Shafer on Mission

The Word in the Heart

2012-01-19T11:01:00.003-07:00

This quote is taken from a book titled, "Meditating on God's Word" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. "I do not treasure God's promise in my understanding but in my heart. It is not to be analyzed by my intellect, but to be pondered in my heart...Therefore, it is never sufficient simply to have read God's Word. It must penetrate deep within us, dwell in us, like the Holy of Holies in the Sanctuary, so that we do not sin in thought, word, or deed."Like · · Share · 3 minutes ago

Ruler of the Kings of the Earth

2009-12-24T20:24:00.002-07:00

These thoughts are recorded from a message by Pastor John Piper on Revelation 1:4: "Grace and peace to you from him who was, who is, and who is to come and from the seven spirits before his throne and from Jesus Christ who is his faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." Pastor Piper focused his thoughts on the phrase, ruler of the kings of the earth and gave five meanings of Jesus' ruler-ship:
1. He controls who becomes king and brings them down.
2. God regulates what the kings of the earth will do or not do.
3. The Reign of Jesus Christ means he has authority to claim citizens from all nations to be citizens of heaven.
4. Jesus' ruler-ship means that he will triumph in his redemptive purposes in the world. He is a triumphant Lord over all and has defeated death. We need to breathe in his victory.
5. Christ is ordering this world for the good of his church. He has global purposes for the spreading of the gospel and he has a purpose, profit, and joy for you in His purpose. He is moving the world for the sake of his bride, the church.

Virgin's Womb and Empty Tomb

2009-12-24T12:26:00.001-07:00

"The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: 'a virgin's womb and an empty tomb.' Jesus entered our world through a door marked, 'No Entrance' and left through a door marked 'No Exit'." Peter Larson Merry Christmas!

Thanks to John and Daniel Goering who posted this on Facebook.

Faith and Courage

2008-09-20T07:15:00.000-06:00

I enjoy studying the book of Exodus. This past week I have been answering the questions from the BSF study guide. In Exodus 2:1-4 I see that Moses’ mother is full of courage and faith. You could define courage as faith in action. Exodus 2:5-9 tells what happens after Moses is placed in the basket. There faith waits to see what will happen. The sister displays remarkable common sense, wisdom, and shrewdness. I think of the verse in Matthew that says we must be wise as serpents. Moses’ sister thinks of asking Pharaoh’s daughter if she should go and fetch a nurse for her brother. What happens can only be God turning a bad situation into good. Moses’ mother is paid wages to nurse and raise her own child! Talking about turning the tables on the devil himself. Then when Moses became a teenager, he is adopted into the family of Pharaoh’s daughter. There the preparation of Moses begins in the enemy’s own camp!

Interview with Pastor Dave Lennander

2008-09-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

You and Sandy returned from Berlin in January. How has your adjustment been? How will these changes benefit you as one of the Pastors of Cedarcreek Community Church?

We have adjusted fairly well. The biggest adjustment for me was coming back into Cedarcreek Community Church with a new pastoral role. We had to work out what that role should be and then I have been adjusting to it. The debriefing at Missionary Training International was very helpful to us. We were possibly thinking about being involved in church planting. We realized at MTI that the 3 years in Berlin, our aging and then reestablishing ourselves in Eau Claire had an emotional and mental toll. We understood that at this point in our lives we didn’t have the vision or energy to spearhead a church plant.

How did your time as a missionary change you and Sandy?
We became more aware and skilled at reaching people with the gospel who have had no background or understanding of the Bible. We became more aware of how post-modernism has affected both Christians and non-Christians in the development of their world view. We also became more patient and sharpened in dealing with conflict and in working with an inter cultural team trying to build a church. This greatly broadened my thinking and people skills as a pastor.

You recently returned to Berlin. What was the main purpose of your trip?
I went back to Berlin in May not only to encourage the saints but also meet with people, teach and develop leaders but most of all to be an encouragement to Dieter and Lucy Schade in their transition to living in Berlin and working with Rock Berlin.

