The Sudbrock Scoop

Wrapping up 2009

It is incredible that a year has gone by. As we celebrated the coming New Year, it was amazing how much change has occurred. We have seen two people receive Christ. We have prayed for Michael for the last 5 years. Finally, he repented and asked Jesus to save him. It is so refreshing to see the changes the Lord is making in his life. Please pray as he faces many trials ahead. His daughter was our other convert. She received Christ this past summer. We were also blessed to see our two middle daughters follow the Lord on Baptism.

We have recently made friends with a couple through a “random” meeting at McDonalds. M. heard our conversation as we talked with our children. She was amazed to hear us switching between English and German. She decided to approach us if our car was from Wittenberg. Following us to the car, she approached us as we were getting the kids buckled. She was interested in our family as her family is also international. Her husband is Jewish from Tel Aviv. Since our initial meeting, she has visited our services several times with her daughter including our New Year’s Eve service which her husband, L. attended as well.

Spending time with L. has been incredibly educational. His knowledge of Hebrew has unlocked many truths. It has been simply fascinating. The simple truth that the name “Peleg” means cascading water adds a dimension to the understanding of the post flood world and the division of the continents that is quit exhilarating. Reading portions of the Old Testament with a child of Jacob is amazing.

In November L & M invited me to the synagogue in Berlin to take part in the Celebration of the Torah. It was like watching David dance before the Lord. As the five torah scrolls where being carried around the hall of the Synagogue, people demonstrated their love of G_d’s word by kissing their fingers and touching the silk coverings of the scrolls. The whole procession was accompanied by lively Jewish songs and joyous dancing. I was even invited to carry the Scroll!

Afterwards, there was FOOD. I must say, Baptists have nothing over the Jewish people when it comes to a good spread of food, ;°)

Please pray that our testimony before this precious family will be effectively fruitful. Pray also for God’s wisdom in our presentation of our faith.

Christmas Eve afternoon right before the stores closed, my precious wife realized we were missing a few necessities. I rushed to the store in the hope it would still be open. Thankfully it was. As I gathered the groceries in my arms, I spotted some Belgian chocolates. A nice assortment I must say. I thought, but we don’t need them. But then again, who knows. I picked them up and made my way to the register. There were a few fellow last-minute-shoppers ahead of me in line. The lady at the head of the line graciously allowed a young man with only one item to move up to the front. The cashier was a very busy stocky built serious type. She was a bit frazzled and moved at a hustled pace. You could sense the frustration under her smile. Then it was my turn. She rang up my items, and then it happened. As clear as crystal, that familiar calm, loving and tender voice spoke, “Give her the chocolates.” She had just finished and quoted me the sum, in response, I gave her the money. She handed me the receipt and wished me a merry Christmas. In return, I handed her the chocolates and wished her the same. She was at first shocked speechless, visibly shaken, not knowing how to respond. Finally she thanked me, as I thanked God for counting me worthy in this small thing. As I joyously returned home, I mused over God’s amazing ways. He is great and worthy of praise!

Thank you for all the ways that you have allowed Him to use you to make it possible for us to serve Him here in Wittenberg!

Paul Sudbrock and Family