newsletter february 2016

NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY
2016
FE B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
N E WSLE TTE R
PETER & GABY REID
DEA R
FRIENDS ,
TEXT: PETER REID
“UNLESS THE LORD
BUILDS THE HOUSE,
THEY LABOR IN VAIN
WHO BUILD IT“.
Psalm 127:1
By the time you receive this, we will, Lord willing, have
Praise God for a very good group of students this year,
almost completed the building project which we an-
we have a full house. The students will be leaving on
nounced to you in 2014. Our Lord deserves all the credit
March 18th and scattered to the four corners of the
for the beautiful addition to Bodenseehof. I’m thankful
earth. Praise God for a staff with willing, sacrificial he-
for Christoph Hils who worked so hard in seeing things
arts in their service. We are not without weakness, but
through to their completion; as well as Ewald Wurster,
we serve an Almighty Lord.
Gabriela Hauser and many, many more who volunteered their time and resources to the Lord. Thank you so
Warmly in Christ,
very much. The project will be completed without incurring any debt, which is our goal at Bodenseehof. We
want Him to be glorified not just by what is done, but by
how it is completed.
and the Bodenseehof-Team
TESTIMONY
TEXT: ANNIKA CONZELMANN
I grew up with a childlike faith - after having been told
about Jesus, I lived with Him and trusted Him. But when I
was 12 years old I experienced a very dry and lonely time,
His hand was always
with no spiritual support or community during that year. I
open for me to take
failed at trying to live the Christian life alone and I thought I
it and He is only one
had lost God‘s hand. It was a sad time of stumbling around
prayer away. Dry as I
and crying out to God to take me back. I felt like I had lost
was, I drank the gospel
the relationship with Him and the only thing I wanted was to
with such thirst and
get back to Jesus. However, I didn‘t know how and couldn‘t
prayed to give my life into his hands - completely and with
find the answer. I put all my hopes in the “5-English-Days” at
full awareness. I expected a big change in my life with spe-
Bodenseehof, because I was searching for people who would
cial feelings but it didn‘t happen and I concluded that so-
tell me how I could get back to Jesus. During that time, I was
mething must be wrong with me. This was the first lesson
amazed at the love shown in the student interns because
God taught me: It is not about feelings. I was growing in my
Gods light was shining through them. In June 2009 a woman
relationship with the Lord and now in 2015 He has brought
told me that God was always by my side and that His hand
me back to Bodenseehof for Bible school. It feels like a circle
never left me; it was only me who left His hand.
which is now complete.
FE B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
N E WSLE TTE R
L AND OR
MAP
TEXT: PETER REID
„VERY MUCH OF THE LAND REMAINS TO BE POSSESSED.“
Joshua 13:1
I’ll never forget the Sunday evening service at Bodensee-
Paul speaks of some in Ephesus (they had the “map” of his
hof when Mr. LAT Van Dooren, the former principal of the
letter to them) who are “always learning and never able to
Torchbearer Bible School at Capernwray Hall, opened his
come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2Tim. 3:7) It is possible
message with this statement: “I’m sorry I’ve only progressed
to learn truths about Christ’s sufficiency, but not experien-
this far in my walk with Christ.” I was shocked; and my shock
ce Christ’s sufficiency. We read the “map”, but don’t possess
was rooted in my pride. If Mr. Van Dooren still had a long way
the “land” which the map reveals. If this is the case, we are
to go, then I much more!
in danger of spreading misinformation about Christ because
Toward the end of his life, God said to Joshua, “You are old and advanced in years, and
very much of the land remains to be possessed.” (Josh. 13:1) God then goes on to give a
lengthy description of the land which had been
conquered, but which Israel had yet to possess.
As Israel heard God describe their inheritance,
they were to gain a sense of assurance which
was meant to motivate them to move on and
possess their inheritance. The description of
we try to tell others about a land, while only
“THE MOST
TRUSTWORTHY
GUIDE IS NOT
THE ONE WHO
HAS A MAP, BUT
THE ONE WHO
HAS WALKED
THE LAND
HIMSELF.“
the land was to become possession of the land.
The mere description of the land was not what God gave Israel, but the land it itself. Israel could not eat produce from
the map of the land, they needed to eat from the land itself.
