I'm back!

Just got back yesterday straight from Paris. I need to write out my thoughts before all the Europe leaves my system.

Germany had an exciting culture to get immersed in. The language was fun (and btw, very pleasant to listen to contrary to its depiction in the movies). Berlin, in particular, had a diverse population and many of the people spoke a million different languages it seemed. Germany and France and Belgium, they all showed me a new world. These European countries made a unique impact on me. Germany, I was touched to hear the hardships your country has endured... and your sarcastic humor. France, I loved your language... and hearing "oh la la" being used within its context. Belgium, I loved the diversity which originates at its formation... and your waffles.

But I pray that the spread of this attitude of indifference ceases, especially when it comes to such life-changing topics. I pray that the indifference would be replaced with our natural curiosity about our origin, existence, and destiny. I pray that everyone that crossed paths with our team would see God in all of it. I hope that the Holy Spirit continues to work through the ministry, Studenten fur Christus, in Berlin. It was so encouraging to see the core of believers within that ministry.

My compassion has only been strengthened and not only for the people in Europe. We are heading towards this attitude of indifference here in America. I pray that the Lord continues to use me to do His will right where I am.

Thank you team for your sacrifice of time and energy and your support. You have been amazing. I pray that God continues to grow you and stretch you. Thank you leaders (Stacy, Rich, Brad, and Dale) for your guidance and peace even in times of danger and the resorting to Plans B, C, G, and M. Peace out, folks!

~Romeo

I asked God..

      Yesterday I was walking around praying at one of the university campuses. I stopped sat on a wall and watched everyone walking to their classes, talking and laughing. Not many people seemed unhappy with the way their lives are. It made me ask God "how is it possible to ask these people to change their whole out look on life if they seem so content with it?" As started walking again I realized God doesn't want us to change our out look on life, He just wants to be apart of it. Any change comes because it will better the ever growing relationship you start to desire with God.
       We had the opportunity to go on the roof of the parliament building here. It was an amazing thing to see you could see most of the city from there. We saw pictures of what the building looked like before during and  after the cold war. We saw pictures of what a lot of the city looked like before WWII and after the war most of the city was level. To see what Berlin looked like and to see it now is mind blowing. This city was gone and now its one of the coolest cities. I cant imagine what would have happened to these people if they would have given up. I can only hope that they havent give up completely on God.
-Bryan

An adventure nonetheless

I got to hangout with me newest friend Max last night, whom I met at charitè (medical college)On Monday and I had a lot of fun. we talked about a lot of good stuff which would seem impossible because we talked for so long on Monday and then some on Tuesday night. We were taught at CTS in Brussels that some Germans think that Americans are fake and dont build really close relationships but relationships that only benefit that person for the time being. Which in some instances is true. Let's be honest. We all have had that friend that we were only friends with so we could get a good grade in literature. Or that coworker that you would not think about talking to outside of work. In some ways we do build these shallow relationships in order to minmize the awkward. The cool thing about hanging out with Max is that I was able to build a real, hopefully, long lasting friendship with him. Thing will be different in my life in the way I treat people, let me be more honest about those shallow relationships. And vise versa, Max and anyone else I meet, I hope their lives change as well. I hope that through this trip I was able to bring something to the people I met that didn't have it before. God is working in Berlin.!

Why I Am in Deutschland

Germany is a hard place to do ministry.  The culture is more "reserved".  It's hard to get deeply personal with someone without spending a lot of time with them.  Our trip is only a week long, so the question has to be asked, "Why do I come here each summer for two weeks?!"  I asked this to Dr. Joseph Dimitriov, the president of the seminary that we are trained at in Brussels.  I asked him why he thinks we are here.  His answer was two-fold:

1. To increase our vision.  To show Chi Alpha students that the world is a bigger place than we realize.  That there are places like the Romanian orphanages, and to learn God's love for (and in) these places.  Some on our trip have felt called to be missionaries in Europe on this trip!
2. To encourage the local missionaries.  These are the people that are fighting for God everyday in these hard places.  A smile, a helping hand, an encouraging word, a prophetic word, a hug...sometimes is what is going to help that missionary through a tough time in a tough place.

There are many "reasons" why I am here, however, THE MAIN reason I am here occurred last night. (I won't disclose much of the conversation because it was private, but...)  I made a great friend last year on this trip; a student that is really involved in SFC.  This student helped us so much last year and our friendship has grown since then.
For the past few months of preparation for this trip through our prayer meetings, I have felt God laying some specific scriptures and quotes from missionaries on my heart.  There was just one theme of all of the quotes and scriptures...I wrote all of them down on one piece of paper...
Last night, I sat down with my friend from last year and this person confided in me some personal struggles.  The struggles were the EXACT THEME of my verses and quotations!!  Many tears, hugs, danka's (thank you's), and smiles happened over the next hour and a half as I spoke what God had laid on my heart for months.  This student left after our conversation to write down all that we talked about before it left their mind.

This student is in Berlin everyday sharing the love of God.
I got to encourage this student last night.
This is why I am here.



Jesus, You are in Berlin and where you go, I'll go.  Where you live, I'll live.  You are the God of this city and many here belong to You!!  (parts of this are from scripture, some is my own prayer.  Ruth 1:16 and Acts 18:10)

Ich liebe Deutschland! [i love germany]

We arrived in Berlin on Saturday, and these past few days have been incredible. On Sunday we attended the church service at RESET here in Berlin, where we worshiped in both English and German. We've been meeting lots of people and getting to know the culture here. And a lot of my German that I studied at Auburn is starting to come back to me! On Monday and Tuesday we were on two different university campuses handing out free coffee to students, inviting them to the college ministry here in Berlin, and just getting to know them. I can't explain it, but I love it so much here and definitely would like to come back some day. I can't wait to see what God is going to do these last few days we have in Berlin. He is for sure up to some good things here.

