a few cool stories...

so I just got off the phone with some of our volunteers for our upcoming Amicus fundraising banquet, and I was sharing some cool stories with them about what is going on out here. I said "I wish I could tell you all the cool things and stories happening out here," and our friend Bobby replied "that is what the blog is for!"

Great point man. So here I go:

1) I've been meeting with Hans-Martin, the pastor of leadership development at our German church here in Munich. He has a vision to reach "every kid" in Munich ... the crazy thing? So do we. School-focused youth ministry is a brand new and unexplored concept here in Germany. He has the vision to send teams of volunteers into local schools to build relationships with young people. Since this is what we do in Young Life - we have had many good conversations at the cafe across the street from our apartment about how we could actually make this work. Our plan? Develop some teams that could get started by January 2007... we'll see what happens here, but this is really the very beginning experimentation of a movement and super exciting! On that note, we have truly found a home at the FEG Muenchen-Mitte (free evangelical church Munich middle)... we plan on having Jeremy dedicated there this fall, as well as becoming members. This is such a blessing for us to have this community here... we are still trying to integrate, but I'm translating german services for meghan in the "back row" - and she really enjoys it. Our best friends here in Munich also attend.

2) This fall, we will have our first ever German intern in YL history! We are creating a one-year internship program for post-college students, and Michael Gerstlauer is our first candidate. Michael is graduating from University this September with a degree in social work - but feels he is being called to give hope to young people in Germany. Specifically, this Amicus 2000 graduate wants to walk with other Amicus returnees, helping them apply what they learned in the US to their lives in Germany. His main role will be to increase re-integration and discipleship programs in Stuttgart for returning exchange students. He will be part of team leading monthly follow-up events, planning our fall YL Amicus reunion, help with recruitment of new students, preparation for the AMicus class of '07 in Stuttgart, and leading at YL camp in summer of '07. The preparation will start early in the year, so we have 6 months of investing in these kids before they head to the USA for a year. Michael is creating a "path" for other germans to follow - and I truly believe they will! Michael will need to raise around 250 Euros (300 dollars) per month to cover training, travel, and program costs (if you're interested in supporting Michael email him at michael_gerstlauer@yahoo.com).


3) Two of our neighbors have invited us over for a barbeques! this is really cool and a blessing to us, because we've been dying for more relationships with Germans. There are 8 apartments in our house - and we have good relationships with 3 of the 8 families living there. After one year, this is very quick for Germans to open up. We are so excited to "do life" with our neighbors here.

4)We've clear a path for any German student to complete a post high school internship with Young Life! This is significant, because every young man must either serve a year in the military or do a year of civil service with an approved organization. And although girls are not required to do this, almost all young women volunteer a year somewhere after high school. Many Amicus returnees have asked if they could do this through Young Life - and the answer now is YES. The best thing about this? The German government reimburses 70% of the costs! They will basically pay us to train and mobilize young leaders for ministry and service. There are also opportunities to do this year of service overseas, while still fulfilling German requirements. This is all very exciting news to us - and the leadership development opportunities are continuing to develop...

These are but a few of the cool stories happening out here...I'll try to keep them coming:) blessings, matt