Saturday, October 31, 2009
20 years
Being in ministry, I think it's really easy to get caught up so much in tasks, that we miss out on what's going on around us. Lately, I've felt like there's just so much to do and I want to spend all my time getting things done. I know that's not healthy, however, I do want to spend more time relaxing and enjoying this amazing city and its surroundings. A week ago we went to the Eastside Gallery in Berlin which is a long stretch of the wall that was left standing. In the 90's they had a bunch of artists from all over the world come and paint on their own little section of the wall. Over time the paint has chipped and it was covered in graffiti. So last spring, they had the artists come back and repaint their section. So now it's a really cool display of different expressions about what the wall represents. It's especially cool that this year is the 20th anniversary of the wall coming down and the city is having all sorts of events to celebrate and remember. I'm really glad I get to experience this special anniversary. Above is a picture of me beside one painted section of the wall.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
campus!
As I realize that we're already in the middle of the second week of classes, I'm amazed at how quickly time is going by. We've spent much of our time campus meeting new students and passing out flyers that have our website and the date of our first city-wide student meeting called "Fire-Abend", which we had last year as well. Normally, it will have worship and a speaker and some hang-out time afterwards. This first meeting however, will be more of an information night, introducing students to Campus fΓΌr Christus, what we believe, our vision, who we are and what we do. Unbelievably, it is tomorrow already! Please pray many students will come!
I've discovered many things through passing our flyers. First of all, it's not just a task; it's an art. You need to be really dynamic, constantly walking in small circles and confidently offering people your flyer. Making eye contact and giving them a smile is also key. Every time I walk by somebody else passing out flyers and they're holding their place, meekly stretching out only a part of the arm to offer the flyer as they stare at the ground, I'm really put off. If they aren't excited by what they're "selling" or have any desire to be friendly to me, why should I care and take their flyer? Thankfully, what we're "selling" (rather, offering) should be so exciting, that it shouldn't take too much to conjure up in me. However, not every moment is perfect like when you're standing in the cold and rain or when a student tells you that there are no Christians here and that you're wasting your time. Someone even came right up to Amanda and told her God was dead. She was just handing out flyers! But these are the moments that remind us of why we're here.
Also, it's really cool to be at the same university for a second year in row. I often randomly run into students I know on campus and it's so nice to see smiling faces who are actually happy to see me! It's kind of like being a new sophomore who just realizes how awesome it is to not be a freshman.
And the more I learn German, the more I realize how ridiculous English is. Sure, there are a lot of tricky things about German and it certainly has its own quirks, but English is so bizarre and it baffles me how it has made it's way to be such an international language. I'm still struggling with German, but I believe I'm improving. I even did a survey all in German on Mon. It was a bit sad, but I did it!
Overall, I'm wonderfully encouraged by what's been happening here the past week and a half. It's certainly hard, sometimes frustrating and often awkward, but wow, it is SO worth it.
I've discovered many things through passing our flyers. First of all, it's not just a task; it's an art. You need to be really dynamic, constantly walking in small circles and confidently offering people your flyer. Making eye contact and giving them a smile is also key. Every time I walk by somebody else passing out flyers and they're holding their place, meekly stretching out only a part of the arm to offer the flyer as they stare at the ground, I'm really put off. If they aren't excited by what they're "selling" or have any desire to be friendly to me, why should I care and take their flyer? Thankfully, what we're "selling" (rather, offering) should be so exciting, that it shouldn't take too much to conjure up in me. However, not every moment is perfect like when you're standing in the cold and rain or when a student tells you that there are no Christians here and that you're wasting your time. Someone even came right up to Amanda and told her God was dead. She was just handing out flyers! But these are the moments that remind us of why we're here.
Also, it's really cool to be at the same university for a second year in row. I often randomly run into students I know on campus and it's so nice to see smiling faces who are actually happy to see me! It's kind of like being a new sophomore who just realizes how awesome it is to not be a freshman.
And the more I learn German, the more I realize how ridiculous English is. Sure, there are a lot of tricky things about German and it certainly has its own quirks, but English is so bizarre and it baffles me how it has made it's way to be such an international language. I'm still struggling with German, but I believe I'm improving. I even did a survey all in German on Mon. It was a bit sad, but I did it!
Overall, I'm wonderfully encouraged by what's been happening here the past week and a half. It's certainly hard, sometimes frustrating and often awkward, but wow, it is SO worth it.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Semester Anfang
After four weeks of planning, praying and language tutoring, classes are finally starting this week. It's both exciting and scary to get back out there on campus. I'll be working at the TU again this year, which is great because I'll really be able to continue the relationships I already have with students. I'll be there with Amanda and Stu and we'll really be focusing on meeting many students, sharing the gospel, discipleship/Bible studies and sending students to conferences and summer projects. Please pray for strength, energy and boldness as we really get into ministry mode this week and that God will guide us to the right people to talk to. Thanks!
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