Nerdin' it up!

We passed out free coffee at TU today, pretty much the MIT of Germany. You can bet that I got into some conversations about engineering and research. I made a friend today. We got to talking about mechanical engineering, the school, and his background. We'll be keeping in touch. TU also has a very international population, just like at Georgia Tech. I didn't talk to any people originally from Germany. There was someone from Poland, someone from Costa Rica, and someone from Venezuela. Weird, huh? Needless to say, it was easier to get into conversation with the students at this university.

We'll be going back to TU later this week. I hope to meet more people and show some more love!

People keep telling me that my picture is wayyy outdated! It was a year ago. I keep my hair shorter now. Is that what it is?

Send me. I'll go. Keep us in your prayers, including the Romania team.

I learned some German!

I am from Georgia.
I am a farmer.
Tomorrow is the harvest.
Do you have a harvester?


I have been saying this and laughing so hard.

Oh Germany.

Germany is very nice. It is very different and I love the metro (u-ban/s-ban) system. When we first got here it was Crazybecause there was a futball game and they were very excited. We went to church and got to meet some very nice people. Saturday night Romeo and I stayed at Sami and mattias' "flat" and they both were very nice and hospitable. They started teaching us German as well. Back to Sunday, we were given a list of things to see and told to figure out how to use the u-ban. Which isn't hard but could be a bit confusing. I also had my first currywurst. SO GOOD! I was serving FREE coffee today at Charité Uni and got into a really good and long conversation with Max. I hope to see him this week. I finally feel like my perparation has payed off and now I'm really reaching europe. Up until now I have felt as if Europe was reaching me but now it is a two- way street or at least that is his I feel. German is hard to speak but fortunately most everyone speaks English. But I want to learn it because it is apart of the culture. I love the culture. I love this place. I know God loves this place and these people. Das ist gut.

"You sound like a Chinese man trying to speak German."

We've been in Berlin for about two days now. I had a good talk with my first homestay host, a Berliner in central Berlin. His name was Mathias and he attends some of the Students for Christ events.
I was trying to say, "It was nice meeting you." in German and asked him how it sounded. He said, "You sound like a Chinese man trying to speak German." Germans have quality sarcasm by the way so, needless to say, we had fun talking.
We went to a medical school called Charite today for the free coffee ministry. Unlike America, free stuff is unheard of on college campuses here.
It was difficult to start conversations with the students there, but some of the people from our team did get to know some people, so hopefully they'll make it to the events we have planned for this week. We'll be hitting up schools everyday this week.

Berlin Ministry: Charite Medical University

We hit our first campus just a few hours ago...we took with us two big jugs of coffee signs that said free coffee and the hope to strike up good conversations. Things were a little slow all of maybe 10 minutes and then after the first few German students accepted our offer maybe a little reluctantly and probably in disbelief that this was actually free, students just rolled in! We were there no more than 2 hours, originally we had planned to be there for up to four hours but we ran out of coffee so fast! The conversations were incredible. We were able to just get to spend time with the students and understand their lives a little better as well as shed a little light on American culture and then most importantly found a few precious moments to share about the goodness of Christ and how he has blessed me and provided for me without fail. Today has been successful and tomorrow, hopefully even more fruitful!!

Learning the Ropes

we had a great day yesterday seeing the city and learning how to use the bahn (subway system) it was a grand adventure. Today we went to University and gave out coffee. It went well. We got a few people coming to some events later this week. Trying to speak german has been a struggle for me, thank God lydia can speak it so well.

Berlin

We made it! We have been here since early afternoon Saturday.  We have spent the last couple of days learning or way around the city and visiting the history of Berlin. We are currently getting ready to head out to a campus to hand out free coffee (nothing is free in Europe) and invite to join a campus group on the Campuses here in Berlin, Students for Christ (SFC). God is doing a lot and encouraging us daily by new relationships and seeing the power of God move here in Germany! Continue praying for us!

Preparations

Currently, the group is getting ready for free coffee day at the Medical university. We have made tons of coffee and labeled cups in order to pass it out on the campus and get attention for SFC (Students for Christ). Students for Christ is the group we are working with while we are here in Berlin, and is sort of like the sister to Chi Alpha. As part of the group is passing out free coffee (Gratis Kaffee in German), the other portion of the group will break into smaller groups and walk around the campus to try and start conversations with the students there. This week we have both a Georgia culture night and a English conversation night, which will hopefully spark interest in SFC. Last year, a student started coming to SFC because of the outreaches accomplished and he still attends and is very involved. I know for at least me, this will be a humbling and a very stretching experience in getting out of my comfort zone. I know God will be working in miraculous ways while we are on the campuses here. Can't wait to see the outcome of the day!

Walls, Walls, Walls...Everywhere in Berlin

We arrived safely in Berlin yesterday and have just concluded our first full day in Berlin.  After going to a German/English church service, our team did some sightseeing while learning how to use the bahns (trains).  My highlight was to see the mood of our team change when we actually arrived at 1 of the 3 areas in Berlin where large areas of the Berlin wall is still in tact.  The full reality of what this wall meant sinks in when you see it...

In America, we know foreign language in a book and in a classroom.  We know history in a book and in a classroom...but when it is tangible and in front of you, it actually becomes a reality.  Today the wall became real.

