The Sudbrock Scoop

The Whirlwind

The last two months have been a whirlwind of activity filled with God’s blessings. Outreach after outreach has left us a bit breathless. Here is a short outline.

It began with the Reformation festival on October 31st. We were blessed to have Mindy and Ashley Smith join us during this time for 5 morning-to-night-packed-full days. These two wonderful ladies came to work and be a blessing to us. It was more than a joy to have them here. They worked so hard and were always willing to do anything that needed to be done.

At the festival we passed out more than 1,500 pieces of literature, CDs, DVDs and books. God even topped our day off with some personal witnessing opportunities.

Next, the local school invited us to do a baseball workshop for their 1-4 grades. We had 110 children from the Käthie Kolwitz Elementary school attend our two sessions. Mindy and Ashley were invaluable. The kids loved the time and now we are teaching baseball in the school every Monday. This has opened a possible door in another school as well.

Our Christmas outreach was a tremendous success with increased involvement in so many areas. The charity drive ended with 513 Christmas packages for children in Belarus.

We are presently working through a series on God’s Financial plan. We are covering 5 universal rules: Giving is better than receiving, Everything comes from God anyway, Loving money is evil, The rich rule the poor and The 10% that opens Heaven.

We had a great time at the Annual Christmas retreat hosted by Rhein River Baptist in Mannheim.

I had the joy of preaching for Andrew Wilson at Bibel Baptisten Gemeinde Landstuhl on the 4th of December . God has blessed him with a great church. His wife and family were a tremendous blessing and encouragement. Johannes Hergert filled in at the church in Wittenberg in my absence.

Blessings abound! God has opened the hearts of his people and we have receive offerings of such unexpected nature that we are truly humbled. Friends, fellow missionaries and churches have given to our needs. Our present need is down to $750 more a month. We have “skyped” a missions conference in October and we are excited about the possiblities of this new venue. If your church is open to a “skype” conference, please contact us.

Paul Sudbrock

The Prayer of faith

God truly is awaiting our prayers. He is actively looking for the opportunity to bless us. Our faith is the lacking ingredient in the mix. Without faith we are incapable of seeing through the din of the spiritual reality surrounding us.

Earlier this year, we went through the “Lord’s prayer” phase by phrase. It was such an encouragement. We were blessed to not only learn about prayer, but also experience God answering it.

One of our families experienced a rally in the health of a love one which gave opportunity for the family to enjoy her a month longer before God’s healing hand took her home.

My left leg had been sick for over a year without any real improvement. It was swollen from the knee down. It had landed me in the hospital for a week on anabiotics. Through prayer, God led and now only my foot is retaining water.

Another family’s baby was without oxogen for 19 minutes during a breach birth. The concern was naturally that the baby was not brain injured. The grandmother had been attending our church since the loss off her husband months earlier. She was sceptical, but decided to “give it a try”. God answered prayer after prayer that was given up for this little girl. He opened doors to medical help that seemed imperviously closed. Last Sunday Grandma gave the report that the little girl’s brain waves tested normal.

Please continue to pray with us concering this family. There are unfounded self blame issues surrounding the birth. Chelli has given them the contact information from a christian support group for families facing such diffiulties. Pray that God will continue to open doors as the family really needs Jesus.

Our support level continues to plage us. With the weekend dollar and another church having to drop us due to the financial crisis, we are making two steps forward and one step back. Thankfully, we are moving forward.

Blessings abound! God has opened the hearts of his people and we have receive offerings of such unexpected nature that we are truly humbled. Friends, fellow missionaries and churches have given to our needs. Our present need is down to $750 more a month. We have “skyped” a missions conferene last month and we are excited about the possiblities of this new venue. If your church is open to a “skype” conference, please contact us.

Paul Sudbrock

You are real Christians!

Every year in June, we participate in the city festival during the anniversary Martin Luther’s wedding. Our church runs a papermaking booth where we demonstrate how to make paper from common plant fibers. This allows us the opportunity to meet lots of people and to distribute various materials including Bibles, tracts and church fliers. This year, we handed out over 500 tracts and more than 100 children’s info packs. During the 3-day festival, we spend a lot of time chatting with our “booth neighbors” as well. For the 3rd year in a row, we have been neighbors to Werner, who sells renaissance costumes. At the end of the weekend, we packed up our booth and then helped Werner pack up his. We said our good byes for the year and prayed with our group and Werner. We climbed in our car and got ready to pull away, but Werner came knocking on our window, just bubbling over with excitement. As we rolled the window down, Werner blurted out, “ You are real Christians. You are the real thing. That is so awesome. You are so real.” He was just smiling and laughing and full of joy. We pulled away smiling, laughing and full of joy as well. What a wonderful affirmation from the Lord. Sometimes, we work and work and hit wall after wall and have doors closed in our face and are nearly spit upon and we can get so discouraged. But then the Lord sends someone to reaffirm that we really are doing what He would have us to do. Please pray with us for Werner’s salvation. Wouldn’t that be so awesome to have a new brother as our booth-neighbor next year.

