Missionary Training and Equipping (MTE)

HELLO folks,

It's the end of summer - school is just around the corner... and a number of us are beginning new chapters! We are praying for all who transition to new assignments this week, and invite you to pray for us as well as we being MTE (with MBMSI) from Sept 7 - Dec 17th.

This is our second attempt to update our news mailing list for the coming year, and we are in the process of forming a prayer intercession team as well. Please contact us garellie@gmail.com with a short note if you would like to receive our monthly newsletters, and send us your email address, if you wish to fill out the prayer pledge form for MBMSI; you will receive our weekly prayer updates.

It's about what God is up to... it's about HIS PURPOSES for the coming months - we look forward to hearing from you.

Again, we would love to meet with you if you live in the area, and definitely welcome a note from you.

Blessings!

Gary & Ellie Loewen
206-3174 Gladwin Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2T 5T5
garellie@gmail.com
604-807-3106 Ellie

778-242-9330 Gary

Loewen update

Happy Canada Day weekend friends!

It's mostly overcast and cool in Abbotsford these days, and as others from the condo punctually drive by on their way to and from work, (dare I say ‘it feels good to stay put’?) it’s great to have time to notice the blooming dogwoods, pink roses, lush green trees and manicured shrubs and lawn outside our window. Trust you got to enjoy a fun weekend despite the weather.

Admittedly, after spending 8 intense weeks of long-hour workdays at the Berlin Project, to be at home and have ‘nothing urgent’ on our schedules, has been a fairly drastic change with it’s own set of adjustments. It is fun to look back at the completion of the renovation project, to revisit the pictures and memories of the incredible community response to the Kick-Off and Dedication Weekend at the end of May, and now, since we are back in BC already, to see pictures of the baptisms on Father’s Day. See photos and write-up of both events on Kenton and Kidron’s blog: http://kentonandkidron.blogspot.com/

Yes, we’ve welcomed this time of rest, but know that we are looking forward to our next assignment with anticipation. Earlier, in March, MBMSI had asked that we plan to spend the summer months at the Brazil Camp project near Sao Paulo. Unfortunately, due to developments in Brazil, those plans have changed, and we will not be going to Brazil this summer.

So, currently, besides watching World Cup Soccer, catching up on reading, and socializing with friends, time with the kids and grandkids is definitely a highlight. We’re making fun family memories while seeking employment for July and August.

NEXT ASSIGNMENT: To become full-time missionaries with MBMSI, we will be participating in the Missionary Training and Equipping (MTE) sessions (Sept-Dec here in Abbotsford). The German MB Conference has invited us to return, (the specifics of the ministry assignment are still to be defined). At this time we believe God is asking and preparing us to serve Him in Germany and we seek further confirmation during the coming months of preparation and discernment with the larger MBMSI family.

MTE: There are a number of preliminary requirements to fill before September and the process of interviews, assessments, filling out forms and setting up appointments is well underway.

a) MBMSI asks that we begin in September with the support of a 40 member PRAYER TEAM already in place. We are asking that God connect us with those individuals HE would have commit to pray and intercede regularly for us and His work in Germany. In turn, we commit to intentional, punctual contact with you about needs, concerns, and answers to prayer during the coming year. See the attached MBMSI PRAYER PLEDGE form.

b) MBMSI requires full-time missionaries to raise their FINANCIAL SUPPORT from friends and family. As we continue to trust the GOD who has called us, we also trust that HE will connect us with those individuals who would commit to support HIS work financially. See the attached MBMSI FINANCIAL SUPPORT form.

Please accept our heartfelt THANK YOU for the encouragement, prayers and financial support during our time of ministry in Berlin.

As already mentioned, we are treating MTE as a new chapter in our missionary career, and so, to keep a current, updated CONTACT LIST, we ask that you send us a short note indicating ‘please keep us on your list’ or ‘please remove us from your mailing list’.

Blessings!

This week's projects

Monday early - we dropped took Ron and Marlene to the airport...

It was a 'day off' for most of us.

By Tuesday the place was busy with activity again.

Juergen organized and set up the wiring for the sound booth

yes... the sound booth is slowly taking shape.

Kenton was... here and there... helpful as needed,

he installed most of the exit lights...

Renate made lunch on Tuesday,

(the day we couldn't use the water nor sink,

because they were sealing the drainage pipes)

finally, at the end of the day, test requirements were met. PTL!

Dietmar plastered the large wall in our Hausmeister room,

Vonda came to paint...

Olga and Kidron wallpapered and painted

more than once this week;

they will come again tomorrow and Saturday.

Eventually there will be no more walls to cover!!!

Hartmut began the installation the bicycle racks,

and helped tidy the walkways and lawn;

Norbert and Juergen continued installation

of electrical switches and kitchen appliances.

Hopes are that the new kitchen will be functional this coming week.

Gary continued and completed work on the stage,

creating channels for the sound system,

building the wrap-around step,

putting in insulation and screwing on the plywood.

