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Day 7 - Thursday, August 12, 2010
by freshman Rae Brandes and junior Kelsey Masuda

Hello from Germany! Yesterday was our shopping day in Berlin. As you can imagine, we were all extremely excited to shop. We all found some pretty sweet deals.

But the thing that was really important about our day yesterday was our volleyball match. Our team is doing well and definitely improving. I can't wait to see what the season brings. After each match we play, our team goes and talks to their team.

Last night Coach called us in to a big circle, and she shared the message of Jesus Christ to them. Even though most said they do not know much about God, they all listened and seemed eager to have us pray with them. I just love how open most of the Germans are.

We plan to stay in touch with them through Facebook. I find it exciting to see that God can use something we love like volleyball to minister to the unbelievers. Hopefully more hearts will be opened or at least begin to think about God more through our ministry.

-Rae

WHAT A WEEK! It's funny, because I have been absolutely waiting to blog about the trip and what God has been doing in our team and through us! There's just been so much going on and for those of you that have been faithfully following us and praying for us…. THANK YOU! You have no idea how powerfully prayer has helped!

Yesterday, as Rae mentioned, was our "free" day to shop in Berlin and experience life in the city as a ‘Berliner' would. Shopping was great, but playing volleyball was, by far, the best part of the day. We played an extremely competitive team and it was just so exciting to play fast-paced, high-level volleyball. The women we played against ranged in age from about 20 to 30 years old, so it was really interesting playing against that different dynamic. SO FUN. We have an exciting season ahead of us.

After the match, we had the opportunity to make conversation with these women and ask about their lives and culture, and then Coach Moats talked to everyone about Jesus Christ and how He came to save and purify our lives of the sin in them. They seemed receptive to the message, and hopefully, we'll have planted a seed in their hearts to question their own beliefs and keep in touch with us by Facebook.

Over the week, we have made a TON of contacts to keep in touch with and, hopefully grow and be there for in their journey. So, though we leave Berlin on Saturday and our trip winds down today, our ministry with these men and women here will not end. Through prayer and consistency in keeping contact with them, I firmly believe God will soften their hearts and grow in them a desire to know Christ. So keep praying for the people here and our team as well, as we embark upon our season. It will be quite a ride. God has a lot in store.

-Kelsey

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Day 6 - Wednesday, August 11, 2010
by sophomore Rachel Quackenbush and freshman Kristine Egebrecht

Hey everyone its Rachel! Germany has been amazing so far and everyone on the team doesn't want to go back to the States in a few days. It's so beautiful here and we are having the best time!

Yesterday we got up early and took a train out to see Wittenberg, which is the city Martin Luther was from. We got the privilege of visiting the church where Martin Luther preached regularly and we saw the inside too which was stunning. The architecture was so intrinsic and we all stood in awe of the beauty.

After leaving that church we went to the other church where he posted his 95 theses on the door. All 95 were engraved on the door, but it was in Latin so none of us could read it! Fortunately we were lucky enough to go inside this one also and once again it was breath taking. Just standing there in the beauty that God has created was such an awesome experience. This has been great so far and we are all looking forward to what God has next for us in this journey!!

Hey guys its Kristine! These past six days in Germany have been an amazing experience! Yesterday, we took a long train through the German countryside to Wittenberg, where Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses. We saw two churches, one of which Martin Luther preached at and the other where he nailed the 95 theses. Both churches had breathtaking detail from the pews to the chandeliers. We all loved seeing the positive history of Germany, especially after having an emotional day at the concentration camp the previous day.

After we arrived back in Berlin after Wittenberg we had the opportunity to play a German volleyball team, which got all of us excited for the season to come! Everything we have done thus far has really brought us closer to each other, our coaches and God. I'm looking forward to what he has in mind for us to do when we get back!

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Day 5 - Tuesday, August 10, 2010
by sophomore Jordan Sudzina and junior Brianne Gutknecht

Hey it's Jordan! Today was absolutely amazing!! We went to a concentration camp, did an outreach, and played a beach volleyball tournament. The concentration camp really hit me hard and really showed me how real it was. It was a very humbling experience.

My favorite part of the day was during the outreach when I got to meet these two amazing Slovak families from the Ukraine. They were Catholic missionaries who travel the world with all their young children! I had so much in common with them and I found it so amazing that I share the same faith, say the same prayers, and sing the same songs as people living an entire world away! The main word I would use to describe today would have to be joy! It brought so much joy to my heart to meet so many new friends from all over the world!!



It's the 6th day of our amazing trip and we had yet another busy day! First we went to a concentration camp and it was awesome and heartbreaking all at the same time. I really began to wonder why God would let such a horrible thing happen to anyone. But in pondering I was soon reminded of what God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11. It just reminded me that God wants to give us a future and that sometimes bad things just happen and we will never understand them as humans.

Today at our outreach I got to tell my testimony to hundreds of people in the middle of a public place! I was so nervous but God calmed me and gave me the right words to say and it went very well.

