July 2006
Dear Friends,
How can it be July already? The months have flown by since my last letter. Five weeks of that time were spent in Colorado caring for my father preceded by four visitors from different parts of the world. The visitors were all friends, and I actually shortchanged them considerably, but I was grateful for the fellowship and conversation. Thankfully, Dad recovered enough to be able to return to his assisted living apartment and seems to be hanging in there. He turned 89 on July 4.
I am again working hard at ‘plowing’ through the thesis research material I mentioned in my March letter as well as more piles of papers—files of papers to be more exact—at the Federal Commission’s Office for the GDR’s Ministry of State Security, known better as the ‘Stasi’. This aspect of the research is demanding I develop a system for managing an overwhelming amount of information; along with simply dismissing what isn’t germane, I must figure out how to record and then be able to consolidate/use/cite/ my ‘findings’ as I read what is turning out to be thousands of pieces of paper.
I’d like to share a few thoughts about this reading—project title “Berlin Fellowship, Eastern Perspectives.” It is not surprising that 20-plus years of twice-yearly visits from American Christians to East German Christians aroused government attention. It is also not surprising that the suspicion was that these Americans were working for U.S. intelligence services. It is also not exactly surprising that the GDR apparently lacked the expertise to judge or evaluate their ‘findings.’ I find no real analysis. Besides, how many communist governments hired theologians to help them decipher the "work of the Church?" It is surprising, sort of, that it took so very long—available records show it to be between 15 and 20 years—before they (the Stasi) actually closed the "strategic operation" down, due to lack of evidence of criminal activity. Now, it isn’t really as simple as I describe it, but should you wonder what I am doing with half of my time of late, this is a wee glimpse.
 The well-watered Hohenbruch cemetery.
As for parish ministry in the Hohenbruch congregation, summer time is a bit quieter, though most of my congregants are very busy in their gardens and on their farms, some smaller, some larger. The summer has been exceedingly hot and humid, and the lack of rain is proving to be dangerous for crops, wildlife, the forests, and the people. However, thus far, the well water for our cemetery hasn’t run out, and I am often reminded that ‘someone’ is out there watering the plants on the graves. The pump, which sounds like a jackhammer, is in my basement, and I hear it every time someone turns the faucet. The plants get watered from 6 in the a.m. till 10 at night!
In spite of changes and rearrangements in Louisville, my work on the thesis and ministry in this congregation is proceeding, and it is because of your faithful prayers, financial support, letters and post cards, that I am motivated to keep on keeping on and complete this ‘leave of absence’. There are some changes coming though and some very definite reasons for prayer.
Matters for prayer:
In early fall 2007, the agreed-upon term for this leave will be up. In anticipation of mission re-assignment in 2008, I am beginning the process of self-evaluation and dialogue with my area director and the mission personnel coordinator from the General Assembly headquarters in Louisville. I ask your prayers for discernment and for clear, open communication.
From the German side of the picture, of course, this coming year will include helping the congregation here to prepare for a search for my successor. I hate the thought of leaving and having no one to follow me, so I have put my ear to the ground for a successor as well. Finding a candidate for this position is definitely going to be a challenge.
I do not anticipate having my thesis completed by next fall, but I will still ask you pray to that end as well. I should like to begin writing very soon, and though there are still several key aspects of the research to attack, the daunting task of writing must be taken on, soon. Pray for the discipline to organize my time, good health, and clear thinking,
The sermon text last Sunday was Genesis 12, the call of Abraham. It seems to be so very appropriate for this juncture in my life and in the life of our church. I was caught anew by this well-known story and in a new way spoken to by the fact that Abram heard God’s call and obeyed and went—into an unknown, uncharted, and uncertain future. He had no real reason to believe, but he did believe. The call contained a blessing as well, and because of that blessing, we are his children in the faith, in the call, in the blessing, and into the future. With this certain hope I wish you …
Grace and peace,
Jane Holslag
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 180 |
