A Culture of Love
Recently, an Alliance partner church plant became an organized church in Berlin, Germany.
Freischwimmer (which means free swimmer and also free thinker) has partnered with Alliance workers for several years in a unified mission to reach Berliners for Christ.
With this transition, the fellowship’s name was changed to Evangelische Kulturwerkstatt (evangelical culture workshop). “This captures the idea that church is something we do together among different cultures,” said Alliance international worker Don Jones.
Another Alliance outreach is Berliner Freiraum, a meeting place/gallery that Alliance workers started in May 2014 to offer Berlin residents an alternative to church.
“We live in a society where people may be closed to attending church but aren’t opposed to hearing about God’s love for them,” Don said.
“Through creative programs like art exhibits, family and youth groups, and other events, Alliance workers hope to reach those people who aren’t interested in the church but need to hear that Jesus loves them. Berliner Freiraum provides us with a space to do just that. And we see how God is moving.”
A Faith Journey
The Lord is working in the lives of people whom He has brought to Berliner Freiraum and Freiscwimmer—people like Hank.* “After seven years of praying for Hank, we are excited to report that he has chosen to walk with Jesus,” said Don.
Hank has enrolled in the Emmaus Course, a curriculum on basic Christian beliefs that Don teaches. “Since I’m on this faith journey, it’s time for me to do this,” Hank said as he shared his testimony with the class. Four other participants have yet to place their trust in Jesus.
“Please pray for Hank and his family,” Don asked. “Especially, pray that his wife would soon know Jesus as well.”
More Prayer Needed
Also, within the next year, Don and his wife, Sarah, will step away from church leadership as they prepare for home assignment. “We will continue to be involved in outreach, but we are trusting God to raise up leaders from within the congregation,” reports Don.
“We are grateful for your support and prayers as we live for Jesus here in Berlin. Thank you for praying with us for God to prepare this ‘hard ground’ to receive His love!”
*Name changed