February 2010
Decisions, Art, and Oliver
To view letter in PDF format, click here
Praying for
Candlelight Dinner outreach (Feb 26, 27)...
decision over Thad accepting a new position within Agape...
ability to communicate within our German small group...
one European country for every day of Lent -- www.prayeurope.com...
We are thankful for
watching Oliver grow...
our American Crock Pot...
snow...
Jana holding a piece of pottery
decorated with broken glass tiles. This
piece will be given as a door prize
to a person attending the Candlelight
Dinner, pray that it will serve as a
reminder of God’s love for them.
Laugh Out Loud Moment
The butcher counter at the local grocery store must have a riot of a time over my conversations with them. I was there on Thursday to get sliced ham for sandwiches. Without thinking, I combined a German and English word to describe what I wanted (Hönig Ham). Then when trying to correct my mistake, I asked for “pig honey”. The lady helping me was gracious, even while chuckling a little, and politely asked if I wanted Hönig Schinken (honey ham). At least I can provide entertainment in the midst of mundane tasks!
Decisions
We have a decision ahead for which we would like to ask for prayer and even guidance. Our European Director has asked Thad if he would take on the role of Director of Operations for Agape Europe. Technology would still play a major part in his job; systems he has already installed will, for the time being, continue to be managed by him. The additional responsibility this prospect represents has us on our knees. We have worked hard to serve well where God has placed us, yet here appears to be a different sort of way in which to serve. Please pray with us as we ask questions and explore what is before us. Pray also for good opportunity to further discuss the specifics with our leadership. As a good first step, Thad will attend an Operations Director conference in Spain in March. A verse we are resting in, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord” Zechariah 4:6.
2010 Furlough
We do still plan to take a time of Furlough next fall, so please pray for the logistics and timing.
Candlelight Dinner
Every year, the mission agencies represented in this area come together to work on a local outreach called Candlelight Dinner. This year, the evening theme is “From Brokenness to Beauty”. Local artists and art classes are creating various pieces of mosaic art using pottery, glass tiles, translucent paper, copper plates, and old wine bottles. Every piece will be used to create an environment that will encourage the idea of redemption. During the dinner performers will use dance, song, and speaking to share how God has turned broken lives into ones of beauty, meaning, and purpose. Pray for hearts to be changed by this outpouring of God’s love!
Another piece that Jana worked on for the Candlelight dinner. It is about 2 1/2 feet tall and was too heavy for Jana to lift alone. This one will be sold to raise money for next year’s dinner.
Update on Oliver
Oliver is always busy...exploring, pointing, giggling over his discoveries, practicing standing, falling, and talking with words we can’t understand yet. He LOVES going to Zwergentreff on Thursdays--a time of fellowship between young moms and their children where breakfast is shared, lots of play happens, and German children songs are sung.
