July - September 2008

July

Whispering Cedars Baptist Camp
Genoa, NE

Sarah’s previous ministry experience at Whispering Cedars gave us both something special to look forward to as we approached the campgrounds. It was a continual blessing to be able to minister God’s Word to the campers at Whispering Cedars and to work closely with the camp staff. The campers were attentive and eager to answer the Missionary Story questions when the time came. We also had the opportunity to help out with the camp health care provider which allowed us to really get to know the kids outside of our roll as speakers. Sarah took advantage of an opportunity to share the plan of salvation with one young girl who was sick with the flu part of the week. Jim was also able to spend time talking with a boy who was struggling with the loss of his younger brother several years earlier. He prayed with him and for him and pointed the boy to God’s forgiveness and grace. God’s plan is perfect!

Raccoon River Bible Camp
Carroll, IA

This week proved to be a perfect ending to our camp ministries for the summer! Raccoon River Bible Camp is located on a piece of beautiful Iowa acreage that felt just like home. The atmosphere was welcoming and prayerful. Right away, we could sense that God would have free reign to work in lives this week. Even our own. The campers were challenged to memorize parts of the book of Matthew, starting with the Beatitudes. Sarah and Jim agreed to join the girls and boys teams and memorize verses as well. Sarah thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and memorized nearly two chapters! She was reminded how powerful and precious God’s Word truly is. Jim spent time talking with and learning from Evangelist Duane Brown, who was our evening speaker. Evangelist Brown was an amazing example of God’s faithfulness. His puppet ministry has reached the hearts of children all over the world, including several of the children at camp. As a result of messages from God’s Word, stories of God’s faithfulness and God Himself, working in the hearts of the campers, several of them made professions of faith that week, as well as assurance and decisions to live their lives for God.

August

After three weeks of camp, it was refreshing to spend time ministering in a local church again. Our burden for Germany and its people ever increases through opportunities to share the needs and spiritual conditions found there. Time with the body of believers at Norwoodville Baptist Church in Des Moines proved to do just that. Nearly every church we visit, we find that many of the people have some kind of personal connection to Germany, whether it is through their German heritage or time spent serving our country in Germany. It is always an encouragement for us to know that others have a burden for Germany as well.

Also, in August, Tim Brudtkuhl, Missionary with BMM to Berlin, traveled to the states with his son, Aaron, who began attending school at Faith Baptist Bible College. We were thrilled to be able to spend time with them both. This is also the time we sensed God’s leading for us to make the decision to join the Brudtkuhl’s and their ministry in Berlin. This was an incredible blessing – knowing what to look forward to brought a new excitement and energy to our purpose and gave us a clearer outlook on our ministry! We became more eager than ever to go! With Aaron here, Sarah has someone to ask all sorts of questions of concerning Berlin! We were glad to help introduce him to all the newness he is experiencing in America and help him adjust to college life with as much “sisterly” advice as possible from Sarah.

September

September was a time for us to start working on projects on our house that need to be completed before we go to Germany. Although we don’t anticipate leaving before Spring of 2010, it’s never too early to start on those kinds of projects!

We also spent time preparing for a string of upcoming meetings (answers to prayer!) for the month of October. Sarah started working part-time back in the Missions Department at Faith Baptist Bible College and Jim continues his full-time position in the maintenance department. God is providing! We were also reminded of that provision as we heard news of a willing, missions-minded lady who would like to contribute to the paying-off of our school debt in order to see us to the field soon! Praise God; He is so good!

We praise and thank Him for your involvement in our lives and ministry. Thank you for praying, giving and loving!

Jim & Sarah