I look at the Berlin Wall and it tells a story of a dark time in history.  It is described that in 1961, almost overnight, the Berlin Wall was constructed to trap those in communist East Berlin from escaping into the freedom that was democratic West Berlin.  However, I think it tells an even bigger and darker story of this city's spirituality.  The enemy has constructed a wall around the hearts of the people, not allowing them to enter the freedom that is in Jesus Christ.  One of the students on the trip (and standing in East Berlin today) said that they felt "weird, different, and that everything just seemed dark".  

On November 9th, 1989 German protesters came into the streets demanding their freedom...that day the Berlin Wall came down.

We are here to be numbered with the few in Berlin crying out for the spiritual Berlin Wall to come down.  Thank you Jesus for being the God who, 

...will break down every high tower
      and every fortified wall.  - Isaiah 2:15

Tomorrow we go on campus.  Pray for walls to come down!

Germany

We arrived in Germany today! And we had the best welcome to Germany ever. On the way to dinner, we took the U Bahn (the equivalent of Marta) and there were thousands of fans going to a soccer game. We found out that it was the equivalent of the German super bowl. Literally thousands of people chanting and shouting different fight songs. The energy was so tangible (as was the heat... it felt like 100 degrees down there!) and it was very exciting to watch. We all had a buddy (shout out to Caleb ) so that if we got lost, we would have someone and also for safety. But this energy was crazy! It was very exhilarating! I'm hoping that energy will transfer to the members of the team as well as myself for the week to come! Can't wait to see what is in store!

Finally something to share.

Up until now I haven't really felt like I have had anything to share. But now, there is too much and not enough time! Brussels is amazing. I want to be here, study here. We are at a Biblical college and it is wonderful. The principal is full of wisdom and experience. The students are all very nice and welcoming. The weather is on and off but still really nice. I want to really go into detail of what all happened here but we are leaving right now! so I love you all and thank you for supporting me and praying for me.

Reach Europe: Take 2

I think I am starting to figure out that this year's trip to Berlin is all about learning how to be flexible and not get frustrated when thing don't go like you had planned. It is all about God's will not mine. After almost missing our flight to Paris and then losing our luggage, I realized how important being flexible really is. Brussels has been great, just as it was last year. The CTS students and staff were fantastic and now it's off to Berlin to start working. I know God has great things in store for us!!!

Hello from Belgium... for now.

It's Romeo Stephan Cabanban! You'll know it's my post if the label says, "Romeo." We will be leaving for Berlin in a couple minutes.

We have been at the Continental Theological Seminary (CTS). It has existed here just outside of Brussels for decades but the castle has been here for centuries. It's crazy to see all the castle-y doorways and stairwells. It's even crazier to get to know some of the students here. They are studying BA's and MA's and are currently in their, what we would call, "Dead week," studying for finals. I'd say on average, that each student here speaks 3 languages. Many speak 4 or 5.

Joseph is the president of CTS right now and he is an inspiration to me. His first studies we mechanical engineering and he went up to his Master's in it, specializing in internal combustion. Then God steered his life in the direction of ministry and he acquired 3 European Ph. D's, which are more involved than America's Ph. D's (from what I hear) in Christian history, some specific theology field, and something else. His explanation of Europe's history and spiritual status was so... systematic. That was the inspiring part.

I'll write again soon! We should have easy access to the internet in Berlin.

"If you know three languages, you're trilingual. If you know two languages, you're bilingual. If you know one language, you're American."

CTS

So we have spent the last several days here at Continental Theological Seminary here right outside of Brussels, Belgium. The last couple days have accomplished a few key things..number on being that we have finally gotten over jet-lag, waking up at 7am in the morning here is like waking up at 1am back in the states. So as you can imagine, this could be kind of difficult to just jump right into running on to the missions field. Next thing is our group of students here.. we have been able to form relationships that will encourage us along this next week. People we know are here for us and to help us whenever things may get a little frustrating. And now lastly and honestly most importantly we have become aware of this Spiritual climate here in Europe. We have been given a detailed history on the church here in Europe and the political environment here and how both have drastically effected the other. And despite the current view of Europe's spiritual environment, God is moving. There is faith here that just encourage my spirit. God has revealed himself in a powerful way. There is hope, there is faith, and as I'm leaving here in the next 10 minutes, I am excited for my faith to continue to be encouraged here on this continent. I cannot wait to get back home and share with you all what God has done and is continuing to do here!

as the trip goes on.

This trip has been crazy so far with the flight delays and the luggage getting lost. It has really tested my patience yet I have remained steadily calm through it all. I have enjoyed every moment in Brussels. The people here at CTS have been very inviting and caring for us the whole time. It really goes to show how people from different walks of life can set aside their differences for one common goal, to know Jesus more. I am extremely excited to go to Berlin in just a matter of hours. I know God has some amazing things in store for us there. This being my first missions trip I really have no idea what to expect but I am expecting great things. God has already started stretching me in new ways. Things I have been praying for for months and I hope I can maintain a good attitude to continue to be used.      -Bryan

We're in BELGIUM!

Wow. The past few days have been absolutely incredible! We are staying at a seminary in Belgium (the building is a chateau from the 12th century- how cool!!) There are students here from all over the world. It has really been eye-opening to meet so many people from so many different cultures.
Today our team got to join the students here for their chapel service. As we were singing songs in both French and English, I started to picture what Heaven will be like. I was overwhelmed with joy thinking about how we will all be worshiping God around His throne, together, from all sorts of nations. It was so amazing to think about how these people are worshiping the same God that I know, but in a different language.
I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. The 2 teams leave for Berlin and Romania tomorrow.
Come on Jesus, have Your way!

