親愛的弟兄姊妹平安，

        「看哪，我要做一件新事；如今要發現，你們豈不知道嗎？我必在曠野開道路，在沙漠開江河。」賽43:19

        區裡的聖誕燈飾還沒有收拾好，除夕夜人們放鞭炮煙火留下的垃圾還沒有掃除，新一年就悄然來了。除夕夜雖然沒有像以往那樣多的弟兄姊妹來我家跨年，但是卻邀請了一位前一週主日崇拜後才認識的慕道友來我家。本來是邀請一位姊妹，順便邀請站在旁邊的慕道友。隔一天，姊妹告訴我她其實已經有約了，只不過她忘記了，我便請她確認那位慕道友是否還會來。後來才知道那位慕道友當時不知道是傳道人邀請她的，後來知道了心裡有一點點膽怯，但還是自己一個人來應約了。因為沒有別人的打擾，加上她來自廣東省，我們就很自由的用廣東話交談，可以更暢順的給她傳福音。

        十二月中旬參加了克勞一位德國弟兄Jung的安息禮拜，因為有幾年常常在他家作客，很懷念這一家人。剛來德國的第二年春天，就在他家開始了克勞華人學生的查經班。每次查經之後Jung太太就端上一個自己烤的蛋糕給同學享用。而我因為上山交通不便，都在她家住宿一宵。第二天她就預備一桌豐富的早餐，希望叫幾位學生一起來，一面吃早餐一面談話。可惜，很多時候學生都因睡懶覺而不來。說起Jung太太，她在我去克勞以前已經開始關心中國留學生，照顧他們的小孩，開德語查經班等。學生都很喜歡她，像德國媽媽一樣。雖然Jung太太熱心事奉，可惜她身體不好，年輕時就心臟病發作，需要在家休息，只能做一點家務。她生了四個兒子，但是也因心臟病的緣故，三個兒子先後都離開世界，最年輕的14歲，最大的29歲。雖然家裡有這樣的不幸，Jung太太也經常頭痛，卻帶病來服事我們中國學生，實在讓人感動與敬佩。而Jung先生一直默默無聲的在服事Jung太太，照顧家庭。有時候他會去樹林裡摘一些野果，帶回家讓Jung太太做果醬。後來Jung太太多次中風，熬了幾年，終於息了地上的勞苦。前年Jung先生得了癌症，經過一年的治療，也於十二月安息主懷，與Jung太太相隔七年時間。聽說Jung先生雖然病了，還是帶了蛋糕給查經班慶祝聖誕，幾天後他就與大家離別了。Jung先生一生沈默，遺囑上吩咐以簡單的儀式安葬他的遺體。當日我們準時到達墓地的小教堂，裡面已經坐滿了他的好友，我們只有站在近大門處參加他的安息禮。Jung家現在只有一長子，他長大後在別城工作。安息禮那天，有一個家庭，就是早期曾經住在Jung家的專程回來，與朋友回顧Jung家接待之恩。雖然我離開克勞的服事已經快十年，每當回去都很懷念過去的弟兄姊妹，也很懷念Jung家的熱情款待。感謝他們在查經班早期的時候之支持與熱心幫助！

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感謝神讓吉森團契舉辦了聖誕聚會！幾位小朋友演了默劇，學生都投入參與表演，更感謝團契幾個家庭為超過80人準備了豐富的美食！
2. 感恩有一對夫婦，太太剛來讀博士後，先生來陪她。他們去年迎新時才來的，很積極參與查經班的活動！其他迎新後的學生沒來了，求主感動他們願意來參加查經班的活動！
3. 有一位博士生已經交了論文，今年畢業就會回國。她來查經班有兩年多，她自己也覺得對信仰有比較正面的看法，但是還沒有決定要信主。祈求主讓她在回國之前能有機會明白真理，接受救恩！
4. 吉森團契將於一月十八日舉辦春節活動，這次活動與聖誕活動比較接近，弟兄姊妹剛忙完。所以這次比較針對性的邀請弟兄姊妹的朋友來參加，減輕弟兄姊妹的負擔。求主感動要來的朋友得聞福音，並有所回應！
5. 感謝神帶領一些年輕家庭來法蘭克福華人教會！因著今年聖誕聚會有成人、青少年與小孩共演一部話劇，吸引了不少的家長來參加聚會。求主帶領未信的家長繼續帶小朋友來參加兒童主日學，他們也願意留下來參加主日崇拜！

        願主祝福你們新的一年，多多蒙福，事主得力，新春蒙恩！

主的使女                                   
鄧秀珍                                   
二零二零年一月六日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

        Christmas decorations have not yet been put away in our neighborhood and many garbage has not yet cleaned up off the street after people fired fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Yet, the new year has already arrived quietly. Unlike past years when I invited some brothers and sisters to come to my place for dinner and wait for the count down, I just had one guest to my home this year! I never knew her. Last Sunday after service, a sister asked me if I had any plan on New Year’s Eve. I replied no. She said no too. Then I invited her to come to my place. Since the seeker was standing by her side, I invited her too. I never met her.  The sister told me the next day that she could not come for she forgot she already had an invitation by her friend. So I told her to make sure with the seeker if she really wanted to come by herself. The seeker did not know that it was a pastor who invited her. She felt a little bit afraid after she was told that I was a pastor. But she said that she had already accepted my invitation, so she would still come even by herself. Since there was no one else to disturb us, plus the fact that she came from Canton Province, we could use Cantonese to talk and shared the gospel with her!

