of challenge and frustration.
~ For energy and good health.

We are praying for:

~ Our car, which broke down at the beginning of February and spent 5 weeks at the mechanic...provision to pay for the work, the mechanic estimated €1000 ($1320), but we have not yet received the bill (more details are on our website).
~ Understanding and ability in learning German (some days it is hard to even think, let alone try to speak!).
~ Thad’s upcoming trips —to Bangkok, Thailand (April 14-23) and Mallorca, Spain (April 26—May 1).
~ Continued adjustment to living in a new culture and making new friends.

Berlin, Germany

Within the Agape Europe ministry, there is a new focus on reaching what is called “Key Cities.” We would like to invite you to pray for these cities with us, as we see the Lord work across Europe.
~ Pray that God would raise up manpower—both senior staff and short-terms—to work alongside staff members already serving in Germany's capital city.
~ Pray for Athletes In Action staff who recently moved there and for their transition to working in the area .

... beginning our work , and Learning German

3 months… Germany and its people are treating us well. We have enjoyed many wonderful experiences and few setbacks, challenges and hardships. I cannot express how kind and generous the German people are. Despite knowing little of the language, people with whom we talk will say “your German is very good!” Their hospitality trumps any rules against a small lie and flattery!

While learning the language is our primary focus right now, we both have begun work for the office with Thad reporting for one full day a week and on an as needed basis. Language learning is slow going, perhaps slower than we had hoped. With a large number of English speakers, speaking German is not a necessity. Despite that, we are committed and look forward to the day in which we can understand things such as Sunday Sermons!

The Lord also blessed us with a wonderful Tutor, Regine, from the office. Her insight is tremendous, as she helps with not only the language itself, but German customs and tricks within the language. Pray for our time together…for understanding, speaking ability, and energy.

Thad also has a couple of trips scheduled for April, so please be in prayer for those as well. One is to Bangkok, Thailand for the regular Global Technology and Internet Ministry meeting; while the other is to Mallorca, Spain for a European Leadership meeting.

Jana has begun a few graphic design projects for Agape. High priority right now is reworking the current Agape Europe website, but she has also been asked to help Athletes in Action design their new cycling jerseys.

We continue to settle into our new home and praise God for His gracious daily provision. Again, we can not express our gratitude enough for the role that you play in our lives. May the Lord continue to bless you through the Agape Europe Ministry.

Sincerely, Thad and Jana