Update on the trip: Training and Language learning!

Yesterday we began our training!!  It was so good and although all 4 sessions were great, if I would be lying if I didn’t say that Dr. Joseph Dimitriov stole the show in session 4!  I have been telling our GSU students about him for a year, and he lived up to every bit of the hype!  Dr. Joseph is the president of Conntinental Theological Seminary here in Brussels (where we are staying and receiving training for our mission trip).  He grew up in communist Bulgaria and has 3 European doctorate degrees (they are harder to get in Europe than the US btw).  He is brilliant, humble, a gifted speaker, an awesome man of faith, has LIVED through European history (he was in Berlin when the wall came down!).  I can’t begin to blog everything he told us but let’s just say he told us much of his life story and the history of Europe in an hour and a half (a better history lesson than the students have received at their universities, I’m sure!) and at the end had Brad, myself, and everyone else in the room crying…

That’s not a joke…we really were crying as he told us his story of God’s calling on his life and moving mightily to get him out of communist Bulgaria to CTS!

Update on the trip: Migraine…ugh!

I woke up Wednesday morning with a migraine.  Ugh…I had a migraine in high school once, but am not prone to them.  I am so thankful for Dale (GT Chi Alpha Director) who came to my aid, gave me medicine, prayed over me, and took the Berlin Team on their Wednesday sightseeing tour of Brussels.  The students got to experience foreign culture that day by walking around the city of Brussels.  For many, this was their first experience in Europe and for some, their first experience out of the country!  They had a blast and by far the favorite part of the day for most was eating REAL BELGIAN WAFFLES!!!  MAGNIFIQUE!!!

Update on the trip: Arrival in Paris!

We arrived in Paris at 1:20pm on Wednesday and made our way to baggage claim…our bags were not there.  I tried my best not to rub in all the comments about me carrying-on my backpack, but a few may have slipped out!!  Air France gave everyone a 100 Euro stipend to spend on “necessary items” while our bags were in transit (they were sent to Boston btw).

We made our way to the train that would take us to downtown Paris from the airport and I ordered our train tickets in French!! (deez-swee tee-kay poor gade du nord see-voo-play!) and 20 tickets cost the same as 18 so he gave me 2 extras.  I was able to turn around and give them away to some people in line, who were astounded that I would give them away for free.  I was able to say “God bless you” to each of them as I set my hand on their shoulder (a big deal here!)  The entire line (about 20) seemed in shock.  Free “anything” in Europe is unheard of…

Throughout the entire time we have been in travel, God has taken situations that normally people would get mad about and given us all peace.  You have never seen 18 people have their bags lost and be in as high of spirits as our group was.  I love our ReachEUROPE team this year so much and they are truly walking in the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control) and its an honor to lead them!!

Update on the trip: Flight to Paris!

Well, we haven’t blogged much yet, but that will pick up now.  The first few days have been a blur.  We arrived at the ATL airport at 4pm Monday.  Check-in is a bit of a process with 18 of us!  As the students hounded me about carrying-on my hiking backpack we made our way through security and to the gate only to find out that our flight from Boston to Paris had been canceled!

Our group kept so positive as we made our way to the international terminal where I spoke with Miss Margaret for about 2 hours.  The best we could do was to fly all 18 of us standby on the next flight leaving ATL to Paris.  We felt confident that God was going to work out our transportation to Paris and everyone remained upbeat.  An hour later as I stood before the Air France reps about to see our chances of getting any of the 18 of us on that flight, Miss Margaret showed back up, AT THE GATE!! She took the Air France reps into a hallway, away from the other 30 people trying to fly standby to Paris as well (this was the last flight into Europe from ATL that night and a London and Paris flight had been cancelled…many people wanted to be on that flight!)  Miss Margaret came out of the hallway and called me aside and whispered…

“You guys are all on now!”  She then gave me 18 vouchers for $12/each worth of food in the airport!  Some of us had not eaten and made our way to the food court area.  Other students who had eaten began paying for other people’s food in the airport to start conversations with people!

May 16th is HERE!! Congratulations Team!!

Sometimes, I ponder what it must have been like for Jesus. I'm so very flawed as a human, and I can't really wrap my head around the perfect behavior of Him. The issue I have been struggling with lately is correcting my friends, in love, (Galatians 6:1-3) when I feel I need to, without seeming like I'm judging (Matthew 7:1-5). It's a very fine line for a totally imperfect being. It really comes down to pride. I'm so worried that I will mess up a relationship with someone, but it eats me up inside the longer I don't confront the issue. What happened to not conforming to this world?

With only a day or so until we leave, I'm praying hard for reconciliation in my spirit about these issues. That I wouldn't have pride, but I wouldn't be too hasty in pointing out flaws.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (New Living Translation)

 ¹⁵ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. ¹⁶ But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

You like my prayer card?

These are the cards I'm giving out to my supporters and anyone that's willing to pray. (Click the picture to enlarge.) I have the actual cards printed out, but what I most appreciate is that people are praying for what's listed there while we are overseas.

Pray that we have genuine compassion for the students in Berlin.

If we don't, we are simply tourists doing what we're told.

Luke 10:2 "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Pray that we just open our mouths.

Ephesians 6:19 "...and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel..."

Pray that we do God's will.

Rom 12:1-2  "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. "

K. Thank you so much for reading. If you'd really like the prayer card itself, I'd be happy to get it to you somehow. Just let me know. 99 hours to go!

Are you a Pointer or a Leader?