        Last mid-December, I went to Clausthal to attend a German brother’s memorial service. I really missed this family for I used to stay overnight in their house during my ministry years in that place. It was in this Jung’s house when we started the Chinese student bible study group in Clausthal in the Spring of my second year to Germany. After bible study, Mrs. Jung would always bring a home baked cake for us to enjoy. Since transportation to go down the mountain was limited, I always stayed overnight at her house. Mrs. Jung would prepare a table of food for breakfast the nest morning. She would also invite some students to come so that we could have more time to share. But sometimes the students preferred to sleep longer. Talking about Mrs. Jung, before I went there, she was already doing a caring ministry among the early Chinese students, babysitting for their children, opened bible class in German etc. Many students like her just like a German mother. Although Mrs. Jung was eager to serve, her health was not good. Since her young age, she had heart disease and need to rest at home. She could do very light house chore. She bore 4 sons but 3 of them died of heart disease, the youngest being 14 years old and the eldest being 29. Despite the unfortune and her constant headache, she would still serve the Chinese students. It was really touching and she was being admired by most people. As to Mr. Jung, he served Mrs Jung and support the family silently. Sometimes he would brought back berries picked in the wood and Mrs. Jung then made jam with them. After Mrs. Jung had several strokes and suffered for a few years, she went to be with the Lord. Two years ago, Mr Jung had cancer and after one year’s treatment, he went to be with the Lord also, just 7 years apart from Mrs. Jung’s death. I heard that just a few days before Mr. Jung’s departure, he baked a cake for the Bible study group’s Christmas meeting. Mr. Jung has been silent most of the time. He even left a will to have a simple burial service. We arrived just in time but the little chapel was already packed with people. We had to stand at the door throughout the whole service. The Jung family has one eldest son living. He lived in another city since he has grown up.  On the day of the memorial service, a Chinese family who had lived in the Jung’s house during the earlier days came for the occasion and told others about the good old days with the Jungs. Although I left the ministry in Clausthal nearly 10 years ago, every time I went back, I still remember some of the brothers and sisters of those days. I also missed the hospitality of the Jung family. I was especially grateful for their loving support and help for the Chinese bible study group in its early stage.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for the Christmas meeting sponsored by the Giessen Fellowship! Our older children performed a silent scene of the nativity of Jesus Christ. The students were eager to participate in singing two songs. We were grateful for the effort of just a few families in our fellowship to cook for over 80 people.
2. We were grateful to see a couple whom we first met in our welcoming new student event, join our bible study group actively. The wife is doing her post-doctorate and the husband came with her. Unfortunately, other new students seldom show up. Pray that God will touch them so that they will come again!
3. One PhD student has already submitted her paper. She will be graduating soon and will return to China. She came to our bible study group for over 2 years. She herself felt the change in attitude toward our belief but she has not yet decided to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior. Pray that she will have the opportunity to understand the truth and make the decision before she returns home!
4. Giessen Fellowship will hold a Chinese New Year event on Jan. 18th. Since this event is so close to our Christmas meeting when our brothers and sisters had just put a lot of effort to it, they decided to just invite their non-believing friends to come this time. Pray that those who will come will response to the gospel!
5. Thank God for bringing some young families to our Frankfurt Chinese Church! Since some of the adults, the youths and the children together performed one skit, they attracted a lot of parents to come to our Christmas meeting. Pray that the non-believing parents will continue to bring their children to our Children Sunday School and they will attend our Sunday service!

        May God bless this new year, bless you and give you strength to serve our Lord!
        Happy Chinese New Year!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安，

        「你們趁著有光，要信從這光，使你們成為光明之子。」約翰福音12:36

        感謝　神的恩典，雖然沒有建立以廣東話為主的查經班，剛來德國的香港弟兄卻開放他的家，建立一個以弟兄為主的普通話查經班。這群弟兄對福音事工都很有負擔。八月底有多個單位在法蘭克福市中心舉辦了第一屆中國節，有弟兄邀請教會弟兄姊妹去發福音小冊子，但是回應不是很好，他也就邀請我去。雖然我當天要去吉森服事，但我也邀請了香港弟兄一起參與。那位弟兄感覺良好，又邀請我們第二天再去。第二天，吉森團契有些弟兄姊妹去看其中一位姊妹的女兒表演，就遇見我們。有一位姊妹知道我們去的目的，便自告奮勇要加入我們的隊伍。後來她分享說發小冊時並不容易。但是弟兄卻感受到兩個人去發單張的力量，沒有那麼害怕，別人看我們也比較有禮貌。

        最近帶了兩位香港弟兄去法蘭克福的中文學校，看看我們的弟兄姊妹在那裡擺書攤，發中信刊物。那天有四位弟兄，他們就兩個兩個出去在校園分發。其中一位香港弟兄，因為他是唯一已婚和有孩子的父親，就很容易與一些家長交談起來，有一位父親還主動要我的WhatsApp。

