It is crazy to us that we have entered into our fifth year living in Germany and working at Black Forest Academy. As I...
The Turner Ministry Tribune
Hello <<First Name>>!
We hope you are doing well in the Lord! We write to you as the days cool down, our sweaters get unpacked, and Margot moves quickly around our new apartment.
It is crazy to us that we have entered into our fifth year living in Germany and working at Black Forest Academy. As I thought about that reality this afternoon, I was reminded of Isaiah 55:9 which says "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." I can tell you with full confidence that this was DEFINITELY not the plan when we arrived. Yet here we are, serving yet another year in Germany.
I asked myself. what has happened since we arrived back in August 2017? Can I put tangible successes to how God has used us here in this community? Maybe. I could probably come up with some sort of list after really thinking about it= but that isn't the point. I'd be making this list in vain.
As the song says, "Yet not I, but through Christ in me".
I have to trust that God's Kingdom has been advanced through our sacrifices and devotion to this work. I have to look at TODAY. And say, yet again: YOU Christ, and not me. May You be magnified.
Friends, I encourage the same in your life and daily work. Would you join with me in saying, "Not I", and allow Christ to fill you and be magnified through you?
Summer in the PNW
We are so thankful to have visited the PNW this summer to introduce our families to sweet Margot. We also had the opportunity to celebrate our dear friends from BFA as they got married in the Orlando, FL area. It was a sweet time being able to rest with family and prepare for our return to Germany.
The 2021-2022 school year begins!
Black Forest Academy's 2021-22 staff picture! Below you can see all of the wonderful people we get to work along side this year. We are the administration, teachers, dorm staff, maintenance, and more called by God to serve and support hundreds of missionary families!
Despite continued challenges from covid, we are able to have normal classes, sports practices/events, chapel, and even some field trips!
Prayer and Praise Column
Please be praying for us as we decide what is next for us. We are in our fifth year and are planning on returning to USA this coming summer. We hope to have direction about what that and the coming years will look like.
Praise Jesus for providing a fantastic new place to live this year. We are able to accommodate for Margot's mobility and are only a 2 minute walk to school!
Praise Him for keeping our school covid free! This has allowed us to continue with many activities such as sports that keep Caleb busy!
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." ~ Ephesians 6:18 ~
Maria has been coaching the Varsity girls volleyball team. This is such a life-giving time for her to invest in the girls doing something she loves!
We are continuing to substitute at one of the girls dorms in town. Maria was given the opportunity to do dorm photos. We had to get in on it!
If you look closely, you can see the two banners that Maria painted to represent the high school chapel theme for this year! The theme is "(re)define" and she used lighthouse images as a visual. She had the chance to speak about these banners at chapel last Friday. She did so well!
We enjoyed a time of fellowship and hiking up in some local vineyards! This is a yearly festival called the Weinwandertag & Herbstfest (wine hiking day and fall festival). It included lots of walking, great food, and conversation!
It has been a desire of Caleb's to create ways for BFA athletes to honor Christ in their sport and efforts. He had the opportunity to make and order a sign for each athlete to touch on their way out of the court. It is a great reminder!
As you can imagine, our days are especially exciting watching Margot take in every moment. Coming up on 10 months, we know she is only going to get quicker, more curious, and more mobile! Not to worry, we are ready with coffees and cameras in hand.
Thanks for catching up with us!
We Love You!
Caleb, Maria, and Margaret
Still here?
Check out this video done by the local tourist office to highlight our little town! Where we have called home for the past five years.