Berlin, May 6, 2008
Dear friends and family,

Warm greetings from Berlin—where Spring is bursting forth in birdsong and flower power!  Even at Easter we had snow here—which I didn’t mind!—but now there’s a beautiful lush green everywhere, and life seems to be moving into another gear!

That was particularly evident last week when Team Berlin, along with other Christian ministries, made national news in Der Spiegel (28.04.08, Nr. 18— similar to Time magazine)! The article, entitled “Aufschwung Jesu”/ The Jesus Comeback, did not seek to portray the work of evangelicals here positively—the picture of some co-workers was definitely spooky, and the picture of George Bush with a cross behind him was not intended to present a rational side of faith. The tone of the article was one of alarm that German evangelicals are influenced by and following American models which they believe affects politics here.  Nevertheless, the writer argues that “religion is again a relevant topic in Germany” and clearly puts us on the map, partnering with nationals.

My work at the Martin Bucer Seminary continues to develop.  I didn’t think that life could get any busier in Germany than it had been in Africa, but I was wrong!  I’ve started teaching at MBS Berlin and Hamburg, and also have dates booked in the Czech Republic and Switzerland.  With five MBS locations in Germany, and as many again in other European countries, more opportunities to teach biblical counseling could open up. With these teaching opportunities also come marvelous student mentoring responsibilities.  It is an awesome task—exciting and wonderful!  Working with students here, more of the challenges of this very secular, postmodern culture are apparent.  Skepticism runs deep, so trusting God and recognizing His hand at work in daily life does not come easily.  It’s a joy and privilege to think through counseling issues with students, as well as counselees—and there is nothing greater than to be around when the presence and truth of Christ has brought someone deeper peace, joy, hope, power, wisdom… 

D.Min. studies continue to go well, so I’ll be in Philadelphia for classes the beginning of June.  The studies are such a rich opportunity to delve more deeply into aspects of global cultural trends in urban ministry—I am thankful for this provision to enable me to equip others more adequately for the enormous task before us!  I look forward to seeing many of you the three weeks I’ll be there, as well as others in Toronto the end of June.

The church plant I’m involved in here in eastern Berlin (Pankow) is also moving forward; a contract has been signed for new space to worship in, right across the road from my apartment.  It is now being renovated, and we hope to be holding services there this summer!  Other related ministries will then also be able to take off—kids’ clubs, ESL, film nights, counseling, etc...  For the Team who has been breaking ground here for the last several years, this is particularly exciting—God’s Kingdom is expanding in Berlin!

I’m happy to be able to report that my health continues to improve.  It hasn’t always been a linear forward movement—as soon as I’ve felt stronger, I’ve tended to overdo things, and as a result, have been laid low a couple of times before I could catch up again…  Over Easter I had to cancel seminars in the Czech Republic because of a very busy time of teaching and traveling to Bonn, Hamburg and elsewhere just before.  Respecting this current physical weakness is new ground for me, and hard stuff!  Nevertheless, I’m gradually learning—and my health is steadily improving!

Thank you so much for prayers for my family.  My mother’s surgery and recovery from breast cancer has been remarkable!  Within five weeks of her surgery she was back cross-country skiing and swimming!  J  My brother also enjoyed the late snow Spring skiing in the Rockies!  We are all so grateful!  Thank you so much for your prayers.

Please do keep praying for me.  I confess that I have been remiss in requesting prayer, especially when I need it more than ever.  Special thanks to the churches and individuals who have written to ask for prayer requests—and for praying!   There are great opportunities before me, though significant challenges.  (The most recent “little” challenge— creating yet another delay to this prayer letter—has been the death and miraculous revitalization of my laptop!  Long live the computer geeks of this world!)

Please pray for:
--the negative press to expose the truth and positive impact of the Gospel in Germany,
--wisdom for the teaching and counseling opportunities I am called to take,
--wisdom and cultural adaptation in lecture preparation (and translation),
--productive study times—especially for D.Min. studies in May and June,
--love and wisdom in counseling,
--health/healing and strength,
--traveling mercies (PA June 1-24th; TO June 24-July 2nd),
--knowing when to take time to relax (and how to do it),
--comfort and God’s intervention in a number of difficult situations in Nigeria (“My”  pastor in Gboko has passed away (Hepatitis B), two car crashes have taken a dozen others, disease and poverty of a number of former students and the orphans who ran my bookstore…  There seems to be a dramatic increase in Hepatitis B there at the moment.).

Praise for:
-- health granted my family and me,
-- your financial stability in a climate of financial stress,
-- the opportunity to strengthen counseling in the church,
--praise and prayer for the Spirit at work among us.

It is such an awesome privilege to be a part of what God is doing in Germany and beyond.  I can’t thank God enough for calling me to this work and for your precious partnership in this task.  May God also provide for you as He has promised—everything  for life and godliness. 

With much gratitude and love to you all, in His great love, and for His sake, Elizabeth