The new dorm parents for Sonne have arrived. They arrived last weekend and transition into their new position. Sonne has had substitute dorm parents since school started who have done a fantastic job.
What to pray for? Transition. There is lots to happen. From the new dorm parents taking over for the subs to the students adjusting to a new authority in the dorm. With this change there will be lots of leaning on the RAs. This will also be hard on them as they learn how to work under a new couple in providing care.
But it is great because the sooner the transition starts, the sooner it is over. Greatness be in Sonnenhof.
9.10.09
24.9.09
Hardness and Reality
It has been three months since I left Germany. And I sit here waiting, searching, formulating, looking,... Many verbs that don't include working. This is a hard and frustrating fact for me, yet I am here. This is where life has led me of course with divine guidance and more than a fair share of human frailty.
Where is it going next? I have no idea. I just wish it would happen soon. He still loves me. I must remember that. Without that I have nothing. With that I have everything.
Where is it going next? I have no idea. I just wish it would happen soon. He still loves me. I must remember that. Without that I have nothing. With that I have everything.
26.8.09
School's back
School is back. BFA started yesterday. For eight of my guys last year, this is their final year. They are big bad seniors. Pray that they will lead the dorm well. Also continue to pray for Sonne and the new dorm parents. They have not arrived yet and Sonne has some people subbing as dorm parents until they get there. Pray that they will be able to raise the appropriate finances to get to Germany as quick as possible.
A little transition story. When I first went to Germany, I needed to exchange my US dollars for Euros. I went to the local bank and they did it in about 2 minutes. I have yet to find a way to exchange my euros back into US dollars here in the states. There are either outrageous services charges or something else goes wrong. I never knew that it would be so complicated to do.
A little transition story. When I first went to Germany, I needed to exchange my US dollars for Euros. I went to the local bank and they did it in about 2 minutes. I have yet to find a way to exchange my euros back into US dollars here in the states. There are either outrageous services charges or something else goes wrong. I never knew that it would be so complicated to do.
15.8.09
I'm here, they're there
Yes that is how it goes. For the last three years, at this time I have been at the dorm preparing it for the arrival of 27 teenagers. It usually involves lots of cleaning and painting and who knows what else. I would also be meeting many new RAs that were joining the awesome BFA staff.
This year, I sit in the states searching for a job and a place to live. It has started to become a tough trying time of my life. I have been through these before and have not looked forward to being here again.
But in all trials, there are still good things that happen. It is important for me to keep that mindset of looking for the good.
Please pray for me and that what I need will be provided. Also pray for the new dorm parents at Sonne. As far as I know they are still raising support to get to Germany. It is so important to have them there early so they can be prepared for the awesome guys that will greet them in two weeks.
This year, I sit in the states searching for a job and a place to live. It has started to become a tough trying time of my life. I have been through these before and have not looked forward to being here again.
But in all trials, there are still good things that happen. It is important for me to keep that mindset of looking for the good.
Please pray for me and that what I need will be provided. Also pray for the new dorm parents at Sonne. As far as I know they are still raising support to get to Germany. It is so important to have them there early so they can be prepared for the awesome guys that will greet them in two weeks.
6.8.09
Life Without
It's been a while. Even though I am back from Germany, I hope to continue this and keep you updated with news, prayer requests and other things that are happening at BFA and Sonne.
This last Sunday, orientation started for Residence Life at BFA. This is the first time since 2005 that I will not be a part of this. From what I have been told, it is going well. The new staff are adjusting well and the veterans are welcoming them. As of now they are still short two guys RAs. This will be tough to go through the year with. Two of the three guys dorms will only have 1 male RA. Please pray for their strength and that things will go well.
There are three new sets of dorm parents and in a change from before, they are all young with young children or no children. I am praying for them, especially the new dorm parents for Sonne.
Well, I hope you all out here in cyberspace are well and enjoy the summer.
This last Sunday, orientation started for Residence Life at BFA. This is the first time since 2005 that I will not be a part of this. From what I have been told, it is going well. The new staff are adjusting well and the veterans are welcoming them. As of now they are still short two guys RAs. This will be tough to go through the year with. Two of the three guys dorms will only have 1 male RA. Please pray for their strength and that things will go well.
There are three new sets of dorm parents and in a change from before, they are all young with young children or no children. I am praying for them, especially the new dorm parents for Sonne.
Well, I hope you all out here in cyberspace are well and enjoy the summer.
20.4.09
Changes
I was in the local Lidl grocery today. Most weeks in the year, they have a section that contains different cultures' food. Sometimes, it is Mexican or French or Asian or many other cultures. This week is the Americanische woche. Foods like marshmallows, potato chips, peanut butter, hamburger buns and other items that are associated with the US over here in Germany.