Sometimes we seek satisfaction from the map God has gi-
knowing a map. The most trustworthy guide
is not the one who has a map, but the one
who has walked the land himself. God longs
that we know the reality of Christ’s presence,
not just a description of His presence.
“We have had good news preached to us, just
as they also; but the word they heard did not
profit them, because it was not united by faith
in those who heard. (Heb. 4:2) Faith is that
which moves us from the map into the land.
We would do well to spend time meditating on the description of our inheritance in Christ, in order that the assurance
of faith might motivate us to take possession of it. We have
the map, let’s move forward to possess the Land of Christ.
ven us of Christ in chapters like Ephesians 1 and Colossians
1. These are wonderful revelations of Christ, a map of what
God has given me! But the map is never enough. The doctrine of Christ will not satisfy my heart, but the presence of
Christ’s Spirit will. He may describe Christ in those chapters,
but it is up to me to possess what He has described.
PETER REID
DIRECTOR
at Bodenseehof since 1984
FE B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
N E WSLE TTE R
BIBLE SCHOOL
2015-2016
TEXT: STEVE VOLLE
This week a former student (from 10 years ago) came back to Bodenseehof as a speaker. He and his family now speak Arabic and
are working as missionaries in the middle east – in particular with
refugees. Seeing him was a good reminder that the “great time”
people have at Bodenseehof is so much more than that – it is also a
time to get to know the person of Jesus. And when a life is touched
by Christ, His transformation is lasting and ongoing.
Xinyue Zhang, China
This year has been a tremendous blessing with students who
are particularly willing to serve and volunteer with outreaches, ex-
try and come. This year, she began to get acquainted with Christ
tra projects, and even helping on the building project. They are
– the one in whom we can have relationship with God – and has
hungry to learn and grow, and it is evident that God is honoring this
begun life fully with him. It has been fun to see the joy she has as
desire in their lives.
Christ works in and through her. In the last weeks, she has begun
At the same time, we are all recognizing the need for a reminder
of the gospel as a community – which at times almost seems too
good to be true! Our year verse this year is Romans 8:1-2 “There is
therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from
the law of sin and death.”
sharing the gospel with her friends and family back in China and is
shocked and delighted to see their openness and the signs of God
working already in their lives.
She wanted to share this with you about her time here:
“Before I came to Bodenseehof, I called myself a Christian, but
I did not know what it was to live a Christian life. In this commu-
As we wrestle with this reality (and the truths which it references),
nity I learned little by little how to give my life to Christ and let
it has been a blessing to see Christ doing his work in bringing new
Him live through me. My spiritual growth has been so obvious
freedom in our lives and those of our students: What does this
here. When you clearly hear God’s voice, praying is no longer a
good news mean for us as a community? Personally? What does
duty but the most exciting thing every day. This is definitely the
it have to do with the refugee crisis? Our families and their pain?
best six months in my life so far!”
Cancer? Our own pain and problems? Each student has a different
story, and God is weaving the truth of the gospel into their experience in unique ways.
We are incredibly thankful for the grace of God which we once
again see poured out on our lives and the lives of the students.
Thank you for your continuing prayer for us!
One of our students this year is a woman named Xinyue and is from
China. Xinyue heard about God from a friend in China, but was afraid to share with anyone about this or join an underground church
because her parents worked for the government. Then someone
she met in China told her about Bodenseehof and suggested she
Steve Volle, Bible School Principal
FE B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
N E WSLE TTE R
FIVE YEARS AT
BODENSEEHOF
TEXT: LAURA CONNELL
I am very glad to have called Bodenseehof
„home“ and the staff „family“ for most of
the last 5 years. I experienced life at Bodenseehof in many different ways, from stu-
OUTREACH
EXPERIENCE
dent to volunteer to FSJ to housekeeper,
each experience challenging and encouraging in their own ways. In many ways I feel
as if I grew up during my time there; learning who The Lord designed me to be and
T E X T : C A R I S S A Y O U N G B L U T H , B I B L E S C H O O L S T U D E N T, 1 8 Y E A R S
learning what it means to live in and serve a
community well.