Thank you so much to those who have sacrificially given to cover the added expenses this month with the car and medical for my foot. We would appreciate your continued prayers for healing of my foot and ankle. I am having more good days than bad lately, but my foot continues to swell and all of the doctors seem to be baffled as to why. We know that the great physician knows the cause and knows the cure. We praise the Lord for a new supporting Church and another that has raised our support. Please pray as we endeavor to raise the rest our needed monthly support.

We are so thankful to have been able to help in the religion classes at the local elementary school this year. Unfortunately, the class will not be offered next year. We are eager to see how the Lord will use us in the next school year. Every year God has given us some area of interaction and ministry within the schools. Please pray with us about what He would have us do in the 2011-12 school year.

While at the local physical therapist I was able to witness to a man who worked with Johannes Hergert from our church. After some time we parted ways, only to have the Lord lead us to see him again twice that day. Please pray that God will open K.S.’s heart that we might see him receive Christ.

In Him,

Paul Sudbrock

Care Repairs

In April, we celebrated a Jewish Sedar. We were blessed with 30 visitors. As we went through each step of the Passover we realized how it pointed to Jesus. It was fascinating to see how God continues to call his people to Jesus the Messiah.

We just finished up a five-part series, teaching the elements of prayer as our Lord taught the disciples. It has been such a blessing to see our people discover the power of prayer.

Due to the weakness of the dollar and our support level, we are struggling to make ends meet. In 2007 we took a furlough for the purpose of filling a $500 shortfall in our support. Upon our arrival in the states for furlough, we were met with the reality that a church which supported us at $250 a month had made the decision to redesign their missions outreach and dropped our support. Immediately after our return to the field two more churches dropped our support for similar reasons, essentially wiping out the gains we had made while on furlough. Due to the financial crisis last year, there was a six month stretch where we lost one church each month. As is the case everywhere, the cost of our healthcare insurance has increased once again as well. Today our shortfall is $1000.00 a month. We have been filling the shortfall with prayer and grace and part of our retirement fund. God has been wonderful to give us great deals and teach us cost-cutting measures during this time of hardship.

But now we have reached the place where all of our added efforts can no longer fill the gap. I have been calling churches in order to raise more support, but have had limited success. We understand that these are times of great financial difficulty for so many. We have postponed this letter now however as long as we possibly can.

This past month we had necessary car repairs amounting to nearly $1,600. Thankfully, three of our supporting churches stepped in to cover all but $300 of the cost. There are other repairs looming and our tires need to be replaced. I will replace the rear brakes, parking brake cables and cylinders in the fall using a local rent-a-garage for do-it-yourselfers. We are praying that we will have the needed funds to purchase the parts by the end of summer.

We are gearing up to “Luther’s Wedding Festival” one of our biggest outreaches each year. We have set up the tent in the Church yard to test some changes that we want to make and Chelli has been ordering supplies. Please pray for open hearts and favor with the people as we once again represent Christ. The city wide festival generally sees 100,000 visitors in attendance.

In Him,

Paul Sudbrock

Flying like a Kite

Flying like a kite

It is fall in Germany. That means the skies are filled with butterflies, falling foliage, the scent of burning leaves and kites. Yes, kites. It is windy out there. I about got blown off of my bike today. So glad that I wasn't a kite, or else I might have been blown all the way to France. To welcome the kiting season, Wittenberg hosted the annual kite festival along the shores of the River Elbe. We had a wonderful day making kites, flying kites and watching kites.

