What's been going down...

Incoming nerds!

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were walking our dogs, and he asked me about Nerch, and it occurred to me that I have supported the team for nearly two years. Time flies! At the end of September, Nerch hosted its first in-person Gottesdienst (church service), where guest enjoyed board and video games, nerdy fellowship, delicious BBQ, and approximately 50 non-believers heard the gospel. Such an amazing turn-out was a huge blessing and a joy to be a part of. Since then, the house church has met once per month and the bi-weekly game nights continue. I was even honored to host some of the livestreams on Twitch in October. I am curious to see how God will continue to shape this community.

Branching out

It is incredible how much the music ministry I do has expanded in what feels like a very short time. A good friend and co-founder of Jam Sesh has started working in ministry full-time, with a focus on refugee ministry. Earlier this year I joined her for a concert at a refugee camp. One boy in particular was very excited musicians were there, because he is himself an aspiring guitarist. This same friend and I have also partnered with a local prayer ministry to hold monthly praise and prayer nights for those ministering across the city, giving them a chance to share specifics about their work, and us a chance to bless them.

In addition to my regular music ministry, which was very prominent in November with concerts, Sunday services, and a conference, I have another new venture. I started giving guitar lessons. My student is very talented, self-motivated, and has good instincts. I sometimes wonder what she needs me for. It has been going well so far and her brother may join in the future. It is nice to work one-on-one for a change since almost all that I do is in a group context.

Looking ahead

2024 started with much transition and some difficult goodbyes.Well, 2025 will also begin with some major changes. At the start of the year, Jason Lim, who has led our Frankfurt Focus City for the last three years, is transitioning into a larger role within GEM. As he steps out, a new leadership team will be stepping up. We have also commissioned one couple from our team to pioneer as missionaries to Malta; where they will start in January. In the same month we will welcome a new member to our Frankfurt team as well. Later in the year there will be even more changes, but for now let's just focus on January. Although a lot of this is just par for the course, transitions are always unsettling, even if in a good way.

During our Area Gathering last month, we studied the letter to the Ephesians and the theme of unity across various aspects of our lives in Christ. One of the things I shared during my presentation was that "nobody christians alone," but rather we can only be obedient to our calling in community. As I reflect on our team and how much we have developed over the years, I am amazed at how we continue to edify one another. Every individual in the photo above has influenced everyone else at some point in some notable way. Our membership changes, but the Spirit remains.