Extreme hospitality

We called our new Syrian refugee friends to ask if we could come for a visit. They told us to come hungry because they wanted to make us dinner. Can you imagine that this spread was put on by a refugee family living in a tiny apartment, on a meager salary? We were overwhelmed by their love and hospitality. They kept saying over and over that we had honored them so much by coming to their house! We were the ones who were honored. It felt so good to be sitting around the table with dear friends, talking about life in a dialect of Arabic that is comfortable for us and just experiencing life through their eyes as they told us of their journey to get to Germany and what has transpired since their arrival. This is an extended family who have other members here also. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see the whole family come to Christ one day? Can you start praying for Bashar and his family; that the Holy Spirit would cause them to begin searching for truth? The whole family came to our Christmas party at the Lighthouse and two of the guys come to our Wednesday night German language cafe. We see great openness and potential in this family and covert your prayers too!

Christmas markets in Berlin

I have heard for years about the Christmas markets in Germany; the mulled wine, sauerkraut and bratworst, hot doughnuts and the festive atmosphere. We have been to several of these markets this year and although the crowds usually make it difficult to navigate, I agree that the German Christmas markets are magical! Tonight we went to the market where a huge truck drove through the crowd 4 days ago, killing 12 people and wounding dozens. The place was packed with people but a somber atmosphere prevailed. We ate our yummy food and walked around but it was obvious that no one was in the mood to celebrate. There were memorials set up on every street corner surrounding the market area and right at the place where the truck killed so many. People were weeping as they lit their candles and prayed in silence for loved ones and friends. A church group had set up under a tent and sang beautiful songs and proclaimed words of comfort, love and peace over the dozens of people who stopped to listen to their message. I could not help but shed tears as I contemplated the enormity of loss for the victims families and for this country in general. They were all united tonight at the Christmas market, white and black, Germans and foreigners, Christians and atheists, all singing Amazing Grace and it was beautiful! Too bad, I had a few photos I wanted to include here but they refuse to upload.