親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

        「無論做甚麼，或說話或行事，都要奉主耶穌的名，藉着他感謝父神。」西三17

        每年遇到感恩節的查經班聚會，都會邀請弟兄姐妹分享神的恩典。感謝父神，讓亞沙芬堡的查經班又開始實體聚會了。自從幾年前創辦查經班的孫姐妹全家搬回家鄉之後，我們就改在另一位姐妹的餐館聚會；轉眼幾年過去，可惜餐館因疫情的緣故關門了，我們就改在線上聚會。由於未信主的年輕媽媽們不願意上網聚會，我們就只有四、五名姐妹聚會。最近孫姐妹因為兒子們回德國上大學，她也暫時留下來。自從她回來之後，大家便輪流在各人家裡聚會。由於聚會時間改了，有些媽媽也可以參加。有一位姐妹，她要上半職的班，現在因為有聚會，她也申請那半天請假來參加聚會。一位慕道友在幾個月前生下第二胎，寶寶早產，而她生產時又經歷大量出血，像臨近死亡的邊緣。現在她身體慢慢恢復健康，而最近寶寶去檢查身體時，當她聽到醫生宣佈寶寶沒有任何毛病時，就激動到流淚。她現在很積極參加查經班，雖然她承認有一位神，但還不確定是誰，並表示願意繼續尋求這位神。一位姐妹的媽媽在疫情期間因為離婚，搬到與女兒家裡居住。雖然她也是基督徒，但是每次女兒上線聚會，她都不願意參加。現在恢復實體聚會，她就很願意跟女兒一起來。除了查經聚會之外，因為孫姐妹每週日都開車去法蘭克福的華人教會，就順便帶上其他兩位平時不去主日崇拜的姐妹。感謝主把孫姐妹帶回來，因為她的愛心付出，查經班的媽媽又再一次活躍起來！

        感恩吉森團契辦了兩次迎新活動，都有幾位學生參加。在第二次活動的時候，有兩名新來的同學得了Covid-19，他們以為德國防疫政策是開放了，就沒有在家隔離，而來參加我們的聚會。感恩他們沒有傳染給我們。最近也來了一位交換生，由於她的老師與同學在家鄉已經邀請她去教會，所以她來了就馬上來參加教會聚會。有一位德國姐妹是退休老師，很願意幫助學生透過讀經來學習德語，負責團契的姐妹就介紹兩名新生給她。感恩這位熱心幫助學生的姐妹，她過去也在附近城市的華人查經班幫忙教德語。

        團契有幾個家長帶孩子跟隨一位德國音樂老師學樂器，她很積極安排孩子排練節目，讓我們在聖誕聚會裡有兒童表演環節。我們也在籌備今年的實體聖誕聚會。

        感恩廣東話查經班也開始實體與線上同步的聚會！以前不參加線上聚會的人，現在也來實體聚會。本來實體聚會以居住在法蘭克福的弟兄姐妹為主，由於其他城市的姐妹們都願意線上來參加，所以我們先聚餐，然後邀請線上的姐妹們一起參加聚會。感恩的是負責查經班的一位弟兄，去年收留了一名剛畢業但尚未找到工作的學生住在家裡，經過一段長時間，在簽證快要到期之前終於找到一份工作。這位剛畢業的學生認識一些基督徒，也有參加一些團契活動，現在也來參加我們的查經班，是個會廣東話的馬來西亞華僑。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感謝神讓我們在感恩節裡數算神的恩典！
2. 感謝神帶領亞沙芬堡的孫姐妹回來，又積極關懷其他媽媽。求主堅固信徒的信心，並讓尋求神的慕道友能認識真神，得著救恩！
3. 感恩德國老師幫助學生學習德語，並向他們傳福音！
4. 求主幫助我們籌備聖誕聚會，吸引新同學來參加佈道聚會！
5. 感恩神的保守，使讀經班裡的長者都喜悅讀神的話！
6. 感恩弟兄收留的學生找到工作，並願意參加團契的聚會！求主吸引他早日接受救恩！
7. 感恩有機會閱讀此信的弟兄姐妹，感恩有你們的支持與代禱！

        願我們一起來數算神的恩典，願榮耀歸給神！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零二二年十一月二十九日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. “Col. 3:17

        Every year at the Bible Study meeting on Thanksgiving, brothers and sisters are invited to share God’s grace. Thank God our Father that the Bible study group in Aschaffenburg began to meet in person again. Since the family of sister Sun who started the Bible study group, moved back to China a few years ago, we changed to meet at another sister’s restaurant. A few years have gone by, unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the restaurant was closed. So, we switched to online gathering. Since young unbelieving mothers were reluctant to go online, we only had four or five sisters. Recently, because sister Sun’s sons have returned to Germany to go to university, she has also stayed for the time being. Since her return, our bible study group has been meeting in person, taking turns in some sister’s place. Since the meeting time has been changed, some mothers can also participate. There is a sister who has a part-time job. Now whenever we have meeting, she also applied for that half-day leave to attend our meeting. A seeker gave birth to a second child a few months ago, and the baby was born prematurely. She herself experienced heavy bleeding during delivery, as if on the verge of death. Now her body is slowly recovering, and the baby went to a check-up recently. When she heard the doctor announce that there was nothing wrong with the baby, she was so excited that she burst into tears. She is now actively participating in Bible studies. Although she admits that there is a god, she is not yet sure who he is. She is willing to continue to seek this God. A sister’s mother moved in with her daughter’s family during the pandemic due to divorce. Although she is also a Christian, she was reluctant to attend our meeting every time her daughter went online. Now that we meet in person, she is very willing to come to the meeting with her daughter. In addition to Bible study meetings, because Sister Sun drives to church every Sunday, she also brings the other two sisters who usually do not go to Sunday services. Thank the Lord for bringing Sister Sun back, because of her loving dedication, the mothers in our Bible study group are once again active!

