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| Baby Hopkins #2 is due on June 7, 2013. |
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Silence
We apologize that you have gotten little more than silence from us in the last month. Several news items are in progress but we don't want to talk about them until we are a little further in the process.
One thing we are able to share at this point is that our team mates George and Carrie have felt God changing their direction. For the next few years, they will stay in the US and continue to develop their skill sets. They still believe they may join us down the road but for now they are pursuing other things.
For us this means we need to spend more time and focus on building a team. We will share more about this in the months to come as well.
In the meantime, would you pray for us:
- new team mates with a passion for youth ministry in Eastern Germany
- two sizable monthly donations that are currently still pending
- wisdom with our time as we juggle work, family, and fundraising
- some potential upcoming transitions for our family
One thing we are able to share at this point is that our team mates George and Carrie have felt God changing their direction. For the next few years, they will stay in the US and continue to develop their skill sets. They still believe they may join us down the road but for now they are pursuing other things.
For us this means we need to spend more time and focus on building a team. We will share more about this in the months to come as well.
In the meantime, would you pray for us:
- new team mates with a passion for youth ministry in Eastern Germany
- two sizable monthly donations that are currently still pending
- wisdom with our time as we juggle work, family, and fundraising
- some potential upcoming transitions for our family
Monday, October 1, 2012
As we wait...
Even while we are waiting for God's timing on our move to Eastern Germany, God is using us here in ways we couldn't have known.
Joel started an open gym ministry at a neraby church on Friday nights. (This was the new opportunity we had alluded to in our last post.) It reaches primarily 6th through 10th graders from the low-income neighborhoods just North of where we live. The youth from their and our church are also invited and encouraged to build new relationships. This ministry existed in the past but has not been running for a while due to lack of available leadership. 15 kids came last week; 10 of them were picked up from the apartment building by the church bus - most of these kids are unchurched. You can pray for this ministry: for kids to come consistently, for more leaders, and for strong relationships to be built. If you live in the area, consider joining us one Friday a month or more as a leader to help with crowd control (very needed in this group) and to build relationships. Also, pray for Joel to have wisdom with his time. He is being paid for 6 hours for this ministry but it's easy to invest much more time that may need to be spent in fundraising.I (Ellen) have met two Mom in the park over the last few weeks - one lives two buildings down and attends the same story hour at the library; the other is actually an Eastern German woman and lives in the building next to us. Both have kids of Eliana's age. Eliana and I have also been invited up to our upstairs neighbors though they speak little English. Their little girl loves Eliana and the two of them played with toys.
Beyond that, two students in our ministries have recently given over their lives to Christ and others are taking their first steps of faith. Praise God with us for the work He is doing in these teenager's lives!
We appreciate your prayers as we continue to bloom where we are planted while also pushing towards our future in Germany as much as it's in our hands.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
More of the same
Joel and I are of the rare breed of people who actually like change. We find it kind of exciting and invigorating. It makes us stay all the more closer to God to listen for His direction and it ignites in us a new passion for advancing His Kingdom. We love when God brings about some changes with a clear sense of direction.
Yesterday was the deadline for us to decide whether or not we wanted to renew our lease for our current apartment. We had already asked for an extension on this decision as we were unsure if God wanted us to move or make a change in our lives that would allow us to improve our current fundraising process and get to Germany quicker.
About two weeks ago, Joel and I decided to apply for a house parenting position that we had previously ruled out because it asked for a two year minimum commitment. We decided to apply and explain our situation - we would want to be able to leave when our support is raised and very much hope that it will not take us another full two years.
They interviewed us and we felt great about our conversation with them. We continued to pray about how the house parenting duties would fit into our lives and soon started to love the idea of being house parents even though we saw some scheduling issues. The job required us to spend time with the young ladies in the complex in the evenings and we both already work two evenings a week each.
A few days after the interview (so about a week ago), Joel received a call with another possible job offer for a ministry project in the area. While I especially had started to get impatience while waiting for God's direction so close to our lease deadline, this process all of a sudden became fun. We were wondering what God was up to and which of these project He wanted us to be involved in.
Well you read the title so you may have already guessed that were not offered the house parenting position - mostly because of our scheduling issues as mentioned above. The discussion about the area ministry project is still in the works but it looks like God is providing a great avenue of evangelism as well as a little more income for us.
So, yesterday we made the call and renewed our lease for this apartment for another year. The reality that it may take us another year or longer to get to Germany is a little hard to swallow but nothing brings peace like God's clear leading. There was no mistaking His guidance - He shut all other doors. And we know full well that we will be moving overseas in His timing, which can be outside of lease contracts, human logic, and our personal desires. In the meantime, He has provided us with a loving church home, a roof over our heads and much more, and a ministry in His Kingdom.