   Jess and I once spent our anniversary with a homeless guy.  Now, don't think we were trying to be über Christian...it was completely by accident...
   We had tickets to the High Museum of Art for some sort of hoity-toity, artsy, dress-up and eat fancy cheese-type of event.  We put High Museum of Art into the GPS and when it told us "You have arrived at your destination, on...the...right", there was no High Museum there. We parked and walked to where the GPS said it should be and looked around downtown ATL.  It was no where to be found.  One of the horse carriage guys pulled up next to us.  We asked him if he knew where it was and in a bout of half-hearted (and completely clueless) courage pointed us in the direction of a homeless man across the street and said, "He can help you."
   He came over to us and said that he knew where it was and to follow him.  Now, let me pause for a second.  When you are going to an art museum to eat fancy cheese, you are pretty dressed up.  And as a homeless guy is walking me around downtown ATL, I am thinking that we are probably walking right to a band of homeless thugs who are going to jump me and take the wallet of a guy wearing a suit (to be sorely disappointed when they find out I'm a missionary, and thus, am broke.  The tickets were free and the suit was a gift, haha!)
   Back to the story: He leads us for about half a mile.  We talk about Jesus (he is really involved in a ministry for the homeless in ATL).  He talks about life on the streets.  He talks about how 'this ministry comes here and gives food out on this day' and 'that ministry sets up free food there on that day', and without these ministries so many people would be starving.  He then realizes that we are going in the wrong direction...
   We turn around and walk about a mile in another direction, only to find out that he had no clue where the High Museum was.  He asked someone in the barbershop, they didn't know.  At this point, I assumed it was no where near where we were so we started the long journey back to our car.  We talk about God and ministry and life and blessing the entire time.  It was wonderful.
   I think ministry looks a lot like this.  Often times I feel completely clueless where I am going and change my direction often...but I would much rather be the guy walking around clueless with people and talking about God, than the guy that just points people in a direction.  I read this from my devotion book this morning:

A true leader influences others spiritually only because the Spirit works in and through him to a greater degree than in those he leads.  We can lead others only as far along the road as we ourselves have traveled.  Merely pointing the way is not enough.  If we are not walking, then no one can be following, and we are not leading anyone.

Oh, and we found out when we got back in the car and re-GPS'd the High Museum, it was literally 8 miles from where we were...we didn't go.  We had already "arrived at our destination" that night.  We were suppose to forget about fancy clothes and fancy cheese and fancy art and walk around downtown ATL with a homeless guy, talking about Jesus, and learning a whole heck-of-a-lot about leading.  From a "take these people to the proper location quickly" standpoint, my friend failed miserably.  But, the Spirit of God was working through him to teach me a life-lesson I will never forget, so in this regard, he was supremely successful.

   On this trip we are leaving for in just 5 days, we may be completely clueless at times, but we will be walking with those in Berlin.  Are you content with just pointing people towards Jesus (or towards someone else that is leading), or do you want to lead people to Him?  It's time to start walking.  Pointing is easy.  Leading will not be.

Feelin' a Little Zacchaeus-y

Mission trips change lives...

Now that seems almost pathetically simple.  You go on a trip to help people.  You go to tell people about Jesus.  Lives change.  Yes, however...
I'm talking about the lives of those who go ON the mission trip!  THEIR lives change.  You can never be the same.  There is something about saying, "Yes God.  I will go.  I will give up time, money, sweat, prayers, and tears for Your will to be done" that allows God to work on us personally.  It allows us to get a glimpse at who Jesus really was and what He really was all about.  Serving and changing lives.
We are 6 days away from leaving and I feel like Zacchaeus in Luke 19; the tax collector who was too short to see Jesus as He approached.  In his excitement, Zacchaeus ran to a tree and climbed up it to get a glimpse of Jesus.  Jesus saw him and invited himself into the home of Zacchaeus.  I feel like the excited kid running up a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus because I know that Jesus is coming to my "home" during this trip!

Heal My Heart

I was reviewing my notes from last years trip, and I noticed something that struck a cord with me. Brad mentioned on the day he spoke about how mission's trips bring out heart issues. I've noticed that my "heart issues" have been rearing their ugly head recently. Every person I've been frustrated with, angry with, or whatever, it all seems intensified.

I am relying on God to help me sort this out. And I've learned that He really is a rock and a contant, even when I mess up. (I know, duh, but sometimes things just click for me).

Heal my heart and make it cleanOpen up my eyes to the things unseenShow me how to love like You have loved meBreak my heart for what breaks YoursEverything I am for Your Kingdom's causeAs I walk from earth into eternity

 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
   apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

Backpack Backpack

I just bought my big ol' hiking backpack that I'll be shoving all my stuff into. It's an obnoxious light blue color so it'll be easy to spot on the carousel. Don't hate! 170 hours to go!

stirring up deep wells.

We leave a week from Monday! I'm getting more and more excited every day. It's gonna be amazing!!

So this morning during my quiet time, I was listening to the song "Deep Cries Out" from Bethel's new live album (if you haven't heard this song, you should check it out- so fun!) And I felt like the Lord was saying this will almost be a "theme song" of sorts for our trip. Here are some of the lyrics:

I've got a river of living water, a fountain that never will run dry
It's an open Heaven You're releasing, and we will never be denied
Cause we're stirring up deep deep wells,
we're stirring up deep deep waters
We're gonna dance in the river, dance in the river
We're falling into deeper waters, calling out to You
We're walking into deeper waters, going after You

( listen to the song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQwkEvevXgA )

As I was listening to this song, I just started saying "more, Lord... more." And God just started to overwhelm me with His love. God has SO much for us! This week's devo reading from Matthew 7 says "how much MORE will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" There is an abundance of good things that God has for us. All we have to do is ask.