You conducted leadership training with the GCLI material. How did this go?
I started going through the GCLI materials with some of the people on the RB Lead Team. There were 7 people who attended these sessions. The best part of the time was the long discussions related to the Word of God. We were able to be refreshed by studying God’s Word together.

What was a highlight of your return to Berlin?
The best thing about my trip was going out to eat and talk with many of the individuals in the church. We enjoyed the 3-4 hour luncheons and dinners that are such a good part of Berlin life..

How is Rock Berlin doing with the leadership change?
Rock Berlin has went through many difficult changes over the last 5 years. The current leadership change is another one and it is difficult. But God is using the pain to deepen individual’s lives and characters. I was encouraged to observe spiritual growth in many of the individuals that I met with since we left 3.5 months ago.

Where do you think Rock Berlin needs to go in the future?
I think the greatest need for the church is for Dieter and John Goering to work together and get used to each other and appreciate each others gifts. They are very complementary to one another. But they need time to get to know each other. If they blend well together, I believe the church will make good progress in the future. The young believers in the church also need to step up and serve the church and their fellow believers. They must see the church is not just a place to receive but to give themselves to others. I think that Dieter is doing a great job under challenging circumstances and that his godly vision and character are showing in process.

Wilderness Family Camp

2008-06-26T11:45:00.010-06:00

From June 15 - 21 Kathy and I participated in Evergreens annual Wilderness Family Camp. One of the reasons we participated was the opportunity to get to know some of the younger families of Evergreen. Another reason is that we simply love Minnesota's North Shore. We drove to Grand Marais and took the well known Gunflint Trail until we came to the Christian Wilderness Camp. This camp was bare bones! We had to use outhouses for our toiletry needs and the only shower in camp was ice cold. We had a wonderful time getting to know the other couples and their children. In fact you could say that we had a chance to satisfy our grand parent needs for the week. Two year old Olivia adopted me for the week and I loved it. Kathy led devotions for the women every day and I led devotions for the men. We all shared the work load and had a good time. On different days we hiked along the Superior Trail and let the children play on the beach in Grand Marais. We never sighted any moose but we did find moose droppings and some tracks. The children had a blast.

The day we rented canoes was very windy. We canoed a short but difficult trip down the river to an island. Normally our guide would have taken us far over several portages. But the wind was severe and most of us were not experienced canoeists. We had a picnic lunch and tried to find the best protection from the wind as possible. Some of the children used a canoe as a shield from the wind. Why didn't I think of that? Finally the guide realized that the wind was not going to drop and we headed back. I almost caused our canoe to tip as we were launching it in a heavy wind. God was watching out for us and we did not tip. This was some of the most difficult canoing that I have ever experienced. There were times when I thought we would never make it.

June 19 was our 32nd Anniversary. We went to one of our favorite restaurants on the Gunflint Trail called "Trails End" and enjoyed a good dinner. Then we stopped at a small gift shop named "The Loons Nest" and owned by Dennis & Darlene Short. Dennis was sick at home and recovering from open heart surgery. I can relate to that. Dar said that he was not doing well and I asked if we could take a minute to pray for him. She consented and we all bowed our heads and I led in prayer for Dennis. We have not heard the outcome. We finished this beautiful celebration having evening wine as the sun set over Canada.

On the last day we returned via Highway 61 along the North Shore. There is an Amish store in a small town that we always stop at. They make the best and healthiest sandwiches on the North Shore. It is a favorite stopping place for vacationers and tourists. We arrived home exhausted and weary but boy did we have a great time!

Intimacy at the Dinner Table

2008-05-14T11:43:00.002-06:00

Although the table is a place for intimacy, we all know how easily it can become a place of distance, hostility, and even hatred. Precisely because the table is meant to be an intimate place, it easily becomes the place we experience the absence of intimacy. The table reveals the tensions among us. When husband and wife don't talk to each other, when a child refuses to eat, when brothers and sisters bicker, when there are tense silences, then the table becomes hell, the place we least want to be.