How has God motivated you to search for His leading lately? And is it something new or more of the same? Feel free to respond below on the blog or send us an email. We would love to hear what God has been doing in your life. And let us know how we can pray for you.
Yesterday was the deadline for us to decide whether or not we wanted to renew our lease for our current apartment. We had already asked for an extension on this decision as we were unsure if God wanted us to move or make a change in our lives that would allow us to improve our current fundraising process and get to Germany quicker.
About two weeks ago, Joel and I decided to apply for a house parenting position that we had previously ruled out because it asked for a two year minimum commitment. We decided to apply and explain our situation - we would want to be able to leave when our support is raised and very much hope that it will not take us another full two years.
They interviewed us and we felt great about our conversation with them. We continued to pray about how the house parenting duties would fit into our lives and soon started to love the idea of being house parents even though we saw some scheduling issues. The job required us to spend time with the young ladies in the complex in the evenings and we both already work two evenings a week each.
A few days after the interview (so about a week ago), Joel received a call with another possible job offer for a ministry project in the area. While I especially had started to get impatience while waiting for God's direction so close to our lease deadline, this process all of a sudden became fun. We were wondering what God was up to and which of these project He wanted us to be involved in.
Well you read the title so you may have already guessed that were not offered the house parenting position - mostly because of our scheduling issues as mentioned above. The discussion about the area ministry project is still in the works but it looks like God is providing a great avenue of evangelism as well as a little more income for us.
So, yesterday we made the call and renewed our lease for this apartment for another year. The reality that it may take us another year or longer to get to Germany is a little hard to swallow but nothing brings peace like God's clear leading. There was no mistaking His guidance - He shut all other doors. And we know full well that we will be moving overseas in His timing, which can be outside of lease contracts, human logic, and our personal desires. In the meantime, He has provided us with a loving church home, a roof over our heads and much more, and a ministry in His Kingdom.
How has God motivated you to search for His leading lately? And is it something new or more of the same? Feel free to respond below on the blog or send us an email. We would love to hear what God has been doing in your life. And let us know how we can pray for you.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Big 3-0
We celebrated the number "30" in two different ways this month and invite you to join us!
First, I (Ellen) turned 30 on August 2nd. Joel and I enjoyed a wonderful day, eating steak for lunch and going to our church's young adult game night together in the evening, thanks to Laura Bauer's gift of babysitting. It was a treat for me as I usually don't get to attend.
We also had a celebration with our friends later in the week. I decided on a superhero-themed murder mystery party for my 30th. Hey, I'm in youth ministry - don't tell me to grow up :-)
Below is a picture:
Secondly, we have finally reached 30% of our monthly support raised. Those last two percent stretched over several months but we are beginning to see some movement again. We wrote down another 100 names and inquired addresses. We sent 80 letters already and are beginning to make follow-up calls in hopes to meet or Skype with each of them. We have had a few chances to do so and gained 5 new supporters this month.
We invite you to celebrate God's faithfulness with us and ask you to pray for growing trust in His provision. And if you are not yet a part of our support team, we invite you to join our ministry through prayer or financial support.
We have over $5000 of monthly support left to raise. That is 50 supporters at $100 a month - or three churches supporting us at $500 a month and 70 families giving $50 a month. Any amount helps and will make an eternal difference.
Thank you for considering becoming part of our support team!
First, I (Ellen) turned 30 on August 2nd. Joel and I enjoyed a wonderful day, eating steak for lunch and going to our church's young adult game night together in the evening, thanks to Laura Bauer's gift of babysitting. It was a treat for me as I usually don't get to attend.
We also had a celebration with our friends later in the week. I decided on a superhero-themed murder mystery party for my 30th. Hey, I'm in youth ministry - don't tell me to grow up :-)
Below is a picture:
Secondly, we have finally reached 30% of our monthly support raised. Those last two percent stretched over several months but we are beginning to see some movement again. We wrote down another 100 names and inquired addresses. We sent 80 letters already and are beginning to make follow-up calls in hopes to meet or Skype with each of them. We have had a few chances to do so and gained 5 new supporters this month.
We invite you to celebrate God's faithfulness with us and ask you to pray for growing trust in His provision. And if you are not yet a part of our support team, we invite you to join our ministry through prayer or financial support.
We have over $5000 of monthly support left to raise. That is 50 supporters at $100 a month - or three churches supporting us at $500 a month and 70 families giving $50 a month. Any amount helps and will make an eternal difference.
Thank you for considering becoming part of our support team!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Baptisms
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Acts 2:38
Six believers took this step of obedience last Sunday by being baptized during our church service. Joel had the honor of baptizing all six, and the rest of us were honored to witness this important event in the lives of Abby, Micah, Faith, Doug, Bethany, and Laura.
