a wonderful sight

Today I walked into the Lighthouse and found people all over the place! Some were standing around the kitchen island, eating leftovers out of the frig, others were sitting talking to one another, having a cup of coffee. Still others were studying German together around one of the tables. It was such a beautiful sight for many reasons. First of all, I had nothing to do with it; in fact, there wasn't a foreigner around (except for two German women who had come to give a class). Secondly, our dream of this place being an oasis for refugees to come to and be able to relax, eat, study, whatever, is finally coming true. Thirdly, our Syrian partner, Geryes, is beginning to feel that he's in charge and taking more initiative. He's the one that invited all these people there! I just love it.

Need counselling degree!

Many of you have followed the story of Henry & Abby as I have shared the ups and downs they have experienced since escaping Syria as refugees. Right now we are in a "down" part of the story. The Lord convicted me recently that I needed to get more involved in their lives and try to help them out of this dark hole they're in. This has NOT been easy; in fact, it's been really hard and time-consuming. I have remained good friends with both of them so I am able to mediate. Basically now, they are officially separated and I have become the middle man for their communication! When they try to talk to each other, they end up saying terrible things and practically killing one another. (in front of their 2 boys) Often they will block each other on their cell phone and call me to give the other a message. The situation is dire and I need a degree in counselling to help them unravel their mess. We are now negotiating the days when she will have the children and the days when he will. They can't agree on anything. If they fail to agree amicably between themselves, then it will have to go to court which would be terrible. Abby is still living in one room and about to go out of her mind with 2 active boys. Henry has found a one-room apartment where he can keep the boys for a couple of days at a time. We really need to continue praying that a small apartment will open up for Abby. There are refugees who have been searching for almost 2 years and have found nothing. The city of Berlin is very over-crowded and the refugee surge last year has caused a true housing crisis. Many Germans will not rent to refugees and as soon as they find out, they immediately stop negotiations. This has happened with Abby on several occasions. This story is far too complicated to go into detail about, but suffice it to say that it is a messy as it gets! Help!!!! I feel at times that I'm in over my head but somehow, the Lord keeps giving me the right words and enough compassion (even though I'd like to give them both a hard spanking) to help them to the next step. Please pray for all involved in this story, especially the two little boys who are so innocent and yet are taking the brunt of their parents' hatred and unforgiving hearts. They have seen and heard too much in their young lives. Thanks for your support through this saga!

feeling helpless

No doubt one of the worst feelings in the world is the feeling of helplessness or hopelessness. Last night at our German Language Cafe, we were packed out with refugee students who are desperate to learn the language so they can get a job in this country and make a life for themselves. After class, no one wanted to leave; they sat around and talked forever as their stories of grief and pain spilled out. We listened and even shed tears with them. Some have been looking for an apartment, a room, anywhere to live for almost 2 years! One young man sleeps in several different places every week, not having anywhere to call home, desperate for a room, even a bed to call his own. We really don't know the system here and don't want to get into the real estate business. But my heart of mercy is breaking over this situation. I told some of the guys last night that God sees their pain and we will pray that there is a breakthrough soon. Things have started very slowly at the Lighthouse but there is evidence that all at once we are going to see an explosion! New people are coming every day. Right now, God knows what we can handle. Pray that the refugees will see God do miracles before their eyes and believe in the one true God and Jesus, his Son. This is their only hope!

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.

Picking up the pace

Lots has happened since I last posted here! We've had non-stop guests for the last 2 weeks and many wonderful people at our dinner table. 2 special friends from Deltona, FL came for a week and painted in the Lighthouse and sewed curtains, along with other misc jobs. The photos are below. The place looks so homey now and the sound problem is much better now that we have wall hangings and curtains around.

The last picture is of our Sunday morning brunch with Germans and Syrians in attendance. Perhaps the biggest news is that Pastor Geryes (not pictured) arrived on Oct 20th! Unfortunately his wife and son had to stay behind until their visa is processed. Geryes felt sure that the Lord was leading him to come ahead and his wife gave her blessing for that. He hit the ground running - on the train home from the airport, he was giving out New Testaments and tracts and inviting people to the Lighthouse. The next day we were all out on the street, in buses and trains, giving Bibles and talking to Arabs. He kept a list of all the names and he is praying for each one by name. Yesterday when I arrived at the Lighthouse, the Arabic praise music was playing and he was walking around the center praying in a loud voice! We are excited to partner with this man of God and can't wait to see what transpires in the coming days and weeks. 

Forward movement

I know so many of you have been praying for Abby & Henry. Just a quick update to let you know that it seems they are making forward movement all the time. Yesterday they came to our morning fellowship at the Lighthouse and we could sense the joy of the Lord in their lives. Several things had happened this past week that were very discouraging for them but still, they have been able to fight through those things and remain "somewhat" positive. (granted, their situation is very difficult in so many ways) After our meeting yesterday, I wanted so badly to take a picture of the two of them at the computer, listening to Arabic praise songs and singing along with them. That went on for over 30 minutes. I believe some of what Abby was experiencing before (out-of-control rage) was demonic and she denounced that very clearly when we met with them more than a week ago. She is availing herself of the power that she has in Christ to fight the enemy. Keep praying!!