International Church Kiel, Germany

In mid June I visited our colleagues Phillip and Stephanie Voland who are serving in Kiel, Germany. They have served in Germany for 10 years and for the last two year they have been partnering with the Evangelical Methodist Church supporting their vision to reach out to and welcome internationals in the city. Kiel has a large university and is also a global hub for marine research that draws people from around the world. With wonderful support from the German pastor Reiner and their congregation, International Kiel Church is a growing ministry welcoming people from many nations and cultures to find a spiritual home and grow deeper in relationship with Christ.

I had the opportunity to preach in their service and join in a bring and share meal following the service. It was wonderful to experience their warm hospitality and to hear several stories of how people’s lives have been impacted through this ministry. I was also excited to see how many people were involved in leading the service and in hosting a meal for over 50 people. They are excited to use their gifts and have a vision for welcoming new people no matter their background or life situation.

Phillip and Stephanie have asked prayers for members of their community who are asylum seekers and struggling in their life in Kiel. We can join them in giving thanks to God for the blossoming partnership between the German and international worship groups. They have described how the founding members of the German congregation are excited and grateful that there are new people coming to the church and that they can be a part of welcoming them. This is a such a refreshing story in light of all the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has grown in Germany and many parts of Europe. Join me in praying for Christ’s reconciling work to have an impact in Kiel and across Europe as our Serve Globally personnel seek to join with and support this work.