Our outreach took us completely by sur-
We witnessed firsthand the spirit of Christ
Now I have followed the Lord‘s leading
prise. My drama team “Pursuit”, the music
being identical in people from all over the
back to the United States to the Torchbea-
team “B&C”, and Thomas Taul teamed up
world. We saw a new found hunger for the
rers Center Timberline Lodge in Colorado.
to venture into the Black Forest for our first
Lord grow in the youth we had worked with,
I pray that the things that God taught me
Bodenseehof outreach. We stepped into
and we encountered a substantial amount
during my time at Bodenseehof will be a
this outreach with open hearts and willing
of hospitality and love from the people we
firm foundation as I transition into this new
hands and God worked through us in ways
met in this small town. On behalf of the dra-
chapter of His story.
we could never have imagined or anticipa-
ma team Pursuit and the music team B&C,
ted.
I can confidently say that our lives were
We spent our time performing for students in nearby schools, talking with kids
changed through this experience and we
loved every second of it.
at the local youth group, praying together
before beginning our busy days, acting out
dramas, and eating schnitzel with our amazing host families. In each of these activities, God worked through us to mentor and
bring love, joy, and Christ’s name to all the
people we met and places we went.
Our goodbyes at the end were tearful as
the wonderful people we met had now become friends. We learned that God not only
left a mark on the lives of the people we had
met, but on our own lives as well.
Outreach
FE B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
N E WSLE TTE R
NEW PATHS
NEUE
MITARBEITERIN
KIDS TEAM
TEXT: TABEA MESSNER
TEXT: REBEKKA WAGNER
Ministering to children and teenagers
brings me great joy and it has been overwhelming to see how I was able use the
gifts God has given me and discover new
ones at Bodenseehof.
„God does all things well” was the theme
of our kids program this summer and this
is exactly what we experienced over and
over. God provided needed ideas while preparing; He carried us through sickness; and
covered us with His strength and joy. Thank
Hello! My name is Tabea Messner. Starting January 2016, I have the privilege of
being part of the Bodenseehof family and
serving as the Director of Children’s Outreach. Quite honestly, this is a big surprise for
me and clearly shows God’s working in my
SUMMER
MISSIONS TEAM
TEXT: THOMAS TAUL
life.
you so much for your prayers and your sup-
I was born and raised in a Christian home
We are currently in the process of put-
port during my entire time at Bodenseehof.
in a town called Trossingen, near the Black
ting together the new Summer Missions
Forest. For the last five years, I have been
Team 2016 who will work extensively with
working in a nursery school run by the „Aid-
the confirmation youth retreats and the
linger Schwestern“ and last summer, I deci-
summer family retreats. Knowing that is the
ded to take part in a three month training
Lord who calls people into His ministry, we
course in child evangelism through Child
ask for your prayers in the decision making
Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in Switzer-
process for the staff and those students
land.
that we ask to join this team.
It is unbelievable how quickly a year can
pass by and how much can happen within
that time. During our summer program I
got to know Cody Allison, who is now my
boyfriend, and I am so grateful! Cody was
a Bible school student at Bodenseehof in
2014-2015 and continued to serve here on
our summer missions team. During that
For a long time already, my desire has
time, God changed my heart and made me
been to minister to children full-time. I at-
ready for something completely new.
tended the course trusting that, in His time,
I will leave Bodenseehof at the end of February 2016 and move to the United States
to join Cody there. On one hand this is really sad, but on the other hand, I am very
excited for this new chapter of life and for
everything which God has planned for
Cody and me. Our heart’s desire is to serve Him together and we would very much
appreciate your prayers.
the Lord would show me His next step for
me. And He did! I was planning to accept
an internship at CEF, when on short notice I
was asked to come Bodenseehof. God used
Revelation 3:8 to confirm His leading in me:
„See, I have placed before you an open
door that no one can shut.
Trusting in my Lord, I am excited for this
new task at Bodenseehof!
