April 2008

financial prayers

Many of you are praying for the financial situation of the European missionaries on a daily basis. Thank you so much. A few have even raised our support in the past couple of months. Thank you. I know things are tight in the states as well. Prices are going up eveywhere. We pray for you as well.

As I was finishing up our financial accountability worksheets for the month, I thought you might be interested in seeing how fast things are changing around here.

In February, 500€ cost us $724

In April, 500€ cost us $792

Just 7 years ago, 500€ cost us $430.

The same price increases you are seeing in the states are happening here. The prices are going up. The dollar is going down and the bank account is burning at both ends.

I am so thankful that I serve a God who knows where I live!

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.

Chelli

Miracle Mushrooms

Growing up, there was nothing like mushroom hunting in the spring. And few delicacies so great as Dad's fried mushrooms or Grandpa's scrambled eggs with mushrooms. Just the scent of morel mushrooms brings bag fond memories. Since we moved to Germany they have developed a whole new meaning for our family. They are rare here in our area. For the first 7 years, we never saw a single one and rarely spoke with a person who had eaten one. Then, one day when Samantha was just 2 years old, she discovered them in a mulched flower bed. They were such an encouragement from the Lord, at a time when we really needed it, that we called them our miracle mushrooms. On Monday of last week, as Samantha and I were walking to meet the school bus, something unusual caught out attention in the flower bed at the local grocery store. You guessed it! Morel Mushrooms! And not just a few like the first time. This time we walked away with a half gallon bag full. One week later, as we were walking to the bus stop again, a new batch had sprouted up and was waiting there for us! What a wonderful blessing from the Lord. Once again, at a time when we have been discouraged by finances and the personal struggles of our church people, the Lord showed us that He is watching over us, even in the little things. The miracle mushrooms are back! And we are enjoying them. They make a wonderful Manna Meal nourishing so much more than just our physical bodies.

Thank you for your prayers for us! Please continue to pray for God's miraculous provision, especially in this time of financial uncertainty.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy your meal!

Chelli

Educational hazards

Attending Bible College can be dangerous. While I was there, I broke my ankle. Paul broke his nose. Others that we knew broke arms, legs and even one who broke his neck - and lived! But this week, we experienced a first. Vivian discovered that dorm life can indeed be hazardous. All of her limbs are in tact and she is doing well. From first glance, you wouldn't know she had experienced so much pain this week, but as soon as she flashes her new smile, you will know not all is as it appears. While goofing around with her roommate, Vivian lost her balance and wasn't quick enough with her hands to catch herself. The floor came at her fast, and her mouth broke the fall. The first of her front teeth broke off upon impact. The sound was so strange, she came up laughing more than crying, but unfortunately that was not the end of her tears. The evening of her accident, she visited the ER with her roommate. They referred her to a specialist and the next morning she went to the dentist. He then pulled her second front top tooth. The two eye teeth are damaged as well, but the dentist believes they can be capped.

Please pray for Vivian as she heals. Pray for wisdom for her as she deals with insurance companies and dentists, seeking the best treatment at the best price. With just one month left of school, Vivian needs our prayers that her year at Bible college will end well.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers.

Chelli

Praying for Germany

Recently I was asked how someone could best pray for Germany. Well, Germany is a diverse country, so I won't pretend to know what the many needs are throughout the land. After some prayer and consideration though, a list began to form and I wanted to share it with you. When you pray for us and our work in Wittenberg, Germany, please pray with us for the German people we minster among.

- church growth – We need to see the Biblical churches that are here grow.

- Depression – 70% of all Germans receive clinical treatment for depression at some point in their lives

- New leaders – Our young people need to raise up and take leadership for the Lord.

- Prayer warriors – our elderly need to wake up and see the importance of their role as prayer warriors

- Islam – The Muslim religion is growing by leaps and bounds and in Germany

- Truth – May the truth be known throughout Germany. The majority of east Germans are Atheists. May their eyes be opened.

- Need – Germans are generally a wealthy group of people who see no need for God. May God remind them of their ultimate need.

- Families – Germany is in need of good strong, large families. Most Germans only have one child and many never marry. The German population is shrinking rather than growing.

Thank you for your love and prayers.

Chelli

At Home

Paul's mom is home from the hospital. Here is the latest update on Dorthea:

She is home! we got home at around six PM Friday the 04.04.08

She is doing well but we still have a few trips to the

doctor and then it will be time to start physical tharphy for about a

month. So thanks to all of you who were so faithful in prayer

for us. We were there from Monday until Friday. She can

climb stairs and walk a great distance compared to what she was able to do. She is walking and

standing like she hasn't done for years.

You can't keep a good woman down.

God Bless you all and THANKS.

Pastor Al Sudbrock

Dorthea doing well

The surgery went well. The only problem that she has is with the

morphine: it is keeping her really sleepy. They took her off of it at noon today and said it

would take a few hours to get out of her system. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and your

response to my e-mail. You are great. But please continue to pray for Dorthea's recovery now.

God Bless all of you.

Al Sudbrock

Newton, IA