Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
God is indeed faithful and good, and we also believe this is true in regards to the recent developments for our family. So while our hearts are heavy, we share this news with hope and gratitude to our loving and awesome God:
After several years of fundraising, we simply have not reached sufficient funds to depart for the field. As we have prayed with the leadership of Josiah Venture and First Baptist Church, we have decided to pause our fundraising efforts indefinitely and pursue a different direction.
We believe that God desires to grow us and use us during this next phase of our lives and look towards it expectantly. We pray, and covet your prayers also, for guidance during this transition period. God is faithfully making us aware of what our family needs during this next phase and we trust that He will provide accordingly.
You may follow our journey on Facebook or via our quarterly letter, which we plan to send out again in January. (If you are not yet receiving these and would like to, please send your email address to ellenhopkins1229@gmail.com)
In other news, we are rejoicing that Jim and Lina Miller have departed for Germany on October 19th and will be representing Josiah Venture in Germany. We rest in knowing that our work over the last few years was not in vain and that Josiah Venture will still be equipping young German leaders to fulfill the Great Commission through the local church.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Friday, October 3, 2014
Education in Leipzig
At times, a missionary family may have to make sacrifices but we have an opportunity to share a blessing with you: the promised quality of public school education in Leipzig. -- I know positive news about public school education is kind of a rarity, so all the more reason to rejoice!
Saxony's education system placed 1st in a 2014 study of all German states. Among their top qualities are the individualized advancement of students, their popular university, and their educational opportunities for at-risk youth. Those include after school programs and school forms with extended days. You can begin praying that we would be able to work within those schools, become a part of their after-school activities, as well as invest in many of the university students.
Of course, we are also thankful to hear that our daughters will be able to attend good schools and receive quality education. Pray for us as we plan to continue to supplement their education at home to teach them about God and a biblical worldview.
Of course, we are also thankful to hear that our daughters will be able to attend good schools and receive quality education. Pray for us as we plan to continue to supplement their education at home to teach them about God and a biblical worldview.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Andere Laender, andere Sitten
I've been back home for a month but Eliana still declares every once in a while: "Mama is on an airplane," which is probably where she thinks I was for the entire week in early August. I will ask her with a questioning voice: "Is Mama on an airplane?" And she will reply with a smile: "Nooooo, Mama in back home." And then comes: "Is Eliana on an airplace? Nooo. Is Johanna on an airplace? Nooo." Well, what a surprise when we played at the mall playground at our last family afternoon... "Is Eliana on an airplane? Yes!!!"
We had a chance to talk with the whole team on "google hangout" recently and had a great time of reflection. The trip was so helpful for everyone and for the Franks and Lauren, it solidified their calling to Germany with Josiah Venture. The Franks are working hard on support raising and Lauren has also started this process while finishing her last semester of College.
One of the fun memories we talked about was being served very interesting pizza at one of the church elders' homes. Being told we were going to have take-out pizza, we thought we knew what we were going to be served. Who knew we were going to be introduced to a line of toppings we had never even dreamed of (even when pregnant): Mediterranean - some kind of beef with a dark sauce; Hot Dog - pickle, mustard and whatever else goes on a good old American hot dog; Hawaiian - chicken, curry sauce, pineapple; Dutch - bacon and hollandaise sauce; and Tuna. We probably all looked stunned for a second but a missionary doesn't turn down food, so we ate and guess what... that was some good pizza! The hot dog toppings got top reviews from the whole group!
Another fun moment on our trip happened on Saturday afternoon when we strolled through downtown Leipzig to get a glimpse of the culture. A bride-to-be and her bridal party/female friends were asking pedestrians to buy some of the random items she was carrying around in a large box. She explained to us that by tradition, she would "not be allowed to" marry her groom until all items were sold. I bought the eye mask that Eliana is wearing below. It actually came in handy during my 20 hour journey home - all during daylight hours. And again, as I brought them from my "trip on the plane", Eliana is insistent that this is head gear specifically used on airplanes or in airports.
It's good to be home. Eliana has started preschool for the fall. Joel has been spending 3 1/2 days a week at the church office to volunteer, fundraise, and team build. We have some new prospective team members and God has allowed for some unexpected potential supporters. We are encouraged and believe more than ever that God has called us to minister to young people in Germany with Josiah Venture!