I have lived in Germany for three years which is far shorter than the time that I have spent in the US. I met a fellow BFA person in the grocery tonight and we were both at the American section. We stopped and looked and commented on the items in the American section. Then we left. But as we were leaving, it was remarked that neither of us picked up anything from the section.
Interesting....
I have lived in Germany for three years which is far shorter than the time that I have spent in the US. I met a fellow BFA person in the grocery tonight and we were both at the American section. We stopped and looked and commented on the items in the American section. Then we left. But as we were leaving, it was remarked that neither of us picked up anything from the section.
Interesting....
30.3.09
Kindness goes a long way
Today I was in the local Lidl grocery store doing a bit of good old food shopping. I went to the check out and breezed through that process. I didn't get a bag, because they cost money and it wasn't a very long walk back to where I currently am staying.
I was loading all of my stuff up in my arms, when one of the yogurts took a fall. The casualty had broken open on the ground. I thought to myself that, oh well, I dropped it so I am out a few cents.
No sooner could I react when the lady behind me in line, picked up the broken yogurt for me. Very kind of her. Then the cashier looked at me and told me to go get another on. I just don't think that would have happened in the states. Maybe it is just my cynicism, but the lady was more than willing to allow me to replace the yogurt that I had dropped.
Kindness changes you. It makes you want to pass that kindness received on to someone else. I was very grateful for the kindness I received today and hope that I can pass it on to someone in the next couple of days.
I was loading all of my stuff up in my arms, when one of the yogurts took a fall. The casualty had broken open on the ground. I thought to myself that, oh well, I dropped it so I am out a few cents.
No sooner could I react when the lady behind me in line, picked up the broken yogurt for me. Very kind of her. Then the cashier looked at me and told me to go get another on. I just don't think that would have happened in the states. Maybe it is just my cynicism, but the lady was more than willing to allow me to replace the yogurt that I had dropped.
Kindness changes you. It makes you want to pass that kindness received on to someone else. I was very grateful for the kindness I received today and hope that I can pass it on to someone in the next couple of days.
17.2.09
Privilege
The year has been eventful for Sonne staff. Many things have happened to us with the most recent development being a fire in my fellow RA, Tommy's room. Due to his stealth in fighting the fire, it was contained to his room and extinguished. But many things that he had in the room have been lost. He did suffer some smoke inhalation, but has come out okay.
Please pray for him and us as we get back to normal. There have been many things that have happened over the year and those have caused some pain. But as I look back over the situations, they could and many times, should have been much worse. I am very thankful to God for his protection of us.
With all the things that have gone on, I am still very grateful that I live here and have come back for a 3rd year. God has blessed me greatly over here and I praise him for that.
Please pray for him and us as we get back to normal. There have been many things that have happened over the year and those have caused some pain. But as I look back over the situations, they could and many times, should have been much worse. I am very thankful to God for his protection of us.
With all the things that have gone on, I am still very grateful that I live here and have come back for a 3rd year. God has blessed me greatly over here and I praise him for that.
21.1.09
A small blessing. in time
This morning I was having a conversation with a fellow RA. We were commenting about dorm life and how it feels a bit dreary. The students are just looking for things that cheer up their days. So are we. The weather hasn't been very helpful either. It has been cloudy rainy and cold for the most part. Anyway, she made the comment that it would be nice if it got warm. I said that I thought snow would be a nice thing.
I was sitting in my room relaxing this afternoon, when wouldn't you know it...it started to snow. Then I had a small epiphany. I got the feeling that God had something to do with it. And that he wanted to remind me today as to how much he loves me. I sometimes forget how much he does love me. And choose to take a comment that I made this morning and use it as a reminder of his incredible love for me.
I was sitting in my room relaxing this afternoon, when wouldn't you know it...it started to snow. Then I had a small epiphany. I got the feeling that God had something to do with it. And that he wanted to remind me today as to how much he loves me. I sometimes forget how much he does love me. And choose to take a comment that I made this morning and use it as a reminder of his incredible love for me.
26.12.08
A blessed day
Happy Boxing day everyone. After a wonderful Heiligabend and a joyous Weihnachtstag and sit here on the 26. Although I have missed my family I am surrounded by some amazing people who have become dear friends. God has blessed me with this group here. I got to spend Christmas eve with a family and later a few friends. We had raclette and watched Elf and in general just enjoyed the night.
Christmas day started off wonderfully with a Christmas brunch of ten non-familial people that are around for the holidays. There was laughter and good food and I was grateful for the chance to spend time with them. Moving on to Christmas evening, we had another about ten people get together for a wonderful dinner and fellowship. The evening included time of laughing, white elephant gift exchanges, a movie and some worship.
