First Update

Hey Everyone!

I'm here in Berlin and I've been here for about 6 days now. It has been great getting to know the team. We've all been able to grow close really quick. The unity here has really been a blessing. Berlin as a city is really neat - there seems to be so much history on all the streets with old buildings being surrounded by new and modern architecture.

There are many cultural differences here that make for some adjustment. For example, the Y and Z keys on the keyboard are switched and is very confusing. Bikers are ruthless on the streets. People are in general much more blunt and straightforward than in America.

Thus far, we as a team have gotten much time to explore Berlin and learn its history. I've eaten schnitzel, bratwursts, döners, and other mysterious foods. Overall, the food is good! Lots of meat and potatoes so I can't complain.

As far as our misitry, we have been able to spend three days on campus at three different universities. We have been going to the mensas (cafeterias) and eating with students there to learn more about German life and spirituality while engaging in initiative evangelism. Thus far, I have been able to talk to people from Germany, Brazil, the United States, Ukraine, and Nepal about the Gospel. These times on campus have definitely been a highlight for me. Most of the people we have talked to are very knowledgeable and have very thouoght out worldviews. However, none of them has ever heard of what it means to follow Jesus. Religion is viewed solely as an institution.

Starting next week, our team will be divided into campus teams and each team will be assigned to a campus that will be our primary ministry.

Lastly, I will be discipling three guys from our team as well. This makes me nervous because two of the guys are older than me. They are all great guys though and I look forward to getting to know them better and be partners with them in the Gospel.

Prayer requests:
-humility in leadership
-pure motives for evangelism
-a heart for the Germans
-sustaining physical energy despite little rest

That is all for now, hope all is well back home!