We had a chance to talk with the whole team on "google hangout" recently and had a great time of reflection. The trip was so helpful for everyone and for the Franks and Lauren, it solidified their calling to Germany with Josiah Venture. The Franks are working hard on support raising and Lauren has also started this process while finishing her last semester of College.
One of the fun memories we talked about was being served very interesting pizza at one of the church elders' homes. Being told we were going to have take-out pizza, we thought we knew what we were going to be served. Who knew we were going to be introduced to a line of toppings we had never even dreamed of (even when pregnant): Mediterranean - some kind of beef with a dark sauce; Hot Dog - pickle, mustard and whatever else goes on a good old American hot dog; Hawaiian - chicken, curry sauce, pineapple; Dutch - bacon and hollandaise sauce; and Tuna. We probably all looked stunned for a second but a missionary doesn't turn down food, so we ate and guess what... that was some good pizza! The hot dog toppings got top reviews from the whole group!
Another fun moment on our trip happened on Saturday afternoon when we strolled through downtown Leipzig to get a glimpse of the culture. A bride-to-be and her bridal party/female friends were asking pedestrians to buy some of the random items she was carrying around in a large box. She explained to us that by tradition, she would "not be allowed to" marry her groom until all items were sold. I bought the eye mask that Eliana is wearing below. It actually came in handy during my 20 hour journey home - all during daylight hours. And again, as I brought them from my "trip on the plane", Eliana is insistent that this is head gear specifically used on airplanes or in airports.
It's good to be home. Eliana has started preschool for the fall. Joel has been spending 3 1/2 days a week at the church office to volunteer, fundraise, and team build. We have some new prospective team members and God has allowed for some unexpected potential supporters. We are encouraged and believe more than ever that God has called us to minister to young people in Germany with Josiah Venture!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Almost Home
I am here to report that in three days of meeting with church leaders and touring Leipzig, we did not get lost… oh no, no, wait for me to finish that sentence… we did not get lost all of ONE TIME. Even that may not count as it was our second attempt to find this church. Let’s just say that to a group who is used to cities that look mostly like a grid, Leipzig is pretty confusing. As international data packages are pretty expensive, we only used the phone’s GPS one time and otherwise relied on my printed directions. When those failed, we simply pulled down the window and asked for directions - yes, it was like the stone ages of the 90s… Alex, one of the Franks’ sons, finally downloaded an offline map app yesterday, so they should be better off the next few days. They got me to the airports like pros.
While the rest of the team is staying a few more days (each found different flights that worked best for them or had preferable rates), I started the long journey of 3 flights early this morning on my way home to see my family. I am posting this from the Washington, D. C. airport and I am ready to get back and hug Joel and my sweet little girls!
Thank you again for praying throughout this trip. We had a fantastic time, bonding as a team, catching the vision of churches, and assuring them of our continued desire to join them and their work when the Lord sends us. It was also a refreshing change of pace for me as a stay home Mom. Keep praying for all of us, as we reenter our routines and seek God’s next step towards our desire to join His work in Leipzig, Germany.
While the rest of the team is staying a few more days (each found different flights that worked best for them or had preferable rates), I started the long journey of 3 flights early this morning on my way home to see my family. I am posting this from the Washington, D. C. airport and I am ready to get back and hug Joel and my sweet little girls!
Thank you again for praying throughout this trip. We had a fantastic time, bonding as a team, catching the vision of churches, and assuring them of our continued desire to join them and their work when the Lord sends us. It was also a refreshing change of pace for me as a stay home Mom. Keep praying for all of us, as we reenter our routines and seek God’s next step towards our desire to join His work in Leipzig, Germany.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Impressions
I have heard from several of you that you have been praying for us and we are very thankful. Most of us have been sleeping fairly well and yet, of course, we fall into our beds exhausted at the end of the night because our brains are on overload.
Yesterday, we met with the youth director, Richard, of a nearby church and talked with him about his ministry. Their church is currently changing a few things including their name, website, and the appearance of their church yard to appeal to more people including College students. This church's youth group has about 15 members in the ages of 14 to 24. Richard says their biggest struggle probably is to reach out to unbelieving youth.