As a Christian, our life is much like a kite. When we relax in the Master’s skill holding the thread of our life, we can achieve great heights, dips, roles and some breath taking stunts. Some of these are so incredible that they can only be called miracles. The difference is that unlike a kite our master in not only in control of the thread of our life, but also the wind that carries us. The greatest of joys is to sense the complete loss of self control in our Master’s incredible plan. Not needing to understand in order to believe. Ours is an explicit personal trust in Him. Like a child who knows no fear in the presence of a protective father. Nothing can be more rewarding than when we, in spite of the fear, follow through in faith to see the reward. The thrill of the ride is indescribable, intoxicating and addictive. Nothing the world has to offer is more powerful and extreme! Think of Enoch who walked home with God, Samuel, who answered the still small voice, Daniel, who didn’t become lion’s lunch, the three Hebrew young men who walked in the fire with God and Peter on the waves. The list goes on and on. How great it would be to see these as more than just stories, but rather possibilities of what the Great Master of the wind could do in our lives.

As we enter into the fall, we are so thankful that the Lord God Almighty is holding our string. We have faced a few adversities, with the death of my father, a divorce within our church family, and the falling away of some of our flock. But knowing that God is in control, we are grasping that line with all our strength and turning our face to the wind.

First on the agenda - an overnighter. Tween girls are great and ours are actually Golden. Our group of Golden Ladies will be having a lock-in during the upcoming school vacation. We are praying that their walk with Christ and their relationships with one another will be strengthened greatly by this time apart.

The Fall Reformation Festival is coming up in a few weeks. The booth is ready to be set up and we are getting geared up. We will be distributing fliers, booklets, balloons, and much more, all attached to or containing the truth and hope of a God who wants to guide us and protect us.

Our Christmas outreach project is underway. We are eager to reach more people this year than last. Could this be the beginning of one of the aerial acrobatic stunts that take your breath away. I sure hope so!

Often God calls us to greatness with a wind of adversity and a tug of inspiration only to have us resist and fall from the heights of His great design. He tugs again, and again. In our stubbornness, we like Jonah sometimes even jerk free, or at least we think so. When He sees us falling He reaches down to catch us from certain destruction. How many times has He with grace undone the results of our stubbornness only to have us once again jerk when confronted with the possibility of greatness of His plan? Oh, to repent and take those trusting steps of abandon to rest is His incredible skill of life.

God, I surrender once again. I will follow in complete trust in Your skill and plan to take me through the lows, the highs, the rests and the miracles. You are my Kite Master and my wind. Your yoke is easy and Your burden is truly light

Thank you all for sailing with us this fall.

Paul Sudbrock

Night of Lights

Friday night was the Night of Lights in Wittenberg. It was Wittenberg's first time to host the illuminated art show, but I am hoping it will not be the last. Skyler was my date for the evening as we meandered through the downtown area, aglow with lanterns, lit sculptures and laser shows. Many of the shops and cafés were open till Midnight, though we did not wander around quite that late into the night. The streets were abuzz with people, but something was missing. Over and over again, Skyler and I pondered about what could be done to enhance the atmosphere of the evening. The sights were beautiful, but something was missing. Music - some good quality music would have definitely made a difference. But most of all, what was missing was the Source of Light, the Light of the World. Oh how I hope Wittenberg hosts the Night of Lights again next year. We could sing and play music. We could set up a booth or even rent a store front and share THE Light with the thousands of people who come out in search of light and beauty.

Maybe you have an idea of what we could hand out or "sell" that has the attraction of light and the hope of the Gospel tied up in one. We have a year to plan. What can we whip up? Maybe you even know of someone who would like to come lend a hand in our outreach. Please write and share your ideas with us. We would love to hear from you.

Let your light shine!

Chelli

The sound of his voice

It was such a blessing to be able to be at my Dad's bedside during his last couple of days here on earth. I am so humbled by and grateful for the many gifts that I received in order to make that trip possible. Thank you all so very much!

374 signed the guest book at Dad’s funeral, more than filling the little 150 person church where my dad invested his life of ministry. The funeral services were lead by three of his preacher friends: James Holmes, Charles Stevens, and Bill Eakins. They all reflected the steadfastness of Daddy’s friendship and ministry. The sermon was delivered by Bill Eakins and captured the essence of A.B. Sudbrock. We laughed, cried, and laughed some more as he compared the life of Paul to that of Dad’s and then drew the Gospel plan so clear that all could understand. It was ever apparent that Dad’s death was a culmination of the Gospel he so loved to preach. You could almost hear Dad booming in with "AMEN!"

Preceding the service I spoke with Bill mentioning how Father would have enjoyed preaching to such a crowd. He said, he would do anything to get people under the sound of the Gospel. We both laughed at the idea that he had died in order to fill the church.

The night before, we as a family had a private viewing and took the last pictures of Dad. It felt strange, but when the coffin lid was closed for the last time, I was comforted knowing that I had taken those pictures.