God, we want everything You have for us! We want to know You more while we're in Europe, and we want to see others know You more, too. We pray for an open Heaven over Berlin!

Late Night / Early Morning Delusions?

This is my first year in college. It is the week before finals. I am beyond ready to pack all my things up and go straight to Berlin. I just finished one of my projects that is due at 8am, it is currently 5:19am. My birthday was on the 2nd and now I want these next few days to fly by. My excitement is getting the better of me but I know patience is vital and that I have to get through these next few classes if I want to do well. Plus I have to create a tentative summer work schedule for the church I am working at the summer. I have a lot to do but thank God because he is not a God of disorder but of Peace. (1 Cor. 14:33). So with that in mind I am going to be like Joseph and do everything to the best of my ability and hope that God will bless my work. School isn't easy but these Late Night / Early Morning Delusions get the best of me. :p

Journal Assignment

Read Acts 20:22 and Heb 11:8.  In what ways are you "going, not knowing"? 
Write down all of the instances of spiritual warfare which you know or suspect have occurred recently.  Have you kept in touch with your prayer partners?  If your church or student group is not planning a commissioning service, ask several prayer partners to get together and pray over you now for protection, wisdom, patience, finances, and any other needs.

Cleaning

I was cleaning today and I found my journal and all my papers from last year! I am very excited to re-read them and remember my wonderful trip last year. I will post later what I find!

Something to Ponder...

^{Psalm 23:4} Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
         I will fear no evil;
         For You are with me;
         Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
^{Matthew 5:10} God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
          for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
^{2 Corinthians 12:10} That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


The news of Usama bin Laden's death is all over every news page, facebook status, twitter update, and tumblr post. But here is the question to be asked: how will our trip be affected? 


Are the chances of persecution higher now that this has happened? I venture to say that our trip means more now because it says in the Bible that we should consider it "pure joy" when we face trials. (James 1:2-4)


Am I prepared to face trials? Persecution? Death?


Romans 8:35-39


 ³⁵ Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ³⁶ (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”^[a]) ³⁷ No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
 ³⁸ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.



This is to provoke thought, not fear. Just something to think about...

Try This!!

Can you name the countries of Europe??  My record is 1min 40secs!

Here is a little tid-bit to read:

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

This is one of the mindsets I'm keeping before and during the trip. Sometimes my pride gets in the way and I think that I am somehow better. but God puts me back in my place :)

I really can't wait to meet up with everyone. I still need to find a backpack. Any ideas?

Final Stretch!

Tomorrow night I'll be talking at my church here in Atlanta about the plans for Berlin. They are having a missions conference and want to hear what they are paying for. lol It'll be a good chance to share everything that God's been doing through Chi Alpha here at Tech and what I would like them to pray about regarding the mission.

Now I just gotta pass this horrid final so I can make sure I pass all my classes. Oh! And last Plug (Chi Alpha worship service) of the semester tonight! Lord, do I need it!

Hope!

The last few weeks have been crazy..scrambling to get the last few dollars in and raising extra support via my internship this year as well as work, studying, tests, ministry school and leading worship multiple times a weak and a recent comeback of the allergies this season... All these things can keep one busy but God is stirring me steadily.. Stirring my heart for more, to see more and desire more depth. As we are getting ready for Berlin I am excited to see what God wants to do, the people he wants us to reach and touch with His love..He keeps reminding me of this hope, this hope to which he has called us as is written in Ephesians, this hope is not just for ourselves He is the hope of the nations! Let's take this hope to the world!

Something Great

Hey everyone!!! My name is Brittany Watson and this is my second time going on the Reach Europe trip. I went to Berlin last year and God completely rocked my world!! I have never been so spiritually stretched before, but I feel like I grew so much as a Christian. I am so excited about going back to Berlin this summer and seeing people that I met last year, and seeing where God has taken them on their spiritual journeys.

This trip this year means so much more to me this year than last year, mainly because it has been one struggle after another this year. The enemy has come at me with everything he could think of this past month.  Two weeks ago I lost vision in my right eye and then lost feeling in my right side. I was rushed to the hospital, where I was told I was having a stroke. After running tests, they told me I wasn't having a stroke, but that I had a major tear in my carotid artery that needed surgery to be fixed. All of this came as a major shock to me. I mean stuff like that doesn't happen to 21 year olds. While in the ICU, I called everyone I could think of and asked them to pray. The next day the doctors did some more tests and came in a few hours later with the results. The doctors could not understand how the tear had just disappeared, but I told them that God healed me. I have never been so scared before, but through all of the fear God gave me such a deep peace. Coming out of this experience has humbled me in a way I never knew possible. We truly serve a God that works miracles!! After that all of that, I know that God must have amazing things in store for this trip, because the enemy wouldn't be fighting us so hard otherwise. So, I continue to thank God everyday for this miracle I have been given and I thank God everyday in advance for all that He will do through all of us that are going to Europe.

I can not wait to see everyone in less than three weeks!! I am so excited! See you all soon!

Easter

So it's the night before Easter and I have been thinking.  There is such a strong and powerful connection with resurrection Sunday and missions.  I mean, it is really the good news of Christ's resurrection that becomes the Good News of the Gospel.  We are headed to Europe this summer, but it not just another trip.  We are celebrating and spreading the Good News of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.  We are taking part in God's plan for global reconciliation which is only made possible because of Easter weekend.

SO READY!