        Thank God that Giessen Fellowship held two orientation activities, both of which were attended by several students. At the second event, two new students who had Covid-19 came to our meeting instead of quarantine at home thinking that Germany was open with Covid-19 measures. We are thankful that they didn’t infect us. Recently, an exchange student also came. Since her teacher and classmate had told her to go to church in China, she came to our church service as soon as she arrived. One of the German sisters, who is retired and a former teacher, is willing to help students learn German through Bible reading. The sister in charge of the fellowship introduced two new students to her. Thanks to this sister who was eager to help students. She also used to go to the Chinese Bible study group in nearby city to help teach German.

        Several parents of the fellowship took their children to learn musical instruments from a German music teacher, and she was very active in arranging rehearsals for the children, so that we could have the children’s performance at the Christmas party. We are also preparing for this year’s physical Christmas party.

        Thank God that our Cantonese Bible Study group has also started a physical and online gathering! People who didn’t attend online meetups before now come to meetup in person as well. Originally, physical meetings were mainly for brothers and sisters living in Frankfurt, but since sisters in other cities are willing to participate online, we first have a meal and then invite online sisters to join the meeting. Thankful to one of the brothers in charge, he took in a recent graduate who did not find a job last year to live in his apartment. After a long period of job search, he found a job before the visa was about to expire. Since he lived in the brother’s place, he also knew some Christians and participated in some fellowship activities. Now he also participates in our Bible study because he is a Malaysian Chinese and can also speak Cantonese.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for counting God’s blessings on Thanksgiving!
2. Thank God for leading sister Sun of Aschaffenburg back from China and actively caring for the mothers in that place!
   Pray that the faith of believers will be strengthened and that God-seeking mothers will know the true God and receive salvation!

3. Thank God for the German teacher for helping students learn German and evangelizing to them!
4. Pray that the Lord will help us prepare for Christmas service and attract new students to this evangelistic meeting!
5. Thanks for God’s protection so that the elders in the Bible reading class are happy to read God’s Word!
6. Thank God that the student taken in by the brother found a job and are willing to attend fellowship meetings! Pray that the Lord will draw him to receive salvation soon!
7. Thank God for brothers and sisters who have an opportunity to read this letter and thank you for your continuous support and prayers!

        May we count God’s blessings and give glory to God!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

        「你必將生命的道路指示我。在你面前有滿足的喜樂；在你右手中有永遠的福樂。」（詩篇16：11）

        為了彌補疫情所帶來的經濟損失，德國政府於今年暑假6、7、8月花一大筆公帑給公共交通運輸公司，讓市民可購買只需9歐元的月票，就可在德國境內乘坐任何公共交通工具，只快速火車除外。因此，被困了很長時間的市民便大量出行，加上適逢學校假期，帶孩子去度假的人數大增，好些班次更擠到水泄不通。

        很多弟兄姐妹們都買了這種車票，能走動的年長弟兄姐妹也會到附近的城市逛逛。我也乘機享受政府這福利，買了這種車票到處跑，有時是去探訪、事奉，有時是去度假。可是，不知道是人數突然增加了很多還是缺乏員工，很多火車、地鐵都晚點，甚至不往目的地開。為了節約汽油，我就利用這票搭火車去參加吉森的團契。有一次，團契結束後回程用了雙倍的時間，還要轉好幾次交通工具才到家。所以，有時候也需要付上代價。

        由於很多國家對疫情的管制比較放鬆，今年出去度假的弟兄姐妹比較多，暑假時的團契人數比較少，甚至要停止聚會。雖然如此，最近我也接待了好些有需要暫住的弟兄姐妹和非信徒。有一位剛受洗不久的姐妹在德國找到一份工作，便從華沙搬來，沒想到她工作的地點離我家很近。一位住在別城的非信徒在法蘭克福的展會找到一份工作，為了節約住宿費，她在我家住了幾天。另一位女生剛剛考上法蘭克福的學校，收錄她的一天也是開學的一天，她媽媽趕快陪她來法蘭克福找房子。感恩她們找到一個學生公寓，但是差幾天才能入住，因此也暫住我家幾天。

        因著接待這些人，讓我也有機會了解更多的年輕人。因為那位華沙來的姐妹的男朋友從遠處來接機，所以他們就借住我家兩天。剛好這位年輕弟兄剛剛參加完同工訓練營，就有機會聽到他分享在營會的收穫，見證神透過講員的信息解決了一個人際關係的問題。這問題纏繞了他和在當地服事的牧者，也不知道如何處理。因著這次營會，弟兄就明白了合一的道理，願意與人和好。因為他的改變，感動了我接待的弟兄和牧者。他也蒙講員的呼召，願意出來事奉神，也問了我相關的問題，談到半夜。

        上次吉森團契辦完包粽子的活動後，來參加的學生和這裡生活的華人都沒有留下來參加查經班，而我們學生團契的參與者都已經信主了，所以我們暫時與成人團契合併聚會。雖然未能留住學生，我們還是再接再厲在中秋節辦活動，吸引新人來參加聚會。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感謝神讓政府對疫情有比較開放的政策，今年很多弟兄姐妹暑假都可以出外度假，並且平安回家。感謝神讓政府補貼車費，讓我也享受三個月的油費開支。現在汽油價錢繼續上升很多！
2. 感謝主有機會接待有需要的人，順帶了解一下一些年輕人的情況。
3. 感謝主藉著同工訓練營的講員感動多位弟兄姐妹蒙召奉獻！也感謝神的保守，自疫情以來第一次恢復實體營會，在營會期間弟兄姐妹都平安。營會後，得知有多人感染了肺炎病毒，感謝主也保守他們恢復健康！
4. 吉森下週六舉辦中秋節活動，求主吸引新人來參加，並繼續來認識神。
5. 感謝主恩，正當物價上漲的時候，上週五陪同一位老弟兄看中一間公寓，政府以廉價租金出租給他，讓他減輕很大的經濟壓力！由於前任住客住了很久，並留下很多雜物，房屋公司要清理和裝修好才能入住，11月才能交房子。正因為以上情況，房屋公司員工犯了一個錯誤，不應該這個時候讓人去看房子。既然信件已發出，就只好給弟兄去看。我們都讚嘆這也是神憐憫弟兄的奇妙作為！不然他可能會有很多競爭的對手，拿不了這套公寓。
6. 感謝主也讓兩名今年考進大學的年輕弟兄找到住處，讓他們的母親也鬆了口氣，因為找房子並不容易！
7. 感謝主賜下一點雨水，但對乾旱的大地還是不夠！求主繼續憐憫全球多個地方的旱災，賜下足夠的雨水滋潤農作物，使人民有足夠的糧食。

