Thrash Family

In 1982 I, Phil, went on a college study trip to Germany. While I was in Berlin, I felt like the Lord spoke clearly to my heart that He would use me to bring healing to this part of Europe. I sensed Him saying that I would “eat, sleep and drink” this calling. As I learned more about the German culture I fell in love with the people and their language. I have never forgotten his call on my life.

In the summers of 1983 and 1986 I went on two short-term college mission trips to Munich and Berlin. We performed pantomime and shared the Gospel on the street and at universities. Diane, my wife, and I also went on two outreaches in 1988 taking us to Amsterdam, Holland and Germany. She also fell in love with the people of Germany, and we got married the next year.
All during this time, I continued to prepare for my calling by going to a two year Bible college and seminary at Oral Roberts University and Regent University where I took divinity courses and graduated with an M.A. in missions. In 2000 the doors started opening up for us to go back to Germany and fulfill our calling, and in the summer of 2002 a multi-agency team called us to be a part of their church planting team as the team intercessor.

As team intercessor, I will network Germans and Americans in former East Berlin to pray for the people of the Prenzlauer Berg district. We will help plant a church by interceding for the lost people in our neighborhood, most of whom are atheists, evangelize our neighbors as the Lord opens the doors, and intercede for the activities at the team’s Familien-Zentrum (family center). This center provides after-school programs, Christian scouting, and discipleship classes for children. It also provides English and dance classes. I will also help lead the cell church in the neighborhood.

Since the people will not come to a church building, the family center is a bridge to bring the light of the Gospel into the community through service, evangelism, and discipleship. We are excited to be a part of what God is doing in Berlin, Germany! May God richly bless you!