Dear Friends and Supporters,
Since our June prayer letter, much has happened. We now have twice the work than we previously had, since our coworkers have now left us. So, on one day recently, there were over 20 people at our door, in need of various forms of help. Some have had relatively desperate needs. God continues to use these things, but we are finding it necessary to limit our hours and prioritize the needs more. We are also creating helps for them to help themselves with some things, even when they have not yet learned German. They are a great potential to reach the Turks from Turkey around us.
Both of the churches that meet at the ministry center are continuing to grow, each averaging close to 45 in attendance. This is remarkable, since we knew of only one Turkish-speaking believer in our part of Duisburg when we arrived in 2002. But, now there are between 80 and 100. So far, the mosque (the largest in Germany) has not openly reacted to our gatherings as a threat to them or their faith. We have been able to be a light, and our good relationships with our neighbors have made that possible. German officials are also encouraged by the developments. Turkish believers (from either Turkey or Bulgaria) in this region have said that God's Work in the ministry center and in these churches is a "true miracle", especially since we are located in such an important location for Turks outside of the historic Turkic World. We agree, because much of what has happened could not have been planned or easily implemented by us alone. God Himself has been working the hearts of the people. In our last letter, we reported about the 11 who were baptized. Now, we are expecting another batch of baptisms within the next two to three months.
God has done many of the things here Himself and we look forward to His further Work. The Turkish Bulgarian children have started to come again after the Summer break for homework help and our afternoon groups. About 15 are involved in these. They have become relatively wild, so we are hoping that we will soon have helpers from a local church. Women are also coming back to the German classes. German churches are now viewing the Brücke (our ministry center) as a possible model for their own outreach. Yesterday evening, I met with other pastors and we discussed how churches could do more effective outreach. They have been encouraged by God's Work at the ministry center, and their vision has also been growing for what God can do both here and in their own churches.
Paul has had some 14 to 15 hour days recently. He is the only one here to translate between German and Turkish for most of the Turks from Bulgaria in our neighborhood. But, many of the other meetings and relationships have also been important to attend. It looks like the spiritual developments among the Turkish Bulgarians are now a small movement, which has taken on a life of its own. That is exciting, but it also requires wisdom and energy as we seek to relate and encourage further developments.
On the family front: Matthew has been working with a security firm in Denver over the last few years, as he has been seeking a job position as a licensed counselor. But, positions have been difficult to locate, so he is now planning to join the military to get more of the counseling experience that he needs. Jenna and our granddaughters (Jaala and Naomi) are doing fine. The girls are growing rapidly, as we can see on Skype. Rachel continues to work and go to the University. Joshua keeps finding new jobs, alongside of his studies at Wheaton. He is now the TA for a German professor, tutoring French, and working in the archives of the Billy Graham Center. Kathy had a tumor detected in her left breast about six weeks ago. Germans, Turks, Turks from Bulgaria and Americans all prayed for her. So, as she went to be evaluated by the specialist, he could no longer locate the tumor. It appears to have disappeared! PTL! She has also had another problem with her bowels, which has resulted in a minor surgery, but now again is doing better.
We just received a support summary for the last three months from our mission. It again showed a recent drop in our support income. This is likely due to the fact that we have had a series of events, including visitors, a week long conference (EFCA Reachglobal Europe), Paul had a week long bout with the flu, Kathy's illnesses mentioned above, the extra work due to the loss of our coworkers, etc. As a result, our 2 month prayer letters have become closer to three months. But, the slump could also be partly due to the Summer and to the general economic uncertainties. However, we can thank and praise the Lord for His Provision and for the work of His Spirit in the people around us.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1. Thank the Lord that Kathy's tumor appears to have disappeared after prayer. Pray also for continued energy for us in the midst of our busy schedules.
2. Pray for a Turkish girl who has been coming to the Turkish Bulgarian services. She is listening more and more to the messages. Pray also for the Turkish man who asked for deliverance.
3. Ask the Lord to guide and bless our children in their various settings, so that they also may be blessings for others, displaying and sharing God's Hope and Love to those around them.
4. Pray for the many Turks from Bulgaria at the ministry center, who want to learn the Bible and grow in the Lord. Pray also that Paul can make the time to prepare and teach them further.
5. Pray that we may be able to have a restful time in the US, even in the midst of our travels, and that our time with family would be good.
6. Thank the Lord for His Provision for our needs, and for our many faithful supporters.
7. Pray for coworkers for us, because we are in need of them.
8. Pray for us to have safe travels and a quality time together in the U.S. during our vacation.
9. Thank the Lord for the encouragement and blessings experienced by the Turkish Bulgarians and the Germans during the joint bilingual service.
10. Thank the Lord for the approximately 150 people who come to the ministry center each week, and pray that those who are not believers would come to the Lord.
Thank you again for your faithful prayers and financial support. What has been happening here could not have occurred without your part in the ministry. Your partnership in the Gospel with us has brought God's message of His Love and Hope to people who may not have ever heard it.
Sincerely, in Christ,
Paul and Kathy Baum