        感謝主有機會與你們分享一些神的奇妙作為！
        謝謝你們的代禱與向神獻上感謝！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零二二年九月二日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11

        In order to make up for the economic losses caused by the pandemic, the German government spent a lot of money on public transportation in June, July and August this summer, so that citizens can buy a monthly pass for only 9 euros, and they can travel anywhere in Germany. One can take any type of public transportation, except for fast trains. As a result, many citizens who have been staying home for a long time traveled in large numbers. In addition to the school holiday, the number of people taking their children on vacation increased greatly, and some trains were very crowded.

        Many brothers and sisters also bought this kind of ticket, and even some older brothers and sisters who could move around went to nearby cities. I also took the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the government. I bought this kind of ticket to travel around, sometimes to visit, sometimes to go on vacation. However, I didn’t know whether it was due to the large increase in the number of people or there was a lack of employees, many trains and subways were delayed, and sometimes they even cancelled the train to one’s destination. In order to save gas, I used this ticket to take the train to join the fellowship in Giessen. One day, on my return trip, it took twice as much time, and I had to change transportation several times in order to get home. So, sometimes there is a price to pay.

        Due to the relatively relaxed control of the pandemic in many countries, there are more brothers and sisters going out for vacation this year.  The number of people attending fellowship during the summer vacation was relatively small, and even some gatherings had to be stopped. Even so, recently, I had received some brother, sisters and non-believer who needed temporary stay. A recently baptized sister moved from Warsaw after finding a job in Germany. To my surprise, her workplace is very close to where I live. A non-believer who lives in another city got a job at the fair in Frankfurt and stayed at my place for a few days in order to save money on accommodation. Another student had just been admitted to a college in Frankfurt, and the day she was accepted was also the start of the school day. Her mother rushed to accompany her to look for a residence in Frankfurt. I am grateful that they found a student apartment, but they were only a few days away from moving in, so she stayed at my apartment.

        Because of receiving these people, I also had the opportunity to know more about young people. Because the boyfriend of the sister from Warsaw came to pick her up at the airport came from a far city, they both stayed at my apartment for two days. It just so happened that this young brother had just attended the co-worker training camp, and I had the opportunity to hear him share what he gained in the camp and testify that God solved a relationship problem through the message of the speaker. This problem haunted him and the local pastor for sometimes and they didn’t know how to deal with it. Because of this speaker, the brother in question understood the principle of unity and was willing to make peace with others. Because of his change, the brother whom I received and the pastor were very moved. He also answered a calling to serve God. He asked me some related questions and we talked till mid-night.

        After the last time Giessen Fellowship held the rice dumpling activity, neither the students nor the Chinese who lived here who came to participate stayed to participate in the Bible study class. Since all the participants of our student fellowship had already believed in the Lord, so we temporarily joined the adult Fellowship. Although we failed to retain the students, we will hold another event on the Mid-Autumn Festival to attract new people to our fellowship meeting.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for allowing the government to have a more open policy toward the pandemic. This year, many brothers and sisters can go out for summer vacations and return home safely! Thank God for allowing the government to subsidize the transportation expense, so that I can also enjoy three months of fuel expenses! Gasoline prices continue to rise a lot in recent months!
2. Thank the Lord for the opportunity to receive those in need! I learned more about the situation of some young people!
3. Thank the Lord for moving many brothers and sisters to be called to serve our Lord through the speaker of the co-worker training camp! I also thank God for His protection! The physical camp was resumed for the first time since the pandemic. During the camp, all brothers and sisters were safe! After they returned home, I learned that many people were infected with the virus. Thank the Lord for keeping them back to health!
4. Giessen will hold a Mid-Autumn Festival event next Saturday. Pray that the Lord will attract new people to participate and continue to come to know God!
5. Thank the Lord for His grace! When prices were rising, last Friday, I accompanied an old brother to take a look at an apartment which he applied for from the government. The government rents it out to him at a cheap rate, which relieves him from a lot of financial pressure! Since the previous resident lived for a long time and left a lot of clutter, the housing company had to clean up and renovate before moving in, and the apartment could not be handed over until November. Because of the above situation, the employee of the housing company made a mistake and should not invite people to see the apartment at this time. Now that the letter has been sent to our brother, the apartment has to be shown to him. We all praise God for this as this is a wonderful act of God’s mercy on the brother! Otherwise, he may have many competitors and can’t get this apartment.
6. Thank the Lord for letting the two young brothers who entered college this year find a room, and their mothers are relieved, because finding a room is not easy!
7. Thank the Lord for a little rain in the past days, but it is still not enough for the dry lands this summer! Pray that the Lord will continue to have mercy on the droughts in many parts of the world, and send enough rain to nourish the crops, so that the people have enough food!

