July 2007

Reason to Celebrate

Thank you all for your prayers on our behalf. I got up this morning and double checked to make sure I had everything in order before heading out to the foreign affairs office. Vivian helped us translate the last necessary letter yesterday and I put it in the folder. It is a good thing that Paul helped me double check everything because I had packed all of our paperwork and my own passport, but had forgotten to pack those for the rest of the family. With all 6 passports in hand, I packed the file on my bike, we prayed together and off I rode to the downtown office. Though they hadn't sent me a letter telling me I could come in, the lady in the office was expecting me. As I approached the counter, she said, "Ah, there you are, " and turned to take a large file off of the shelf behind her. I handed her our passports and the visa extension slips that we had as well as the letter Vivian translated. She looked everything over and said it looked great. She told me that we would be receiving our permanent visa permits and that it would cost a little more than the usual extensions that we have paid for in the past. She still didn't tell me how much. Then she typed and figured a little on the computer printed out a receipt and handed it to me, 460 € ( $636 ). I swallowed twice and smiled and thanked her. After a quick trip to the cashier, I returned to the office where she had our visa stickers in our passports and ready to go. Paul and I received permanent residence visas with work permits and the kids each received visas good until they are 16 when they can reapply for their own resident visas. Yippee! After 12 years of waiting and praying, we finally have our paperwork. Thank you for you prayers and thank the Lord for his mighty works! We have reason to celebrate. I think we will have a picnic dinner outside and sing extra loud at Bible study tonight.

Chelli

Prayer for Visa Permits

Tomorrow is the big day! Tomorrow morning I go to the Foreign Affairs office to learn whether we will be granted a new visa permit to remain in Germany. When they gave us the extension in May, they said they would send us a letter when the permits were ready to be picked up. Well, our extension expires tomorrow and they haven't sent us a letter, so I will go in in the morning and see what we need to do next. Please pray that we will find favor in their eyes and that we will finally receive a permanent residents permit for Germany.

Thank you,

Chelli

Summer drought

As we head into the heat of summer, we find our fledgling church in a spiritual drought MH has struggled with alcohol for years but started out 2007 very well. Things seemed to be going so well. Since the beginning of the year he has been growing in the Lord and in joy. But alas, Satan was not going to give up all that easy. Two weeks ago Satan attacked with more than M was able to handle and rather than turning to the Lord, he returned to his alcohol addiction and tried to take his own life. Since that evening, he has been in a recovery clinic. Please pray for healing for him and wisdom for us.

A young couple in our church has been struggling wtih their marriage, but were too ashamed to ask for help. We were all shocked this week when things fell apart and this precious couple separated. Please pray for their darling little daughter AM ( 2 yrs ) and pray that her parents will resolve their difference. We are praying for healing and restoration for A and A. We are also praying for wisdom as we offer counsel and guidance.

These two major crisis have affected everyone in the church to some degree. Our hope is that these trials will draw the church family in Wittenberg closer together rather than dividing and scattering as Satan would have it.

We are praying for showers of blessing and spiritual growth within this young flock in Wittenberg. We covet your prayers on our behalf.

Ecumenicals

Fiery darts of hatred arise in the hearts of "loving Ecumenicals" at the sound of biblical doctrine.

Paul Sudbrock

Pappas Test Results

Pappa wrote this morning:

"Hey There Everyone:

The PSA test I took at O8:00 this morning turned out to be '0' the very number that the Doctor was wanting and so was I and I believe it was because of your prayers and I thank you for all of them. I am getting better and the bladder control is coming slowly and the doctor said that, that was the way it would happen so please continue to pray that I can get bladder control soon as I can.

We are all rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord. This test means that other treatment at this time will not be persuded. Although cancer is still present at this time treatment will not proceed.

Thanks to ALL

Al Sudbrock"

Glimpses of the Victory in the Midst of the Battle

It can seem at times that we are surrounded by the battle. Often there is the feeling that all will be lost if this present battle is not won. Surrounded by impossible mountains of problems and discouragements, a soul can be driven to the point of despair.

The truth is, the victory is already won. We are victors in Christ. One glimpse of this victory reignites the weary soul with a fire that changes the world.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

In the last few months we have faced so many problems and seemingly impossible circumstances, but God has given glimpses of the real victory that have served to inspire and renew us for the battle. Many of these battles are still in progress and cannot be reported upon at this present time. Please hold us up in prayer.

To spite these "unmovable Mountains", God has given us these wonderful glimpses of His victory:

• An anonymous donor loaned Vivian the remaining funds so that she can attend Bible College

• My fathers' successful prostate surgery

• Vivian received her student permit and purchased her plane ticket for America.

• Olli was baptized and is growing in the Lord.

• After 12 years of patience, we have seen progress toward our permanent resident permits.

• Our church is finally big enough to set up a state recognized corporate identity so that we can open a bank account. This will also allow us to give out donor receipts for tax purposes.

• Our evangelistic team is starting back up after a time of job related interruptions.

Present needs:

• The needed funds to pay Vivian's interest-free loan back as soon as possible

• Healing for my father, A.B. Sudbrock, and a cancer free status

• Vivian's flight and her continued submission to God's will.

• God's hedge about our people

• Success of our evangelistic team and our summer outreach project

• Our furlough preparations

• Needed new support and funds for continued effective ministry in Wittenberg, Germany

Please continue to pray for our ministry. Without prayer it is impossible to see the victory. Please sign up for email updates so that you can pray for current needs.

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Laboring for Christ,

Paul and Chelli Sudbrock