Their ages ranged from elementary school to Mom of College kids. And interestingly enough, while some had become believers more recently, others have been walking with Christ for a while. Now, you may say that you are not surprised since I imagine many churches find themselves baptizing believers who have been walking with the Lord for a while. But may there be another hurdle for members of our congregation? Look to see where our baptismal tank is located :-)
We love you so much, church family! You are awesome and you mean so much to us!
Six believers took this step of obedience last Sunday by being baptized during our church service. Joel had the honor of baptizing all six, and the rest of us were honored to witness this important event in the lives of Abby, Micah, Faith, Doug, Bethany, and Laura.
Their ages ranged from elementary school to Mom of College kids. And interestingly enough, while some had become believers more recently, others have been walking with Christ for a while. Now, you may say that you are not surprised since I imagine many churches find themselves baptizing believers who have been walking with the Lord for a while. But may there be another hurdle for members of our congregation? Look to see where our baptismal tank is located :-)
We love you so much, church family! You are awesome and you mean so much to us!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Youth Service
Last Sunday, Joel and our youth group organized our church's first ever youth service. The high school students and our leaders were in charge of everything from announcements to leading worship and communion time. Joel preached. The topic the group chose was "loving God from the inside out." The group did a fantastic job leading our congregation in an enjoyable and worshipful service.
We saw the students we have invested in over the last few years take this opportunity to minister to the church body. We feel privileged to be called by God to equip young people for future service - here and hopefully soon in Eastern Germany.
Thank you for your prayers as we are trusting our Creator and ultimate Provider! We know the timing of our arrival in Eastern Germany is in His hands. He has been so gracious to us over the last few weeks and we can't wait to share details with you at a more appropriate time.
For now, suffice it to say that God is working on us and through us right here, where He has currently planted us!
We saw the students we have invested in over the last few years take this opportunity to minister to the church body. We feel privileged to be called by God to equip young people for future service - here and hopefully soon in Eastern Germany.
Thank you for your prayers as we are trusting our Creator and ultimate Provider! We know the timing of our arrival in Eastern Germany is in His hands. He has been so gracious to us over the last few weeks and we can't wait to share details with you at a more appropriate time.
For now, suffice it to say that God is working on us and through us right here, where He has currently planted us!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Not Our Plans
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
We were reminded of that this week as our church hosted three CEF 5 Day Clubs. The club at our apartment only had two regular attendees, one of whom spoke no English. Our second club had no kids show up except for one girl on one of the days. And our third club, which took place near the Outreach center, had no kids from the center in attendance. That was not what we expected.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
Really, these verses also sum up our last few years. Even before we got married, we felt a calling towards the mission field. Almost two years ago, we signed on to go to Eastern Germany with Josiah Venture - a year later even than we had planned. Today, we are still waiting to approach 30% of our support raised. Let us tell you that our plans were to have moved to Germany a long time ago.
Instead, we are reminding us often - sometimes hourly - that God's plans are indeed higher than our plans. We appreciate your prayers as we seek the Lord's guidance daily.
Our urgency to get to Germany is increasing in light of the strong calling we feel from the Lord, our desire to begin ministering in Leipzig, the church's anticipation of our arrival, and even our current financial situation. We are asking the Lord for opportunities to spend more of our time fundraising and for wisdom as to what to do in the meantime. We are asking Him to lead us to the individuals and churches He has set aside to give to us financially.
Thank you for your prayer support!
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
We were reminded of that this week as our church hosted three CEF 5 Day Clubs. The club at our apartment only had two regular attendees, one of whom spoke no English. Our second club had no kids show up except for one girl on one of the days. And our third club, which took place near the Outreach center, had no kids from the center in attendance. That was not what we expected.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
Really, these verses also sum up our last few years. Even before we got married, we felt a calling towards the mission field. Almost two years ago, we signed on to go to Eastern Germany with Josiah Venture - a year later even than we had planned. Today, we are still waiting to approach 30% of our support raised. Let us tell you that our plans were to have moved to Germany a long time ago.
Instead, we are reminding us often - sometimes hourly - that God's plans are indeed higher than our plans. We appreciate your prayers as we seek the Lord's guidance daily.
Our urgency to get to Germany is increasing in light of the strong calling we feel from the Lord, our desire to begin ministering in Leipzig, the church's anticipation of our arrival, and even our current financial situation. We are asking the Lord for opportunities to spend more of our time fundraising and for wisdom as to what to do in the meantime. We are asking Him to lead us to the individuals and churches He has set aside to give to us financially.
Thank you for your prayer support!
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
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| Haley with the Bible she received from our church on the last day of 5 Day Clubs |
Friday, July 13, 2012
His Mysterious Might
Eliana and I (Ellen) experienced God's leading today.