Christmas in Germany is a special time and I have been blessed to experience for three years now. God has brought me to a place of sole reliance on Him and blessed me in ways that I cannot express. I pray that you have a wonderful holiday time and enjoy the blessings that you have been given.
5.12.08
I read this a couple of days ago while watching the snow fall
Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.
In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life - men without regard for you.
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.
Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.
In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life - men without regard for you.
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.
Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
24.11.08
Germany
It has been snowing for the last few days. It looks pretty and just white washes everything. Marzell is so beautiful in the snow. The guys have had a lot of fun playing in it. Breaking out their snowboards and going down the hill out back.
Christmas banquet is coming up and the guys are getting themselves ready for what Saturday will look like. Break is still four weeks away which is longer than usual. I hope that y'all are doing well.
Christmas banquet is coming up and the guys are getting themselves ready for what Saturday will look like. Break is still four weeks away which is longer than usual. I hope that y'all are doing well.
1.10.08
When Spetember ends.
Hey all, It has been a crazy yet wonderful fall so far. We have had a soccer tournament and a football tourney. We have taken students here there and everywhere. We as staff are learning how to work together best as a team.
Tomorrow is a big day. The seniors leave on a weeklong tour of Italy. One day in Venice, one day in Florence and six days in Rome. They should have a lot of fun. Many of these students have been looking forward to this trip for four years.
The juniors also leave tomorrow for a three day trip to Normandy. It is very much a history trip and they get to learn a lot and have some fun in Normandy. Sonne has 8 juniors. The exciting thing about this is that I have been asked to go as a chaperone. So I get to ride the bus all night long with them. And experience the impact of such a place. I am really looking forward to it.
With both of these trips, please pray for safety and traveling and that people will bond together. Also pray for me that I will have the energy to come back strong. Normandy is a pretty tiring trip.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I am healing very well after my fall with the lawnmower. God is and was very good to me. Fall is just starting here. It will be beautiful with many colours over the next 6 weeks or so.
God bless,
Matt
Tomorrow is a big day. The seniors leave on a weeklong tour of Italy. One day in Venice, one day in Florence and six days in Rome. They should have a lot of fun. Many of these students have been looking forward to this trip for four years.
The juniors also leave tomorrow for a three day trip to Normandy. It is very much a history trip and they get to learn a lot and have some fun in Normandy. Sonne has 8 juniors. The exciting thing about this is that I have been asked to go as a chaperone. So I get to ride the bus all night long with them. And experience the impact of such a place. I am really looking forward to it.
With both of these trips, please pray for safety and traveling and that people will bond together. Also pray for me that I will have the energy to come back strong. Normandy is a pretty tiring trip.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I am healing very well after my fall with the lawnmower. God is and was very good to me. Fall is just starting here. It will be beautiful with many colours over the next 6 weeks or so.
God bless,
Matt
11.9.08
God is Amazing
Well, I have quite the story from today. I was out starting to mow the lawn. We have a creek that runs along our property and a hill that goes down to the creek. I got the lawnmower stuck along the creek. In trying to get out I ended up sliding down the hill into the creek. In the process, the lawnmower actually went over top of me. We both landed in the creek.
Now here is the amazing part. No major injury happened. I didn't even need stitches. I went to the emergency room and got checked out. Although I am beat up, I am okay. God protected me. I am in about the best shaped that one could be after that kind of situation. Thank you to God for that.
Life is going well here besides this little story. The guys are awesome and I am glad that I am here for a third year.
Now here is the amazing part. No major injury happened. I didn't even need stitches. I went to the emergency room and got checked out. Although I am beat up, I am okay. God protected me. I am in about the best shaped that one could be after that kind of situation. Thank you to God for that.
Life is going well here besides this little story. The guys are awesome and I am glad that I am here for a third year.
24.8.08
It is time
Well so far today we have had 12 students arrive. It is great. Please pray for the safe arrival of the other 15. I am so excited that they are finally coming. It is going to be a good year with many guys getting a lot of love.
Please continue to pray for me as I minister to and serve these guys. They are a true blessing.
Please continue to pray for me as I minister to and serve these guys. They are a true blessing.
31.7.08
Come and gone
Well, everyone...
It has been a fantastic five weeks. I have loved talking with you and enjoying life with you. There is so much that I get to experience over here yet I sem to miss so much of your lives. Thank you all for your hospitality. I have loved the time that I was able to spend in the US.
Germany has decided to greet me like I never left the mid Atlantic. Hot and humid. This is very strange weather for this area, but it is what it is. The last two years we had the fireplace going in the house we are all staying. Not this year. It has been many a warm reunion with many good friends over the last day or so.
Please pray for us as new residence staff comes that we will bond together to create a great staff to serve these wonderful students.
