Returning to Berlin

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Working on the new kitchen

Begin of installation of kitchen appliances and cupboards.

Lots to do !!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

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'

Friday, March 26, 2010

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

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Loewen update - Jan 2010

Good evening folks,
It has been so good to connect and re-connect with some of you since our return to Abbotsford. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement and ongoing support. Thank you for praying on our behalf as we were waiting and discerning what work God would have us do in the coming months. We saw God orchestrate timely meetings with individuals and the MBMSI Leadership team last week, and yes... we've been asked to keep both projects, the Camp in Brazil, and church planting in Berlin as 'active icons on our screen' .

Earlier today we talked with Marilou Nightengale in Sao Paulo, and Gary has booked his ticket for Feb 2nd. He will spend 2 weeks in Brazil. MBMSI Lead team has asked him to meet with key leaders and gather necessary information and documents that will inform the decisions and direction of upcoming building and further development of the Camp. As we pray for the current and future ministry of the camp in Brazil, we are asking God to facilitate the many details and expedite this preliminary important step. Should the necessary documents, designs and funding be in place, and the request for us to help with the physical construction of some of the buildings remain current, we are open to go to the Camp for a possible six month term.

MBMSI and the German national conference have also asked that we return to Berlin in 2011, to facilitate an international church plant and work with Germany's Church Planting Resource team. We hope very much to be able to attend the inauguration of the new church building in May, at which time we anticipate further dialogue and discernment with the respective leaders, about what this might look like. This assignment will require a longer than 1- 2 year commitment of us.

So, as we now continue with MBMSI for another assignment, we invite you to consider continued partnership with us in prayer and with financial support. MBMSI has told us that we keep the same account with for donations, #7839. Their offices are located at 302-32025 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7. 1 - 888- 866- 6267; mbmsi@mbmsi.org

We are excited about the coming year and look forward to new experiences, fully aware that we are totally dependent on God's guidance and provision. May we be found faithful... and yes, may His Kingdom come!

Wishing all a great week!
Gary and Ellie Loewen
604-807-3106