Today’s message summary of October 13, 2019 from Caleb Kohl, International Worker, Waren, Germany:
It is a joy and privilege to be here. I represent the Alliance workers in Germany, one of over 700 workers throughout the world.
Alliance Missions is now made up of four different ministry groups for the purpose of reaching the world for Christ.
My wife, Erin, is in Germany right now with our four children. God has called our entire family to go out and do missions. In the same way, your church is called to missions in this area.
Why Germany? Germany creates a number of things and has very high technological capabilities, but in spite of this sophistication, we also need to see that less than one percent of the population knows who Jesus Christ is. Many of them are atheists. We are in northeast Germany to share who Christ is. While there are many who don’t know who Christ is, there is a spirit movement in Germany!
During a retreat of pastors that I attended, there was prayer as to what God has done and what is he saying to you personally. It then came to me as to the future for our ministry:
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
There are roots from the ministry in Germany that are developing to the point where they will soon spring forth and bloom because of God’s appointment and timing.
My landlord originally permitted me to do gardening in the backyard. It was great to care for the garden and do planting. One day, the landlord changed his mind and said that I could not garden anymore. This was very hard on me, as I saw the garden go into disrepair with weeds, God had to also move my heart and let me see that the flowers were coming up from within the weeds.
God is the One who provides the increase. God is the One who shows who is in control of our ministry.
The house where we are is being rented with a purchase option. It is a place we can continue ministry with a guest house, hosting teams, a youth center and a community gathering. There is a lot of tourism where we are as the town sits on the largest freshwater lake in the area. We have need of basic things such as a washer and dryer, having the house shows that we have longevity in the area, which is important for developing relationships.
The Corinthian church had a number of issues. The people of the church pulled together to help neighboring churches get through difficulty. Paul’s words were challenging the Corinthians as to looking at not outward appearances but as to the value of the kingdom of God. This is the challenge that I have taken on as a source of our ministry in Germany.
What does this have to do with my mission, and also all of us in our ministry? It starts with the gospel.
2 Corinthians 10:14-15
For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged…
Paul presented the wholistic gospel. He stayed with people in their homes as he traveled. He experienced people and their families. The gospel involves entire families. He was around people who were less fortunate who were marginalized. The gospel intersects the lives of people in the social life, their economic life and their physical life.
Verse 15 speaks of how our faith is to grow. You are walking hand in hand in your journey with Jesus Christ. As your faith grows, it will affect and impact others. The necessity of corporate worship and prayer rounds out this wholistic effect on the body of Christ.
Alliance Missions has determined that this is how we are to be as we serve our community (v. 14)
As your faith grows, we are developing ourselves and developing others. We are always on a journey as we seek Christ. We are developing people (v. 15).
As we grow, there is a need to multiply church networks. This is not just about buildings, for we are the church (v.15)
Alliance Missions involve:
- Serving Communities
- Multiplying Church Networks
- Developing People
The role that I and my wife are involved in is the teaching of English in the schools. It has allowed us to be integrated within the community. English is opening the door to bring the gospel to the community.
We are also looking at meeting with local pastors and becoming involved with services as a way of multiplication of the networks of the church.
We are looking for local people that has God has chosen to develop people from within their own neighborhoods for the purpose of sharing the gospel.
We also love the children as they are the future of the mission of the message of the gospel.
Why are we going to Regions Beyond with the gospel?
2 Corinthians 10:16-18
…so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
It is not for our own praise, but for the glory of God.
As you are praying to God and remembering His calling for you, please remember the Great Commission Fund (GCF).
Thank you for faithfully giving to Alliance Missions and for following God’s leading.
Akron Alliance Fellowship 