Dan and Tricia Dubbe: April 2007
Dear Ones in Christ,
"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?" - Acts 8:30-31. An amazing statement from one reading the Scriptures and yet needing someone to help him understand the way of salvation. That is how we see our work here in Germany. The land of the Reformation, plenty of Bibles and Christian literature but the people desperately need someone to run alongside and lead them to Christ. It is wonderful to see our church folk both young and old seeking to lead others to eternal life in Christ!
Open house in May! The church has completed the building renovation of the former train station in Bischofsheim and an "open house" is planned for the 6th of May. Beginning with the morning dedication service and going through the day. Everyone is making a big push to get visitors out to see the finished work and to get a glimpse of what a "independent church "does and has to offer the community. Since the train station was a central point in the town we are using this to help encourage visitors as well as town officials, business and anybody that can be encouraged to turn out. Please pray for this event and that as a result God would give us a number of contacts that would result in souls being saved!
New baptistery: With the church move to a new town we will be using the local swimming pool Sunday before the morning services to baptize in. Beautiful glass walls and a balcony with a restaurant make this an attractive facility. Three ladies are wanting to be baptized at the next opportunity. In January Gisela Jaeger trusted Christ as her Savior and presented herself for baptism recently. When told she had to officially leave the State Church which requires going to the courthouse before she could be baptized and admitted into our church she was more than happy to do that. This is often a stumbling stone for Germans as many are concerned about what others think of them landing in what is looked at as a "cult".
Except some man should guide me: With the church wide discipleship course finished the Bible study on Wednesdays will be devoted to a complete through the Bible survey for the next two years. Six men will be taking turns leading this. In addition several are completing personal study courses and one cottage meeting is taking place on Thursdays. In June the church would like to start some more cottage meetings to reach lost neighbors. This method seems to work well in Germany and we want to get as many hooks in the water as possible. I am currently meeting with a couple and working through an introduction course on Christianity. Please pray for Veronica Dressel that she would soon trust Christ as her Savior. Several are attending regularly but wont budge yet and we are praying that God brings deep conviction over them.
Ministry highlights: The youth program is going well with our son Tim and Johann (a deacon's son) leading them. New young people come out to the Friday meetings and the youth are looking to plan a revival meeting in the fall. The church folks put a lot of work into the renovation and recently secured another building for a youth center. In June is our church camp meeting and street meetings are being planned in various villages in our area.
Family news: Our oldest daughter, Becky, is expecting in June which will be our first grandchild! Our oldest son, Mark, is now stationed with the USAF in Iraq for six months. Please pray for his safety. Two other sons in the States, Chuck and Mathew, are finished with college and on their own. The three kids at home don't plan on going anywhere soon:)
Thank you!: Your prayers, gifts and concern for the ministry here in Germany is greatly appreciated. We are very thankful for the great team God has allowed us to serve with as we seek to guide others to our Savior and Lord!
Yours for souls,
Dan & Tricia Dubbe with Family
