Missio Colonia | Kevin and Kathi in Cologne, Germany

Kathi and I have an urgent prayer request for everyone. The past couple of days Kathi has been having problems with a crown that she had put in six months ago. Some of you might remember the long ordeal Kathi to undergo last year with her dental work. It drove her to the breaking point several times. Now, she's really scared that there's more problems with her teeth and that she'll have to live through that all over again.

Not only is the stress of dental work a problem, but we have no idea how we would cover the cost if she had to have more major work done. Kathi is going to go into the dentist soon to have it checked out. Please be praying that it's nothing major, and that this would not be another burden on Kathi's mind and heart. But, pray most of all that we would have deep faith in trust in Jesus to carry us through this and that our hearts wouldn't be burdened with anxiety.

"St. Paul expected his hearers to be moved. He so believed in his preaching that he knew that it was 'the power of God unto salvation.' This expectation is a very real part of the presentation of the gospel. It is a form of faith. A mere preaching which is not accompanied by the expectation of faith, is not a true preaching of the Gospel, because faith is part of the gospel. Simply to scatter the seed, with a sort of vague hope that some of it may come up somewhere, is not preaching the gospel...St. Paul expected to make converts, but others expected it also. This accounts for the opposition which his preaching created. People were afraid of his preaching, and fear is a form of expectation: it is a form of faith...St. Paul did not scatter seed, he planted. He so dealt with his hearers that he brought them speedily and directly to a point of decision, and then he demanded...they make a choice and act on their choice."
- Roland Allen, Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours? (1912): 99-100.

We found out today from our supervisor that Greater Europe Mission is increasing the support level needed in order to attend pre-field training from 70% to 80%. This was such a discouragement for us today. We had been hopeful that we'd be at 70% in time for the training in February. Now, we have an even tougher road to climb in order to be able to go. In the grand scheme, I know it doesn't make that much difference. We have to raise 80%, 90%, and 100% anyway. What difference does it make when we'd be allow to go to training. But, it's still discouraging because that training has been our most immediate goal. Anyway, please include that in your prayers for us. Pray if it's in His will that God would move powerfully to raise the remaining 36% to get to training by February.

Today Kathi and I spoke at the Church of Christ in Carrollton. Along with us there was a young woman who spoke about her experience doing a short-term trip with Campus Crusade to Italy. She related some pretty amazing stories about how God moved powerfully in her two weeks there to bring several people to Christ! I mean, it's almost unheard of to see that kind of fruit in such a short amount of time in Europe. The more we hear, the more Kathi and I are convinced that God must be doing something to revive that continent.

Our time at the church was wonderful too. Everyone showed such excitement and support for what we are doing. We've been in contact with the pastor for some time, and there's a good possibility that this church will decide to partner with us! Please continue to pray that God would deepen our relationship with the Church of Christ in Carrollton.

A former professor of mine recently passed on a booklet by Henri Nouwen on fund raising. While most of it are thoughts that I've pondered over before, they were a great reminder to us. And, Nouwen just has a way of communicating spiritual truth well. Here's some good quotes:

"Fund-raising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission...Fund-raising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission. Fund-raising is precisely the opposite of begging."

"Asking for money is a way to call people into this communion with us. It is saying, 'We want you to get to know us.' When fund-raising as ministry calls people together in communion with God and with one another, it must hold out the real possibility of friendship and community."

Yesterday, our church rallied in such a wonderful way for us. They organized a church-wide yard sale to raise money for our out-going expenses. It was so amazing. They were able to raise a good chuck of money on our behalf. But, even more than the money, God used it to share Christ with many of the people who came. It was such a blessing for us that we really have no idea how to express our thanksgiving.

She probably will hate that I'm bringing any attention to her, but the force behind all of this was a wonderful woman and friend name Beth Andrews. She worked for the past month and beyond to put all of this together. Thank you, Beth!

This guy is Kyle Kettering. We met him about a year ago at our candidate orientation. We went to a going-away party for him this weekend in Dayton. He recently finished up his support raising, and he's setting off to Finland to work with the church planting movement near Helsinki. It was really great seeing him and hearing about how God provided for all of his support. It encouraged to see God working powerfully to send out His workers. If you have a moment, please pray for Kyle that God would provide for the rest of his needs and strengthen him in this transition.

Kyle was the first person from our orientation class to finish his support. We found out that we are second furtherest along. I don't say that to be prideful, but rather it kind of put this into perspective for us. It's easy to get discouraged and whine, but God truly has been providing for us.

If you have a moment, check out this Wall Street Journal article. It talks about the resurgent spirituality in Europe. Unfortunately, the author attributes the recent church growth on the continent to economic factors instead of the Spirit of God. Regardless, it's really interesting to read about the turn that is occurring in European spirituality. I think it's humorous that they need to explain away this movement using supply and demand theory.