        Thank God for the opportunity to share His amazing works with you!
        Thank you for your prayers and giving thanks to God!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

        「與喜樂的人要同樂；與哀哭的人要同哭。」（羅12:15）

        新冠疫情延續了這兩年多以來，好些弟兄姊妹在疫情期間登記結婚，到今年夏天才補辦婚禮。就吉森團契而言，在六月份就連續三週都有婚禮。第一對新人是在泰國認識的，中國姊妹在泰國宣教，德國弟兄去短宣，彼此認識。因為疫情，只得在網上交往，最後姊妹嫁到德國來，繼續與丈夫在德國教會參與難民事工。

        第二對新人都是在吉森大學的博士生，在學生宿舍裡認識，中國弟兄娶了德國姊妹。中國學生為了與姊妹交往，便尋求信仰，雖然母親已經是信徒。感恩他參加完福音營後，在團契的弟兄家裡接受救恩！婚後他要搬到南部，與妻子建立新家庭。

        第三對新人是中國弟兄迎娶台灣姊妹。弟兄從小移民德國，讀完博士後再進入神學院接受裝備。畢業後參加OMF成為宣教士，做中德跨文化的工作。姊妹在德國大學的神學系畢業，結婚後也加入OMF事奉！

        由於早被邀約參加一對夫妻的生日派對，就未能參加第三對新人的婚禮。這是一對中德夫妻，中國姐妹一直努力在當地的中德家庭作見證，想多傳福音給那些未信主的德國先生。他們就舉辦一次比較隆重的慶祝（德國先生70歲，中國姐妹60歲），藉此機會向他們的朋友傳福音。由於被邀請的講員——他們德國教會的牧師——剛好被感染了。他們臨時邀請葛忠良牧師，即創辦德華福音會的年老宣教士。因此還能見到老朋友，格外感恩開心。他雖然年老，也有病在身，只要他有精神，他都繼續服事，是我們的好榜樣。

        除此之外，六月份還觀看了兩場網上的婚禮；分別是我的外甥女在加拿大舉行的婚禮和一場牧師兒子在香港舉行的婚禮。本以為今年的婚禮就那麼多，沒想到前幾天又收到一位弟兄的婚禮邀請。他是以前查經班認識的慕道友，我離開該地之後，他信主並受洗。他因為工作的緣故搬去南部，反而跟我聯繫上，每年大節日都會來拜訪我。

        與大家分享完弟兄姐妹的喜樂之後，也與大家分享一個不是太好的消息，就是去了英國幾天回來，週四測試得到了新冠肺炎陽性。不過症狀不算嚴重，就像感冒那樣。因為有症狀，催逼我去看了醫生，告訴她我已經咳嗽快一年，是自從打完疫苗之後的反應，她便叫我去照肺，等我自我隔離完再去照。得了新冠，也讓我體會身邊同病相憐的弟兄姐妹。越來越多的弟兄姐妹都受感染，兩週前就有一位年長的姐妹得了新冠，但感恩她四天就轉陰性了。上週也有一對年輕人受感染，比較嚴重一點，有發燒、喉嚨痛得厲害。我們在德國的教牧同工裡，也相繼有些人被感染。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感恩在疫情期間也難阻不了神對弟兄姐妹的祝福，使他們結合建立新家庭！求主保守他們的婚姻，體會基督的愛在他們中間！
2. 求主祝福新人在OMF的事奉，成為中德文化的一個信仰橋樑！
3. 求主保守葛忠良牧師的身體，使他事奉得力！
4. 求主保守被感染新冠的弟兄姐妹，早日康復！
5. 求主帶領吉森團契兩位中學生畢業後的前路！他倆都是由單親母親養育成人，看到孩子在教會長大，兩位母親特別安慰。因此，下週為她們辦一個感恩見證會，榮神益人！

        無論是順境或逆境，讓我們都能同聲感謝讚美我們的神！
        感謝你們的陪伴與代禱！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零二二年七月十日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

        Because the pandemic lasted for more than two years, many brothers and sisters registered their marriages during the pandemic and did not have a make-up wedding until this summer. In Giessen Fellowship, there were weddings for three weeks in a row in June.

        The first couple met in Thailand. The Chinese sister was serving in Thailand and the German brother went on a short term mission trip. They got to know each other. Because of the pandemic, they had to communicate online. Finally, the sister married to Germany and both continue to participate in the refugee ministry in a German church.

        The second couple, both doctoral students at the University of Giessen, met in the student dormitory. A Chinese brother married a German sister. The Chinese student sought faith in order to get involved with this sister, even though his mother was already a believer. We were grateful that he received salvation in a fellowship brother’s home after attending a gospel camp! Unfortunately, he had to move to the south to start a new family with his wife.

        The third couple is both Chinese, a mainland brother marrying a Taiwanese sister. The brother immigrated to Germany as a teenager, and after completing his doctoral studies, he entered the seminary to be equipped. After graduation, he joined OMF and became a missionary, doing cross-cultural work between German and Chinese. The sister graduated from a German university with a degree in theology and joined OMF after her marriage!

        I was invited to a couple’s birthday party earlier, so I was unable to attend the third couple’s wedding. This is a Sino-German couple. The Chinese sister has been working hard to witness to the Chinese-German families in her area, trying to reach out to the German husbands who are not yet believers. They held a relatively grand celebration (the German brother turned 70 and the Chinese sister turned 60) and took the opportunity to reach out to their friends. As the invited speaker, their German church pastor, happened to be infected, they immediately invited Pastor Glaw, the elderly missionary who founded the FMCD. So it was a great joy to see an old friend. Although he is old and sick, he continues to serve as long as he has the spirit and is a good example to us.

        In addition to the above, I also watched two online weddings in June; my niece’s wedding in Canada and a pastor’s son’s wedding in Hong Kong. I thought that these should be all the weddings for this year. But a few days ago, I received another wedding invitation from a brother. He was a seeker when I met him in a former Bible study class. After I left the area, he was converted and baptized. He moved to the south because of his job, but he kept in touch with me and came to visit me every year on major holidays.