Tonight at sand volleyball we found a lost girl we had seen when we were outreaching in the public place. A group of us got together and prayed with her for her mother to come find her and she came within an hour or so. Her mother told us she had prayed for angels and told us we were those angels. It felt awesome to see how God was working in not only our lives but the people all around us!

Bree

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Day 4 - Monday, August 9, 2010
by junior Kate Denlinger and junior Peyton Thompson

Hey everyone! We just returned from a day of culture and ministering. Today we had an amazing opportunity of taking a bike tour through Berlin. Biking through the streets was an incredible experience and we learned information about the history of the city along with the present culture.

Germany's history is something I find so fascinating. We have seen the Berlin Wall and have spent time discussing this period and history. We have also walked through a Holocaust museum and tomorrow are visiting a concentration camp. Both of these events were horrific and yet, things that we as Christians deeply believe also came from Germany's history showing quite an interesting contrast. Martin Luther and the Reformation were important religious events in the history. The positive events are not remembered here which I find to be interesting.

As for the rest of the day, we spent time playing sand volleyball. We invited local girls to come play and were able to spend time talking and ministering to them after we were finished playing. God showed Himself to me in a small way today but it was cool nevertheless.

Every time we have gone to minister it has rained. Today was not an exception. After a few large raindrops, the clouds parted and the sun shone through. Not only did the sun shine but a rainbow appeared in the sky. It reminded me that we are not alone and that God is very much alive and present as we continue to try to reveal His glory to the people of Berlin. Thank you all for your prayers! I appreciate all the support from you back home!-Kate

Gutentag! What an amazing day we just wrapped up! We took off this morning on a bike tour to get a taste of Berlin and the significant historical events that have happened here. Among the many notable events in history that have taken place, we were lucky enough to see remaining parts of the Berlin wall, Check point Charlie, and the site where Hitler took his own life. It is so extraordinary to find ourselves in the middle of a place where not too long ago was so controversial. It's amazing to think that standing in the same place 40- 60 years ago could have cost us our lives.

On a happier note, we had the chance to see some of the most beautiful churches the world has to offer. It is uncomprehendable to me to see a city surrounded by fear and terror and at the same time it is the founding site of what we believe. God works in such unexpected and inconceivable ways, it just blows my mind.

Along with touring the city we also had another opportunity to share our stories and spread the word today. Sunday afternoon we visited some sand volleyball courts and invited some local Berliners to join us in a few hours of sand volleyball tonight. Much to my disbelief, many of them showed up and it turned out to be a great night. I found joy from playing one of my favorite games, but also in the conversations I had with the locals that joined. I find that I'm not constantly looking for God in my daily routine, so I expect him to surprise me most of the time, and believe me he never falls through on that one!

Since we got here, reaching the people of Berlin has been so difficult for me, but today I had the easiest time relating to the women that joined us for sand volleyball. It just is a great reminder that we are all gifted in our own ways by God, and those gifts are multidimensional. Up until today I've just been using my volleyball skills to only play the game and I was reminded that although playing is a physical gift, I can use it to also reach other people and spread the word of God. Thank ya'll for you're undying support and prayers for us this week. From me and from the whole team we appreciate it so much! - Peyton

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Day 3 - Sunday, August 8, 2010
by senior Taryn Cocallas and freshman Shelby Newberry

Hi! This is Taryn!! Today was wonderful and the weather was the best yet… no rain! We went to a church this morning that European Initiative is connected with. Kelsey and Rae shared their testimony during the service about what God's been doing in their lives this trip. The sermon was obviously in German, so we had a couple translators sitting behind us. That helped a lot, but I never realized how hard it was to listen to and understand… it took a lot of concentration!

Afterwards we went to a Flea Market at Mauer Park. It was awesome!! Best Flea Market I've ever been to! We had our first taste of authentic German food (I went with the Bratwurst - 2 of them actually - they were SO good!) inside the flea market. It was crazy crowded at the market, but managed to get a couple of cool things.

Outside the Flea Market, at Mauer Park there were over a thousand people, just enjoying their Sunday afternoon in Berlin. There was a huge amphitheater where karaoke was going on, random musicians, performers, magicians, etc. The park was awesome! We were told since a lot of places are closed on Sundays, many people come there for entertainment and relaxation.

Later, we headed to some sand courts that we visited yesterday. The courts were crowded with no room for us. As we started heading back a man we met yesterday at the courts told us he found an open court for us to use! That was definitely a God-thing that we didn't have to find another park with sand courts to use. We had a short practice to get us ready to play tomorrow.

Tonight we were treated to a delicious dinner at a German restaurant. It was in an area that was very European picturesque - stone buildings and streets where we ate outside next to the river. SO pretty! The food was delicious as well - Kelsey and I split the Schnitzel and Filet of Rosefish. On our way back to the train station we stopped for some ice cream which was also SO great! Today was busy, but we really got a feel for the German culture and got a taste for some of the food. We're exhausted, but looking forward to good sleep for our Berlin bike tour tomorrow and our beach volleyball games.

Hey it's Shelby! This morning started off with a church service at a local church in East Berlin. It was amazing to see the very few Christians that Berlin has in church and fired up about what Christ is doing in their life. I had a very hard time following along with the translator, but overall the message was uplifting.

