The Sudbrock Scoop

Traveling Classroom

Yesterday was a great day. Did you notice? Here in Wittenberg, the sun actually came out. And that was only the beginning!

The high school that Skyler attends had community project day yesterday and the 6th graders had the assignment: Get to know our area churches. And yes, we were on the list! That alone was a tremendous honor. According to German tradition, if you aren't Catholic or Lutheran, you aren't Christian, but yesterday we were given the stamp of approval from the local high school. You, see, the story started back at Christmastime. The high school held their yearly concert at the local Lutheran church because it was the only place in the area large enough for such a large group. Since the school auditorium is so small, they usually perform the concert 4 times back-to-back so that all of the parents can attend. The plan backfired though. Many of the parents refused to come because it was held in a church building. You see, our area is staunch atheist at the heart. So, the school leadership decided to try to overcome the "fear of church" by introducing all of its students to the different church buildings in the area. We were asked if we would participate and be on hand to answer any questions that the students might have.

About one hundred 6th graders split up and toured the churches in the area- 2 Lutheran, 1 Catholic and 1 Baptist. We hosted 26 of them along with one of their teachers. Starting with some songs, we welcomed them into our auditorium and began answering questions. As I stood back and listened to Paul answering questions ranging from "How much does it cost to be baptized?" to "Did God force you to come here?", I saw a man with an agenda. Every answer to every question lead to Christ. The questions continued for about 45 minutes, followed by a tour of the church, drinks, and soccer on the church lawn. Before leaving, we encouraged the students to help themselves to the tract rack and the book table. Each of the students received a German New Testament and a DVD of the Jesus Film. Those students learned that our doors are always open to them. Before visiting us, they had visited an old cold stone church down the street and the teacher just kept saying how much nicer and more welcoming our church was than the other one. Upon returning to the school, a couple of girls told our son that they really enjoyed their visit to the Baptist church and that it was their favorite.

Now the students have the assignment to prepare a presentation about the churches they visited. May the Lord continue to provide favor in their eyes. They now know we are here and have our web address. Pray with us that they will contact us. Please pray with us that the Lord will speak to their hearts through His Word.

Thanking the Lord for the traveling classroom!