Waiting for rug that is on order.

and I...

besides missing my work/play/chocolate buddy - Marlene,

tried to cover some of the incidentals

cooked, swept, washed...

cooked, swept, washed some more...

And tomorrow is Friday :)

Dedication Sunday only a month away!

Passing on two promo items the church has sent out.

Will try to post pictures later tonight.

We are so aware that though much has been done

there is still much to do

before the celebrations at the end of May.

Look forward to seeing some of you here at the celebrations.

Thanks so much for your support!!

Working on the new kitchen

Begin of installation of kitchen appliances and cupboards.

Lots to do !!!

Tuesday

It's been sooooo good to have Ron and Marlene here

and the past two weeks have held

so much work .... THANKS GUYS!!!

and also lots of sightseeing and laughter.

Their return flight yesterday was cancelled -

this morning Ron suggested we 'pick any date from now til Dec'

and see about rebooking their flights back to Vancouver.

Glad they are here another week - glad they can go home next Monday.

Gary and Ron put wallpaper on hallway walls yesterday

and first thing this morning while the paper lasted...

more paper on order to complete upstairs walls.

Dietmar and Renate came to work today -

Renate cooked yummy chicken soup for lunch;

Olga came this morning to begin grouting the kitchen floor

- it's a bigger job when the tiles are small;

this afternoon Gary, Ron and Marlene are working on the floor.

The goal is to install kitchen appliances and work counters tomorrow evening.

And after work today - we're going to find Berlin's famous 'bratwurst'

Packing suitcases

Hello folks,

More than once, these past weeks, I've wondered how best to write an update regarding the when, where and what we're up to now, and how to answer questions about developments regarding our stay in Abbotsford? possible construction in Brazil? or returning to Germany? Amidst our own questions and waiting, given way to somewhat clearer directives), we've chosen to believe that God is a sovereign God who orchestrates details in the manner He sees fit, to accomplish His purposes. We don't claim to see all of what God is up to, however... here's our March update 'according to the information we have right now'.

We leave a week from today!!!! ...and will return to Berlin (Apr 2 – Jun 7) to continue work with the renovation project of the church. The Opening and Dedication services are planned for the last weekend in May, and excitement is rising. A personal bonus for us is that good friends, Ron and Marlene Daku are coming along to help for the first 2 wks. Others have expressed willingness to volunteer their time, and are working out personal details. (Specifically asking God to supply 2 travel tickets for one of the couples).

The construction photos on Gary's screen saver and the accompanying flood of fond memories manage to keep our 'previous life' as ‘Baumeister and cook’ somewhat in the forefront these past months! We've enjoyed emails, telephone and Skype contact with folks in Germany. They tell us that they are enjoying use of the sanctuary, Sunday school rooms and the nice dining hall for their meetings, however, the work left to complete is a concern.

Since our leaving, individuals have dedicated time after their regular jobs, some have come from other churches to help for a few days, but there is still too much to do: floors, ceiling, installation in the kitchen, wallpapering, painting in the hallways, the baseboards, and basement. They will need additional funds for construction materials to complete the remaining requirements of the legal occupancy document. We are asking God for, and believing with Andre and the church members, that they would be able to raise the necessary funds, bring together the necessary workers and receive the legal occupancy permit before the celebrations at the end of May.

On 'a second burner' at home here, Gary continues to keep contact with the architect, pastors and missionary couple at the Camp in Sao Paulo, Brazil. MBMSI has asked that we keep part of June, July and August open for a possible construction and ministry time in Brazil. Thanks to the telephone and internet, it is possible to communicate and participate regularly, albeit from a distance. The developments during these coming weeks will determine some of the specifics of our involvement in Brazil during the summer.

With the invitation from Germany to return in 2011 to serve in resourcing, outreach ministries and church planting, we are also in the application process for long term missions with MBMSI. This has involved interviews and assessments now, and we expect to be part of the orientation, training sessions in Abbotsford from Sept - Dec.

The 'changed agenda', the uncertainties of our assignment to this point, and the short notice of our impending return to Berlin, have left our missionary support fund in a negative balance. MBMSI encourages us to go in good faith that God will provide the necessary funds for our support, both immediate and long term.

We've clearly experienced God's presence and direction during this time, and again cover your prayers for us as we pack, go, re-enter, work and bless the people at Springbornstrasse. We would be delighted if you would join us in raising the financial support we need for this ongoing ministry. Our account at MBMSI continues as #7839, and their mailing address is: MB Missions and Service International, 302-32025 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7. MBMSI can be contacted at:1-888-866-6267; or by email: mbmsi@mbmsi.org.

Hard to believe there's only a week left in Abbotsford now! Hard to believe we'll be flying and jet-lagging on the Easter weekend this year!! Spring has been beautiful and it has been so good to be near family! The hard part about going is leaving.

Know that we would enjoy hearing from you and about how the last year has been for you. Always willing to 'connect' over coffee, or by email at garellie@gmail.com

Thanks again for standing behind us in this venture,

Gary & Ellie Loewen

206-3174 Gladwin Rd

Abbotsford, BC V2T 5T5

604-807-3106

778-242-9330