        吉森團契已經開始了迎新活動，法蘭克福的弟兄們也一起參與。第一次舉辦郊遊活動，參觀了附近的小城，來了五名新生，還有舊生四人，加上弟兄姊妹及小孩共三十多人，大家都玩得很開心。上週六團契舉辦法律講座，有中國學生會主動跟我們的負責人商量，把當天參加學生會活動的新生帶去團契吃晚飯。我們樂意接待這麼多新人，因為我們自己邀請都不會有三十人來。感謝主，他們吃完飯還是全部留下來聽講座。會長曾經參加過我們辦的活動，鼓勵學生以後都可以參加我們的活動。結束後，我們一起感恩，讚美神奇妙的作為！接下來兩週還有迎新的活動。

        感恩神呼召教會的弟兄姊妹走上全時間的事奉，有一位姊妹修了一些密集課程，現在住校上最後兩年的課程。一位弟兄念完哲學博士，剛開始上德國的神學院課程，而他的學兄則於上週畢業。感恩他邀請我參加神學院畢業典禮的晚餐，因為他父母都無法出席。而有兩位弟兄為了支持他，甘願買票參加他的慶典，就像他的家人一樣，讓人感動。這位弟兄已加入內地會差會，先在德國教會的青少年部學習。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感恩兩位Aschaffenburg團契的姊妹已經接受洗禮！陪伴她們的姊妹下週就要回國，求主保守她們的信心，靈命繼續成長！
2. 感恩在弟兄家建立一個查經班，弟兄們都願意參與福音事工，建立一個團隊，支援教會和吉森的福音工作！
3. 感謝神的帶領，讓團契的迎新活動可以接觸那麼多新生！有一位博士後的先生參加了第一次的郊遊，就很高興帶妻子參加上週活動，他們都感覺良好！求主感動新生們繼續來參加團契的活動，認識真神！
4. 感謝神，透過吉森團契負責學生組的姊妹的愛心關懷，幫助一位不怎麼來團契的學生，最近帶領她接受主的救恩！求主保守她的信心，認識更多基要真理！
5. 感謝神呼召教會三位弟兄姊妹出來接受神學裝備，準備全時間事奉　神！求主帶領他們的學習！求主帶領剛畢業的弟兄，藉著加入差會，更多了解宣教的事工，成為中、德方面的橋樑，幫助這兩種語言的教會！
6. 進入秋天，經常陰天下雨。求主保守弟兄姊妹和學生，不致有抑鬱的心情！

        感謝你們的記念代禱！願主堅立你們手所作的工！

主的使女                                   
鄧秀珍                                   
二零一九年十月二十一日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:36

        Thank God for His grace! Even though we didn’t establish a Cantonese speaking bible study group, we established one consisting of mainly brothers instead because the HK brother opened his home. This group of brothers has a heart to serve in evangelism. Many organizations sponsored the first China Festival in Frankfurt on the last weekend of August. One of the brothers invited brothers and sisters from his student fellowship to go and distribute some booklets. But the response was not good. So, the brother asked me to go even though I had to go to Giessen that afternoon.  I also invited the HK brother to go. That brother felt good about this action. He invited us to go again the next day. We met some of the brothers and sisters from Giessen fellowship the next day. They were waiting for one of the sister’s daughter to perform on stage. After learning what we were doing there, a sister volunteered to join us. Later she shared that it was not easy just to distribute the booklets. But the brother felt the power of two people because he was bolder and people would treat us more politely.

        Recently, I brought the two HK brothers to the Chinese learning school in Frankfurt. We had a book stand there distributing some Chinese Today. There were 4 brothers and they went out two by two. One of the HK brothers was the only one who was married and has two sons. So he could easily start off a conversation with the parent waiting there. One father even asked us to give him our WhatsApp.

        Giessen Fellowship has started a series of welcome new student program. Some of our brothers from Frankfurt went to support the events. There were 5 new and 4 old students who joined us for a day trip to a nearby city a week ago. Together with children, we had more than 30 people and enjoyed the trip. Last Saturday was our lecture on German general laws. The chairman of the Chinese Student Association asked if he could bring new students to our fellowship for dinner after their activity. We were glad to receive them because we could not have invited 30 new students ourselves. Thank God that they all stayed to listen to the lecture. The chairman had participated in some of our events in the past so he encouraged the students to join our up-coming activities. At the end of the day, we were so thankful to praise God’s wonderful work! There will be two more welcome new student events.

