KINGDOM, man. It’s EVERYwhere!
We shot the photo in front of the castle of Marburg, Germany. (It’s the same castle you can see in the background of my other light-art photo with my name)
For the first ten days after the World Race, I visited a couple towns in Germany with one of my best friends from college, Antje, and her boyfriend, Nate. We had a great time and they helped me begin to process through things God did in my life this year, and the way He’s changed me and continues to do so.
Our time in Marburg was nothing but a blessing to me. To my (somewhat) surprise, we had the privilege of staying in a household full of Kingdom-minded people. First there’s the Pflueger family, (pictured left minus Georg) headed by Georg and Margit, with Benny, Robin, Marlene and Marvin (sorry if I spelled names wrong!). They opened up their homes to us in a way I haven’t experienced since I left America, sharing their food, GOOD coffee, living space, hot showers, comfy beds and family fellowship with the three of us-and all, free of charge! (wow!) Benny, Robin and Marlene are three teenagers who are pretty much the coolest teens in all of Germany. They could choose to go out and party but don’t really have a desire to do so. They’re living their lives for God in a nation filled with skeptics and critics. They live among a community of Christians who know their purpose on this earth is to glorify God and usher others into His presence. I admire the entire Pflueger family and am so grateful for their hospitality!
We also spent a lot of time in the attic of the house with the guys that live in the four-bedroom spread: Volker, Daniel, Peter and Lukas. These guys, all students, shared their food and kitchen and much time with us, showing us around town and being truly understanding during the moments I jumped up and ran out of the room to cry! I had the pleasure of getting to know Lukas and Volker (pictured right) a little bit throughout the week. I really enjoyed sharing Race stories with them, amongst other dicsussions about faith, cultures around the world and the Western church. Both guys really blessed me with their genuine love for Christ.
Last but certainly not least, I got to hang out a little with Corrina, who I met through Volker. She’s a beautiful, lively gal woman of God is bringing Kingdom in her workplace. As a social worker with a church in a nearby town known for higher crime and poverty rates than most of Germany, along with very few Christians, she’s strong and she longs to see more of God’s Kingdom coming to Germany. Keep fighting and praying for it, Corrina! I’m praying with you!
So, even though I didn’t expect it in Marburg, Germany….KINGDOM lives there, too! (below: Nate, Volker, Antje and I in the boys’ kitchen where we spent quite a bit of time hanging out!)
