We are going to form an exploratory team to pray about the possibility of launching a location in Berlin, Germany. Honestly, we have no time line and no agenda. We're just seeking the Lord on this. Our next step is a reconnaissance trip to Germany this summer.
Why Berlin? Honestly, it came out of nowhere. We were approached by a missions organization that was familiar with Ebenezers. And they felt like that model of marketplace ministry might work there. We had an initial meeting here in DC. And I can't get one comment out of my mind: "Berlin is closer to DC than Wichita, Kansas." Yes, there is a language barrier. But it's a capital city like DC with a developing city center. And Germans love coffee as much as Americans. The idea was just crazy enough for us to consider it.
This year, as part of our A18 Initiative, we're taking ten missions trips to ten countries. Our goal is to expose people to needs and opportunities around the world. Honestly, I think one mission trip has greater spiritual value than fifty-two sermons. So I had a thought today. Most of us are willing to give God one week. But what about one year?
Given our demographic, 67% single twenty-somethings, I wonder how many NCCers would be willing to relocate? How many would be willing to give God one year? If we get a green light from God we'll find out.
Why Berlin? Honestly, it came out of nowhere. We were approached by a missions organization that was familiar with Ebenezers. And they felt like that model of marketplace ministry might work there. We had an initial meeting here in DC. And I can't get one comment out of my mind: "Berlin is closer to DC than Wichita, Kansas." Yes, there is a language barrier. But it's a capital city like DC with a developing city center. And Germans love coffee as much as Americans. The idea was just crazy enough for us to consider it.
This year, as part of our A18 Initiative, we're taking ten missions trips to ten countries. Our goal is to expose people to needs and opportunities around the world. Honestly, I think one mission trip has greater spiritual value than fifty-two sermons. So I had a thought today. Most of us are willing to give God one week. But what about one year?
Given our demographic, 67% single twenty-somethings, I wonder how many NCCers would be willing to relocate? How many would be willing to give God one year? If we get a green light from God we'll find out.
23 Comments:
very cool idea... let me know how it develops, I might be interested...!
oh! i wanna go!
Give one year of your life...sounds like what we do in Master's Commission!
Jagen Sie dem Löwen!
Nice! Praying for you guys and for Berlin!
There are a lot of NCCers who are willing to relocate for a job, not so sure if the motivation would be the same for this; however, as you know well, NCCers also tend to be adventure seekers so you just may have enough people interested in launching something like this. From my very limited interaction, Europeans seem to be in a dark place these days, but maybe God wants to use NCC to be a light and make a difference. This is definitely something to pray about.
Awesome! But what if, instead of a German Ebenezer's Coffee House, you did a Ebenezer's Brewery/Pub?
That would be so awesome for every German--dark beer and the gospel.
I was sent a link to this post on facebook. I live in Berlin. My wife, Jasmin, and I are on staff at church that meets and runs out of a cafe in the city, called RESET Berlin. (www.reset-berlin.com)
Berlin is an amazing city. It is be cool to hear more.
Blessings,
Ben Seidl
bseidl@nmsi.org
www.myspace.com/benundjasmin
love it!
if you haven't already, you should have someone connect with Christian Associates International. They're doing some great church planting all over Western Europe, and Alan Hirsch is a part of their leadership team.
They'd be a great resource.
http://www.christianassociates.org/
The church I was on staff at in Texas partnered with a missionary organization that essentially did this in Italy- they had a 5-year plan and it was so amazingly-well put together. I'll get their contact info for you if you need it.
Go for it, exploring it is awesome! Can't wait to hear what God will do!
Cool!
Ben,
Thanks so much for touching base. ANd thanks for what you're doing. Sounds exciting!
Maybe we could connect when we're there this summer!
Blessings,
Mark
Sounds a fun idea.
Just one nit.... Berlin Germany is NOT closer to Washington DC than Wichita Kansas (at least not in straight line miles).
Washington DC to Berlin, Germany is 4,175 miles
Washington DC to Wichita Kansas is 1,110 miles.
Just got back from Addis with the NCC team and I agree, the trip was definitely as powerful as a year's worth of sermons.
Mark,
it would be great to touch base when you are here this summer. I am always excited to meeting people who are thinking about Berlin. Berlin is an amazing place and have many needs.
I will be praying for you all.
Blessings,
Ben Seidl
Mark,
My brother-in-law and his wife live in Berlin and attend the RESET church! Maybe we can plan to visit them while you and your team are there this summer so we can touch base - you should bring Lora!
Jacki
awesome idea ... Berlin is a brilliant place ... but they love beer more than coffee ;-)
Great idea! We live in southern Germany, doing leadership training for churches. We would love to help as much as we can.
This is one NCC'er that would definitely be interested!!! :-) Please keep us updated!
Mark,
My brother has been serving in Berlin for the last 4 years with his wife and four kids. They, operate a mission training center that trains European teams to do short-term missions.
He would be a great contact for your team. He also loves coffee. He used to manage a Starbuck in Charlotte, NC.
They converted an old hotel into a training/retreat center. If you all are looking to keep expenses down then staying with them could be pretty cheap.
Let me know if you want his info and I'll get you two connected.
david.magnet@verizon.net
Very awesome. Sounds a lot like what I'm doing with the World Race through Adventures in Missions.. except its 11 countries in 11 months. They might be a great source of info for you www.theworldrace.org. I met you this past year in Ethiopia at Beza and loved your preaching and the seeds you are planting. Keep blessing this generation!
Grace and Blessings,
Aubrey Rainbow
Mark - Who's running point on this project for NCC? A friend of mine here in DC speaks fluent German, has a lifelong passion for the people and the country, and is looking for some reason to move back. I'd love to connect her with this summer's trip (if it's open) and keep her up-to-date as things progress.
I'm pumped about how God continues to expand NCC's mission!
The contact on our staff is John Hasler. John (dot) Hasler (at) theaterchurch.com.
Thanks!
Mark
I was just telling a friend last week that I wanted to move to Berlin! "Here am I Lord, Send Me!!!" I will be emailing John Hasler...
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