September 14, 2007
Dear supporting Friends and Congregations, dear Sisters and Brothers in faith,
After several incredible months I am finally writing, excited to share some of the “news,” convinced of the truth of Proverbs 16.9: “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” Yes, I have had my hopes and plans for the next chapter of life, but recent events have exceeded my imaginative powers. It is clear to me that God is directing the steps!
What am I talking about? Let me begin with the Pentecost concert in Hohenbruch, when a young brother-sister duo originally from St. Petersburg were invited to play. He’s an accordionist, and she’s a harpist. I was glad for the high recommendation from the harpist’s instructor, but the closer the event drew, the harder it became to imagine the sound. I had an even harder time imagining that my congregation would like what they heard. It all seemed too improbable. It was a warm summer evening; I had to drive to Berlin, borrow a VW bus and pick up the musicians. Four hours later, I was gleefully returning them to their abode, harp and accordion in tow, and all three of us were overwhelmed at the two standing ovations and the generous donation sum they had received from an audience of 25 mostly retired farmers! On that May evening this odd combination of instruments wasn’t so odd at all! In fact, the magic of the music swept us away for one and half hours, leaving everyone ecstatic, joyful, surprised, and practically giggly with delight! I had not experienced so much enthusiasm here in three years! “Danke schön, Frau Pastorin!” was repeated and repeated while my arm got pumped at the door (as if I had anything to do with it).
I look back now on this concert as the first of many surprises and improbabilities that were to come. Since I am leaving Hohenbruch, I thought it judicious to try to plan ahead a bit, like a teacher leaving lesson plans for the substitute. To my delight, the calendar has filled up with preachers from October to New Year’s Eve. Then one day, out of the blue, the telephone rang, and the voice at the other end asked if Hohenbruch needed an organist who could only play twice a month. Well, yes, I said (like is the earth round), and why do you ask? In short, Susann, our new organist, began September 2! No one really expected me to make this stuff happen, but it has!
On July 4, Dad celebrated his 90th ! Dear friends, my brother and a nephew helped make our modest gathering (balloons and angel food cake) not only a festive but a loving and warm occasion, one Dad might even remember! Dad never planned to be 90. We who celebrated with him were awed just to be there!
I then flew to Louisville to meet with folks in PC(USA)’s national offices about my return to a three-year term at LCC International University (the new name for Lithuania Christian College) and how I could help PC(USA) raise the funds for my position. Prayers of many months are being answered and then some; no sooner had the decision been made than letters and emails began arriving—without my yet having sent one letter of request! Dear friends, God is up to something!
I also received an invitation to join more than 30 other mission co-workers for a month of interpretation in October called Mission Challenge ’07. This request to fill in for a colleague was a total surprise. Of course I have said yes! I count it a rare privilege to represent PC(USA)’s World Mission. I’ll visit four presbyteries—two in Alaska and two in Washington state—where I’ll preach, share, and be part of this huge event to raise mission awareness.
What does my calendar look like now? Take a deep breath! In September I’ll say farewell to this village after three years of part-time parish ministry and part-time doctoral research. In October, it’s Mission Challenge ’07. In November I’ll visit Dad, rest, and celebrate Thanksgiving. From December to July 2008 I’ll write my thesis. Generous friends in Germany and the United States will help bridge the gap, so I can live and write in Berlin until I return to Klaipeda and full-time mission service at LCC in the fall of 2008. My former apartment in Berlin/Köpenick has been offered me for the cost of utilities, and my former apartment in Klaipeda is already reserved. All of this is rather improbable but true.
Harp and accordion? I border on the ecstatic when I am not on my knees in amazement and gratitude.
Yes, I thank God and I thank you for your prayers, your continued interest and support, your friendship; I pray you stay the course with me. I am praying for my current and former support congregations to make pledges for a three-year term beginning in 2008. I am praying that Mission Challenge ’07 will heighten understanding and encourage commitment, particularly in corners of our church that until now have had no direct contact with our dedicated and faithful mission personnel. I am praising God for all these improbabilities—for harps and accordions!
Blessings of grace and peace to all of you,
Jane Holslag
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 179 |