The table is the barometer of family and community life. Let's do everything possible to make the table the place to celebrate intimacy. - Henri Nouwen

A Prayer of Blessing for all Mothers

2008-05-11T09:03:00.002-06:00

A Prayer of Blessing for Mother

By

Daniel Porter

May God bless you from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet …

May the choices your child makes be a crown to your head and bring joy to your heart.

May God bless your mind with clarity to avoid evil and choose what is good. May you find activities and friends for your child that are excellent and honorable.

May God bless your eyes with warmth to see a bright future for your child. May you rejoice in the beauty of what God has given you and His eternal love for you.

May God bless your nose with the smell of delicious meals that provide the nourishment for your child to grow healthy and strong.

May God bless your lips to speak encouragement and correction to guide your child through life.

May God bless your ears to join your child in laughter and comfort with gentleness.

May God bless your neck with elegance and grace to teach your child culture and virtue.

May God bless your shoulders with strength and determination to provide and protect through the seasons of life.

May God bless your hands with diligence and abundance.

May God bless your back to stand straight for the truth and to bend to help those in need.

May God give you a wise and discerning heart that abounds with love, courage and compassion.

May God bless your legs with endurance. May you feel God’s presence with you throughout your days.

May God bless your feet that you may bring peace wherever you go.

May God bless the road beneath your feet. May your paths lead to righteousness and blessing for you, your family and friends, for generations to come.

May God bless you from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.

Vacation in Colorado

2008-05-06T11:52:00.004-06:00

Kathy was homesick to see her grandchildren. So off to Colorado we flew. Grace met us at the airport. It is always a joy to see Grace. Steven took the day off just to grill us some special steaks. They were tasty, juicy, and yummy! No going out for steak when Steven is around. Thanks Steven. We enjoyed going to Cherry Creek State Park and taking Rosco for walks. Who is Rosco? Grace's Rottwieler disguised as a cuddling Teddy Bear! There is no meanness in this dog! On Wednesday we met Sara and the kids at Canyon State Park. Our grandchildren were more excited to see Rosco than us! They jumped out of the car, yelling Rosco, Rosco and completely ignoring Opa & Oma. The kids enjoyed jumping from rock to rock at the park!

Next we visited Jeremy, Sara, and our grandkids. What a great time! One of my highlights was getting Charlie up from bed and getting all of those precious cuddles. We went hiking at two nature parks and I was able to see some birds and add to my life list. I was surprised to see how much the kids enjoyed hiking. We met Sara's friend, Chris, who was a fountain of nature lore. Chris showed us the Pasque flower which had just bloomed. It was named for the Passover.

Kathy helped Jeremy come up with some landscaping ideas and together they spent a few hours shopping at Lowes. They dug in the garden and Jeremy also braced his fence which is subject to a constant west wind. I was able to cook one of my favorite southern dishes called Okra & Tomatoes. We also got to watch Cassidey take swimming lessons. And of course there is the Saturday night baby sitting so that Sara and Jeremy can go out on a much needed date! We were definitely glad to put the kids into bed that evening!

This was our first visit where the children did not need time to warm up to us. That was memorable.

Henry Nouwen

2008-05-03T12:54:00.001-06:00

"When we enter into solitude to be with God alone, we quickly discover how dependent we are. Without the many distractions of our daily lives, we feel anxious and tense. When nobody speaks to us, calls on us, or needs our help, we start feeling like nobodies. Then we begin wondering whether we are useful, valuable, and significant. Our tendency is to leave this fearful solitude quickly and get busy again to reassure ourselves that we are "somebodies." But that is a temptation, because what makes us somebodies is not other people's responses to us but God's eternal love for us.

To claim the truth of ourselves we have to cling to our God in solitude as to the One who makes us who we are."

Quote by Mother Therasa

2008-05-03T12:47:00.002-06:00

Small acts of kindnesses done with love changes the world.

Rock Berlin's New Look

2008-03-03T13:47:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Stephi Goering who provided these pictures after Rock Berlin had been painted.