After church we went to the Flea Market at Mauer Park. Most of us had a Turkish sandwich for lunch. It's kind of like a pita sandwich with seasoned chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dressing. It was one of the best things I've had on this trip to eat. Then we went off to the Flea Market to shop!

There were many interesting items at the market, but most of managed to find some cool jewelry, bags, sparkly hats, a cat for Yui, and a jacket. Mauer Park is packed with all kinds of people on Sunday afternoons. The amphitheater was full and flowing over with people watching karaoke. Watching the people of Berlin these last few days, it has been very evident that God is absent from their hearts. The people here walk around with an alcohol bottle in their hand all day long.

Next it was time to train in the sand for our volleyball tournament tomorrow night. The three coaches had us doing sprints, jumps, and practicing with our partners for an hour. Our stomachs were begging for food after we dusted the sand off. Judy and Matt took us to a German restaurant by some very pretty European style buildings, a famous church, and a river. Ice cream followed to top the day off! I'm looking forward to washing all this sand off my body and getting a good sleep so that I can be ready for the bike tour tomorrow. Please keep praying that God prepares the hearts of those that we come in contact with the rest of the trip.

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Day 2 - Saturday, August 7, 2010
by junior Lauryn Barfell and freshman Rebecca Brandes

Hello to all, this is Lauryn and it's day two here in Berlin. I have been sincerely blown away by the group leaders we have here! We have been with our Ignite leader, Judy Fox, and our European Initiative leader, Jeff (whose last name is unknown lol) along with his crew.

This trip has been involving a massive amount of street evangelism and they have been amazing mentors and encouragement throughout it all. We have been playing volleyball and teaching the Cupid Shuffle to draw a crowd and then we go out into the crowd and engage them in conversations about Christ. Calling this a challenge would be the understatement of the century. I have struggled every single time in knowing what to say or how to bring the conversation around to Christ. But it has been a great growing experience for me along with the rest of the team.

Every time I feel slightly more comfortable and God has been right by my side the entire time and no matter if I butcher it or not God is God and he is good. No matter what, it comes down to Him and that person. I'd much rather leave them in his hands than mine! God bless and thank you so much for supporting us this week.

- Lauryn Barfell

Being in Berlin has been a wonderful experience so far, and it is only day two! It is amazing the things you learn when you are out of your comfort zone. What a wonderful feeling to being a part of something bigger than yourself.

Today we visited some volleyball courts and watched some beach volleyball. A good way to start the day! Then after watching volleyball all morning we just had to play, so we went to a park where we played beach volleyball. There weren't many people that wanted to play with us from outside our group, but there was one man (Jens) who came and played with us. He started out shy but interested.

He had two different views of religion where he grew up. From the Communists he learned that religion was nothing but a lie and from the church he learned that he had to obey rules otherwise he would be condemned. Hearing his view on something so precious to us was sad, but Kelsey and I were able to tell him about what a real relationship with Jesus was. He seemed very open and relieved that what he knew was not true. I was able to pray with him before he left. What an amazing feeling. I was so scared to say the wrong words and mess it up, but God is good. He gave me the words to pray so Jens would feel most loved.

We are planning on seeing Jens tomorrow and hopefully he will continue to question and grow. What a blessing God has given us to be a part of this process. God does not need us to save others; he can do that on his own. What a blessing though that we are allowed to be a small part in someone else's life. Thank you to all who are praying. If you could pray for Jens, he would appreciate it I'm sure. Goodnight or Good morning for those who are in the states!

- Rebecca Brandes

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Day 1 - Friday, August 6, 2010

We made it!!! Today was one of the most amazing days of ministry I have ever had. Our team used volleyball and the Cupid Shuffle to open doors and build relationships with people. Some of the players and leaders even had the chance to lead someone to Christ! What a blessing!!!!!!!!!!!! Their willingness to learn and hear about God was amazing!!

Later we went to a park where we were able to talk to young adults and teens (known as the Goth Crowd) about what we believed, planting a seed in their hearts. Not only are the hearts of others being changed but also ours. The privilege of sharing Christ is unbelievable, and we are so lucky to have the chance to do so. This will definitely be an experience I will never forget, and was really an eye opener to God's Love and Grace!!!!

-Brooke

 

We got to Germany around 8 a.m. this morning… technically 2 a.m. Indiana time. Let's just say the main reason we all got through this day was by the grace of God.

We had a chance to go to a busy plaza and teach people the Cupid Shuffle and had them play volleyball with us. It was such a great experience spreading the Gospel with people on the street. The power of the Holy Spirit was amazing in how he opened people's hearts to hear about the Lord.

Although most of the day was rainy, we had a chance to talk to a gothic crowd in downtown Berlin. People were skeptical about why we were there but once we got talking, the team had a great time talking, learning, and sharing with the kids our age. If I learned one thing today, it would be to never underestimate what God can do. He can do anything from forming a crowd around a bunch of silly girls dancing to opening hearts of a gothic community.