We also enjoyed the fabulous hospitality of two youth leaders of the FEG - which the Millers hope to join this fall. They are indeed looking forward to Jim and Lina coming and playing a mentorship role in their lives as they seek to minister to the youth in the church. These two youth leaders live in a very diverse section of town. We went for a walk in a nearby park which was packed with people of various cultures and lots of children.
Today, we visited a church in Gruenau, which is the low income part of the city. "The harvest is ripe but the workers are few" is truly the case at this church. The congregation is about 25 people with few in leadership and nobody fit to offer an ongoing program for the youth (or for children) who have flocked to their many outreach events in the park and neighborhood.
The second church we visited today is located in a neighboring town called Schkeuditz. This church is very active with missions trips, a resale shop, English lesson outreaches by an American missionary, and a new youth group with about 15 kids from the church. It's a family church located just a block from the public high school.
We spend the rest of the day walking through Leipzig's downtown and soaking in more of the culture of this musical city. We were fortunate to catch a choir singing at the Thomaskirche as well as some street performers. We are using this evening to debrief and would appreciate prayers as we process al that we have seen and heard.
Tomorrow, we are going to the church service here where we are staying. We are also going to get a chance to talk to the leadership of Richard's church. We may or may not be able to be a part of a youth event in the afternoon as well. Keep praying for us to remain open to the Lord's leading in our life.
Yesterday, we met with the youth director, Richard, of a nearby church and talked with him about his ministry. Their church is currently changing a few things including their name, website, and the appearance of their church yard to appeal to more people including College students. This church's youth group has about 15 members in the ages of 14 to 24. Richard says their biggest struggle probably is to reach out to unbelieving youth.
We also enjoyed the fabulous hospitality of two youth leaders of the FEG - which the Millers hope to join this fall. They are indeed looking forward to Jim and Lina coming and playing a mentorship role in their lives as they seek to minister to the youth in the church. These two youth leaders live in a very diverse section of town. We went for a walk in a nearby park which was packed with people of various cultures and lots of children.
Today, we visited a church in Gruenau, which is the low income part of the city. "The harvest is ripe but the workers are few" is truly the case at this church. The congregation is about 25 people with few in leadership and nobody fit to offer an ongoing program for the youth (or for children) who have flocked to their many outreach events in the park and neighborhood.
The second church we visited today is located in a neighboring town called Schkeuditz. This church is very active with missions trips, a resale shop, English lesson outreaches by an American missionary, and a new youth group with about 15 kids from the church. It's a family church located just a block from the public high school.
We spend the rest of the day walking through Leipzig's downtown and soaking in more of the culture of this musical city. We were fortunate to catch a choir singing at the Thomaskirche as well as some street performers. We are using this evening to debrief and would appreciate prayers as we process al that we have seen and heard.
Tomorrow, we are going to the church service here where we are staying. We are also going to get a chance to talk to the leadership of Richard's church. We may or may not be able to be a part of a youth event in the afternoon as well. Keep praying for us to remain open to the Lord's leading in our life.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Next Stop: Leipzig
My two days with my family are now in the past. As always, it’s a blessing to use these opportunities to see them. On Tuesday, I got a chance to see two of my friends whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. On Wednesday evening, my extended family came to visit. I hope to get some more up on Facebook when I get a chance.
I am writing this post on the train and while breaching almost the entire widths of this country in about five hours, I had two ladies sit next to me for a stretch of time. As I quickly got a chance to share why I am on the train and what our hopes are for ministering to young people in Leipzig, I have been very encouraged by the positive responses of both ladies. They expressed a need for young people to regain an interest in matters of faith and seemed to agree that initial ideas like camps and music would be avenues to reach young people.
Today, I am meeting the others in Leipzig and our meeting begin tomorrow through Sunday. We look forward to lots of relational time with church leaders and even the opportunity to attend a youth event on Sunday afternoon.
You can pray for us:
Pray for sleep: The Franks are only arriving on this side of the pond today and may well still deal with jet leg. I have personally had a hard time sleeping (not unusual for me) and am pretty tired. Pray for us all to have restful sleep and for God to cover the rest by giving us additional energy and brain power.