Quote for Today

2008-01-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Martin Luther wrote: "Our Victory is in Christ, and when we boast of Christ, we shall win. Satan and the ungodly hear the Word of God not willingly but unwillingly. Yest this Word consoles and lifts up the godly who are alarmed either in the hour of death or in want and misfortune. By means of studying the Word of God, Satan is thrown out and not b means of plans made by the flesh."

Transition Blues

2007-11-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

We have less then a month before departing for the states. First we fly to Denver, Colorado on November 30 and will spend a couple of nights with Grace & Steven. From December 2 - 6 we will attend Missionary Training International near Colorado Springs for missionary reentry training. Afterwards we spend the weekend with Jeremy, Sara, and will see our beautiful grandchildren. On December 9 we fly to Minnesota and will close on a condo in Bloomington. Then begins the task of buying furniture, household items, and transforming our condo into home. We fly back to Colorado Springs for Christmas. I am looking forward to our family being together for Christmas. We have not decided whether we will return to Germany for the Great Commission Europe Awaken Conference.

We have to pack, clean and paint our warm apartment with sterile white pain. It will be painful to see our home of five years transformed from a warm, friendly atmosphere into a sterile, cold atmosphere. For me it is especially difficult because I seemed to have picked up another lung infection and do not have my normal energy. But through it all I know that Kathy and I are in the hands of God. Here are some promises that I am claiming and praying.

Isaiah 33:5: ...and He will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22: And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us...

God himself will be our stability and will establish our new home in Bloomington, Minnesota. Jeremiah also prayed and said, Nothing is too difficult for you.

Our Vacation In Switzerland

2007-10-05T06:11:00.000-06:00

We left for Switzerland on September 4 and stayed for 8 days. On the first day we checked our bags all the way to Samedan. Switzerland allow you to check bags on flights as well as the train. They did not make it the first night but arrived the next day. We stayed 3 days in Samedan and hiked in the Mountains. The first couple of days were cloudy & cool with drizzle. We embraced the unusual weather and enjoyed ourselves.

On Friday September 7 we spent the day traveling from Samedan to Lauterbrunnen. A highlight was taking the Glazier Express. Kathy made a simple but eloquent lunch to take on the train. There was one intoxicating beautiful view after another. We arrived at Lauterbrunnen along with our checked bags. We spent the next few days hiking and enjoying the local cuisine. One day Kathy purchased some fresh bread, homemade beef jerky, and Alp Cheese. This cheese literally melts in your mouth and all of the local farmers make and sell this cheese.

We closed out our trip by taking a boat ride on Lake Interlacken to Oberhafen where Kathy's favorite castle is. During this trip we came across a wonderful restaurant called Shuh Restaurant. There they made their own chocolate. We participated in a tour where we could see how chocolate is made. We had the opportunity to sample as much as we wanted. I could have stayed there the whole night!

Treptower Park

2007-08-21T08:24:00.000-06:00

This beautiful park is located in former East Berlin. There is a nice Bicycle and Foot path that goes along the river. While walking you will eventually see an old carnival park with rides that are slowly rusting away. I have always wondered what the story is behind these ruins. While walking you will see Berliners taking a relaxing bike ride or people strolling leisurely along the river. Kathy loves to take pictures of flower gardens and we have a collection from all over Berlin. We stopped at a restaurant located on a boat. Kathy had her usual Berlin Weissbier. I sampled a bier called Weihenstephan. This bier is brewed at the oldest brewery in the world. This brewery has been brewing bier since 1040. That is almost one thousand years!

Baptism on a Cool, Cloudy Sunday

2007-08-17T05:04:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was a typical day in Berlin with cool, cloudy weather mixed with occasional drizzle. This is a perfect day for a baptism. Although another church had canceled out, Mahmood, in the spirit of the Ethiopian Eunuch from Acts 8, still wanted to get baptized. After the Baptism, Mahmood, was very happy and rejoiced in the Lord.

The Eye of the Lord

2007-08-15T05:27:00.000-06:00

Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalms 33:18

I am so happy that God never gets tired and his eye can be upon all Christians who fear and love him, no matter what they are doing or where they are at. Can you imagine what the universe would be like if God took a nap?

