Happy New Year 2020

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

The last three months have both hard and very rewarding. We are marveling at our God’s provision and sustaining grace along the way.

We were finally able to finish furnishing our apartment. This little space has really become a home for our family. We are still thanking God for providing us with this apartment that fits so well for us.

There have been three major things that happened over the past few months. First we are thrilled to share that we are expecting our second baby in July. Due to the pregnancy Paige has been sick for the last couple of months. But we are thankful that the baby is healthy and growing. Please pray that Paige would feel some relief.

Second, we are talking to a church about possibly becoming their pastor. This is a small evangelical church in the city of Münster, with about 300,000 citizens. Jonas preached at this church once before and this week we will have a second meeting. It is still early in the process, but we potentially will be able to share more next month. Please pray for wisdom and clarity in the whole process.

Third, Paige stopped doing intensive language classes because she became too sick to continue and it was taxing on us as a family.  Lord willing, Paige will resume semi-intensive classes in February. Please pray for Paige to pick up German quickly.

In October I (Jonas) started to teach a 10 week course based on an online Bible study. The first module focuses on biblical theology, in order to show how the Bible fits together as a grand story from creation to new creation. It is encouraging to see about 20 people, after work on a Friday night, come to study the Bible. My prayer for this group is that they will be further equipped to teach their families and fellow church members. I also hope we become more effective in presenting the Bible’s message to those outside the church.

I’m now almost six months employed by the church. Although I only have a first impression of what pastoral ministry looks like, my understanding of the eternal significance of this task has grown. This is daunting on the one hand and exciting on the other. I see the need for personal holiness as a pastor and my dependence on God in all things. A pastor, who doesn’t flee to God in prayer for everything, will not be able to lead the congregation spiritually. I pray to God that I would be a pastor, who does exactly that. Please pray for me to be such a pastor.

We just returned from a refreshing trip to the States, where we spent Christmas with Paige’s family in Indiana. I was thankful for the opportunity to preach at one of our supporting churches and to be able to give a quick update and be prayed over at Harvest, our sending church. The jetlag is gone, and we are back in our routine.

 Thank you for your continued support and we would love to hear from you.

Love,

Jonas, Paige and Nora