        Thank God for calling our church’s brothers and sister for full time ministry! After taking some extension courses, our sister went to study for her last two years of seminary. A brother just started his studies in a German seminary after he graduated from his PhD degree in philosophy. Another brother just graduated from the same seminary last week. I was grateful that he invited me to his graduation dinner since his parents were not able to attend. It was touching to see that two brothers were willing to pay for the dinner’s tickets in order to support this brother like his family. The brother joined OMF and is now serving in the Youth Ministry in a German church.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for the two sisters from Aschaffenburg Fellowship who just got baptized! The sister who accompanied them for the last two months will return to China. Pray that God will keep their faith and grow spiritually!
2. Thank God for establishing a new bible study group in a brother’s home! The brothers are willing to participate in evangelism to support our church and Giessen’s gospel events.
3. Thank God for leading so many new students to the welcome new student activities! A husband of a post-doctorate joined our day trip. He was very happy to bring his wife to our last week’s activity. They were very happy to have come. Pray that God will touch the heart of these students to participate in our future activities in order to know Christ!
4. Thank God for the loving care of our sister who is responsible for Giessen’s student group! Because of her care and help, a student who doesn’t come to our bible study group often, came to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior! Pray that God will keep her faith and she will learn more basic truth!
5. Thank God for calling 2 brothers and a sister to equip themselves for full time ministry! Pray that God will bless their study! Pray that God will lead the brother who just graduated from seminary will learn more about mission and will be a bridge between Chinese and German churches!
6. Fall has come with rainy and gloomy days. Pray that God will keep brothers and sisters and students from having depressing emotions!

        Thank you for remembering us in your prayers!
        May God establish the work of your hands!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安，

        那落在好土裡的，就是人聽了道，持守在誠實善良的心裡，並且忍耐着結實。路8:15

        主耶穌教導我們忍耐著結實。我們終於看到亞沙芬堡查經班的兩位慕道友，經過8-9年後，願意接受主成為她們個人的救主，並願意接受水禮。促成她們作這決定的，還要歸功給在她們面前有美好見證的姊妹。這位姊妹已經回國居住，但是假期必定回來。這次回來因為等著要帶兒子去美國讀書，逗留的時間比較長，所以有更多的時間與兩位姊妹交談，鼓勵她們接受主恩。

        最近接觸了一些情緒比較消極和負面的人：

        三星期前，教會的師母從台灣發來信息，叫我馬上聯絡一位姊妹，因為她說了些活著沒意思的話，怕她出什麼問題。我趕緊聯絡她，讓她來我家住，了解她的情況，照顧她，免得她做出不應該做的事。因為她剛信主，面對各方的壓力，又看不見神的帶領，就很失望。天天陪著她、鼓勵她的日子還好，可是當我出外過夜一晚，回來又看到她低落的情緒。求主施恩格外扶持她。

        最近一位姊妹突然有感動，想起要聯絡一位舊員工，經過溝通，得知她受了一個很大的打擊，醫生告知她得了末期癌症。那時候她在中國，聽到消息後，馬上回來醫治。因為姊妹陪她去看醫生，姊妹的女兒也幫忙辦理一些手續，當姊妹邀請她參加教會的福音講座時，她就答應了。雖然是科學與信仰的講座，對於一位做餐館業的人是聽不懂的，但是一句話卻深入她腦海中，就是：「神是創造宇宙的真神」。上週三查經聚會，姊妹邀請她來，她也願意參加。姊妹便請我去接送她，在路上她提到有人也邀請她去觀音廟，她也去了。但是她覺得參加我們的聚會比較聽得進去，加上弟兄姊妹的分享和氣氛都很好，回程時她還跟我分享她的感恩。前天姊妹的丈夫又去陪她看醫生，幫忙翻譯。看完醫生後，弟兄帶她回家，給她看一位傳道人的講道視頻，由於那位傳道人是她的同鄉，感覺特別親切，覺得他講得很好。

        香港近期發生的動盪，也影響在海外的香港人，特別是年輕人。由於背景不一樣，有時與國內的人討論起來，就會意見不合，情緒激動。一位在學的弟兄很關注香港發生的事件，情緒也受影響。他在社交網絡上認識了好些受香港事件影響的弟兄姊妹，便建立一個群組，邀請大家為香港禱告。作為他的牧者，我也加入這些年輕人的群組，給他有些支持。因為我們對香港愛莫能助，反而激發我們的，就是更努力的去傳福音。感恩有一位香港弟兄外派來德工作幾年，因為他有心福音工作，願意在選擇公司的住處時，選了住在教會附近，以便開放他的家聚會。因此，我們向神禱告，準備開始一個以年輕人為主的廣東話查經班。

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感謝聖靈的感動，讓兩位慕道友終於接受耶穌基督為她們的救主！求主堅固她們的信心，充滿喜樂的心跟隨主！
2. 感謝主讓我有能力陪伴失去盼望的姊妹，藉著禱告鼓勵，看到神一步一步帶領她，當她聽到多人的見證之後，她也願意上洗禮班！
3. 求主醫治得癌症的慕道友，透過弟兄姊妹的愛心幫助，讓她看到神的恩典臨到她，早日認識真神，接受福音！
4. 求主安慰那些因香港動盪受影響的年輕人，讓他們更多的仰望神，而不是在網上有激烈的言論！求主保護香港所有的市民，早日平息這場風波！
5. 感謝主的感動，在我們的弟兄們心上興起建立一個廣東話查經班的意念！求主帶領我們接觸更多在信仰邊緣徘徊的人！
6. 求主帶領8月8-11日的全德華人基督徒同工訓練營，讓赴會的同工們都有滿滿的收穫！

        願主賜你們一個愉快的夏天！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零一九年八月五日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15

        Lord Jesus taught us to persevere in order to produce a crop. After listening to God’s words for 8-9 years, two seekers finally decided to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and they are willing to be baptized in the upcoming baptismal service. Because of our sister’s good testimony, our sister helped in prompting their decision. This sister has already moved back to China but she returns to Germany for every holiday. Since she is going to bring her son to study in the US later, she stays longer than usual this time. As such, she has more time with the seekers and encouraged them to accept Jesus’ salvation.