It has been a fantastic five weeks. I have loved talking with you and enjoying life with you. There is so much that I get to experience over here yet I sem to miss so much of your lives. Thank you all for your hospitality. I have loved the time that I was able to spend in the US.
Germany has decided to greet me like I never left the mid Atlantic. Hot and humid. This is very strange weather for this area, but it is what it is. The last two years we had the fireplace going in the house we are all staying. Not this year. It has been many a warm reunion with many good friends over the last day or so.
Please pray for us as new residence staff comes that we will bond together to create a great staff to serve these wonderful students.
23.7.08
Blessings
I have had the great opportunity to talk with many of you over the past few weeks. It has been wonderful to touch base and see how God is working in your lives. It also is a nice thing to have you ask me questions and through those questions, process the last couple of years. These times also bring some simple revelations about how awesome God is.
One of those things is God and how he loves to bless us. I have been amazed at how much God has blessed me. In the last two years, I have been able to visit some amazing places. This would have not have happened if I hadn't been willing to say yes and follow God to Germany. It was such a simple yes and just saying to why not to the option of moving across the ocean.
Looking back it doesn't seem like that huge of a decision and God has just blessed me more that I could expect. I sometimes forget to look at these things in life and focus on the harder things, but it is much better to focus on all the ways that God loves to bless me.
One of those things is God and how he loves to bless us. I have been amazed at how much God has blessed me. In the last two years, I have been able to visit some amazing places. This would have not have happened if I hadn't been willing to say yes and follow God to Germany. It was such a simple yes and just saying to why not to the option of moving across the ocean.
Looking back it doesn't seem like that huge of a decision and God has just blessed me more that I could expect. I sometimes forget to look at these things in life and focus on the harder things, but it is much better to focus on all the ways that God loves to bless me.
26.6.08
School's Out For SUMMER!!!
Well, the year is done. The class of 2008 has graduated and the BFA community has emptied out. That doesn't mean that work stops, just that it takes a different form. Work has started out on the dorms. Palmgarten has everything cleared out and the rooms and hallways got new carpet and paint. I helped with that one. Haus Bad Riedlingen had the whole first floor torn out with walls being taken down and dust everywhere. It will look very different next year and will function more easily as a dorm with the changes.
There was a 20 year reunion already this summer and there will be graduate classes that can be taken taught by Philadelphia Biblical University. The dorms will have English Camps take place in July. These camps are an outreach to German teenagers. They have a chance to learn some English and we have a chance to share about the amazing gift of Jesus. It is such a great opportunity to reach out to the community.
As for me, I am in the states for 5 weeks to rest and make contact with many of you that read this.
There was a 20 year reunion already this summer and there will be graduate classes that can be taken taught by Philadelphia Biblical University. The dorms will have English Camps take place in July. These camps are an outreach to German teenagers. They have a chance to learn some English and we have a chance to share about the amazing gift of Jesus. It is such a great opportunity to reach out to the community.
As for me, I am in the states for 5 weeks to rest and make contact with many of you that read this.
6.6.08
Last Day
This is the last night. Graduation happened today and the seniors are off on their cruise. Tonight will be an all-nighter of watching movies and saying good-bye to each other.
Tomorrow night I will be able to sleep. Yippee!
Tomorrow night I will be able to sleep. Yippee!
5.5.08
What a beautiful world
So it was a pretty incredible day today. Blue skies and 75. Everything is in bloom. Green is everywhere and the sun just illuminates the beauty. I had the chance to sit by a creek and just listen to the water flow over the rocks.
This past weekend BFA had their big soccer/track and field event. It takes place in a local city Lörrach. There is a track and soccer field right next to each other. The event starts at 10 am and goes till about 5.30 pm. There is a whole track meet and four soccer games. This year it was a wonderful day. Beautiful blue skies and warm weather. It was nice to root my guys on and see them succeed.
There was a moment towards the end of the day that the track meet was done and the last soccer game was finishing up. I laid down on the grass and my view consisted of the soccer game, a grove of blooming green trees and a castle in the background. It was amazing. God is such an amazing God to give such a wonderful gift of relaxation.
This past weekend BFA had their big soccer/track and field event. It takes place in a local city Lörrach. There is a track and soccer field right next to each other. The event starts at 10 am and goes till about 5.30 pm. There is a whole track meet and four soccer games. This year it was a wonderful day. Beautiful blue skies and warm weather. It was nice to root my guys on and see them succeed.
There was a moment towards the end of the day that the track meet was done and the last soccer game was finishing up. I laid down on the grass and my view consisted of the soccer game, a grove of blooming green trees and a castle in the background. It was amazing. God is such an amazing God to give such a wonderful gift of relaxation.
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