FE B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
N E WSLE TTE R
PUBLIC EVENTS
UPDATE
BUILDING
PROJECT 2016
Sat., Jan 30th 2016
The Crossing, 7.30 pm
Sat., Feb 27th 2016
The Crossing, 7.30 pm
Sat., Mar 12th 2016
Friends Day, 10.00 am
Sat., Mar 12th 2016
Spring Praise Concert, 7.30 pm
OUTREACHES
TEXT: CHRISTOPH HILS
The construction cranes are hovering over the roof of Bodenseehof, a semitrailer truck is blocking our little Ziegelstraße, craftsmen’s cars are filling
the parking lot and many hardworking and skilled workers are lending a
hand with the building project. The beautiful wooden ceiling has been eye
caching since the first day carpentry work began and the stunning, curved
glass front raises curiosity about what is hidden behind it. The work is progressing and the new addition to the building is turning into something
beautiful, but also practical- something refreshingly different. Thanks to
our Lord’s grace we have the means and the opportunity to carry out this
project!
Through all the challenges of the building project, we have been enriched
with many different experiences and our Lord Jesus has graciously given
success in all the work and preserved everybody from harm. We cannot
thank Him enough for all He is and has been doing!
Many of the new offices are moved into and as the moving continues, we
will begin work on renovating the old office spaces upstairs. If anyone
would still have interest in volunteering a helping hand, please contact
Christoph Hils: [email protected].
Carpenters, Drywall Installer, Finishing Crafts, Painters
Renovating old offices // after Jan 2016
22 - 24-01-2016
Church Outreach, Hersbruck Andy MacDonald & team
22 - 24-01-2016
Church Outreach, Wemding Thomas Taul & team
26-01-2016
Hoffmannshaus Wilhelmsdorf Andy MacDonald & team
26-01-2016
Youth Group „New Generations“, FN Thomas Taul & team
31-01-2016
Staff Seminar, Brüdergemeinde Korntal Peter Reid
04 - 08-02-2016
Church Outreach, Auerbach Thomas Taul & team
04 - 08-02-2016
Church Outreach, Wildberg Andy MacDonald & team
05 - 10-02-2016
English-Camp, Friolzheim Nate Korzan & team
16 - 21-02-2016
Bible Evenings, Geroldsgrün Peter Reid & team
18 - 21-02-2016
Church Outreach, Holzmaden Andy MacDonald & team
18 - 21-02-2016
Church Outreach, Wendlingen Thomas Taul & team
19 - 21-02-2016
Konfi Kids from Remseck, Bodenseehof students team
23-02-2016
Hoffmannshaus Wilhelmsdorf Thomas Taul & team
23-02-2016
Youth Group „New Generations“, FN Andy MacDonald & team
28-02-2016
Church Service Baptist Church, FN Andy MacDonald & team
Online Giving:
http://www.torchbearers.org/donate/ministry
(select „Germany - Bodenseehof“)
Giving by Mail:
Make Checks out to:
Torchbearers USA
PO Box 3340, Estes Park, CO 80517
Write in memo line the project you would like to support:
Bodenseehof General
Bodenseehof Building Project
Bodenseehof Student Funds (students who cannot finance bible school)
Serbia Funds
*General Donation & Building Project: Donations for general purposes
or the Building Project at Bodenseehof (renovations, cars,...)
IBAN: DE35 6905 0001 0020 1189 49
SAVE THE
D AT E !
*Student Funds: Donations for foreign students who are not able to
finance Bible School.
IBAN: DE67 6905 0001 0020 1253 57
20 - 22-04-2018
BODENSEEHOF‘s 50th ANNIVERSARY *
You are invited to celebrate with us!
04 - 11-08-2018
INTERNATIONAL REUNION WEEK *
Reunion Week for all past students and staff
*Serbia Funds:
IBAN Nr. DE10 6905 0001 0024 3641 19
*Torchbearers India:
Donations for supporting the work of Satish John in India.
IBAN: DE75 6905 0001 0023 5372 85
* More details will be forthcoming in 2017
All accounts at: Sparkasse Bodensee,
Charlottenstr. 2, 88048 FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
Bank routing number: 690 500 01
SWIFT/BIC Code for all numbers: SOLADES1KNZ
Please do not forget to leave us your address so that we can issua a donation receipt.
Ziegelstr. 15
88048 FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
GERMANY
phone: 0049 (0)7541 9509 0
fax: 0049 (0)7541 9509 88