Bamberg

2007-08-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

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Kathy and I drove to Bamberg to visit my Uncle Thomas & his wife Gundi. The drive there was an adventure. It is easy in the United States to turn around after making a wrong turn. Not so in Germany! When we went the wrong direction there was no way to turn around easily. On one occasion we had to circle around about 20 miles to get back to where we took the wrong exit. Poor Kathy was so stressed out. I am sure it is easier for Germans who are used to driving in Germany. Sometimes directional signs were non-existent or we just missed them!

This was our final visit before we return to Minnesota in December. Thomas is my Dad's half brother and is retired from the U.S. Army. He was airborne and also an avid sports parachutist. He has a certificate indicating that he has 20 miles of free fall during his career. Thomas & Gundi have been together for 21 years. Soon they will move from their apartment where Gundi has lived for 51 years! The new building will have an elevator and enclosed parking garage.

They took us to Brauerei Koenig in Tiefenellern, a small village. There I had the best ever pork Schnitzel. Yummy! It was served with some wonderful fried potatoes. Kathy purchased a beer glass that she really liked.

We walked through the old city of Bamberg and took many wonderful pictures. Most of all we had a wonderful visit with two beautiful people whom I have gotten to know since living in Berlin.

Quote of the Week

2007-07-30T02:09:00.000-06:00

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." Mark Twain

Memorable Moments

2007-07-29T12:43:00.000-06:00

During the fall of 2006, Kathy and I, celebrated our wedding anniversary by traveling to the North Shore of Minnesota. We took some day hikes and enjoyed beautiful scenery. We even seen a moose in the northern wilderness. We also ate at some nice restaurants. Most of all we enjoyed one another. The happy face that Kathy created captures our emotions well.

Update

2007-07-29T03:23:00.000-06:00

I returned to Berlin from Colorado Springs a week ago. It is good to be back home and with my wife. The bronchitis infection has mostly run its course but I still have some congestion in my lungs. Rock Berlin is experiencing its annual summer slump because of the vacation season. Usually vacations last around six weeks and everyone seems to go on vacation at the same time! So the weekly attendance has been low. Rock Berlin was averaging 45 per week before the summer vacation season. But it is encouraging that there are first time visitors each week. So we have been introduced to some new people. Kathy and I are hoping to visit my Uncle Thomas in Bamberg, Germany next week.

Reading

2007-07-29T03:22:00.000-06:00

"People don't read enough. And what reading we do is cursory, without absorbing the subtleties and nuances that life deep within - Wow, you've stopped paying attention, haven't you? People can't even read a coffee cup without drifting off."

- David Shore
Creator and executive producer of the television drama House

Scripture Memory Verses of the Week

2007-07-16T13:42:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah 10:12

It is He who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

Romans 11:33

Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! Ho unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways.

Personal Update

2007-07-16T13:29:00.000-06:00

I appreciate the prayers of all of our friends during this long illness. I extended my stay in Colorado Springs in order to recover from a severe case of bronchitis. I am not totally recovered but well on the way. Tomorrow Kathy will return to Berlin and I hope to follow before the end of the week. It has been refreshing to reconnect with our children in Colorado but we are both ready to return! I would appreciate your continued prayers for total recovery and for our flights back to Berlin.

Spiritual Friendship

2007-07-16T13:16:00.000-06:00

"A Spiritual Friend is an intimate, life-giving friend who helps me pay attention to God."

John Ortberg

“Spiritual Friends are soul friends, in that they care for each other as whole people, not simply as spiritual beings. They are sacred companions, because they help us become more aware of the presence of the sacred. The supreme gift that anyone can give to another is to help that person live life more aware of the presence of God. Sacred companions help us remember that this is our Father’s world. They help us hear his voice, be aware of his presence and see his footprints as we walk through life.” -

David Benner

Waterbrige in Germany

2007-07-10T07:23:00.000-06:00

"In what’s being hailed as an engineering masterpiece, two important German shipping canals have been joined by a giant kilometer-long concrete bathtub. The new waterway near the eastern town of Magdeburg opens Friday." Click on the title of this post to read the full article. This is very cool and something we must see!

