T3

Thank you to all who prayed for the retreat this last weekend! It was a great time for us to get to know some of our students better as well as other students and youth leaders from around Austria. We were in the town of Linz which is about 3 hours to the east of Innsbruck. We were in charge of most all of the meals which went very well apart from one minor rice incident but everyone ate the food none the less. The relationship aspect was by far our favorite part of the 4 days. There were many messages, and workshops given, all in German. At the beginning of our time we understood more but the longer we tried to focus and understand the harder it became. But God still provided and we were able to learn some things about knowing, living, and sharing (the theme). I was able to really connect with a couple of girls that were there so be praying for those relationships to grow.

We got back Saturday evening after having little sleep during the week and continued that pattern with going to a late baptism at the Catholic Church and then losing an hour of sleep for daylight savings. But overall it was well worth the sacrifice. Since then we have been able to connect again with the couple from our German class that got baptized please be praying for more opportunities and for that relationship to grow.

Easter Sunday was not anything like it has been in years past. We did not sing any of the traditional songs and understood little of the message. However we do not need to understand everything for God to use us. That morning the two Christian Churches that meet in the same building had a combined service so it was very exciting to see so many believers together here in Austria. While we were there talking with people after church, God provided opportunities for us. I was able to meet a girl about my age that wants to work more on her English and is interested in meeting on a regular basis. As we talked longer she showed interest in running in the race with me this weekend so now we are running together this week to prepare. It has been great getting to know her these past couple days. It has been a challenge though since her English is about as good as my German but all things are possible with God. Also on Sunday Seth had the opportunity to connect with a previous camper that was in his cabin when he was here in Austria four years ago. He does not live here in Innsbruck but was in town visiting his brother and we were able to spend the afternoon with him.

It is awesome to see as God uses us in the ways that we least expect. Be praying that we are continually being willing to follow God’s leading no matter how spontaneous it might be!