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On January, 24-26, Germany UBF had their key verse staff conference. 35 leaders from 19 chapters joined at the Christian Recreational Site Rehe. Due to heavy snow the week before and cold days, we found ourselves in a beautiful scenery – all white.

 

Messages were given by Walter Nett, Peter Schweitzer, and Reiner Schauwienold. On the opening night, Walter gave the German UBF 2013 key verse message on Luke 11:1-4 (1) with the title, “Lord, teach us …” We realized the importance of a humble learning mind. We also saw that Jesus taught his disciples foremost through his living examples. So we pray to be living gospels so that this generation can see Jesus in and through us. We started the second day with group Bible study on Ephesians 3. Afterwards, Peter delivered a gracious message on this passage with the title “A Servant of the Mystery of Christ.” He deeply explained the identity of a servant of Christ and his purpose. Although Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison, he considered himself to be Jesus’ prisoner and even felt more than content with this because he was absolutely sure of God’s sovereignty. Even in his outwardly miserable circumstances he never neglected to serve others with the gospel. The message challenged us to rethink our human conditions and to glorify God as servants of the gospel, too. So, in the late evening, we had a heart moving time of testimony sharing on this passage. Reiner spoke on 1 Peter 2:9-10 on the last day – “You are the Royal Priesthood.” Based on this passage he showed what blessed people we are. So we can always be joyful and take pride in our God and Savior. And that will enable us to live as a royal priesthood.

 

On Thursday night and Friday afternoon and night, we listened to the annual reports from all the chapters. We realized the living work of God in small house church ministries as well as in the “established” chapters Bonn, Heidelberg, and Cologne. We found the prayer topics and will pray accordingly. We could only thank and praise God for his grace and love for us. On Saturday morning, chapter directors also met to exchange ideas and direction and to pray for the preparation of the International Summer Bible Conferences in the USA, this year, and in Europe, next year. We also prayed for the swift recovery of M. David Kang of Honduras.

 

The next German staff conference will be September 5-7 at Willingen, at the place for the 2014 international conference.

 

Thank you for all your prayers and practical support. Please, continue to pray for Germany to experience a new spiritual reformation, beginning in our own lives as we learn from Jesus.

 

God bless you!

 

By Walter Nett