The Light of Christ Shining in Germany
As we walked the streets of German towns and villages, we saw people from all walks of
life. Some rushed by, while others simply strolled the cobble streets and sidewalks. As the
locals went about their daily lives, there was one thing they all seemed to have in common.
Many had a downcast countenance and there seemed to be no sense of hope or joy.
When our short-term team of women arrived in Northeast Germany in June, we were
told there is much spiritual oppression and darkness the region. I could feel the weight of
that oppression and darkness. However, I also felt a sense of hope because I know that God
has not forgotten about those living there.
In John’s gospel we are reminded that light does indeed shine in darkness. For the few
Germans who have put their trust in Jesus, there is a hunger for more and to grow deeper in
their relationship with Jesus and to learn more of His promises and truths.
We were given the privilege of helping to provide some of much needed “soul food” as we
embarked on the first ever women’s retreat in Northeast Germany. Some of the women
boarded a train and rode six hours to be part of the retreat. I’m not so we here in the United
States would have done the same. However, when you live in a country with few believers,
those hungry for the Word of God will move mountains to gather with other Christ-followers.
There were women from four different nationalities gathered at the retreat and it felt like a
slice of heaven. We didn’t all understand one another’s languages, but we were all there to
worship our great God. One of the attendees shared that she wished others could
understand why God was so important in her life.
This could not have been possible without the passion and resilience of our International
Workers (IWs) for this country. They have a passion to see those they work with come to
know Jesus personally. They are being the hands and feet of Jesus. They pour into their
friends’ and neighbors’ lives, hoping that they catch a glimpse of the amazing love that Jesus
has for them. Spiritual darkness is real and it’s not easy to minister year in and year out, but
our workers would say that it is worth it to see people come to faith in Christ.
I left Germany with a full, but heavy heart. My heart is heavy because of the darkness and
oppression that looms over so many. My heart is full though because there is a light shining
in the darkness. God sees each and every person in Germany. He longs for them to come to
Him and receive the goodness that He has for them which is salvation through Jesus.
To learn more about upcoming Alliance Women mission trips, reach out to us at [email protected]