Wanted: Men of Integrity

2007-07-10T06:52:00.000-06:00

Matthew 20:25-28: But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Job 27:2-6: “As God lives, who has taken away my right and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.”

How many men can say with certainty and conviction that their hearts does not reproach them for any of their days? I believe that no one could say this. How many men will hold on to their integrity no matter what the cost? How many men will say that I am here to serve and not to be served? How many men are determined in their hearts to be honest and not to speak any falsehood? The answer is too few men have made these commitments. We need men of integrity whose primary existence is not to be selfish in nature but to be committed to serve God and others no matter what the cost is.

Verse of The Week

2007-07-08T15:18:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah 32:17: Ah', Lord God! It is you who has made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

30 Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God

2007-07-06T13:51:00.000-06:00

While browsing the Navigators Ministry website, I came across a document entitled 30 Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God. I have added a link to this where you can download or print out this document. You can also click on the title of this post and view this document. Worship is a vital part of the Christian walk. Praying the names of God can help you worship God in a meaningful way.

Got Questions

2007-07-05T21:18:00.000-06:00

Last week we attended a church here in Colorado Springs. Afterwards, during fellowship, I was commenting on the variety of mission organizations and missionaries that this church sponsors. I was impressed because this is an average size church with a big heart. One of the missions that is sponsored is GotQuestions.org. This website has been translated into 55 languages. Over 155,000 questions about the Bible and Christianity are answered. I recommend this site for anyone who has these types of questions. After you receive an answer then I recommend following the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11: Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Meet Rosco!

2007-07-04T15:37:00.000-06:00

If you met Rosco on the street, most likely you would be scared out of your wits. Rosco belongs to Grace, my daughter, and he could care less about mauling you. He would rather sprawl out in your lap on the sofa and be petted. Rosco loves my grandchildren and they always look forward to a visit from Grace & Rosco.

On mission in Colorado Springs

2007-07-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

On June 14 my wife and I celebrated my birthday. When I turned 50 years old, I started counting my age backwards. So I am a young 39 years! This helps me stay young in heart. On June 15 I flew to Kansas City to travel to the pastor's conference. The heat, humidity, and pollens really set my allergies off which resulted in me being very ill. During the pastor's conference in Osage Beach, Missouri, I visited the emergency room in a local hospital and was diagnosed with an bronchitis infection with severe asthma.

On June 22, after the pastor's conference, I flew into Colorado Springs to visit my son's family. I met Charlie, my 7 month old grandson, for the first time! That evening, because of chest pain and weakness, I was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital for my second visit to an emergency room. Their examination revealed that the chest pain was not Angina as I originally thought. It also revealed that I had fluid build up around my heart. Infections can cause fluid to build up around the heart causing chest pain.

I was scheduled to return to Berlin on June 25, but I decided to remain in Colorado Springs until fully recovered before returning to Berlin, Germany. During the remainder of my time in Colorado Springs, I am getting a full cardiac evaluation and second opinion from a local cardiologist. I will also be raising support for Rock Berlin.

While at the pastor's conference I listened to two pastors discussing what it means to boast in your weaknesses. I do not remember all that was discussed but it was it very interesting. On Sunday, June 24, I was an emotional basket case! I wept and prayed over 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10: But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I was in the pit of emotional despair when I feebly attempted to boast in all of my weaknesses. Talking about it academically and doing it are two different things! I thought about what it really means to brag about something. Some people brag over their new car, others brag about their new home, computer, IPOD and so on. It is not human nature to brag or boast about your weaknesses! So I bragged to God about the weaknesses in my body and ended up with a list of blessings to be thankful for.

This bronchitis infection made it possible for me to really connect with my grandchildren on an emotional level. Since we have lived in Berlin for five years this has been next to impossible to do. Since then Kathy has joined me. She is scheduled to return to Berlin on July 17. I am scheduled for a nuclear stress test, echo cardiogram, and consultation. I hope to return to Berlin before the end of the month.

