Summer 2025

Church

Before or trip to the States, Jonas led a baptism seminar which discussed the gospel, conversion, baptism and church membership. We praise God for our upcoming baptism Sunday in July where we will celebrate six baptisms. God is willing and able to save us from our sins, and He is doing it every day!

Our number of young people has grown so much that the weekly “Teenies” group will be divided into two groups, by age. Which means we will now have a “Jugend” group for 16 and up. Our young people are eager to grow in their faith and we pray for them, and for all the children at our church, that they will walk with Jesus all their lives.

The bi-weekly “Gemeindetraining” continues to go through “Gottes Plan Kein Zufall” (Vaughn Roberts) which explores the kingdom of God from Genesis to Revelation. I (Jonas) will continue preaching through 1 Timothy this summer.

If you’re in an established, healthy church, there are a lot of things in motion you might not realize are happening. But when you are in a small church revitalization, you see and feel gaps more often. One of those areas is leading through the service. We currently only have two people willing to do this besides Jonas. As the work of the ministry is carried on many shoulders, it is an answer to prayer that three other men are willing to step into this role. In the training, I (Jonas) teach how the living and active Word of God is the driving force in the gathering of the church, and how to welcome people in a winsome and appealing way. Also how to transitions from one element of the service to the next and how to conclude the service. In any church, if it’s done well you hardly notice. But if it’s done poorly, you feel it.

Please continue to pray for elders for our church and for a larger Sunday morning meeting space. Please pray our church would grow in our love of Jesus and understanding of the Gospel. Please pray we would seek ways to care for one another within the body and reach the lost in Münster.

Family

Our bellies are still swishing with iced coffee and Mexican food. But so worth it. This extended time in the States was full and refreshing. As refreshing as ice-cold La Croix, which was also enjoyed during our visit. We spent a ton of time with family and friends. I (Paige) enjoyed speaking English and saying, “We’ll be there!” to things we normally miss, like my nephew’s baseball games and mom’s church’s mother daughter banquet. The girls lived it up, enjoying grandparents, cousins and their American summer. Jonas got sickly overheated playing pickleball in the Indiana humidity, but other than that, had a great trip too.

The five of us drove down to Louisville were this party first started. It is always precious to us to visit Third Avenue and to sing with one another. I (Paige) ugly cry the whole time. We took the kids to the Arc Encounter in Kentucky where they were rightfully shocked by its massive size. We also took a big family trip to Holiday World for the hottest two days of the summer. My mom and I were head pilgrims at Plymouth Rock Café as we enjoyed the AC with Henning while the girls road their first roller coasters.

Jonas had the chance to preach twice while we were in America. We were really encouraged by our Sundays at Redeemer Bible Church and Hurricane Community Church. We are so thankful for the relationships and partnerships we have in America. God has truly blessed us in this way.

We look forward to hosting a missions team from Redeemer in August. Some will help at a Christian summer camp and the rest of the team will help with renovations at a counseling and retreat center with Denis and Deanna Grüning.

Both girls learned to swim this summer, and Fenley is the Uncrustable queen. We had an Einschulungsparty for Nora and are all excited for her to be a “Schulkind.” We are so proud of the little girl, or maybe it’s time to say young lady, she is becoming.

The girls were both excited to get back to their own beds and to ride their bikes. Henning spent two of his eight months in America, but somehow it felt like he remembered our home here. It is an emotional thing to take a long trip from home and have family in different countries. God has made us with complex hearts, and we must take the time to seek stillness and time with God in this busy, emotional life. Daniel Tiger is right, “sometimes you feel two feelings at the same time, and that’s ok.” And Fenley is wise, “I wish we had eight more weeks and I’m also ready to go home.”

I (Paige) am finishing this at midnight with Nora at my side and Henning screaming in his crib as our jet lag hits full force. We look forward to adjusting and thank God for the beautiful life we could come back to here in Germany. Thank you for your prayers, friendship and support. We could not do this without you.

Prayer: