Dear mission partners,
In Matthew 7:24, Jesus says at the beginning of the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Supporting Growing Relationships
Over the past few months, we have supported a couple getting to know each other, accompanied two future-married couples, and were invited to civil and church wedding ceremonies. Again and again, we remind and encourage these couples of something very fundamental: to build their own lives and their life together on the foundation of Jesus in order to have an unshakeable basis for their love, their decisions, and their relationship.
One of the couples has experienced great conflict since they met, but from their story of getting to know each other, you can tell that they came together through their shared passion for God and the Bible. That is what keeps them together. We pray for them that they will grow through their common foundation in faith and that they will be a blessing and testimony to God’s love. In October, they will be married in Marburg. It will be Philipp’s first wedding ceremony – please pray for our preparation for the wedding.
Preparing for Visiting Teams & Outreach
In addition to preaching services in Marburg and the neighbouring Chinese churches, we have spent the last few months preparing for three short-term mission teams visiting from Hong Kong and Toronto in the next months to support us in evangelizing and building relationships. We still have some organizational work to do in the run-up to these trips. We are planning to organize an evangelistic winter camp with believing and unbelieving acquaintances at a ski resort near us at the end of the year. Please pray with us for good cooperation between our church and the three outreach teams so that Chinese people in Marburg can come to know Jesus.
Ministering to the “Second Generation” 
The German-speaking Christian youth and young adults with Chinese backgrounds are scattered all over Germany. There are a few Christian programs that build them up, their faith, but there is still a great need in this area. Only a few of them regularly attend church services or Christian youth groups, as they do not feel at home in either a Chinese or German context. In September, the team of missionaries ministering to this “second generation” in Germany will meet. Two intensive days of team building and the development of a common vision in this mission field are planned. Philipp will be attending. Please pray for a fruitful time of sharing, planning and prayer.
Hope in Grief
In August, we were shocked by the unexpected news of the death of a good friend of Philipp. It made us realize once again how crucial it is what we build our lives on. Since Philipp met her over 15 years ago, her life has been characterized by constant pain and hospital stays due to several illnesses. Nevertheless, she had an unshakeable confidence that her “dad”, as she liked to call God, was always looking after her and meant well for her. Instead of needing comfort herself, she was usually a light to others and had a smile for everyone who knew her. A mutual friend told us that shortly before she died, someone read to her the last chapters of the Revelation of John, where it is announced that God will dwell with man and heal all pain. You could see the joyful anticipation on her face.
“And the rain fell, and the floods came,
and the winds blew and beat on that house,
but it did not fall,
because it had been founded on the rock.”
– Matthew 7:25
Thank you for all your support and prayers,
Philipp & Xiaodan
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for our preparation for an upcoming wedding – this will be Philip’s first wedding ceremony. Pray for the couple, that they will be strengthened in their shared faith.
- Please pray for good cooperation between our church and the three outreach teams, so that Chinese people in Marburg can come to know Jesus through our combined efforts.
- Please pray for the missionary teams ministering to German-speaking youth and young adults with Chinese background. Pray for a fruitful time of sharing, planning and prayer over the two days of the meeting.
- Pray as we navigate the grief of losing a good friend.