 This is me, for anyone who doesn't know already! God is still preparing me for the great things that are to come out of this trip. Over the past week, my alpha group spent some time dwelling on Luke 7. In which we once again found Jesus setting an example, a standard for everyone to follow. Acts of LOVE in all kinds of forms but most importantly, sharing the good new with someone! Telling someone something that could save them from suffering both in this life and the next is possibly the best thing you can do for them. Along with telling them about Jesus, showing them love in the form of giving, listening, connecting, teaching, encouraging, praying, etc. is equally as important in order to reinforce Christ's message (which is to love all people no matter who they are). So lets reach Europe!

Lets reach Europe. Make disciples. And Glorify God with our acts of love! With prayer that it would not end in Europe but reach the ends of the Earth! So encouraged by God and all who are preparing for Europe.

Love God. Love People. Serve the World. Through Prayer!

Thanks again for everyone supporting us. We really could NOT do any of this without you. Praise God!

Its Coming..

It's hard to believe we are only a few weeks away from Berlin. I get more excited every day. This is my first missions trip. I always said I wouldn't go on any missions trip that I didn't feel drawn to, as soon as I heard about this trip I knew this was the one for me. God has done amazing things to get me on this trip and I am ready to see the things He will do through all of us over there. I'm excited to see and meet the team(the ones I haven't met already)

May's coming out of nowhere!

It's almost overwhelming to see all the support I've been getting financially and, more importantly, spiritually. So many people from back home (Jacksonville, FL) and at my church are excited for me. I can tell because it's the first thing they ask about when they see me. I've been imagining what these next 3 week's are gonna be like. Run a million experiments, write a million papers, finals, a week of family time and packing... Then, (what?) I'm on a plane on my way to Europe! Crazy! I think I will really be shifting gears once I sit down on that first plane.

Next Friday, I'll be speaking at my church conference here in ATL about our plans in Berlin. I'll let you know how it goes.

Journaling Homework 4 weeks out!

Y'alls blog is great - Ok - we are four weeks out so you should begin journaling if you haven't already. Record your impressions, fears, excitement, etc. Be aware of how God is involved in your preparations. Share your vision and fears and concerns with your prayer team so that they know how to specifically pray for you. Blessings - Kirk

German Lesson #1

The week after I returned from Berlin last year, I decided that I really wanted to learn some German!  I bought the generic version of Rosetta Stone and a German dictionary!  Long story short, I got busy and haven't learned much at all.  My first German lesson last year was on the plane...let's start earlier than that this year!!

*I'm going to spell things exactly how they sound
Hallo = Hello
Off-vee-ter-sane = Goodbye
Choos (like the ending of goose) = Goodbye
Choos-ee = Goodbye (mine and Brittany's 2nd favorite German phrase)
Bit-ah = Please
Dank-ah = Thank you
Vo ist dee... = Where is the....
Ick murk-tah ine = I want a
fahn-kook-en = jelly doughnut (mine and Brittany's 1st favorite German word and favorite food.  That powdery substance on the top is slightly addictive.  It may not be sugar...)

Ick murk-tah ine fahn-kook-en bit-ah (I want a Jelly doughnut please)

Ick murk-tah dry fahn-kook-en bit-ah (I want 3 Jelly doughnut's please)

Anxious...

I'm anxious to leave for Berlin. Recently, my heart for missions has been turned all the way up.
Since I don't know a few of you, I'll kinda tell you about myself:
Well, again, I'm Hannah Schuerman. I am 19 years old and about to finish my second year in college. I am currently at Georgia State University in the heart of Atlanta, where I was born and raised. I am still deciding a major, but I am looking at double majoring in Education and Applied Linguistics. I am pursuing a career as a missionary and right now I feel a calling for the Middle East. I would consider myself very artistic, as I am always drawing or doodling. I am also very passionate about photography and I feel my greatest artistic strength lives there. I am the youngest of four children. Growing up, my parents were youth leaders and let many friends who were kicked out of there houses to stay at ours. I believe that is where I learned my compassion and love of helping people. I work with children at the daycare at my church and I am heavily involved in a leadership position in my youth group. Previously, I have been on a missions trip to Bogota, Colombia to work with Mike and Naomi Lawrence and I have also been to Thessaloniki, Greece as part of Reach Europe 2010. I believe God has called me to not only be a missionary, but to serve as a leader as well. I have a lot to learn about missions and am excited about any opportunity to help me do so. 


Can't wait to meet you guys!

Wouldn't It Be Sad...

Our Reach Europe team is all doing a weekly devotion to prepare for our trip.  They include bible verses, things to pray for, things to write, suggestions of what to read during the week, and also a "missions quote of the week".  This weeks quote is:
"In our lifetime, wouldn't it be sad if we spent more time washing dishes or swatting flies or mowing the yard or watching television than praying for world misisons?" - Dave Davidson
Will you take some time today (maybe even just a minute) to pray for our Reach Europe Trip!

Changing the Future, Changing History

Hey Gang,

It's Ouida, Chi Alpha Director at CSU. Just wanted you all to know that we spent time praying for the trips at our leadership meeting last night. As we were praying, I thought about the legacy of pain, torture, cynicism, and ultimately evil that Europe has inherited. Those seeds sown all throughout the past have sprung up in countless ways in the lives you will encounter there.

I kept finding myself praying that God would change history. Now if history is in the past it is unchangeable, right? Well I believe that what God can and will do through you will change the future and ultimately change the course of Europe's history....through the students in Berlin and the children in Romania.

For so many Europeans, the story seems to have been written already. Our God is a God who wipes the slate clean as if that history never happened.

God, will you change history through reachEUROPE? Will you use us to do it?

Consider...

