So much has happened since my last update (since I only seem to write every few months), I don’t think I can get it all in here. We are excited about our new apartment, we finally got our internet hooked up, and Emma is finally walking as a means of regular transportation, a step up from sliding around on her knees. 
In the last few months we have been able to get more involved with the church in Wuppertal. I have been able to teach a few times, and I am gearing up to give my first sermon in German on the 22nd of June. The pastor, Andre, has a tremendous vision for the church, and we are excited to see what God is going to do. The church sits in an area where 60% of the population are immigrants. The church is beginning to see the mission field that has grown up around them. On the 27th of May we were able to hear from two Pastors who are serving in Turkey and Azerbaijan. It was so challenging to hear about their ministry and their faith to persevere through so much persecution. What was also so encouraging was their wisdom and challenge to the church to open their hearts and their homes to the people around them. If we are to be effective evangelists, we must be willing to build relationships with those whom we are called to love. It is not just about starting the right program, nor having the big function that draws a crowd. It is about one on one relationships that build trust and friendship. I am excited to see how God is going to use this church. I feel they are getting ready to do great things in the life of this church. It is important to continue to pray for them as they seek God. We are praying how we might serve better and how God would use us to build his kingdom.
As I have been reading through scripture, I was once again encouraged by the faith of Caleb. As the spies returned from the promise land, Caleb and Joshua alone believed God’s promises. God said, “But my servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.” While all others doubted and forgot the promises of God, Caleb’s spirit stood fast. The task may look impossible, and the trials may seem too many, but when we remember the power of God and His promises, we know that we can accomplish anything that He has given us to do. While so many of God’s people turn away and run from conflict and opposition, I pray there are more people like Caleb who will stand on the promises of God.