At the graveside God ordered up a rain. It was perfect as if Heaven was crying with us. His four sons and a grandson were pallbearers. Brother Eakins spoke and the lead us in prayer. The first volley of the 21-gun salute jolted me but the rest were like a salve. They spoke to his service to our country, our Lord and our relationship. I always loved hunting with Dad. Oddly the smell of the gun smoke brought up so many good memories.

Daddy was buried in an unfinished pine casket with rope handles of his own design and construction. He could do about anything, a real Superman. I have spoken to several pastors and the funeral director. No one had ever heard of such a thing, one building his own casket. The funeral director commented that he had heard of people starting, but never of one who actually got the job done. Even his casket spoke of his ingenuity, uncomplicated nature and inability to quit until the job was completed.

Right after Dad’s passing I struggled with the frustration that I could imagine what dad would have said in a given situation, but I couldn't remember his voice. It was a special blessing when we found some old videos and tapes of Dad. I was so comforted to hear him again. His teachings and words will be with me always.

Thank you once again for all of your prayers and support during this very difficult time for our family.

Paul

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

Back to School!

November may seem a little late for going back to school, but that is in fact just what we are doing.

Samantha's school has asked us to teach baseball during the last hour on Mondays, so each Monday we pick up the other girls from their school and head up to Samantha's school at the top of the hill with our bats and balls in tow. Over the years, we have gathered a duffel full of supplies for teaching baseball, but the turnout this time was a little more than we had expected. We have 22 boys and girls from the 4th grade who are eager to learn how to use a baseball mitt and which way to run when they hit the ball. Being a few mitts short, we are having to be a bit creative during our practice time. The best part about practice doesn't take place on the field or in the gym though. The best part is when we are in the store or walking downtown and one of our players stops to say hi and introduce us to their parents.

The same elementary school has also invited us to do an American Christmas Cottage during their annual Christmas Craft night at the end of this month. Now is time for brainstorming. I am looking for craft ideas that kids can do in about 10-15 minutes and cost less than $2 each to make. We will have Christmas carols and spiced cider and I would like to have candy canes too. Could someone send me some of the small candy canes? We will decorate with stockings and manger scenes. If anyone has any other good ideas, I would love to hear from you.

I am teaching English at the community college this fall as well. I have two classes, one for senior citizens on Monday mornings and an open conversation class on Thursday nights. Many of the students have been attending my classes for years and it is blessing to see our relationship develop and expand with each semester. Yesterday we received a phone call from one of the other teachers and she has invited our family to come sing Christmas Carols and teach about Christmas in America for two of her classes during the month of December. We will do a lot of the same things that we have planned for the elementary school, but we will also read the Christmas story from Luke and answer questions.

And this year, all three of our children's schools as well as the community college have been active in our church's Christmas Charity project. What a blessing to see their eagerness to help.

Christmas is such an awesome time to open up and share our hearts with people. I am praying that we will have more and more opportunities like these each year.

A big thank you goes out to all of you who pray for us so regularly.

Chelli

Praise God for open Doors!

Let us share some wonderful news: our Samantha and Serenity followed the Lord in Baptism this Sunday. We had a great service with many first time unsaved visitors. The kids played their instruments and sang “Amazing Grace.”

The title of the message was “Where were you when…” It was a spin off of the question we are always asked during the anniversary of some past event. We then posed the question, “Where will you be in the last event of your life?” stressing the opportunity to plan this event. We then discussed the parameters (the Ten Commandments), the way and finally the deciding factor being our relationship to the judge. The sermon was very direct and clear.

At the end of the service we showed pre-recorded video salvation testimonies preceding the girls’ baptisms. The baptismal videos can soon be viewed here on the Scoop. Afterwards we enjoyed a fellowship that all wished would not end.

Vivian, our Bible College Student, is on her way to Africa on a missions (apprenticeship) trip. Please pray with us that God will use this time to encourage and give clear direction for her life.

In the spring we worked very hard to get our foot in the door for the city festival. It was so difficult to convince the city that we had something to offer. We were kind of anxious about whether or not they would allow us to set up a stand again. Earlier this month we received a letter asking us to be apart of the next city-wide festival. Praise God for open Doors! We will have a booth at the Reformation Festival on October 31.

A note about my father’s health: Dad is recovering from his last radiation treatments. They crystallized the disk that as the doctor described it was turned to jelly by the cancer. This greatly reduced the pain, but took its toll on the digestive tract. He is now in physical therapy to rebuild the lost muscles in his back. He is also taking hormone therapy in the hopes of staying the advancements of the cancer. As of the last test results, the cancer is in the lymph glands along the aorta and in the stomach cavity. There is also a spot in one on his lungs. Please continue to pray for God’s healing.

