My favorite part of Hamburg so far was the “Idol Walk” we did on Wednesday. We first talked about what idols are. We talked about how idols do not always start out that way, but when those things take the place of God in our hearts, they become idols. Next, we split up into our two groups and went to about 8 stops all throughout the city. We went to different areas including a college campus, near a red light district, a non-Bible-believing Lutheran church, an area with multiple mosques, a shopping area, and an entertainment district. We then talked about the idols we saw that the people of Hamburg could be entangled in like money, pleasure, entertainment, church tradition, education, and more, and we prayed for Hamburg to be freed from these idols. All of this showed the brokenness of Hamburg and helped us see how we could pray for the city, as well as know what some of the people we were witnessing to were struggling with.
Another thing we were able to do is help a church-plant in a new area of Hamburg put a canvas roof on a 25ft. tall tent where they can have Royal Ranger activities, which is like Boy Scouts, and later start a church. It was so fun all working together to help create a welcoming place where ministry can happen and where God can be glorified in all that is done.
I have also enjoyed our morning meetings where we go through different sections of Matthew as a group. We worship, pray together, and talk through pieces of the passage that spoke to us. Also, getting to hear how the missionaries here are serving their community and being bold in their faith daily is inspiring. We are also working to be as enveloped in the German culture as we can by trying new foods and trying to learn as many German words as possible.
Tonight (for me) I wanted you to hear from Carly.
Follow Along
Today we had to audible several different times. We were supposed to split up into two team but two missionaries were sick, two had a concert to go to for their son at school, and another was just worn out, so the other two took us to a park. Several of our team were able to share the gospel, so if you prayed for us, thank you that was huge! It was a tremendous day. Several others were able to strike up friendly conversations with people around the park and hopefully leave a good impression of believers.
We also got to sit in on part of an open air Worship Concert put on by a large church here in the city. I met a youth pastor from a different church and we were able to talk about student ministry and life, it was very neat.
Reflection
What does it look like to be on mission? It has to be more than attending church, even if we go several days a week. Jesus’ plan was never for us to go hide in a building, but to get out and connect with people. We’re going to be talking a lot as a group about what it looks like to do this at home. I hope that you will pray along with us.
Prayer Requests
We are still struggling with illness around our team. Please continue to pray for our team and the mission team we ar e partnered with. It’s frustrating for them and for us when we can’t fully do what we want to do. Pray for the conversations we will have tomorrow afternoon (early in the morning your time). Again, please pray for the incredible IMB team we are working with: S, R, C, B, B, M, & M.
