Leipzig

Today Karen and I took a day trip to Leipzig. Leipzig is the city that is being targeted for a church plant by us and the Sullivans in 2010. We spent the day walking around the city, in the rain, trying to get a feel for the city. Leipzig is a little more updated than Chemnitz, where we currently are. Both are cities in Sachsen, Germany. What we really found out today, other than a little bit more about this city that we plan to be moving to in a few short months, is that sometimes we have to be patient. We start dreaming, developing our ideas and goals and then start marching forward. Understand that through all of this we do a lot of praying about the ideas and the actions. But, I also know that even when I am praying about it I am still plodding along trying to do what I can to move forward. Sometimes I am reminded though, just to slow down, keep praying about it, but take the time to listen to God speaking to us. I sometimes get so into making the plan come together that I dont listen to the direction of the One I am trying to serve. Ever have that problem? I read a great verse that says it much better than I ever could: Ps 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him See what I mean? God provides what we need, in spite of my help. :-)

He actaully has managed to run the world quite well without my help... for a very long time. Please understand, I believe with all my heart that my Father uses me in His service. That is the point, it is His work, not mine. I really enjoyed the day today, especially after I just relaxed and tried to enjoy some great one on one time with my wife today and not get stressed out about where we need to live and what size apartment we need and where it is going to be and.... Anyway, when you get stressed about all the things that lay ahead of you, how about giving them to God, also thanking Him for all He is already doing, and take a little time to be still and wait on Him. He WILL NOT leave you out to dry!

Have a blessed day, I sure did!
Mark

Faces along our way in the Usa

Furlough

Furlough is a strange word... Webster describes this word by saying it means, "absent, rest and relaxation, to lay off of work..." Well, for us it has meant quite a different thing. We have been busy traveling to about 8 different cities since we arrive in the Usa. We have logged a lot of miles these last few weeks, but man what a blessing to be able to be with so many different church families scattered throughout the Usa. I just have to say.... THANK YOU FAMILIES! We have been so blessed to be able to be in so many peoples homes and to be able to share information about the work in Germany. God is GREAT! It is so much fun to be share some of these stories of different peoples lives and their coming to faith in our wonderful Father and our Savior! My problem is I have a hard time stopping talking about it... I tend to ramble, would have never guessed that would ya. Thank you everyone who has listened, helped us, and partnered with us in this work. May God continue to bless you and your ministry where ever you are. I will give a fuller update when we get home to Chemnitz... we still have days left here and want to make the most of them... still more people to talk with.