Thanks be to God for our wonderful support team of churches and individuals. We were able to make a trip to see Dad and help as he went through this last bought of radiation. It was a wonderful time for us as a family. Many heart-felt thanks!

Laboring in the land of the Reformation,

Paul Sudbrock

Catching up on 2009

We have had the opportunity to be very active in the local schools this spring, with both Chelli and I chaperoning class field trips, helping with special events at the school, and playing an active role in the PTA. This is something we have always done, but this spring showed some rewards for the efforts. Chelli was able to witness to the girl’s in Samantha’s class and to encourage them to read the Easter story for themselves in the Bible. Shortly afterwards, Samantha was able to lead one of her classmates to the Lord. We are praising the Lord for this precious soul saved and for the spiritual growth that we have seen in Samantha. There is also the opportunity that God is opening a door so that I can teach baseball at Samantha’s school. The door had closed due to our last furlough. The principle even hinted at funding!

May 1st is a holiday here in Germany. Everyone gets May Day off of work and this year May Day was a day worth celebrating for us. As we sat at the lunch table, Sadie said, “Mom, do you remember saying that I should come to you when I am ready to get saved? Well, I am ready.” We sat around the table as a family and discussed salvation and praised the Lord as Sadie bowed her head and asked Jesus to forgive her of her sins.

June brings with it the big city festival each year. Wittenberg takes 3 days in the middle of June to celebrate the wedding anniversary of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora. Tens of thousands of people from all over Germany and some from around the world, will visit our downtown area during the celebration. We have attended the festival for 10 years now and always look for a new way to be involved and be a light for Christ. This year, the church will have a stand where we will distribute Bibles and tracts. The only stipulation from the city counsel was that our booth must have a central “middle ages” theme of some kind. We poured over dozens of ideas and finally settled on “paper making”. Our booth will center around the theme of “paper”. We will demonstrate how to make paper from common weeds and flowers as well as offering biblical literature and homemade book covers. If you would like to help with this outreach, just earmark your donation as “festival” and we will put your money towards the purchase of Bibles and tracts for our booth.

Thank you so much for your faithful support of our ministry in spite of the tough financial times which have hit us all. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness.

Laboring in the land of the Reformation,

Paul Sudbrock

A Break in the Weather

Whenever the weather is extreme for a period of time, we grow weary. You start hearing the phrase, “When will we finally see a break”. We have had a bit of a cold snap and it is amazing how unprepared the people are and how little they can endure.

My car almost didn’t start this morning. It went with a slow and dragging Rrrr. Rrr, rooM. One more Rrr would have meant r click, click… Thankfully my car was blessed with prayer and God gave it rooM and not click, click. Not the case for my neighbour’s car though. It didn’t roar to life. It simply clicked as the last of its energy ebbed away. Praise the Lord that we were able to be a blessing and a witness to this family that visits our Bible study occasionally.

The last year has been a cold one spiritually. We have had four cases of Church discipline. Sin like a cold Siberian wind had stymied the spiritual growth of many in our little church. Two cases remain unresolved. The first ended in click, click as a marriage ended. The other has been out of church for two months.

Praise God for a break in the weather! Over two months ago something happened that I had tried to lead in over and over again. It just never took hold. I kept trying to charge the church’s prayer battery. It finally took a charge and our men’s prayer meeting finally got off the ground.

Children’s Program – Our children’s choir sang songs of praise and rang bells of joy as they proclaimed the love of Christ come to Earth. We had 47 people attend our Sunday afternoon program. What a blessed way to spend the last Sunday before Christmas. All of our hearts were warmed by the joy and fellowship that filled the day. A big thank you goes out to those who have financially supported our Hand bell choir.

Christmas Eve – This year I shifted gears. I preached two five-week-series in preparation for Christmas. The first was “What is the best gift? The second was, “Jesus, a gift directly from the heart of God”. Then, instead of taking the planning of the Christmas Eve Service upon myself and our family, I told the church that there would not be a Christmas Eve service if they did not plan it and take responsibility for it. They rose to the occasion and we had one of our better attended Christmas Eve services

New Year’s Eve – Getting people together around holidays where they traditionally celebrate it as a family is like pulling eye teeth. We were wonderfully surprised when we had a group of young people want to join us for our New Year’s Eve fellowship. We ate together, enjoyed games, puzzles and a movie. Then, just before midnight we went for a cold brisk walk and watched the fireworks display as it lit the first minutes of 2009. God is working in our little church. We have seen him light the hearts of our people and we are seeing a spiritual maturing that has given us energy to continue on in the New Year.

