November 2007 - End of Year Letter

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Being in the Agape Europe Headquarters is a wonderful blessing for us, since we are able to see and hear much of what is happening across the continent. The Lord is doing many things in Europe, and we feel as though we are in the middle of His plan to use Agape Europe to accomplish our part.

Our first year in Germany was full of many changes, excitements, and challenges. In looking back we are excited to see how much the Lord carried us through. We faced circumstances requiring us to rely solely on the Lord for His provision of energy, endurance, and daily needs.

Much is the same for European Christians who have a desire to see God’s love spread throughout Europe. Being in a situation where you must be carried through by the Lord’s guidance and strength causes change. One student who boldly sought the Lord to bring change amongst his fellow students and country, was a young man named Christoph in Freiburg, Germany
Christoph.

Christoph attended CM2007, a conference in Korea this past summer that brought thousands of students and staff together to pray for the world. While he was excited to be able to attend, he was saddened to see that during the Parade of Nations Ceremony, it was not a fellow German who carried the German flag, but rather a young Korean girl. His heart broke, for he realized that of all the Germans attending, including himself, no one was willing to take the step to participate in the ceremony. It was there, when he recognized that something needed to change in Germany.

Upon arriving home to Freiburg, he stepped out in faith to organize a prayer and fasting retreat asking fellow Christians to join him in praying for change in Germany. In September, a small group of 18 students, 11 Campus Crusade interns, and one International staff gathered for one week to pray and fast. “As a result of this week,” said Christoph, “I hope to see people take responsibility and to stand up and say what we think and believe. We need to bring faith back into society.” (adapted from Agape Europe Now!, October)

Christoph and many others around Western Europe are stepping out in faith. As we see these students and staff, we have a desire to help them succeed. That is why the Lord brought us to Western Europe. We communicate stories of encouragement, such as the many that came from CM2007. We also provide resources, expertise and tools to those in the field or in leadership. Other times, we simply help to carry the load for the National Ministries for initiatives they are trying to implement.

Since arriving here last December, an unfortunate thing has occurred for us. The value of the U.S. dollar has steadily dropped. Since we are paid in U.S. Dollars, the result is that our income also decreased by an average of $700 each month (around $8400 in one year). Would you prayerfully consider helping us to supplement this loss by giving a special donation at the end of this year?

While Christian Ministry in Europe faces many challenges, the exciting factor is that it is not a challenge for our God. “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground for yourselves, for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers deliverance on you.” – Hosea 10:12. Pray with us as we ask the Lord to bring faith in Him back into European society. Thank you for helping make this a reality.