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:2-8


I know this is longer than the limit, but these verses have been on my mind recently. Don't know if this connects with anyone else, but really meditate on it. 
Can't wait for Berlin!! 

So much to Learn!

God is always preparing me for the unknown. It is easy to look back and see all the things that have been applicable. Whether in talking to someone, prayer, sharing a testimony, relating to people, or whatever the case; looking back I can clearly see how God always gives me what I need and puts words in my mouth in order to bring Glory to Himself. Preparing for this Berlin trip seems to be no different. I know God is working great things for this trip and although I have no idea what those things are, I have peace in the fact that I can depend on him to give me everything I need. It is by my past experiences that I have faith in God to provide for me and send the Holy Spirit to make my weaknesses stronger than "my" strengths. So to encourage each of you, do not fear the unknown but instead rest in the Lord and he will glorify himself through you. Each of us is on this team for a reason and we all have something to learn. So be open and paying attention, even now. 
 God bless!

If you want to learn a little more about me stay tuned, email (msbarnes11@yahoo.com), message me on fb (Mark Scott Barnes II), or check out my Tumblr (http://psalm3.tumblr.com). Look forward to this trip that is only a month away!

Success Story from Last Year's Trip!

         

Religion is a taboo subject to talk about in Europe.  We are told that to talk to someone about religion in the first meeting is the equivalent to asking someone about their sex life in the first meeting here in the US.  Because of this, our goal is connecting Berlin students to Studenten Für Christus (Students for Christ, for those of you that don't speak German, haha!), the ministry we are working with in Berlin.  I received a facebook friend request from a student we met playing football (yes the American version) in Berlin last summer.  He informed me that he is really involved with SFC and cannot wait to see us this summer!!

here we go!

Hey yall! I'm Lydia, I'm 23 years old from Auburn, AL. I can't wait to meet all you guys on the Berlin team! I know you all are amazing people and I'm so excited to be serving with you guys! This will be my first mission trip, and I can't wait to see what God is going to do!

I finished raising my budget THE DAY OF the deadline. I raised nearly 1/3 of my budget on that last day. Even though it came down to the wire, I was never really worried... I knew that God would provide if He wanted me there.
The same day I reached my full budget, my passport came in the mail. Woohoo!

So now that I've got the fundage and the passport, this trip has become a reality. I'm actually going to be in Berlin. For 2 weeks. For real. Ahh!!! Excited!

So Lord, bring it. Whatever You have in store for us while we're there, whoever you want us to meet, talk to, pray for, or encourage... have Your way. Do what You do best, God. Amen!

Supporters: I made this picture to say a resounding THANK YOU for helping me train for my future!

  "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21


  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Hello there!

It's Hannah Schuerman.
It's about 5 weeks until we leave for Berlin and let me just say I am SO EXCITED!
I went on the Reach Europe trip last year (only I went to Thessaloniki) and it was life-changing! Can't wait to meet all of the group members and see what God has in store in Berlin!

Hannah

5 Weeks Away!!

We are only 5 weeks away from leaving for our Annual Reach Europe Mission Trip!!!

Standing Firm

Prayer meeting was great last night!  You're always suppose to say that right?  I mean, unless a fist fight breaks out amidst the praying, one always says, "Prayer meeting was great..." but let me tell you WHY it was so good, because it was so much better than the generic "Great Prayer".  Mark, Rachel, Bailey, and myself (Jenna is on Spring Break and was praying...just not in my backyard!) all were reading our bibles and praying, but at the end we took some time to share what we felt God was speaking to us...and we all ended up sharing the same idea using different scriptures!  What we all felt was that God was telling us that we will need to "Stand Firm"when in Europe and that we need to start preparing to stand firmly now.

• God showed me Isaiah 7:9 "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm." 
• Bailey was reading Acts 4 where Paul is in prison.  She was talking about how Paul was always "ready" and he never wavered in his calling because he stood so firm.
• Mark shared a story about a mission trip he went on where his well-being was endangered.  He said that he felt that he should share it because God gave him strength in that moment to not be afraid or scared, but bold...standing firm!

God, we are asking that you prepare us to STAND FIRM in our FAITH while in EUROPE!

Second Prayer Meeting Tonight!

The Reach Europe Team from Georgia Southern will be getting together tonight at 7pm for prayer for our trip.  We will be asking God for some specific things:

• To prepare our hearts for this Mission Trip.  We are not "mustering up" compassion for Berlin or Romania.  We want to partner with God's heart, which is breaking for those we will have an opportunity to minister to
• To Open Up His Word to Us.  We want God to show us scriptures to encourage, motivate, and challenge us over the next five weeks!
• To Give Us Specific Visions of What We Will Be Doing.  We want God to give us scriptures to share, words to say, people to meet...before we get to Berlin or Romania and God can show us that now!
• To Show Us What He Wants to Teach Us On This Trip.  Often times, God works in me even more than those that I am going to help.  We are asking God to show us the things that He is wanting to teach us!

Why Europe...

Gettin' My Backpack!

Last year was my first trip to Europe.  It was awesome except for one thing.  Lugging around my giant suitcase onto/off of planes, taxis, cars, vans, trains, hotels, houses, etc.  So this year I got a little smarter!  My backpack just came in this week.  This trip is getting more and more "real" each day!!

6 weeks away

Can't believe we are 6 weeks away from starting the Mission!!

First Prayer Meeting Tonight!

Tonight at 7pm the Reach Europe Team from Georgia Southern (both Berlin and Romania) will be getting together for our first prayer meeting!  We are so excited about the trip (especially since we are done support raising!)  Please partner with us every Thursday at 7pm to pray for this trip!

This Year's Promo Video!