        Recently, I had the opportunities to meet with some people with pessimistic and negative emotions:

        Three weeks ago, our pastor’s wife sent me a message from Taiwan requesting me to contact a sister immediately because she told her that there was no meaning in living. For fear of something unpleasant might happen, I contacted her right away and let her come to stay with me so that I could learn more from her and took care of her. She was facing a lot of pressures from all sides. Since she was a newly convert and didn’t see God’s leading, she was very disappointed. She felt better when I encouraged her every day. But whenever I went out of town overnight, she became depressed again. I also need God’s power to support her.

        Recently, a sister had an urge to contact her former employee. After talking to her, she learned that she got a big blow when her doctor told her that she had late stage cancer. She was in China where she was diagnosed. She returned to Germany for treatment. Because our sister accompanied her to see doctor and her daughter helped her to do some paperwork, when our sister invited her for an evangelistic meeting, she accepted the invitation. Although it was hard for a restaurant worker to understand the topic on science and religion, a sentence was impressed on her mind, i.e. “God is the true God who created the universe”. Our sister also invited her to join our fellowship last Wednesday. Our sister asked me to pick her up. On our way, she mentioned that her friend also asked her to go to Chinese temple and she did. However, she said that she could listen more from our meetings. Together with the sharing of our brother and sisters, the atmosphere of our fellowship, she shared her gratefulness with me on our way back. The next day, our sister’s husband went with her to see her doctor as her interpreter. After the doctor’s visit, our brother brought her home and let her watch a sermon on video. The preacher came from her home town and she felt very close and appreciated his sermon.

        Current situations in Hong Kong had affected some oversea Hong Kongers, especially young adults. Because of different background, it was hard to discuss this matter with mainland Chinese without triggering emotions. A student from Hong Kong was very concerned and was emotionally affected. He met some new brothers and sisters who were also very concerned on social media. Our brother set up a group so that we could pray for Hong Kong. As his pastor, I joined him to show support for them. Since we can’t do anything for Hong Kong, all we can do is to spread the gospel more diligently. We are thankful that a Hong Kong brother was just sent to Germany to work by his company for some years. He has a heart to serve and decided to choose a company provided apartment which was near to our church so that he could open his home for meeting. Therefore, we prayed to God to prepare us to establish a Cantonese speaking bible study group for young adults.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank the Holy Spirit for touching the long-time seekers to come to accept Jesus as their personal Savior! Pray that our Lord will strengthen their faith and they will follow Him joyfully!
2. Thank God for giving me the strength to accompany the sister who lost hope in Him. Through prayers and encouragement, we could see God’s leading step by step. After hearing others’ testimonies, she was willing to attend the baptismal class!
3. Pray that God will heal the cancer patient! Through the love of brother and sisters’ help, pray that she can see God’s grace be upon her so that she can come to know God and accept His gospel!
4. Pray that God will comfort those who are being affected by what happened in Hong Kong! Pray that they would turn to God instead of hot dispute on the internet! Pray that God will protect the Hong Kong citizens and bring peace to the city!
5. Thank God for touching our brothers’ heart to be willing to set up a new bible study group! Pray that we could reach out to those who are wandering outside the sheep pen!
6. Pray that God will lead our Co-worker Training Camp on 8-11 August! Pray that all the attendees will get a lot out of this camp!

        May you have a blessed summer!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安，

        「看啊，弟兄和睦同居，是何等地善，何等的美！」詩篇133:1

        感謝神保守帶領一位長者來到我們教會，她來了德國已經超過半世紀，自從有了華人教會，便忠心耿耿的來參與聚會。今年教會為她慶祝90大壽，她的一子一女因不懂普通話，從來不參加教會活動。這次卻與母親一起慶祝，看到弟兄姊妹對他們母親的敬愛，深受感動！老姊妹也很開心，在私下和公開場合，過了五次生日慶祝。老姊妹的生日日期是以農曆年算的，因為在德國居住，也以德國的方式慶祝生日（德國人慶祝生日的傳統是以生日當天或以後的日子來慶祝的），同樣的日期，兒女就以新曆開始給她慶祝！她農曆生日的第二天剛好是洗禮主日，有弟兄邀請弟兄姊妹們慶祝他的員工受洗，也順便再給她唱生日歌！