        After sharing with you the joy of our brothers and sisters, I would like to share with you the not-so-good news. After spending a few days in England and returned home, I tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. But the symptoms were not serious, just like a cold. I went to see a doctor and told her that I had been coughing for almost a year and that I had been reacting since the vaccination, so she told me to get a lung test. I can only do it after I am done isolating myself. Having Covid-19 myself, it has also allowed me to experience the brothers and sisters around me who are suffering from the same illness. More and more brothers and sisters are getting infected. Two weeks ago, an older sister got infected, but thankfully she became negative in four days. Last week there was also a couple of young people who were infected, a little more seriously, with fever and a very sore throat. Some of our pastoral staffs in Germany have also been infected.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Grateful that nothing can stop God’s blessings to brothers and sisters even during the pandemic, so that they can unite to build a new family! Pray that the Lord will preserve their marriage and to experience the love of Christ among them!
2. May the Lord bless the new couple who serve in OMF and become a religious bridge between Chinese and German cultures!
3. Pray that the Lord will protect Pastor Glaw and enable him to serve effectively!
4. Pray that the Lord will protect the brothers and sisters who are infected with the Covid-19 virus and recover soon!
5. Pray that the Lord will lead the way for the two middle school students of the Giessen Fellowship after graduation! They were both raised by single mothers, and the two mothers were especially comforting to see their children growing up in church. Therefore, next week, they will hold a thanksgiving witness meeting for them to glorify God and benefit people!

        Whether in good times or bad, let us all thank and praise our God in unison!
        Thank you for your company and prayers!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

        「你們要以感謝為祭獻與神，又要向至高者還你的願，並要在患難之日求告我；我必搭救你，你也要榮耀我。」（詩篇50:14-15）

        感謝神，又是到了春暖花開的季節，遍地都是小野花和蒲公英，又白又黃，畫出神創造萬物的美麗圖畫。雖然新冠病毒還是盤據在幾千上萬的個案，但是因為政府放寬政策，很多商業公司都已正常營業，教會也取消了之前的要求，不過仍然建議戴口罩。因此，我也可以回教會實體聚會了。感恩上週日見證六位姐妹接受洗禮，其中有兩位14-15歲的姐妹，從小看著她們長大，經歷神奇妙的拯救，接受洗禮。另一位是在疫情初期，以為自己得了病毒（其實是嚴重感冒），身體非常軟弱，她在網上尋求幫助，後來我們送食物給她，她受感後信主了。又一位是幾年前回中國時，發現得了癌症，趕快回德國醫治並好了，雖然最近又復發，心情有點打擊，但是幾次治療後，現在也感覺好很多。

        讀經班裡的一位老弟兄，疫情期間由德國徹底回香港退休。後來因太太回國照顧一百歲的母親，他也回去與她們在一起。沒想到他去哪裡，那裡就有嚴格的封關措施，現在更被封城了。因此我們每天都會聽到一點信息，也看到弟兄的一些情緒。但感恩的是，因為有了每天讀經的平台，大家互相鼓勵、代禱，雖然他有時候也會埋怨，但最後仍然感謝神的保守。由於年過百歲的老人藥物已經吃完，出外也買不到藥物，焦急了幾天；感謝神垂聽眾人的祈求，前幾天叫了救護車，不讓送醫院，但是醫生給了藥，保住老人的性命。

        上週一廣東話查經班要聚會，其中一位年過七十的姐妹說她前幾天得到Covid-19病毒，頭幾天非常辛苦，不能參加網上聚會。後來另外一位團友安慰她，原來她在四月初也從兒子感染了Covid-19病毒，也是很辛苦。因為老姐妹獨居，得病後的幾天都軟弱無力，感恩當地有弟兄姐妹送食物給她。

        來德國十幾年，每年復活節都參加門徒造就營，由於今年疫情尚未穩定，最後同工決定今年停辦一次。鑑於講員四月份已在歐洲，北德眾教會便邀請他主講培靈會，同時也開放zoom，讓其他地區的弟兄姐妹也同蒙造就。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感恩見證六位姐妹接受洗禮。求主保守她們的信心，讓從小聽聖經故事的年輕人把信仰活出來，讓剛信主的姐妹能夠多多的明白聖經！
2. 感謝主的保守，讓年過百歲的老姐妹能夠在封關的日子得到女兒的照顧，也得到該有的藥物，保持她的生命！感恩年老的弟兄可以繼續參加讀經班，由於每日可以與弟兄姐妹交談，得到一點安慰。求主保守他有耐性，等候那解封的日子！
3. 求主憐憫得到新冠肺炎病毒的老姐妹，使她可以盡快恢復健康！
4. 感謝神，雖然復活節造就營停辦一次，卻有北德眾教會的實體培靈會，同時開放讓弟兄姐妹可以參加網上的轉播，使大家同得造就！
5. 求主感動吉森團契的弟兄姐妹，在對疫情放寬的政策下，可以恢復實體的聚會！

        願上帝的恩惠，永恆地與那些愛我們主耶穌基督的人同在！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零二二年四月三十日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:14-15

        Thank God, it is the season of spring and everywhere are small wildflowers and dandelions, white and yellow, drawing a beautiful picture of God’s creation of all things.  Although the Covid-19 virus infection cases are still high (several thousand new cases every day), due to the government’s relaxation of policies, many commercial companies have opened their doors normally, and our German church has no restriction like before but still recommended to wear masks.  Therefore, I can go back to the church for some weeks now.  I am thankful to have witnessed the baptism of six sisters last Sunday, including two sisters aged 14-15, with whom we watch growing up. Since they experienced God’s wonderful salvation in their personal life, and they were baptized.  The other one was a young woman, who in the early days of the pandemic, thought that she had the Covid-19 virus (but in fact, she just had a serious cold). Her body was so weak that she asked for help online. After we responded and delivered some food to her, being touched, she also believed in the Lord later.  Another one is a sister who found out that she had cancer while visiting in China. She quickly returned to Germany for treatment and was under control. However, recently she had relapse and she was worried. But after several times of treatment, now she felt much better.

