Dear Prayer Team,
One of the challenges in Berlin, or with any mission effort, is finding a way "in". There are plenty of people everywhere, but how do you initiate conversations and relationships? It is more difficult than it may appear. Friedhelm and Jani, our team leaders, found an opportunity for Ingrid that seemed promising. An established ministry, Kinderhaus Bolle, is located just a 15-minute tram ride away from our flat in the center of Berlin-Marzahn.
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They are a Christian organization offering after-school programs to low-income and refugee children. Ingrid has years of experience working in schools and churches, both running and helping with children's ministries. She volunteered and, after some conversations, was invited to join them. She quickly became close with the staff (all German) and endeared herself to her group of middle-school-aged boys and girls. They play games, and Ingrid has also been asked to help with English speaking and homework. They regularly present Christian teaching to the children and are beginning to offer opportunities for the parents to learn and study Scripture as well.
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The other benefit of working with Germans is being forced to learn and speak the language. Studying the language is good, but being in an environment where it is spoken, and you are required to use what you know, is critical. Kinderhaus Bolle also has other ministries, such as working with street children, who are often found in the center of Berlin. Helping there could lead to many more doors being open for ministry to children and adults.
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One afternoon at Bolle, Ingrid was able to connect uniquely with one of the girls who tends to be difficult to engage. She came into the room and asked to play a card game. Ingrid was the only adult available to play with her, and the girl was very hesitant to play because her English was not good. She was also ashamed since she had only obtained a mark 4 in her English class, which is equivalent to a D in US grading. After some gentle persuasion, she agreed to play with Ingrid. During the game, she was able to teach Ingrid several new German words.
This girl is originally from Syria, which means German is a second language for her, and English (which is a required class for every student in German schools) a third language. It was great to see her attitude change when she realized she had helped someone else learn something new. Encounters similar to this one are fairly frequent. For a lot of the children who attend Bolle, they find it a place where they are accepted, fed, listened to, and, most importantly, loved.
Please be praying for the children at Kinderhaus Bolle, their families, and for us as we work to share the good news of Jesus with them.
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From Berlin, by God’s grace,
Greg and Ingrid Orr
on behalf of the MultiplyBerlin team
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