        感謝神在一位餐館老闆弟兄的生命中作工！他自從受洗之後，生命有很多改變，很願意傳福音給身邊的人。他對待餐館那七十多歲的員工，如同對待自己的父親一樣，在生活上提供很多幫助。原來那位員工很早就離婚，在德國一個人生活幾十年，有錢都拿去賭了，連自己剩下只有幾顆牙齒都不去處理。因為弟兄愛心的關懷，幫他把錢積攢起來，帶他去看牙醫，辦理退休手續；甚至為了他能上洗禮班，每週日提早安排餐館的工作，開車幾十公里載他去教會上課，講道結束才回去工作！弟兄花了很多心思和時間在這位老弟兄身上。但是，弟兄也發現服事一個人也很不容易。就在受洗前幾天，老弟兄因為與餐館另外一名外籍員工發生衝突，主要是他們語言無法溝通，當外籍員工針對他的時候，他就無法忍受，選擇自動消失。害得老闆夫婦為他擔憂，不知道他出了什麼事，這次受洗或許會耽誤了。不過，感謝神的帶領，過兩天他就回去了，老闆再次跟他詳談，他還是願意接受洗禮。感謝主讓他看見弟兄對他的愛心，他的信心沒有動搖！老闆因此特別開心，邀請弟兄姊妹到他餐館一起慶祝老弟兄的受洗！在他受洗那天，我第一次看到他有那麼燦爛的笑容！

        最近接觸一位弟兄的父親，是早年來德國做餐館業的，轉眼已幾十年，因為身體健壯，七十幾歲還給餐館做幫工。因一次的見面，他居然願意把他的WhatsApp給我，主要是他覺得我可以幫他管教兒子。因此，有機會與他溝通，了解他對教會的看法、他的信仰等。雖然他正在研究佛經，但是他還是比較開明，也願意接觸其他宗教信仰。可惜他住得很遠，無法參加我們的聚會。只好先與他建立友好關係！

        這幾個星期，因著老姊妹和自己，吃了不少蛋糕！感謝弟兄姊妹的愛心，讓我們在海外成為一家人，一起彼此慶祝生日！感謝主，讓我踏入人生的另一個年齡層！昨天教會為我慶祝生日，有幾位弟兄很驚訝我的年齡。感謝神的保守，雖然裡面的肉體衰敗，外表與心靈還是保持年輕！但願主繼續加力，使用這個身體為祂奔跑！

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感謝主！為老姊妹慶祝生日，藉此向她的兒女作美好見證！求主成全姊妹的心願，讓兒女能夠切實的認識真神！
2. 感謝主保守餐館老弟兄的信心，在洗禮前雖遭遇不如意事，但仍然不放棄洗禮！求主感動他繼續渴慕認識 神，帶領他年老的日子！感謝主感動餐館老闆弟兄，繼續關心身邊年老的弟兄姊妹，將會帶領他們參加教會的生活營！
3. 感恩有機會接觸來德幾十年的餐館業人士！求主藉著新科技的方便，可以與他認識，有機會向他傳福音！
4. 求主保守我的身體，雖然有疼痛，仍有力量到各處服事！
5. 求主帶領這週的兒童主日學老師培訓，讓更多的弟兄姊妹有感動投入「兒主」的服事！昨天母親節，有三十多位小朋友上台獻唱！
6. 求主感動弟兄姊妹踴躍參加6月20-23日教會的生活營！求主帶領籌備的同工！

        雖然剛過了母親節，在此為各位母親感謝主，因為有你們的付出，家庭蒙福！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零一九年五月十三日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

        Thank God for bringing an elder sister to come to our church! She came to Germany over half a century ago. Since the establishment of the Chinese Church in Frankfurt, she has been faithfully worshipping in our church. Our church just celebrated her 90th birthday a few weeks ago. Her son and daughter don’t know Mandarin and therefore they never joined any church activity. But they came to celebrate their mother’s birthday and were touched by the love shown by our brothers and sisters. Our elderly sister was very happy. She went through 5 celebrations privately and openly. Her birthdate was according to the lunar calendar. Since she has lived in Germany, her children celebrate according to the German way (German celebrates on the same date or after). So, they celebrated her birthdate according to the western calendar. It happened that her lunar birthdate fell on the day before our baptismal service. So, when our brother invited brothers and sisters to his restaurant to celebrate the brother who was baptized, we celebrated her birthday once again!

        Thank God for His work in the life of the brother who owns a restaurant! After his baptism, he has changed a lot and is willing to share the gospel to those surrounding him. He has treated his 70+ years old worker like his father and helps him a lot. The worker was divorced long time ago and has been living by himself for several decades. He has spent most of his money on gambling and would not even spend any money on his teeth. He has left with only a few teeth. Because of the care of this brother, he helps him save the money and bring him to see dentist and applying for his retirement. In order for the old worker to attend the baptismal class, the brother would arrange his work early so that he could drive him to church to attend the class and return to work after sermon is finished. The brother has spent much care and time on him. But he also found out that it was not easy to serve a person. Just days before the baptism, the old worker had a conflict with another foreign worker. They both do not understand each other’s language. So, when the foreign worker picked on him, he decided to disappear! The restaurant couple was worried and wondered what would happen to him. We thought that he might missed the baptism this time. But, thank to God’s leading, he appeared two days later. After talking to his boss, he was still willing to be baptised. Thank God that he has seen the love of the brother and his faith has not been shaken! The brother was very happy and invited brothers and sisters to his restaurant to celebrate the old brother’s baptism. It was the first time I ever saw his big smile on that day!

