Wednesday

It’s been another great day! We had breakfast this morning and then departed for our hotel in Erfurt. On the way, we made an impromptu stop in Einsbach. Our bus driver, Stephen, has been driving for Dr. Black’s groups for a number of years. They have built a relationship with him over that time and now he is very open to the Gospel. His wedding anniversary was today and we were driving near his hometown. DB suggested that we stop and surprise his wife. We showed up at the small gift shop where she works and sang to them as he presented her with flowers. After that, we went to the hotel where we had to get changed and head to the concert in Schmalkalden. The drive was once again spectacular. The snow was heavy and very beautiful, especially once we exited the autobahn onto a smaller country road. We are in the former east now and there is a lot of history here. On the 2 hour drive to the church, we passed the castle where Martin Luther was hidden while he continued to translate the Scriptures. We passed the border stop on the autobahn where there is still an old guard tower standing. The visit to the church in Schmalkalden was great. A very good crowd showed up and they were very responsive. I was asked to give a testimony during the concert tonight about our work in Germany. I shared Habakkuk 1:5 (“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”) I talked about the time in 1988 when we stood on the west side of the border and looked over into the east. That very spot was only a few miles from the church we sang in tonight. I told them that we could not have imagined that we would be singing about Jesus tonight in a Baptist church in what WAS East Germany. And yet, there we were. The crowd smiled big smiles as Connie Taylor, a former IMB missionary to Germany, translated for me. I asked them what God might want to do in the future in their church, in Germany, or in our lives as we partner with them to spread the Gospel! After the service, I met a family who has lived in the east all of their lives. They are very grateful that the wall stands no longer and that they may live and worship in freedom. They seemed to love the music and it was a great encouragement to us as well. It’s late and the internet service in the former east is a little shaky…so I am off to bed. Thanks for keeping up with us and please keep the prayers coming! The first picture is a view from my hotel window and the second was taken as we arrived in the village where we sang tonight!
Three important things back home…
1. Happy Thanksgiving to all
2. Christy…PLEASE save me some dressing!
3. Caroline…I love you.
4. Christopher…please tell me coach has the Tide ready to go!
chip