February 23, 2006

Dear Supporters,

Greetings from a laundromat in Berlin! I find that doing laundry has become a calming, introspective activity. The dirt and stains are washed away. Gone. What is left is similar to what Paul writes to the Corinthians about our life in Jesus: a new creation. In this way, doing laundry feels much like our ministry and my relationship with Christ in this New Year. Since the date rolled over to 2006, I’ve begun to see God’s work here in a refreshingly new way. Everything seems fresh and bright, and the possibilities are endless. Many things are on the move. My relationships with the youth in our ministry are growing, as are my English classes. Fun new activities and groups are in the works for February and March, and preparations for English Camp are hurtling forward.

Attendance at my English lessons and tutoring sessions has been steadily increasing. The largest groups are the ones that have sprung up at the House of the Yezidis, a club for Kurds who practice the Yezidi religion. I have been teaching a beginner’s class for kids and a refresher course for adults, and both have become a highlight of my week.

A recent, exciting development in the youth ministry has been the surprising enthusiasm of the youth in regards to passing out food to needy families at a local church. They love helping people! On a whim, I suggested that we lend a hand at American Church in Berlin, a multi-cultural English-speaking congregation, which distributes food every Friday evening to poor people in its neighborhood. The response of our youth has been overwhelming—so much so that some of them have chosen to help distribute food instead of attending our bi-weekly youth group! I suppose there are still some kinks to be worked out.

Another refreshing addition to the work here has been the help of another young American named Jamey Reynolds. He's in Berlin with the International Board and is also doing work with youth in Berlin. In his free time, Jamey has become indispensable by helping me with English tutoring and youth activities. The guys have really taken to him, and his presence has truly lightened my load and my spirits since last October. The boys and I are having a prayer breakfast at Jamey’s apartment this coming Saturday.

Of course, there have been disappointments as well. Things often don’t go as planned, and some things don’t get planned at all. Moreover, my own failure to love as Christ loved can be almost crushing, especially as I grow closer and closer to the Lord. Then again, that God’s grace and forgiveness are unlimited is perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned while serving here in Berlin.

Many thanks to all of you for the Christmas cards, gifts, support, and prayers that you showered on me this past holiday season! Please continue to pray for our budding youth group, the young Christians here, those who know us but don’t know Him, and for health for me and the rest of our team this winter.

Kyle

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 178