        An old brother in our Bible reading class, during the pandemic, completely returned to Hong Kong from Germany to retire.  Later, because his wife returned to China to take care of her hundred-year-old mother, he also returned to be with them.  Unfortunately, wherever he went, there was strict restriction with the Covid-19 measures. Now he is completely being lockdown.  So, every day we hear a little bit of information, and see some of the emotions of our brother.  However, thankfully, because of the platform for daily Bible reading, everyone encourages and intercedes with each other, although sometimes he would complain, but in the end, he is still thankful to God for his preservation.  Because his 100 years old mother-in-law had finished her medicine, and they were unable to buy any medicine, they were anxious for a few days. But thanks for God’s answered prayers, they called for an ambulance the other day. Though she could not be sent to the hospital, the doctor gave her the necessary medicine to save the life of the elderly.

        Last Monday, when the Cantonese Bible study class was about to meet, one of the sisters in her seventies said that she had gotten Covid-19 a few days ago and had a hard time in the first few days. She told us that she could not attend our online meeting.  Later, another sister comforted her. It turned out that she was also infected with Covid-19 virus from her son in early April, which was also very hard for her. Because the old sister lived alone, she was weak for the first few days after she became ill, and she was grateful that some brothers and sisters in the local area had brought her food.

        Since coming to Germany for more than a decade, I have participated in the discipleship camp every Easter.  Due to the unclear policy on the pandemic at the beginning of the year, it was finally decided to suspend it for this year.  Since the speaker was already in Europe in April, the churches in North Germany invited him to give a revival conference. At the same time, they also opened zoom so that brothers and sisters from other regions could also be participated.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for the baptism of six sisters. Pray that the Lord will preserve their faith, so that young people who have heard Bible stories from an early age can live out their faith, and so that the newly converted sisters can understand the Bible more!
2. Thank God for His protection, so that the old sister who is over 100 years old can get the care of her daughter on the days of lockdown, and get the medicine she needs to keep her life! Thank God for the elderly brother who can continue to attend Bible reading class so that he can appeal to our brothers and sisters every day for a little comfort.  Pray that the Lord will give him patience to wait for the city to be free again.
3. Pray for God’s mercy upon the old sister who got the Covid-19 virus so that she can get back to health as soon as possible!
4. Thank God, although the Easter Camp was cancelled, there was a physical revival conference of the North German churches, and at the same time, it was open so that brothers and sisters could participate in the online broadcast, so that brothers and sisters could be edified as well!
5. May the Lord touch the brothers and sisters of the Giessen Fellowship that under the relaxation of the policy of the pandemic, the physical gathering can be resumed!

        May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

        「你們要讚美耶和華！敬畏耶和華，甚喜愛他命令的，這人便為有福！」詩篇112:1

        前晚除夕夜，與弟兄姐妹分享耶和華的恩福，顯然與世俗人所祈求的祝福是很不同。神樂意賜福給我們，但是我們要聽從祂的命令，喜愛祂的律法，正如神吩咐以色列人，遵行祂的誡命的人就得福，違背誡命的受咒詛。

        感謝神，讓我們一群長者可以每天一起細讀利未記，雖然講述很多有關以色列人的獻祭、潔淨的條例、律例典章，讀起來有點枯燥；但經過牧師講解，把它們連到耶穌基督的身上，就馬上與我們有關，不但感謝基督救贖的恩典，也體會神憐憫人的心意。感恩今天我們終於讀完利未記，若是請年長的弟兄姐妹自己讀的話，也許就無法讀完了。

        去年找回的一位年長姐妹，不會廣東話，所以未能參加讀經聚會。最近她因為與房東有些矛盾，就來向我訴苦。我建議她申請老人公寓，但她想到申請手續麻煩，思想上有些掙扎。可能也是孤單一人，想找個人聊聊。特別是在疫情中，因害怕出門而困在家中。

        去年年底，又開始了吉森的實體聚會，但是經常來的就只有兩家人，只要我和服事同工去，他們也來實體聚會。負責的同工體恤我們回家太晚，就帶點簡單的食物來與我們共享。三週前，因為吉森負責同工的孩子發燒，而我們的同工剛打完了第三針疫苗，我們就沒有實體聚會。沒想到原來孩子從學校得了Covid-19病毒感染，也傳給父母了。由於上述原因，我們沒有去，免受感染。同時另外一家的弟兄要做白內障手術，所以他與姐妹也沒去，他們也沒有機會受感染。不過很感恩，他們病了幾天就好了，小孩好得更快。

        自從Omicron開始迅速傳播後，我們借用的德國教會要求更嚴厲，要打完第三針疫苗，或是打完兩針和感染後痊癒，再加上官方檢測的陰性報告，才可以參加實體聚會。由於我還沒有打第三針，週日在我家附近的檢測中心都不開門，所以只好參加網上聚會。自從去年七月打完第二針之後，我沒有停止過咳嗽，所以我對疫苗有所保留，還在觀望當中。

        雖然教會要求嚴格，但在政府的法律允許之下，我們在節日期間仍然有家庭聚餐，主要邀請單身的弟兄姐妹和慕道友，讓他們過節不會覺得孤單。平安夜聚餐那天，一位慕道友收到公司正式聘請他工作的合同，大家為他高興，因為再找不到工作，他便要離開德國（昨天更聽到他拿到簽證的消息）。另外一位弟兄，他特別喜歡實體見面的時刻，所以他也很高興與大家一起聚餐。

        一位弟兄的父親因為年老，去年搬來法蘭克福入住老人公寓。由於搬家那天，他看到那麼多基督徒為他搬東西，為搬家的人預備食物，他很受感動。加上我們聚餐也邀請他，這樣他與我們比較熟了，也願意幫我們煮餐，因為他是廚師。而我們更願意他看到基督徒的好行為，從傾向佛教的追求轉向基督信仰。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感恩疫情期間，還可以網上聚會，有些過節的氣氛！感恩與年長的弟兄姐妹一起讀經，經過一年的時間，連失憶的姐妹最近也不用人教她就可以很快地上網！求主保守其中一位弟兄，明天飛回國內，要在酒店隔離十四天！
2. 求主保守孤單老人的生活，不被疫情影響自己的心情！
3. 感謝主保守負責吉森團契的弟兄一家，雖得到病毒感染，但身體已恢復健康，隔離也結束！感謝主的保守，讓一位年長弟兄順利完成了兩隻眼睛的白內障手術！
4. 感謝主讓我們藉著聚餐，關心到慕道友在異鄉的思愁。其中一位學生總是埋怨神沒有給他一條順暢的道路，求主幫助他在學業上能通過他的考試！
5. 感恩弟兄的爸爸很快就與我們相熟，他在觀察我們基督徒的行為，求主保守我們在人面前有好行為，以致他們願意接受神的救恩！