        Recently I was able to meet a brother’s father. He also came to Germany for many years as restaurant worker. Because of his good health, he would still help out in some restaurants at 70+. After the first meeting, he was willing to let his son to add me to his WhatsApp. He probably thought that I might be able to teach his son. Because of the social medium, I was able to talk to him and listen to his thought on church and his belief. Though he is studying Buddhism, he is also open to listen to other religions. It is unfortunate that he lives far from me and cannot attend our meeting. I try to build up a friendship with him first.

        Because of the birthday celebrations of the 90-year-old sister and myself, I ate a lot of birthday cakes for the past weeks! Thanks to the love of brothers and sisters, we become a family and celebrate each other’s birthday together. Thank God for keeping me and allow me to step up to another level of age! Yesterday, our church celebrated my birthday. Some brothers were very surprised after hearing my age. Thank God for His keeping so that even though my inner body is decaying, my outer appearance and inner spirit is still young! My wish is that God will continue to give me strength so that He will use this body to run for Him!

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God for celebrating the elder sister’s birthday so that we had an opportunity to witness to her children! Pray that God will fulfil her wish that her children really know the true God!
2. Thank God for keeping the older brother’s faith! Even though he encountered a conflict, he did not forsake the opportunity to be baptised! Pray that our Lord will continue to touch him to desire to know Him and lead his life ahead! Thank our Lord for touching the brother to continue to care the older brother and sister whom he will bring to participate our church camp!
3. Thank God for the opportunity to know the restaurant worker who has been in Germany for many years! Pray that through new technology, we get to know each other and have opportunity to share the gospel to him!
4. Pray that our Lord will keep my body, even though pain persists, He will give me strength to serve Him!
5. Pray that God will lead the training of the children Sunday school teachers this weekend so that they will commit to serve in this ministry! Yesterday Mother’s day, there were over 30 children who went up on the stage for the singing!
6. Pray that God will touch more brothers and sisters to participate our church camp which will be held 20-23 June! Pray that God will lead the co-workers preparing for the camp!

        Though Mother Day has just passed, I’d still like to thank God for all the mothers. Because of your efforts, families are blessed!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang

親愛的弟兄姊妹平安，

        耶穌說：「潔淨了的不是十個人嗎？那九個在哪裡呢？除了這外族人，再沒有別人回來歸榮耀與神嗎？」路17:17-18

        今早看到上面的經文，就想起上週聽到一位非基督徒的見證，讓我驚訝他願意和我們分享他經歷神蹟的喜悅。他與妻女三人回德國辦理證件，前兩次都沒有成功，眼見不可能約到與官員見面的時間，他信主的親戚建議他向神禱告。之後，果然神蹟性地出現，拿到他們恰恰需要的三個預約時間，而且順利把事情辦完。剛好聽到見證的另一對夫婦也在辦理手續，他們也知道能在短期內得到那些預約安排是非常難的。他們是慕道友，親耳聽到這樣的見證，也不得不讚嘆神的作為！

        另外一位去年已經決志的基督徒，在學業上也經歷一個神蹟，本來不夠資格申請入讀碩士學位，太太為他禱告，最後得以提高他的分數達到申請資格。可惜他並沒有把榮耀歸給神，卻是感謝他的教授。

        前面的「外邦人」經歷神蹟願意回來團契和大家分享神的奇妙作為，可惜我們作為基督徒卻不一定感謝神給我們的恩典。所以，趁我還記得的時候趕快來感謝神在我身上的恩典與作為！感謝神藉著中福團給予我的支持，讓我可以在宣教工場上不用為經濟憂慮。自從16年踏入德國工場，在籌不夠宣教經費的情況下出發，至每三年回美國工作匯報所籌的經費仍然達不到預算的情況之下，中福團不但沒有收取一分錢的行政費，還要不斷的補貼我的不足。若不是神的憐憫與恩典，不知道中福團為何要為我承擔這個擔子！所以，在感謝神的同時，也要感謝中福團的支持！

        因著籌款的不足，雖然FMCD的同工（我們在德國的合作夥伴）多年來曾經向差會提出提高我的工資以應付通貨膨脹，都沒有成功。不過，前兩個星期傳來喜訊，得知中福團向FMCD提出以今年為期一年的加額，這是我都沒有求過的。感謝神的恩典與中福團的付出！也要向支持我的眾教會與弟兄姊妹獻上感恩！

        上次提到的白血病患者，已經順利完成骨髓移植手術，但是身體還是很虛弱，醫生告訴她在這段時間可能會發高燒。果然她就連續兩天高燒，醫生告訴她若繼續發燒，就要把裝在她脖子上的輸液接口拆下來，再找另處安裝。她聽了就害怕，因為這個安裝過程是很痛的，她不想再經歷一次。於是她向神禱告，神也憐憫她，垂聽她的禱告，第三天燒就退了，免去她受痛苦的折磨。這是她笑著向我分享的見證，雖然她還不是基督徒。上週本來已經出院，但是到晚上發燒又住院了。而且現在造血很慢，若不夠就要接受輸血。感恩她勇敢地面對這個病，沒有聽到她發怨言！她母親的精神狀況也好很多！

