“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28, NIV)
Counting God’s Grace: Gratitude for the Partnership with Baptisten Göttingen
At the end of August, we bid farewell to Rev. Henrik and Mrs. Stephie Dieckmann, who faithfully served Baptisten Göttingen (BG) for 6 years. Their retirement marks a moment not only of transition but of deep gratitude – for the grace God has poured out through BG over the decades.
Our partnership with BG began in 1988, when a German sister named Susanne, burdened for Chinese evangelism, welcomed Chinese students into her home for fellowship. As the group grew, BG opened its doors in 1994 and has been our spiritual home for over 30 years.
BG has generously provided meeting spaces free of charge, while we offer voluntary contributions as we’re able. What began in a single room has expanded to include the small chapel, Sunday school rooms, kitchen, youth spaces, and even the main sanctuary for baptisms and large gatherings. Especially the weekly love feast ministry – Chinese cooking methods (steaming, pan-frying, boiling, deep-frying, baking, braising, stewing) and the rich variety of aromas (sour, sweet, bitter, spicy) can be quite challenging for those used to simpler German cuisine. Yet BG has fully supported us, even granting access to their high-tech kitchen facilities.
BG’s hospitality extends beyond our fellowship. They welcome other denominations, reflecting a missional heart and Kingdom-minded generosity. Their central location near the train station and university makes gatherings accessible for students and families alike. Most importantly, BG has provided a stable, welcoming environment – free from the disruptions of rent hikes or poor transportation – that many university fellowships struggle with.
We recognize all of this as God’s gracious provision. We thank Him for BG’s love and hospitality, and pray for the appointment of a new pastor who will continue this legacy. May our fellowships grow together in Christlike love, bearing witness to His glory.
Personal Testimony from a church member
From Despair to Hope – A Life Transformed by Encountering God
I am someone who cannot bear a life without meaning. I grew up in a home full of material comfort but starved of emotional connection. My parents believed food and clothing were enough. They overlooked the importance of understanding, love, and education, and didn’t think that arguments or emotional neglect had any impact on me. Though I appreciated their frugality, I carried deep pain from being unseen. Anger, confusion, and anxiety haunted me for years.
At 13, I turned to online pornography and masturbation to escape, only to feel more broken.
Shame isolated me. Academic pressure made me bitter and extreme. Losing close friends deepened my loneliness. I rejected relationships and lived mechanically – home and school felt like prisons. I longed for “home,” but didn’t know where it was. Eventually, I chose to study foreign languages and came to Göttingen for a Master’s degree in comparative literature.
Though not a believer, I was drawn to God. My favorite classical guitar piece was Bach’s Cantata No. 147, titled Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. In Les Misérables and The Count of Monte Cristo, I saw how God’s grace could transform destinies. Through literature and academia, God introduced me to Christian thought. Without understanding the Trinity, one cannot grasp Emerson’s reflections on nature and poetry; without knowing Augustine, Eliot’s The Waste Land remains a mystery; without experiencing grace, Poe’s The Raven feels only like confusion and fear. God’s fingerprints were everywhere, waiting for my reverence.
I once curiously opened the Bible, but worldly pride silenced God’s voice. I walked through German cities, often gazing at churches, yet I lacked the courage to seek God. Without Him, I sank deeper into sin. When studies became difficult, I blamed past teachers. Faced with the direct and sincere communication of Germans, I responded with coldness and sarcasm. The seeds of sin bore darker fruit – I began smoking, drinking, indulging in pornography, and isolating myself in my room, living in constant dread.
One day, I recalled Camus’ philosophical question: “The only serious question is whether to commit suicide.” I couldn’t answer no. If I weren’t alive by my own will, then Someone greater must exist. He must be good. He must be God.
I reached out to Pastor Lewis’ contact, eager to learn about God. At church, we discussed Jesus’ healing the sick. I tried to explain miracles through science and philosophy, but the pastor gently asked, “Do you believe in Jesus?” I was stunned. He asked again. I had never firmly believed in anything, but I longed to. I held his hand and said, “I believe. I want to believe.”
That moment changed my life. Grace flooded in. I began to understand love and learned how to love. When I blamed my parents again, I recognized Satan’s voice. I began to thank God and thanked Him for my parents. I saw how they loved me in their own way. Our communication shifted from conflict to mutual understanding and transformation.
In Christ, I rebuilt trust in friendships. Brothers and sisters cared for and loved one another. I stepped out of isolation and joined their fellowship. I believed in Jesus and learned to trust His people. Through trust, joy returned. After 10 years, I picked up my guitar again – to praise Him.
After conversion in less than a year, I still struggle and am weak, but God never gives up on me. His Spirit comforts me in prayer. When I avoid studying or feel overwhelmed, His love renews me. Redeemed by Jesus, I am worthy of living with joy and peace. With God, I have nothing to fear. I surrender my pride, and He gives me humility and purpose. I am no longer bound by money, power, or lust because true freedom is found in Him.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I no longer worry about tomorrow, for I know God will provide. I only want to carry my cross and follow Him forever!
Coworkers Training Camp (8/7-10). Around 90 Chinese church leaders across Germany gathered for equipping. Mr. Cheung Wan-hoi from Hong Kong taught on “Vision and Trials.” Pray for continued grace and strength for all co-workers in ministry and personal growth.
- Summer Fellowship Life. Despite summer travel, our fellowship remained active with barbecues, apple picking, hikes, worship, & gatherings. While we bid farewell to the graduates, we also built friendships with seekers and believers. Pray that the Spirit guide us to grow in love & truth.
- “Quiet Reflection 100” Bible Reading Plan (Starting 9/8). A two-year program by CCEMA and BTM to deepen engagement with God’s Word through a structured approach. Weekly Zoom meetings and small group sharing. Currently, 2-3 groups are forming in Germany, with Lewis as one of the instructors. Pray for hungry hearts, wise leaders, and God’s grace across Europe.
- Toronto Logos Baptist STM Visit (9/26-10/6). A pastoral team will visit multiple Chinese churches in Germany. We’re thankful for the Logos Joint Mission’s long-standing support. Pray for safe travels, powerful teaching, and spiritual growth among the congregations.
- Fall New Students Outreach. Autumn is a key time to reach out to new arrivals – from undergraduates to postdoctoral families. Pray that seekers encounter God and that each event becomes a sacred moment. Upcoming Events:
• 10/19: Legal Seminar on Life in Germany
• 10/24: Learning Experiences Sharing
• 10/26: Gospel Fellowship
• 11/1: Day Trip to Kassel
- Christmas STM (12/3-16). A team from Toronto Chinese Baptist Church will serve in Göttingen and Clausthal. Pray for their ministry to edify believers and bless the Chinese community.
- Missionary Families. Pray for our family’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, for strength in ministry, and deeper growth in Christ!
