English

Das Berliner Blatt
The Stoddards' Life and Ministry in Berlin

Dear Friends and Family,

Jesus-Tag 2004

The Brandenburg gate is probably the most well-known Berlin monument because it stands in the middle of the city and at the center of its history. In the 1930s, thousands gathered around this famous gate to hear Hitler, in the 60s to see Kennedy, and in the 80s it was the symbolic site of the German reunification. And yesterday, September 11th, 2004, 40,000 Christians from all over Germany gathered to celebrate an invisible person, their King the Lord Jesus.
A worship service was the climax of a march up and down Unter den Linden, the most famous street of former East Germany. There were prayer stations at important sites, such as the Jewish holocaust memorial, the American Embassy and Humboldt University. It was an amazing feeling for us to be a part of something so much greater than our small, sometimes isolated efforts and we were reminded that God's kingdom is greater than any one church. The diversity was amazing: Africans with drums, brothers in full garb and sandals, Mennonites from what looked like another century. The name of Jesus was proclaimed over Berlin and the gospel, not a watered-down version to make everyone comfortable as one might have expected, was preached. Some may ask of what practical use such a march is. But we believe that it pleased God to see his children come together, breaking down walls that have existed within the German church for centuries. And walls coming down seem to be Berlin's theme of the century!

Recent Events in Pankow

On a more personal level, walls are coming down too. Our small groups here in Pankow helped another local church with their evangelistic efforts this past week. Our folks gave of themselves in street evangelism, prayer, distributing Jesus videos and painting kid's faces in the parks as a way of meeting people in the community.
We are also encouraged that two of our Mama Talk ladies are attending a 10 week course (a modified version of the Alpha course), which is an introduction to the basics of the Christian faith. Up until now, this is the most interest anyone has expressed here in Pankow. We are encouraged that these two ladies are serious enough to find out what it means to be a Christian, overcoming walls of suspicion and fear. They will need your prayers as they are exposed to and wrestle with the truths of the Bible. We pray God would meet them personally and that that experience would change their hearts and lives for Him.

Upcoming Events in Pankow

The Pankow vision group starts on September 19th. Some are already brainstorming and talking about a first worship service in November…but the group has yet to be formed! We are so glad that the spiritual momentum has picked up and we sense a true passion and excitement on the part of our German brothers and sisters. We will need your prayers for wisdom and unity as the group proceeds to discuss, plan and pray for a new church to be born in our neighborhood.
A new Mama Talk group is starting on October 18th. This discussion group for young moms has been a wonderful way to reach women and to discuss matters of faith as they relate to parenting. Pray that 6-8 women would sign up again. And please also pray that we would know how to best maintain and further the contacts to the previous 2 Mama Talk groups (about 10-12 women).

Family News

We are thrilled to announce that we are expecting a new addition to the Stoddard family at the beginning of February! Jesse, Liam and Alethea are all reacting to this new reality in very different ways. Jesse (almost 6 now), our pragmatic thinker, is already calculating how many seats we will need in a new van. Liam (4) wants the baby to be a brother and Alethea, as a typical two year-old, keeps lifting my shirt to see the baby!

Introducing Caroline Miller

No, this is not the name of our new baby! Rather, we have been praying for an au-pair to come help us out before, surrounding and after the time of the birth. We received many email responses, but the young lady the Lord sent along visited us in person this past summer, It became clear to her and to us that she should do it.
Caroline Miller is an Erskine College graduate interested in teaching and missions. She has been accepted by MTW to serve as a missionary intern, serving our family and our team. She will help teach our children, baby-sit during ministry events and do some tutoring in English at our team's family center. We would encourage you to consider supporting Caroline through a one-time gift. She is ready to come and waiting only on her financial support to be in before she purchases her ticket. This, of course, would be a way to support us as well, since her help will free us up for more ministry. This time we have included a response card in her name to make it easier for you. She will be very encouraged by your willingness to help her get here.

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for the Vision Group - for the boldness to dream, the sensitivity to the moving of God's Spirit, and the courage to strive for unity.
2) Pray for Mama Talk - for 6-8 women to sign up and for an openness to the Gospel.
3) Pray for the Martin Bucer Seminary - that the students would grow in wisdom and knowledge of Jesus and that this would transform their ministries.
4) Pray for our evangelistic Gospel Choir - for open doors in building relationships with the choir members.

David and Eowyn Stoddard
Serving with Mission to the World in Berlin, Germany