Pray for direction: Ask God to speak to our team members as we visit the different churches and seek to find a good fit for them to minister in a church in Leipzig. Again, it is not mandatory for them to make a decision for a specific German church home after this trip but it may help with fundraising and give them a head-start on relationship building with the church leadership.
Pray for Joel and the kids: Keep praying for Joel who is home with our girls without me this week. Johanna was a little sick but seems to be feeling better already. We have not yet managed to Skype but would like that opportunity if possible.
Pray for focus: May God direct the purpose of the trip regardless of our desires or what we have in mind. Pray for me also as I shift from family time to now taking a lead during these meetings, translating, and getting us where we need to be.
Thank you for your loving prayer support.
I am writing this post on the train and while breaching almost the entire widths of this country in about five hours, I had two ladies sit next to me for a stretch of time. As I quickly got a chance to share why I am on the train and what our hopes are for ministering to young people in Leipzig, I have been very encouraged by the positive responses of both ladies. They expressed a need for young people to regain an interest in matters of faith and seemed to agree that initial ideas like camps and music would be avenues to reach young people.
Today, I am meeting the others in Leipzig and our meeting begin tomorrow through Sunday. We look forward to lots of relational time with church leaders and even the opportunity to attend a youth event on Sunday afternoon.
You can pray for us:
Pray for sleep: The Franks are only arriving on this side of the pond today and may well still deal with jet leg. I have personally had a hard time sleeping (not unusual for me) and am pretty tired. Pray for us all to have restful sleep and for God to cover the rest by giving us additional energy and brain power.
Pray for direction: Ask God to speak to our team members as we visit the different churches and seek to find a good fit for them to minister in a church in Leipzig. Again, it is not mandatory for them to make a decision for a specific German church home after this trip but it may help with fundraising and give them a head-start on relationship building with the church leadership.
Pray for Joel and the kids: Keep praying for Joel who is home with our girls without me this week. Johanna was a little sick but seems to be feeling better already. We have not yet managed to Skype but would like that opportunity if possible.
Pray for focus: May God direct the purpose of the trip regardless of our desires or what we have in mind. Pray for me also as I shift from family time to now taking a lead during these meetings, translating, and getting us where we need to be.
Thank you for your loving prayer support.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Coming up soon..
At this time next week, I (Ellen) will be sitting on an airplane on my way to Germany. I get to stop in my home town for two days before moving on to Leipzig, where I am meeting up with our new teammates - the Frank family and Lauren - as well as a perspective teammate, Kelly.
We are visiting the churches/ church leaders with whom we met last year around this time but now with a new group of the JV Germany team. We hope this trip will once again give us insight into how we can best serve the churches in Leipzig and become a part of what they are doing for Christ. This visit should also be a huge asset for Lauren and the Franks' fundraising efforts. We pray that God will lay a specific church or community on their heart, which may become their German home church in the future. We also hope that God will speak to Kelly through this trip regarding His plans for her future.
We would appreciate your prayers for God's purposes for this time to come through as we hope they align with ours but yet know His plans are higher than our plans.
In addition, I would appreciate your prayers for me as I make this journey without my family and will miss them! And Joel would surely love for you to pray for him as he stays home with the girls!
I hope to give you updates throughout the trip. Thank you for praying.
We are visiting the churches/ church leaders with whom we met last year around this time but now with a new group of the JV Germany team. We hope this trip will once again give us insight into how we can best serve the churches in Leipzig and become a part of what they are doing for Christ. This visit should also be a huge asset for Lauren and the Franks' fundraising efforts. We pray that God will lay a specific church or community on their heart, which may become their German home church in the future. We also hope that God will speak to Kelly through this trip regarding His plans for her future.
We would appreciate your prayers for God's purposes for this time to come through as we hope they align with ours but yet know His plans are higher than our plans.
In addition, I would appreciate your prayers for me as I make this journey without my family and will miss them! And Joel would surely love for you to pray for him as he stays home with the girls!
I hope to give you updates throughout the trip. Thank you for praying.
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