Justin and Heather’s Blog

It’s been awhile…

So, it turns out that blogging is not one of my favorite pastimes. I would much rather spend time with real people, tool around on Facebook, or take pictures and edit them. However, just completing another Newsletter has given me pause and motivation to return to our weblog to say another cyber-hello from Germany.

Reflection on past year
Heather and I have been living just outside of Frankfurt Germany for over a year now. We are into our second school year working for YouthCompass, and leading a relational ministry to international youth here in the Frankfurt area. The past year has not been easy. It turns out that cross-cultural transition is difficult. Even though we are living in a “western culture,” it still takes some getting used to. Another thing that is tough is doing ministry as a job. It seems like everyone has expectations of who we should be or what we should do. Working for a “para-church” nonprofit brings in other challenges as well. Churches want us to be more explicit with our faith expression. Schools and other secular institutions think we are too religious to include us. Living and working in a fluid expatriate community that turns over every year makes for a lack of relational stability. So, you put those things together and you’ve got a lot of tough times. However…

…we still love what we are doing. We love being here. We feel like God has us here for a reason. We love the kids. We have met so many wonderful people. Our lives feel so rich through, and despite, the challenges.

This year we are privileged to have a team of 7 committed adult volunteers assisting us in youth ministry. We are excited about what God wants to do in this community this year. Our theme for this year is Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain….” We are realizing that for all of our efforts, if God is not in them, we are laboring in vain. Instead we need to ask God to build the house and join Him. We are excited about building deeper relationships with students, being more intentional about challenging them to think through the decisions they make on a daily basis and getting them to evaluate what they believe about God. I am convinced that these kids are in need of a Savior. There is so much crap that they deal with, and I can’t rescue them, but I know someone who can. I hope that we take advantage of the opportunities that we have to speak into their lives and that we can in some small way show them grace.

Heather and I appreciate your prayers and support as we continues to serve here in Frankfurt Germany.  Check out our October Newsletter and new photos