October Newsletter

October Newsletter


Sept 15th we arrived safely in Germany and stayed with a couple from the church in Binzen for the first two weeks. John-David and Simone Barth were incredibly welcoming and generous as we waited for living arrangements to be ready.

Sept. 27th we moved into a place of our own in a town called Kandern, a fifteen minute drive from the church in Eimeldingen. The solution for this “commute” has been found in a little car we got from the church. It displays decals which read, “Dixie” and she has been named accordingly.
(Kandern is also the home of Black Forest Academy – an International School for missionary kids.)

What is G5?
The church has just moved from where it used to take place (on a farm) to a brand new building in a town called Eimeldingen and is actually set up as a kind of community centre.
It has been named “G-5” which represents the 5 central focuses of the center. These are Gemeinde (Church), Gastronomie (enjoying great food together has always been a central aspect of the community, and the new building includes a restaurant/bar seating 350, and has plans for a Youth Café), Gastfreundschaft (Hospitality – it has a small hotel providing rooms for people needing temporary lodging or attending events, as well as 6 apartments for staff and families), Gemeinschaft (Fellowship – it includes a gym and sports facilities, with many other plans making it a place to connect.), and lastly Gewerbe (Commerce – it includes book and sports shops).
The church overall has been home to around 700 people, 60% of those being Christ-followers. On Oct. 21st and 22nd we celebrated the Grand Opening, totaling around 3,000 guests.

For More Pictures of the Restaurant “Sichtwerk” in G5 and the BlackForest, check out:
www.takkiwrites.blogspot.com

Kevin's Column
The first 4 weeks I spent working at the Restaurant and Hotel trying to help get it ready for the grand opening. The timing of our arrival was an answer to prayer for those in charge, as they were in need of a welder. I built shelves in the bar, which saved them around 7 000 Euros ($10,000). I also did many other things to help with the construction. It was a great way for me to get involved right away and meet a lot of people, with whom I have become friends.

Mindy "The Artist" Erickson
I also spent the first four weeks helping out with the restaurant and hotel, meeting a lot of people through the work there. It mostly consisted of painting – from a bright green on the bathroom walls to a clear lacquer on the newly arrived tables and furniture. Some of my clothes have become quite multicolored in the process!
I have also gotten involved in several small groups, and am beginning to connect with a lot of women through that. I lead my first one last week, and was blessed with a very patient group through my very imperfect German!

Other Stuff:
~ We are both helping out with the “Atmosphere” aspect of a monthly event called “Big Games” - this is a program for kid’s ages 9-12 made available for the surrounding community.
~ We will also be helping to organize this year’s annual ski trip – a primary Youth Outreach event.
~ With all the building projects going on, individual attention has not been given to many of the key players – who are getting worn out. We are hoping to meet some of the “pastoral care” needs with some of the young leaders in the church.
~ We are relieved to be finally starting some structured German Classes, graciously being taught by the pastor’s wife here.

Phil and Tammy Peters have been our saving grace as we have plunged into this new life. They are career missionaries here and Phil is acting as our mentor this year. Here they are with their three children Amanda, Michael, Alex.

Special prayer Requests

• That we would apply ourselves to study German.

• That our eyes would be open to see God’s vision for this community.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Kevin & Mindy Erickson