Our church is hosting three Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) 5-Day Clubs for boys and girls ages 5-12 next week. We are hosting one of them at our apartment complex. While we received permission to host the club right outside of the apartment clubhouse, we are not permitted to post signs on apartment grounds or invite kids by going door to door. This has posted quite a challenge. All week, I have been walking around outside looking for kids to invite. However, I wasn't able to find more than two families with kids anywhere around the buildings or at the pool.
I decided to post some flyers just outside of the apartment premises yesterday. When we went for a walk today, I noticed that several of them had fallen off the trees and began taping them back a little better this time. Just as I finished with the first sign, I heard a thunder storm in the distance. I decided to hang a few more signs before going back when I came up to the height of the pool and heard kids' voices. It occurred to me that all the families would probably be leaving the pool now because of the storm.
I quickly got over to the pool entrance with Eliana and we handed out two flyers on the way and saw three more families leaving the pool as we arrived. AND we made it back in time before the rain and storm hit!
Our God is sovereign over weather and timely situations! Praise Him for His might!
Would you pray that God would allow us to encounter more families tomorrow and Sunday? Please, pray for all three clubs to be well attended and for young hearts to be reached with the gospel next week. We are ending the club week with a family picnic on Friday night. Please, pray that many of the clubbers' families would join us and connect with our church members.
Our church is hosting three Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) 5-Day Clubs for boys and girls ages 5-12 next week. We are hosting one of them at our apartment complex. While we received permission to host the club right outside of the apartment clubhouse, we are not permitted to post signs on apartment grounds or invite kids by going door to door. This has posted quite a challenge. All week, I have been walking around outside looking for kids to invite. However, I wasn't able to find more than two families with kids anywhere around the buildings or at the pool.
I decided to post some flyers just outside of the apartment premises yesterday. When we went for a walk today, I noticed that several of them had fallen off the trees and began taping them back a little better this time. Just as I finished with the first sign, I heard a thunder storm in the distance. I decided to hang a few more signs before going back when I came up to the height of the pool and heard kids' voices. It occurred to me that all the families would probably be leaving the pool now because of the storm.I quickly got over to the pool entrance with Eliana and we handed out two flyers on the way and saw three more families leaving the pool as we arrived. AND we made it back in time before the rain and storm hit!
Our God is sovereign over weather and timely situations! Praise Him for His might!
Would you pray that God would allow us to encounter more families tomorrow and Sunday? Please, pray for all three clubs to be well attended and for young hearts to be reached with the gospel next week. We are ending the club week with a family picnic on Friday night. Please, pray that many of the clubbers' families would join us and connect with our church members.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Summer of Ministry
I hope all of you are enjoying this beautiful summer. As our youth ministry summers usually go, we have been busy with all sorts of wonderful things.We enjoyed a retreat with our youth group, celebrated the graduation of our seniors, and Joel had the opportunity to officiate the wedding of one of our former youth group students. What a blessing! Enjoy some pictures on our facebook page.
In addition, our fundraising efforts continued with several meetings in the last few weeks. The Lord has allowed us to share our hearts for Eastern Germany with a number of people and we have gained three new monthly financial supporters since our last update. We are excited to say that we have raised 53% of our start-up costs. Our monthly support level remains at 28% pledged. Please, pray for us as we continue to trust the Lord for the remainder and as always, please be prayerful, asking God if He may have you join our team as a monthly financial partner.
Our teammate George enjoyed his trip to Leipzig, Germany (see last post). He had a chance to meet several churches and we continue to pray for wisdom as to which church the Lord is leading them to for the first few years in Germany. We appreciate your prayers for guidance.
The churches in Leipzig are certainly looking forward to having us arrive soon - and so are we. Yet, we are finding ourselves at a lower level of monthly support pledged than we first hoped. Please, pray for us during this time of waiting - for direction and encouragement during this stretching time.
We appreciate your prayers and support!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Short Trip, long-term goals
Our team mates George and Carrie Vera were offered a plane ticket to visit Leipzig in order to get some first hand impressions, meet the pastors, and get some photos all to help them with their fundraising. Praise the Lord for this opportunity!George is flying to Leipzig tomorrow (Monday) and getting back next Sunday. The pastor of the EFG Jacobstrasse (our future church home) is meeting George at the airport. George has several meetings with church leaders and program attendance scheduled. Please, pray for a safe trip and a great relationship building time.
George and Carrie are still in the beginning of their fundraising and need your prayers as they approach area churches as well as friends and family about supporting them. Joel and I are grateful for your prayers for us as well as we approach more people about financially supporting us. We are currently at 28% of monthly support and 35% of one-time support raised.
As George is leaving for Germany for a week, all of us are looking forward to the day the Lord will send all of us to Leipzig long-term. We can't go without your support. Here are some ways people are already supporting us:
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