        願主的恩福臨到你們與家人！
        新春快樂！身、心、靈都健康！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零二二年二月二日大年初二

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “Praise the LORD! Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands!” Psalm 112:1

        On Chinese New Year’s Eve, we shared with our brothers and sisters the blessings of the LORD, which are obviously very different from the blessings that secular people pray for. God is pleased to give us blessings, but we must obey His commands and love His laws, just as God commanded the Israelites that those who obey His commandments are blessed, and those who disobey His commandments are cursed.

        We thank God for the opportunity to read the book of Leviticus with our elderlies every morning. Although it was a bit boring to read, the pastor who was reading it connected it to the person of Jesus Christ, and it became immediately relevant to us. We are thankful that we finally finished reading Leviticus today. If we had asked our older brothers and sisters to read it by themselves, they would not have been able to finish it.

        I found an older sister last year after losing her contact for some time. Unfortunately, she does not speak Cantonese, so she was not able to join the reading group. Recently, she called me because she had some problems with her landlord. I suggested that she applied for an apartment for the seniors. But she had some struggles in her mind because of the trouble she had to go through the application process. She was probably lonely and wanted to talk to someone. Especially during the pandemic, she was stuck at home because she was afraid to go out.

        Near the end of last year, we resumed our physical meeting at Giessen, but only two families came regularly. Whenever I went with my co-worker, they also came to the physical meeting. The leader of the fellowship was sympathetic to our late arrival home, so the family brought some simple food to share with us. Three weeks ago, we didn’t have a physical meeting because our co-worker had just finished his third vaccination and the leader’s child had a fever. Little did we know that the child had gotten the Covid-19 infection from school and passed it on to his parents. Due to the above reasons, we did not go to the meeting and thus, avoided the infection. At the same time, a brother from another family had to have cataract surgery, so he and his wife did not go either, and they too did not have the chance to get infected. But thankfully, the family recovered within a few days and the child recovered even faster.

        Since the Omicron infection spread rapidly, the German church we borrowed for Sunday service has become more stringent in requiring a third vaccination, or a second vaccination/recovered from Covid-19 plus an official negative test before we can attend a physical meeting. Since I had not yet received my third vaccination, the testing center near my place was not open on Sunday, so I only attend the online meeting. I haven’t stopped coughing since I got my second shot last July. So I have some reservations about the vaccine and am still waiting to see what happens.

        Despite the strict requirements of the church, we still have family dinners during the holidays, as allowed by the government law. We mainly invited single brothers and sisters and non-believers so that they will not feel lonely during the holidays. On Christmas Eve, one of our non-believers received a job contract from his company, and we were happy for him because if he didn’t find a job within the month, he would have to leave Germany. Yesterday we heard the news that he got his visa. Another brother, he especially liked the physical meeting moment, so he was happy to have a dinner together.

        One brother’s father moved to Frankfurt last year to live in an apartment for the seniors because of his old age. On the moving day, he was touched to see so many Christians help to carry his things and prepare food for the movers. He was also invited to our dinner party, so he got to know us better and was willing to cook for us because he is a retired chef. But we would like him to see the good Christian behavior and turn from the Buddhist pursuit to the Christian faith.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. We are thankful that during the pandemic, we can still meet online and have a festive atmosphere for the Chinese New Year! I’m thankful that after a year of reading the Bible with older brothers and sisters, even the sister who has bad memory can get online faster without being taught! Pray for the brother who will fly back to China tomorrow and be quarantined in a hotel for 14 days!
2. Pray that the Lord will keep the lonely elderly from letting the pandemic affects their lives!
3. Thank the Lord for keeping the family of the Giessen Fellowship, who has recovered from the Covid-19 infection, and that their quarantine is over! Thank the Lord for the elderly brother’s successful cataract surgeries on both eyes!
4. Thank the Lord that we were able to care for the non-believers by inviting them for meals during festive holidays. One student always complained that God did not give him a smooth path! Pray that the Lord will help him prepare and pass his exams!
5. We are thankful that our brother’s father soon became acquainted with us, and that he was observing our Christian behavior. Pray that the Lord would keep us in good behavior before people so that they would be willing to accept God’s salvation!

        May the Lord’s blessings come to you and your family!
        Happy Chinese New Year! Be healthy in body, mind and spirit!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

        「你們要稱謝萬神之神，因他的慈愛永遠長存。你們要稱謝萬主之主，因他的慈愛永遠長存。」詩篇136:2-3

        雖然在德國沒有感恩節，但是每年這時候也會和弟兄姐妹一同來數算神的恩典！聽到神在祂兒女身上的作為，不得不讚嘆祂的奇妙恩典！兩年前神帶領一位弟兄來德國工作，兩年合約期滿，四月份面對去留的問題。由於他看到德國華人事工的需要，決定留在德國，這意味著他將失去原本在英國公司的外派員工的福利，公司再沒有房屋津貼和汽車提供，弟兄的經濟狀況頓變困乏。除了要交房租，還要負擔乘搭公交車上班的費用，加上他原有的必要開支，每個月剩下只有幾十歐的伙食費，當時他還收留了兩位無業的男子寄居家中。儘管如此，他覺得還能應付過來，就選擇留下來服事神。神恩奇妙，怎料到了九月，這弟兄的公司要關掉英國的辦事處，不但提升他在德國工作的薪酬，更恢復提供一部車給他代步。沒想到當他願意為主犧牲，神卻加倍的祝福他，不致讓他失業，還可以有車使用。我特別感恩，除了得到一位好同工之外，他還是我的好司機，減輕我身體上的一點負擔，雖然他要從城的另外一邊來接我出外事奉。

