March Newsletter

Typically, we let you know what ministries we’ve been involved in over the past month. I’m wondering if you really want to know our schedules? Not that there hasn’t been a lot going on, but in all honesty, if you were thinking of sending me yours, I probably wouldn’t be particularly interested! If I could receive an “update” from you, I wouldn’t want to know what you’re doing, rather how you’re doing. I would want you to tell me who you are, today, at this point in your journey.
I’ve noticed that we as people tend to be so “event” oriented, but I’m convinced that God is more interested in the process.
Having said all that, I find myself asking what is the real purpose of writing monthly Newsletters? First, to say THANK YOU, second to share prayer requests, and third to share some of our lives with you.
1) THANK YOU!! If you have been one of our financial supporters. God has been providing for our needs through you. THANK YOU!! If you have been committed to praying for us, we need it! :) THANK YOU!! for all the ways that you show us love, support and encouragement!

2) Please pray that we make the most of our last few months in Germany. Praise God with us for all that He is teaching and showing us. Pray for continued direction in our lives, personally and professionally.

3) Mindy: I have been struggling to understand my relationship with a Triune God, with the Father specifically. This has been an incredibly eye-opening progression, and I’m finally coming to grips with the importance of the Lord Himself as my first priority. My calling in life has been and is in transformation, as I focus on what it means to be with Him rather than to work for Him.
Kevin: I have been discovering a lot about who I am in Christ, and what that means for my life here on this earth. My calling is being confirmed into full time ministry, and I’m incredibly grateful for all that I have learned here so far.

Random Fact: The Government Office here

is called the “Rat Hause”. We thought it fitting.

2nd Random Fact: One of our good friends here

used to be a pop star in Germany!

Check out www.timo-langner.de

Mid Jan. - February Newsletter

Us at the Carnival Parade in Basel. As you can see, Kevin was thrilled to get out of bed at 2am!

We spent Jan 19-21st on a “Time Out” weekend with 88 others from our church. This was a great chance for us to connect and spend time as a church community. We were able to express appreciation for each other, and just worship and play together. A special bonus was learning many ridiculous German 80’s Hits via karaoke.
The next week, I (Mindy) had the chance to meet with Tammy Peters to start planning a Creative Worship Service. The idea is the same as what we did in the beginning of December, but this time it’s replacing one of our normal Thursday night services. My specific tasks beyond organizing the event itself have been to choose the Scripture readings, and lead a team of girls in a choreographed dance! (This event was held March 1st and went over really well!)On February 3rd I hosted a “Girl’s Night” /Sleepover to connect with the girls/women in the church and also to introduce the idea of starting some women’s ministries, which until this point have been non-existent in FEG Rebland. A small team is just now forming to start planning for these events.
There were many birthday parties to plan in February! Between the friends from all three Small Groups, guys in the Youth Group and Kevin himself, we still have lots of left over cake in our freezer! I also got to plan a farewell party for one of my closest friends here, Maggie on February 17th. We enjoyed a live DJ, and Kevin & I laughed a lot, due to the odd style of music preferences and crazy dancing maneuvers!
The very next day we headed off with 110 others for our annual Youth Group Ski Trip in St. Gallen, Switzerland which ran Feb. 18-24th. Other than one bad wipe-out where Kevin permanently maimed Maggie, it went really well! There was a good mix of meeting new kids, fun, and depth, as well as some major disappointments and struggles. The latter was a real learning curve for us in terms of the way the church is being run. Two days after returning, Maggie left us forever to do missions herself. We will be long gone by the time she returns in twelve months, so I’m feeling a little ripped off at having to start the good-byes already!

Special Requests:

~ Our financial situation is really struggling and we are in need of support.
~ Pray that Mindy would be encouraged in her work here, as we have no “official” position; it is easy to get discouraged in her role.
~ Pray that Kevin would continue to go deeper in his friendships.

Quote of the Month:
(spoken in mid conversation)
“Beep. Go to Commercials.”
- Alex Peters (6 yrs old)

Thank you for your prayers and support!
Kevin & Mindy Erickson