The first one has left the nest. Soon after school vacation, we took Skyler to Berlin and dropped him off at college. Releasing him was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. He is tenderhearted, combined with a strong sense of duty. We are very excited to see him seeking and following the Lord's leadership for his life. Please pray for him.

R....has also missed Skyler’s companionship and fellowship. We are continually encouraged by R….’s continued learning and growth. He has served as an example to others who are "comfortable" in their faith. His discipleship to this point has covered the teachings of Salvation, Eternal Security, The Spiritual Battle and the Holy Spirit. This last week he suggested an apologetical answer to a response we received to the Persian tract which he helped to develop.

We had a special speaker last month who reported on the persecution of Christians around the world. The point was made that as we pray for Christians in persecution, they are praying for Christians in the western world who are held captive by the "seduction" of the world. Wow!!! We also learned that newly saved refugees in Germany are being tricked into going back to their land of origin only to be arrested and executed for leaving Islam. This was a wake-up call to our people to take their faith seriously and to be in earnest prayer for those brothers and sisters in lands where faith in Jesus Christ is punishable even by death.

Annually, we celebrate the Reformation Festival here in Wittenberg, Germany. It is a holiday in our state, so all the stores and schools are closed. Our church uses this extra day off to do street ministry every year. It was such a blessing to have so many helpers from our church take part despite the frigid temperatures. Oma Margona brought us coffee and cake in the afternoon and stayed to pass out tracts. She has such a big heart and has taken up a big role in our Christmas outreach project this year. Everyone was busy blowing up balloons, giving away door prizes, and sharing the love of Christ with the droves of people attending the yearly festival.

About a year ago, an area school asked me to tutor their Administrator and their Principal in English. What an amazing opportunity. They have openly stated to others that the weekly sessions are more than just English. They look forward to our appointments as they consider them to be a spiritual counseling session. What a blessing it has been to be able to pray with the leadership of this school on a regular basis! Please pray for us as we work in the schools.

Thanks so much for your support!

Paul, Chelli and the Sudbrock Kids.