        最近有一對主內的夫婦決定完全徹離德國回香港退休，卻遇上疫情，出入境的檢疫要求十分嚴格，令年近八十的弟兄心靈不得安寧。由於必須從法蘭克福機場離境，所以臨走前他們便有一個星期住在我家；因為要徹底清理家裡的東西，他已經把自己弄得筋疲力盡，加上航班隨時取消，令他的心靈更加不安。送機那天才發現神的帶領超過他們所求所想，在排隊等候檢查文件的時候，得知前面一位年輕人剛好也是回香港，更是住同一酒店接受隔離；年輕人表示很樂意幫助他們，而且是從法蘭克福機場一直到香港的酒店，弟兄霎時就安定下來，原來神差派一位年輕人像天使般照顧他。聊天下來，才知道年輕人剛畢業回港休息，將來還會回來找工作，曾經去過教會，但未信主，盼望日後有機會再接觸他。

        感謝主的恩典，我牙齒的治療也終吿一段落。雖然身體有各方面的退化，但是有輔助的東西可以幫助，縱有不便，還是感恩！也感謝弟兄姐妹的愛心奉獻補助醫療上的開支！

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感謝神的供應，差派從英國來德的弟兄，一起服事這裡的華人！最近他也認識一些說廣東話的非信徒，包括他收留的待業青年和他的鄰居夫婦。求主賜下智慧，向他們傳福音！求主保守，在聖誕節期間可以探訪非信徒！
2. 感謝神讓我們見證祂如何差派那位年輕人來照顧年長回鄉退休的弟兄！據年輕人的消息說，本來老弟兄夫婦訂的酒店有人感染要送去檢疫中心隔離，但是因為早前航班曾經取消，所以他們改了航班後沒有去那間酒店。感謝主他們剛剛完成十四天隔離回家（新措施要隔離21天啊）！
3. 感謝主的恩典，讓我身體需要治療的部分已經完成，配上新的助聽器和新的牙冠（十幾顆）！
4. 德國疫情轉嚴重，求主保守弟兄姐妹的身、心、靈都健康！

        願主也保守你們的健康！平安與喜樂常陪伴你們！
        剛過將臨期第一個星期，預祝聖誕快樂！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零二一年十一月三十日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “Give thanks to the God of gods, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Ps 136:2-3

        Although there is no “Thanksgiving” holiday in Germany, but at this time of the year, I always count the blessings of God with my brothers and sisters! Hearing what God has done to his children, we have to admire His wonderful grace! Two years ago, God led a brother to work in Germany. After the two-year period expired, he faced the problem of staying or leaving in April. Because he saw the needs of the Chinese ministry in Germany, he decided to stay in Germany, which meant that he lost the benefits of expatriate employees. He did not have housing allowances and car use, and his financial situation was much worse. In addition to paying rent, taking the bus to work and after paying for his necessary expenses, there was only a few tens of euros left for food every month. At that time, two unemployed men were taken in. Nevertheless, he felt that he could handle it, so he chose to stay and serve God. In September, the company head told him that the office in UK was closed, and he would increase his salary and give him a car to use. Unexpectedly, when he was willing to sacrifice for the Lord, God doubled his blessings so that he would not be unemployed and he could still have a car to use. I am very grateful that in addition to having a good co-worker, he is also a good driver for me, which relieves a little of my physical burden, although he has to pick me up from the other side of the city when we go out to serve.

        Recently, a married couple decided to completely move back to Hong Kong to retire.  Because of the pandemic, there were a lot more requirements of entry to fly back to Hong Kong. They had to come to Frankfurt Airport to take off. They stayed in my apartment for a week before leaving. Because they had been exhausted after cleaning their home, plus their flight had been cancelled before, the brother who was nearly 80 years old couldn’t have peace of mind. Only on the day of the flight did they find that God’s provision exceeded their expectations. While waiting in line to check the documents, we learned that a young man in front happened to be returning to Hong Kong and was staying in the same hotel for isolation. The young man expressed that he was happy to help them, all the way from Frankfurt Airport to the hotel in Hong Kong. After settling down, he realized that it turned out that God had sent an angel to take care of him. After chatting, we learned that the young man had just graduated and returned to Hong Kong to take a rest. He did go to church before.

        Thanks to the Lord’s grace, the treatment of the teeth finally finished. Although the body is degraded in various aspects, there are auxiliary things that can help. Although there is inconvenience, I am still grateful! Thanks for the love of brothers and sisters who subsidize my medical expenses!

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for his provision and send the brothers from England to Germany to serve the Chinese here together! Recently, he has also met some non-believers who speak Cantonese, including the unemployed young man he has taken in and his neighbour couples. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom to preach the gospel to them! Pray for the Lord’s protection, when we visit the non-believers during Christmas!
2. Thank God for giving us the opportunity to witness how He sent that young man to take care of the older brother who returned to his hometown to retire! According to the young man’s news, the hotel that the old brother and his wife originally booked was infected and people were sent to the inspection center for isolation. But because the old brother and his wife’s flight was cancelled, they did not go to that hotel. Thank the Lord that they have just gone home after 14 days of quarantine, and the new measures (21 days of quarantine) have only come out!
3. Thanks to the grace of the Lord, the part of my body that needs to be treated has been completed, with new hearing aids and new crowns (more than a dozen of them)!
4. The Covid-19 pandemic in Germany has become more serious, pray that God will protect the physical, mental, and spiritual health of brothers and sisters!

        May the Lord protect your health too!
        May God’s peace and joy always be with you!
        Although the first week of the advent period has just passed, I wish you a Merry Christmas in advance!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang