WHAT
DO YOU DO?
I serve as
a campus evangelist with college students in Weimar and Jena,
Germany. That means that I'm similar to a BSU director or Campus
Crusade staff person in the US & Canada. We look for relevant
ways to help college students confront the claims of Christ, such
as through outreach Bible studies, creative parties, Bible distribution,
and English exchange weeks from US volunteers. I also organize
opportunities for Christian students to be discipled and mentored,
through small groups and retreats.
Furthermore,
I am a Team Leader, strategizing how to best use resources of
personnel and media to reach the over 2 million collegians in
Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland!
Our Two
"HUB" Ministry Cities: Weimar is a city of 65,000 people.
In 1999 it was the "Cultural Capital of Europe" and became 1100
years old! It boasts the well-known Bauhaus University (engineering
& architecture) and the Franz Liszt Music Conservatory, with a
total of 5400 students. Jena is a city of 100,000 inhabitants
and 21,000 college students. The Jenoptik company has its headquarters
there, and is famous for its scientific and camera lenses. The
Friedrich-Schiller Univ. (FSU) dates back from the 1500's, and
has well-known medicine and law schools. There is a Baptist church
in Weimar and one in Jena. Both churches are eager to develop
creative strategies for reaching the next generation through students!
DID
YOU BRING FURNITURE OR A CAR?
I brought furniture
because Western Europe is expensive! I inherited my grandparents'
furniture, & friends donated a couch. Also, I had to purchase
all my appliances (220 volt) & wardrobe closets there. Apartments
& houses only have walls--no appliances; no kitchen sink or
cabinets; no closets--for bedroom, hall or bath! I'm really grateful
that the IMB has provided a car and pays my rent.
HOW
LONG WILL YOU STAY?
Indefinitely!
There are wonderful programs offered by the IMB for short-term
work (from 2 weeks up to 3 years; http://www.imb.org).
But, the Lord has led me to career missions, so I can do what
Christ did for us--getting into the "skin" of the culture to evangelize
& minister to people.
