April showers bring May flowers—and the many activities here in Germany bring an extra bit of excitement into my daily life. From a visit to Bad Blankenburg, to the YWAM Gathering, to my upcoming flight home, there’s plenty for me to contemplate as I gaze dramatically out my castle window. (Haha).
As some already know, I recently had the chance to visit a YWAM base in Bad Blankenburg, a small town in the middle of Germany. The base was running a school called ‘Word by Heart,’ in which participants learn sections of scripture ‘by heart.’ I was reminded that Bible memorization isn’t just a way to show off, but that in addition to personal benefits, it can be a critical tool in foreign missions. There are still thousands of languages and regions that don’t have their own Bible, and often, oral translation is the first step in communicating Jesus to unreached people groups. There are also countries where physical Bibles are illegal…but scripture that’s been memorized can’t ever be confiscated! During the week in Bad Blankenburg, my fellow classmates and I learned passages from Genesis, John, and Luke. Though reciting anything can be daunting, it was a fun experience and I was encouraged to keep going in Bible memorization. After all, who knows how God will use those passages?
Back in the Hurlach base, the castle is preparing to host the YWAM Gathering, a time when all the YWAM bases in the country will come together for fellowship, encouragement, and learning. Though I don’t have a huge role in preparation (aside from castle cleaning), it will be a lovely time to have the castle full again and to meet other YWAM staff from all corners of Germany.
And then… as many know, I’m flying back to the US at the end of May! Though the long flights are not the most enjoyable things ever, I’m very much looking forward to seeing friends and family again. As for what comes after the summer—that’s in God’s hands. But if I’m to learn anything from the beautiful May flowers all over the Bavarian countryside, I’m reminded to appreciate one season at a time.
Bis bald!