The last discipline case to be resolved was that of a young lady. This last Sunday morning she openly confessed, before the whole church, what she had already made known in writing. We were truly blessed. After over two years of cold wind there has been a break in the weather. For two years we have earnestly prayed, confronted, cried, and with contrition waited to see this heart turned to the right again. For two years we heard click, click and silent cold. Praise God for a warming trend!

Thank you for having part in God’s work here in Wittenberg Germany,

Paul Sudbrock

“Pastor, I am praying for you.“

Are they simple words, or a powerful resource?

“Pastor, I am praying for you,” words spoken by an older lady that attends our services here in Wittenberg, Germany every other Sunday. Looking into her eyes, a flood of gratefulness overcame me. She continued and emphasized that she prays that I will not grow discouraged in the fight.

Today, I received the testimony of Tony Snow. As I read,” Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it. It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up, - to speak of us!” Instantly tears welled up and I was again overwhelmed with the sincere prayers of warriors fighting for me and my family.

Thank You God, for calling those who support us in prayer! When money fails, it is prayer that sustains us. When governments say “no” it is prayer that opens a way. When health fails it is faithful prayer that brings healing. It is enough to say, we feel your prayers!

This last quarter, God has brought a new soul into the family. Thomas found us through our website and sent an email asking for an appointment. He was ripe fruit. It was an easy lead to Christ. He is now growing and we are discipling him. He surprised everyone a few weeks ago with a new hair style. When asked what brought about the change, he simply stated, “my hair was drawing attention away from Christ. Wow! If we would all analyze every aspect of our lives with that measurement, what a difference it would make.

As a result of our Children’s Day Festival God has blessed us with a family of five. The father said, “We will be here every 14 days. You can count on us.”

We are looking forward to a fall full of events. Several are to be baptized. Baptism is an awesome outreach opportunity for our new believers. It is often their first real outward expression of faith in Christ and a great soul winning opportunity. The candidate is required to make a video of their salvation testimony that will be shown before they are baptized. They invite friends and family and we have always been blessed with a full auditorium by baptisms. We are praying that the upcoming baptisms are no exception and that God will gather in the harvest as a result of these outreach opportunities.

Extra blessings:

• Five year old camera was replaced with the newest model due to a faulty sensor – factory guarantee.

• In spite of dry conditions, God has blessed us with a good harvest of berries and other fruit.

• Our Church people gave us a special gift to help offset some of the challenges due to the weak dollar.

• Our washing machine went out and God provide new support to help pay the payments for a new one.

Thank God for the support that He so generously provides through you!

Paul Sudbrock

Taxes

With taxes being a big topic in the news lately, I thought you might find this little bit of German tax info interesting.

In Germany, the Lutheran, Catholic, and Jewish citizens pay church taxes. The tax - 8-10% of their income - goes to the German version of the IRS. The IRS then keeps 3% as a processing fee. The rest is divided up amongst the churches depending upon their membership. Children, teens, senior citizens and the unemployed do not have to pay this tax, but are still allowed to be members of these churches.

In 2005 the German IRS collected 8 Trillion Euro in church tax. That is a few Billion less than in 1995. 20% of what is given to the churches goes toward social programs, kindergartens and help organizations. The other 80% goes directly to the church leaders to use as they see fit.

So, in Germany, if your parents have you baptized as a baby into one of these churches, when you turn 18 that church will start collecting 10% of your income as church tax.

This causes problems for us sometimes. First of all, some do not want to get baptized because they are afraid we will start taking money out of their paycheck like the state churches do. Then, in order for us to baptize someone who is in the state church, they must officially fill out the paperwork to withdraw from that church. Secondly, the people are not used to giving an offering because it has always been taken directly out of their paycheck. It is often very difficult to bring across the idea of tithes and offerings.

Chelli

First Quarter of 2008

Upon our return to the field, we were grasping for the rudder and oars. A lot of water flows under the bridge in 4 months. In spite of all the preparation, not everything goes according to plan.

We were immediately confronted with the need of a discipline issue. No pastor enjoys Church discipline. Oh, but when repentance and healing comes. That is what we are earnestly praying for.

The first Sunday back, two of our church members brought us to tears. They very sweetly rewrote one of our favorite songs with words expressing how they had missed us and how that we were not allowed to leave again no matter the cost! It is good to see that you have made an impact.