A Blessing from Weaknesses

2007-07-04T07:30:00.000-06:00

I arrived two approximately 2 weeks ago. The purpose of my visit was to visit my son, his family and to meet my Grandson Charlie for the first time. I found out that Charlie loves to smile anytime you give him attention or play with him. What a joy he is! Connecting with my grandchildren has been a gem of a blessing in the midst of illness.

Okra & Tomatoes

2007-06-29T16:49:00.000-06:00

The last time we visited Jeremy & Sara, I decided to make some old fashion okra & tomatoes with yummy Jimmy Dean sausage. I grew up with my Dad making this Texas dish. I added the usual including lots of paprika. We served the okra & tomatoes for dinner. I took one bite and my mouth felt like a red hot furnace. Nobody but Sara could eat it. Sara who cut her teeth on hot spicey food ate it for breakfast until it was gone. Well I want to say that today my okra & tomatoes are perfect!

Transcending Cultures

2007-06-29T08:15:00.001-06:00

Yesterday while perusing blogs I came across a blog that reminded me of a lesson I first learned when we moved to Berlin, Germany. It was the opening day of the second Gulf War that we are still marred in. I have found that most German I know are anti-war. There are probably reasons for this but I will not go into that now. But my son was flying missions over Iraq and my heart was burdened for him. At the same time all of the anti-war demonstrations were getting to me. In my German class the teacher allowed the class to spend the whole time bashing the USA. Kathy had to leave in tears. That is when the teacher realized that she had allowed things to go to far. Kathy later had a good talk with her.

But I wanted to be a secret Rambo and storm the demonstrations. I was angry, mad and wanted to tear down all of the anti-war posters, etc. I can be strongly radical at times! That Saturday I went to an international prayer meeting. The leader of the time asked if anyone had burdens that they wanted to share. I poured out my heart. Afterwards all of these wonderful German Christians grouped around me to pray for my son. Their love and prayers melted my heart! I realized that the Holy Spirit transcends cultures,languages, and borders. My German brothers and I are really citizens of heavens and a band of brothers in spiritual warfare.

Manliness

2007-06-28T23:00:00.000-06:00

Senator Joseph Biden said "it is not unmanly to wear a condom". How about it is not unmanly to wait until marriage to have sex!

Music

2007-06-28T19:55:00.000-06:00

I am new to this blogging stuff. I just perused a blog that JR Woodward from Kairos Los Angeles recommends. I am not musically inclined and cannot carry a tune. But I do appreciate music. Martin Luther said: "I have no pleasure in any man who despises music. It is no invention of ours: it is a gift of God." The Blog is called "The Other Journal". It looks to have some interesting articles.

Feeling Better Today

2007-06-28T07:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I found out that Target legally could not forward the prescription for a Neb to the medical supply company. I needed to call my doctor in MN and have him fax the prescription! Needless to say I was frustrated when I realized that I had to wait until tomorrow because Health Partners was closed. We went to Walgreens to pick up a few items and what was waiting for me when we returned? Read on!!

I have started meditating on the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. The prayer: “give us this day our daily bread can be translated as tomorrow’s bread or bread for the coming day. I have been so amazed at God’s provision for us while in Berlin. His provision here has also been amazing. I was totally surprised to find that the Nebulizer arrived while we were at Walgreens! What an answer to prayer!

Our last Five Years!

2007-06-27T13:59:00.000-06:00

After retiring from the State of Minnesota Kathy and I embarked upon a new journey in life. We became Missionaries in Berlin, Germany. We were part of a team from Evergreen Community Church to start a culturally, relevant church oriented to young people. The name of this church is Rock Berlin. I do not have the time to describe in detail the last five years but they have been good to us. In future postings I will share highlights from the last five years. You can check out the Rock Berlin website at www.rockberlin.de.

Shafer on Mission

2007-06-17T20:44:00.000-06:00

Gene & Kathy Shafer have been on mission for Jesus in Berlin, Germany since 2002. This has been a wonderful experience for both of us during our empty nester years. In January we will be returning to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. There we will be on mission to serve however God leads.