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

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

Aufwiedersehen - bis bald!

After handing over the house keys to the realtor

and moving our suitcases to church this afternoon,

we joined the others for a good-bye party,

Olga served desserts, fresh apple struddle and ice cream in the dining room.

We picked up our chairs and moved to the sanctuary...

for singing, special numbers and presentations;

many well wishes, prayers, hugs and tears.

We're going to miss our Berlin family - may God keep us all close to Himself!

Service in the new sanctuary today!

It was so good to enter the newly carpeted sanctuary this morning -

and be able to sense it had truly become a place to worship with God's people!

The lighting, the acoustics, the 'feel' or the room are great!

The group is looking forward this week's Christmas program in the room

and a Christmas Eve meal in the dining room.

Sanctuary focus this week!

(will post about Nov/Dec whirlwind of activity and changes when I get a moment,

for this morning - here's this week's highlights)

After weeks of endless hours of sanding, mudding, sanding and sanding some more...

many sore joints and muscles (ibuprofen) later...,

Gary and Kenton decided the walls were ready to be painted!

Juergen and Marcelo completed the electrical details for the lights...

What a change!!!

The many hands of 'team-work' got another job done yesterday!

They wasted no time, but began preparing the floor,

sanding, sweeping, vacuuming and painting 'Grundierung'.

Gary just called (8:10 am) that he and Kenton finished the last paint detail

(windows up top and last coat on the bottom 1/2 of the walls) and are ready for breakfast.

The aim is to get the rug laid before the end of the afternoon.

Asking God for physical energies, alert minds, good working spirits,

God's continued care and protection

for this last workday before Christmas 2009.

Brazil:on hold, - still processing decision;

Hard to believe it's already a month ago that we were at Recanto Barnabe,

the beautiful Adventure Camp setting

where Jim and Marilou Nightengale and their 2 boys live and work.

Blue skies, lush green, hot humid weather... and ... lots of rain as well...

Yes we had rice and beans, pastel and guarana at the feira, churrasco one night,

and thoroughly enjoyed the sights, sounds, smells of being back in Brazil.

Nature's tropical, coastal rainforest on the camp property is very, very beautiful!!!!

Jim took us down the paths to the water source and future recreation areas;

What an excellent setting, what incredible potential.

Amadeu and Yvonete came to spend two nights with us at the camp. What a rich blessing and encouragement to share how each has experienced God to be faithful, both in our families and the various ministries experiences since the Taguatinga chapter (Jan '81-June '84). Amadeu was the first to make a decision for Christ and be discipled. He brought his family members, many friends and acquaintances to Christ and to the church. He has trained leaders and is now retired from formal pastoral duties. They are active in the church, and Amadeu continues to serve on the national leadership directory of the AEM.

God bless our friends and colleagues in Brazil !

May HIS KINGDOM continue to grow among the people.

Pray with us that we hear clearly what God is asking of us

re: construction at the camp at some point 2010.

Sera Brasil ?

Wanted to let you know that MBMSI has invited Gary to consider helping with the building project of the Training Centre in Sao Paulo in 2010. We fly out for an initial visit on Wednesday evening, to visit Jim and Marilou Nightengale and get to know the work there and will return to Berlin in a week.

Once again our prayer is that we see things from God's perspective,

move at His pace

and function under His directives.

Our current Berlin chapter ends December 20th, and we look forward to spending Christmas in Abbotsford.

Please pray with us as we consider and discern what's next.

Thank you so much for your support.

http://www.mbmsi.org/projects/brazil/project-c0469-adventure-camps-brazil