That same Sunday morning we had a “guest.” This guest came to discuss the breaking up of the church that we have been renting our building from for the last three years. During these years, they have been so gracious in charging only one Euro a month so that we could use their building. However, the little group dwindled to only three remaining members. Three is not enough people to be recognized as a church by the Central association of German Brethren/Baptist. So on this day. I was confronted with three options.

The first two of which were without question impossible:

1. Rent without a contract and have no certainty as the building would also be rented to others who requested its use.

2. Become a part of the central organization.

3. Purchase the building.

At this point our only option is to purchase the building. This seems to be an impossible situation, but we know that our God knows the answer.

Vivian is returning to Germany from her first year at Bible College with no intention of continuing on the direction that God had led her. Please pray her heart will soften to God’s gentle touch.

One of the young men in our church is showing real promise. He has completed more of our discipleship than any of the other men. He is growing, loving his Bible, and serving. Olli has lived alcohol-free for almost a year and God has recently blessed him with a job. Please pray for him as he longs to follow the Lord’s leading.

A tremendous encouragement during April was the many responses we received to our German website. Several have written asking for prayer. We have seen one new visitor because of out internet presence and we are blessed to know that God’s word is reaching hearts via the web. Here is a note we received recently:

„für Menschen mit Handycap sind Ihre Internet - Seiten eine echte Hilfe und Fundgrube. Auf diese Weise können auch wir an Wort Gottes teilhaben.

herzliche Grüße und danke aus dem Schwarzwald“

„For people with handicaps, your website is a real help and treasure chest. Through this, we can also learn from God’s Word.

Best Wishes and thank you from the Black Forest!”

Thanks for your continued support,

Paul Sudbrock

End of 2007

Church news

The church in Wittenberg, Germany is doing well in our absence. People have stepped up to the challenge and filled in gaps while we are gone. Naturally and thankfully they are looking forward to our return. Please pray that these precious people who filled in will see their place in ministry and continue standing in the gap. This will free us up for other outreach opportunities.

Caught fruit

Tuesday evening the 18th of Dec., we received a call from Jamie C. She and her 4 year old daughter were taken out of a domestic abuse situation. The police had referred her to churches for help. She was calling from a motel room graciously provided by another non-profit organization. She and her daughter hadn’t eaten since breakfast. After calling the police to verify, which is our home church’s policy, Chelli quickly prepared a food basket, the kids gathered toys and we went off through the snow to the motel. In no time Chelli took Jamie’s attention from her physical need to her spiritual needs and immediately the tears began to flow. She was on the bottom looking for help. Eagerly, this Native American young lady reached out to the Lord for salvation. What a blessing. What a change from what we are used to experiencing. It takes so long to see a German receive Christ. It was a wonderful Christmas present for our whole family.

Family

It has been wonderful to spend the last month with my family. Catching up and getting to know new relatives. It is so strange to realize that my older brother is a grandfather.

My mother had a knee replacement surgery. She put us all through a scare by not wanting to wake back up after surgery. After a 10-day-stay in the hospital she is home and recovering well.

Dad is still cancer free and holding. Please pray for his further recovery.

New support

We have had 1 new church join us in our ministry to Germany and four others promise future support. We have also received an encouraging increase of support from some of our partnering churches. What a great encouragement!

Needs

We still need to see our support increased. As one missions agency explained the situation. “If you can imagine having an income of three thousand become an income of two thousand.” This explains the situation for European Missionaries.

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

Laboring for Christ,

Paul and Chelli Sudbrock

Furlough

During the past two weeks, we have driven through or past Warsaw, Peru, Kokomo, London, Miami, Mexico, Chili, Denver, Rochester, Palestine, Columbia City, Roanoke, Bremen, Plymouth, Morocco, Monticello, Frankfort, Lebanon, Moscow, Geneva, Alpine, Philadelphia, Brazil, and Poland while only putting 3240 miles on the car and never stepping foot on a plane. Can you guess where we have been? If you guessed, Indiana, USA, you are absolutely correct. We have had the privilege of ministering in some wonderful churches and visiting with old friends and new. God has blessed us and used us in ways that we will surely never fully comprehend.

Our spiritual and emotional batteries are being recharged as we gather ideas and materials for ministering in Wittenberg, Germany when we return in February.

The church in Wittenberg has been doing well in our absence. They have been taking good care of their guest preachers and have even enjoyed the privilege of greeting a few visitors. They remind us regularly though that our furlough can not be over soon enough. They long for us to return as soon as possible. We have booked a flight back to Germany on February 7th.