感恩與代禱事項：

1. 感恩慕道友經歷神的恩典，讓他的見證也鼓勵其他慕道友！求主施恩，讓他們不是追求經歷神蹟，乃是認識神的救贖，接受救恩！
2. 感謝神持續的供應，藉著中福團與眾教會和弟兄姊妹的支持，得以在工場事奉！
3. 感謝神賜予機會服事癌症病人！求主保守她們的身體，有足夠的心靈與體力去面對漫長的康復過程！求主醫治青年人，藉著這個經歷認識神！求主憐憫得了乳癌的年輕姊妹，治療過程已經完成，但是由於住在偏遠的小鎮，一個人面對各樣的挑戰，缺乏心靈上的支持，癌症治療後需要每天往返附近城市的醫院接受心理治療。求主醫治她的全人，讓她有足夠的體力準備病假後上班的日子。
4. 求主感動德國各地弟兄姊妹報名參加復活節的造就營和青年營！

        感謝主的恩典，超過我們所求所想！

主的使女
鄧秀珍
二零一九年三月二十日

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Dear brothers and sisters,

        Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17-18

        When I read the above scriptures this morning, I remember a testimony that I heard last week from a non-believer. I was surprised to see that he was willing to share the joy of his experience on God’s miracle. He and his wife and daughter returned to Germany to get a transfer of visa to their new passports. The first two visits to the immigration office failed. After seeing the impossibility to get appointments to meet with the officer in a short time, his aunt suggested to pray to God. Soon after, he got all the three appointments needed for their family to finish the process.  It happened that a couple who was listening was also going through the similar situation. They knew that it was very difficult to get one appointment in such a short time not to mention to get three! So, they were also amazed to hear God’s miraculous work!

        Another new Christian who accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior also experienced a miracle. Originally, he was not qualified to apply for a master degree with his grades. His wife prayed to God and he got the points he needed for applying to the master degree. Unfortunately, he didn’t give praise to God but give thanks to his professors!

        The “foreigner” mentioned above experienced miracle and was willing to come to our fellowship to share God’s wonderful work. However, as Christians, sometimes we might not necessarily give thanks to God for His grace. Therefore, while still remember, I should give thanks to God for His grace upon me! Thank God through CEM’s support for me, I was able to go to the mission field without worrying for my financial support. I set foot to Germany 16 years ago, when there was not sufficient fund raised. Till now, the situation remains the same even though I went back to the States for furlough every 3 years. Under such circumstances, CEM not only does not receive a penny for administration fee but supplies for the deficit. If not out of God’s mercy and grace, why would CEM take up the burden for me. So, I am really thankful to God as well as to CEM for all the supports!

        Because of the deficit in the fund raised for my budget, although FMCD co-workers (our partners in Germany) have been trying to ask CEM to raise my salary due to inflation, they were not successful. However, we got good news two weeks ago. CEM told FMCD to raise my salary just for one year for 2019. I had never asked for this. Thank God for His grace and the sacrifice of CEM! I am also grateful for all the supporting churches and brothers and sisters!

        In my last prayer letter, I mentioned a leukaemia patient. She had a successful bone marrow transplant but her body was still very weak. The doctor told her that she might get high fever during this period. Soon, she got a high fever for two days. The doctor told her that if the fever persisted, he would have to remove the connector installed on her neck and tried to install it some other place. She was afraid to hear that because it was a painful experience that she didn’t want to go through again. Then she prayed to God and He had mercy on her and listened to her prayer. Her fever was gone the next day. She didn’t have to suffer the pain. This was what she told me with a smile on her face although she was not a Christian yet. Last week she was discharged from the hospital but went back again that night due to high fever. Right now, her blood is being made slowly. If it is not enough, she will get some blood transfusion. Grateful that she has a courage to face her illness and I don’t hear her complain. Her mother’s spirit has also improved.

Thanksgiving and prayer items:

1. Thank God that the non-believer experienced God’s grace and that his testimony would encourage the seekers who heard it. Pray that they will not seek after miracles but seek after God’s redemption and receive God’s salvation!
2. Thank God for His continuous supply through the support of CEM and churches and brothers and sisters so that I can serve in the mission field!
3. Thank God for the opportunities to serve cancer patients! Pray that God will keep their bodies so that they will have the spirit and strength to face the long term recovery process! Pray that God will heal the youth and that she may come to know God through this experience! Pray that God will have mercy on the sister who had breast cancer. She finished all cancer treatment. But because of the fact that she lives in a small town and fighting all the challenges by herself, she lacks spiritual support. After cancer treatment, she now goes to a nearby city hospital for psychological treatment. Pray that God will heal her wholly and she will have enough strength to prepare herself to go back to work after her sick leave!
4. Pray that God will touch the heart of brothers and sisters to apply for the Easter Camp and the Youth Camp!

        Thank God for His grace which is more than we ask for!

Serving Him,
Karen Tang