What's been going down...

Astounding love

I spent the better part of March visiting with family both mourning the death of Allegra and celebrating her life. I thank God that I had the flexibility in my job allowing me to travel for the memorial and that my flight only cost me a minor rebooking fee. Although I wish it was under better circumstances, it was invaluable to see family and friends, and, wow, were there people to see. I caught up with some I had not seen since moving to Germany 5 years ago. Between 400-500 people, from all over the country, attended Allegra's memorial! My brother drew the analogy to the film It's a Wonderful Life calling his fiance the richest woman in town. The outpouring of love was phenomenal and a testimony to the deepness of Allegra's relationships. 

First times

Our GEM-K Summer Conference came much earlier this year. Instead of the first week in August, we came together the last week of May, since GEM modified its annual conference. To say the event was exciting would be an understatement. Exhilirating maybe? In addition to our new format, we had some new staff and roughly one third of the 39 teens were at their first GEM-K conference, so we were all experiencing something brand new. For example, I had my first one-on-one with a GEM-K. A one-on-one is a special, individual, conversation staff have with each teen, giving them a chance to open up and be real with us about the good, bad, and ugly in their lives. Because I am not official GEM-K staff, I had never done one before, and was slightly nervous when asked to do three of them, but I really enjoyed it. I got to know three boys, each living in a different country, each new to GEM-K, each a totally different individual.

Although this event was a day shorter than past ones, we somehow managed just as much fun. Two moments in particular stand out in my memory. First, frequently ducking under very low bridges while taking a boat tour of the cannals. Second, watching some of our teens re-enact the Council of Elrond from The Fellowship of the Ring in full costume. 

Looking to the future

Lastly, I want to provide just a general update regarding day-to-day ministry. I published another article with GEM Storytellers. If you are curious about Christian rap in Austria, click here to read more. I continue to experiment and explore with the worship ministry at my church and am glad that we are finally (albeit occasionally) integrating our team with our partner church. Relationships with those outside my Christian circles are also growing stronger. Currently, I feel like I have a good rhythm.

There were two major victories won that will, God-willing, allow me to keep that rhythm. My visa renewal appointment was the smoothest it has ever been and my visa was extended another two years. Additionally, after over a year of waiting, just this week I received confirmation that my employment contract was modified allowing me to work in Germany an additional three years. All the glory to God for such great news. I am continuing to pursue a more permanent option, meanwhile trusting that God will work all things together for good.