Between now and our return date, we are praying that the Lord will increase our financial and prayer support. With the ever-strengthening Euro and the ever-weakening American dollar, the cost of living continues to increase. Even during our absence, our apartment rent in Germany continues to increase each month.

• Vivian is attending Bible College in Springfield, MO, and is doing well. Please continue to pray.

• My father is recovering well from surgery. He expresses his thanks for your prayers.

• Olli has begun playing the guitar for our German church services.

• We have finally received our permanent resident permits to remain in Germany.

• Please pray for God's protection as we travel on furlough. We will be in Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, and Louisiana in the coming months.

• Please pray for the 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.

Laboring for Christ,

Paul and Chelli Sudbrock

Furlough

Our 2007 ministry video is ready for viewing.

Please pray that our calender will fill up with new churches or churches that are in a position to increase our support.

Corinth Continued

Thanks so much for remembering us so faithfully. As I was preaching this Sunday, it was as though I was pulling Christians out of Satan's clutches and they were complaining about my efforts. I preached Romans 1. You can imagine how that came across to some of our rebellious believers. Ironically, the three unsaved visitors were excited about hearing for the first time how relevant the Bible is today. Our faithful were fed.

I arrived at the church at 9:30 and our last counseling session ended at 12:30 am Monday morning. God opened many doors, and our day was fuller than I have ever experienced. I officially preached twice. In reality, the whole day was a sermon. At times I dealt with men with chemical dependence, self control of members and defeating the lies of this present "reality". At other times Chelli and I dealt with women about dress, men, adultery, marriage, and abortion. It was a nitty-gritty filled-with-tears trench battle. It still rages in some quarters, but God is winning.

Vivian, is somewhere over the Atlantic on here way to Bible College. Please pray for her! She needs God's hedge. She also needs $5,000 to repay an anonymous interest-free loan. A faithful Christian loaned her the needed funds.

Greetings from the front at Corinth (Wittenberg Germany)

Oh how I would write a letter of glowing report. A report filled with flowers and no thorns, but that would not be truthful.

As battle wages our Supreme Commander (God) has from His vantage point declared victory, but there are many casualties due to fear in the ranks. This "angst" is not found on the front, but in the camp. The people hear the rumbling and drumming of the enemy and fear captivates and paralyzes their hearts. Still others have, due to fear of pain of the cleansing process, allowed their wounds to fester until amputation of limbs appears to be the only option. There are some serious operations scheduled. Please pray for healing.

After this Sunday's offensive, three captives of the enemy cheered our assault. One even expressed interest in an escape effort. He wants to be set free, but has some trepidation. You see he has been a captive for years bound by alcoholism. He has experienced so many unsupplied attempts by well-meaning other captives. He wants to know if our forces are strong enough before he commits. We have agreed to meet and lay out the escape plan (God's Word). We will then reveal our secret and all powerful weapon (the cleansing power of Jesus Blood). Please pray for K that he will have the courage to jump into the rescue net (Jesus open arms) when it is raised.

Please also pray for our little troop as my recall to the base for debriefing is scheduled and cannot be postponed. We have already delayed our recall for debriefing for a year. I have field promoted one man to oversee operations. I have also called in temporary commanders (other pastors via DVD) from other fronts (other Churches). I have personally planned and set aside operational materials for 5 assaults (pre-taped video messages).

While at the base I must attempt to change public opinion for the cause. I hear rumors that folks back home have lost sight of the goals of our conflict. Some have become lost in the extravagances that the war effort has won them. They enjoy the freedoms so much so that they have forgotten that the once where also captives of the enemy. Still others are so trapped by personal debt that they have made themselves incapable to help the war effort. Others are simply apathetic.

Our resources are being limited due to the dangers of transport (exchange rate - weak dollar/strong Euro) Still other resources are drained due to the ever rising obstacle of cost of maintaining our limited footprint.

Praise our Supreme Commander for those who in spite of personal issues and conflicts have never for a moment lost sight of our goal. They are true heroes. Many have sold, scrimped, saved, and yes - suffered lost to give to the cause. Our Supreme Commander of our forces has seen their sacrifice and their needs will be filled immediately. They will also receive repayment in HIS words "pressed down and shaken together, and running over". We cannot express our gratitude to the Supreme commander for the great Support system that he has put together for our conquest of the enemy.

Thanks to all those who follow his command!

The Sudbrocks