We planned on leaving Columbus on a Wednesday, arriving in Northern Europe on
Thursday......God had other plans. As we sat at the gate, preparing for departure, our
plane was struck by lightning. This was not the beginning we had planned on, but
through even this event, we were reminded of how God's plan is perfect.

So instead, we left Columbus Thursday morning and, with some delays along the way,
arrived on Friday afternoon. And we hit the ground running, as we had been invited to a
small group picnic on the local river. It was a great opportunity to network with local
believers and encourage our missionaries. The kids were able to spend time playing
and swimming as the adults shared conversation.

The next day, we had an opportunity to work with a student lab that was in town. This
group of High School Upperclassmen came from 4 different states and were learning
more about what is involved in international missions. They attended classes on how to
share their testimony in specific situations, and about local customs and culture. We all
toured the city and were able to spend time prayer walking. We closed the day with
some time in a local museum that enlightened everyone on the struggles that this
people group faced as Northern Europe dealt with occupation during World War 2 and
the events that followed to modern day.

We spent Sunday with our friends at church, where we were able to worship. Even if we
didn't know their words, the tune was familiar, and we all were able to sing along in
English. It was a beautiful reminder of what we get to look forward to in Revelation 7:9-
10:
After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could
count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne
and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm
branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to
our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.

There was a celebration after service, and all shared a meal. It was a great time of
fellowship as we learned more about their culture, and how the people groups that our
missionaries are ministering to are largely marginalized because of language barriers
and national stereotypes.

The next day, we prepared to leave. It was a bittersweet time as we said goodbye to the
people we'd met. And while our time there was shorter than we had originally planned, it
was amazing to see God work in His perfect time. It was such a blessing to be present
with our missionaries, to encourage them, and learn how to better pray for them as they
spread the gospel.

Prayer Requests:
The biggest challenge they face in ministering to this minority group is how this minority
group is viewed in Europe in general. Pray for reconciliation between the minority group
and the majority culture, and for the Gospel to work in the hearts of local believers,
seeking to reaching the lost.

Also, pray for their family unit as they adjust to a fourth culture for the kids. Their
ministry deals largely with the minority group. Their children go to a majority culture
school and find it challenging to navigate both cultures.