HAPPY NEW YEAR, GERMANY!
Well it is 2005 in Germany but still 2004 here in America! I found the above photo online showing fireworks explode over the dome of the Reichstag in Berlin during New Years celebrations even though flags were being flown at half-mast because around 1,000 Germans are still missing after the tsunami disaster. MAY THE LORD COMFORT THESE HURTING FAMILIES & MAY 2005 BRING MANY GOOD THINGS FOR BOTH GERMANS AND AMERICANS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Click HERE for some NEW YEAR FUN!

WHAT'S NEXT?
The LORD says, "People who never before inquired about me are now asking about me. I am being found by people who were not looking for me. To them I have said, `I am here!' (Isaiah 65)
"It makes you wonder what's next!" my friend said just now on the phone as we talked about the tsunami. It was only 3 months ago that she rode out hurricane Ivan here in Pensacola - God protected her and her home while many others lost so much. Then earlier this morning, another friend told me of a woman she works with who last week had a dream of a very large wave killing people! It was so upsetting and when she asked the Lord how she could pray to help the people, He replied that it was too late. Sadly, 1/3 of the victims of this tsunami are chldren. When tragedy hits, it touches so many. Tsumanis, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires are happening all around us and for me, I have been crying and praying. However, my focus has to turn to God for help and for hope, to the Son of God Who forgives and loves me, to the Holy Spirit Who fills me with peace in the storms of life. Jesus is coming back for His bride, all those who follow Him, and he said in Matthew 24, "You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected." THANK YOU, FATHER, FOR LOVING US. PLEASE HELP ALL THOSE WHO ARE HURTING RIGHT NOW AND SHOW THEM THE WAY. MAY WE ALL BE READY WHEN YOU COME AGAIN, LORD!

TSUNAMI VIDEO
Keep praying!
Video 1, Video 2, and Video 3 (more: Cheese and Crackers & Whizbang!)
DEAR LORD JESUS, PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON THE VICTIMS OF THIS HORRIBLE TRAGEDY AS NOW THE SURVIORS NEED CLEAN WATER AND FOOD!

BETHANY HAMLITON LOVES JESUS (Book by Bethany - Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board)
In the midst of all the negative headlines, some positive news for 2004 shone through. Bethany Hamilton lost an arm, but she never lost her heart. In a triumph over adversity, the brave Hawaiian girl whose arm was bitten off by a shark at the end of 2003 got back up on her surfboard to ride the waves at the start of this year. Bethany Hamilton, 13, surfed in a competition in Hawaii in January only 10 weeks after losing her left arm in the shark attack. She placed fifth in her age group in a National Scholastic Surfing Association meet. In the competition, Bethany caught a 6-foot-wave, using her left foot to help her propel the board. Bethany made headlines after she was attacked on Oct. 31, 2003, as she lay on her surfboard in the waters off Kauai's North Shore. Her left arm was dangling in the water when the fish, possibly a tiger shark, bit her below the shoulder and then disappeared. She had surgery to amputate her arm and repair the wound, and was back in the water by Thanksgiving Day of 2003. Bethany is a Christian and credits the Lord with her success!

MAMA HUG
This past Sunday, I was greatly pleased and surprised when we went to church and Mama Hug (Barbara Stevens) preached! She is a friend and co-laborer who has a wonderful ministry that I was involved in when I lived in Pensacola while going to Bible School. Her ministry, Abundant Life (website) is committed to seeing people experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give and their vision is to fulfill the mission of Jesus as stated in Luke 4:18-19:
* Preach the Gospel to the poor
* Heal the brokenhearted
* Proclaim liberty to the captives
* Proclaim recovery of sight to the blind
* Set at liberty those who are oppressed
* Proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD
She will be traveling to Germany in 2005 and if you want her to visit your church, please contact me at cathyjpalmer@yahoo.com or contact her at mamahug@mamahug.org

TRAGEDY STRIKES SUNDAY
Our Christmas joy has been greatly dampened by news of the devastating tsunami that has taken thousands of lives and left countless others injured and homeless. May the Lord bring comfort, healing and salvation to every family touched by this disaster. Reading about the earthquake that triggered the huge waves reminds me of two other earthquakes from the Bible. when Jesus died there was an earthquake and the Roman officer and other soldiers at the crucifixion who were terrified by it and by all that had happened, said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" Then a few days later, early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a another great earthquake because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. The scriptures say that His face shone like lightning and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women, "Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you." May this life-changing message spread like wild fire across the globe touching many!

Grandma and Hannah
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Hope you are having a happy holiday with family and friends!!!

FEMA BLUE ROOFS
Sea of Blue: Testament to Hurricane Ivan’s brutal winds, more than 49,000 and counting damaged roofs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have been wrapped in blue tarps while homeowners wait to have the roofs replaced or repaired. With labor and material shortages, blue roofs likely will dot the landscape for months to come. It was only 3 months ago when hurricane Ivan hit Pensacola and even though much has been cleaned up, there are still many homeless. Today, Linda drove me to Tiger Point in Gulf Breeze and I saw many large, expensive homes totally destroyed along the beach. May the Lord bless these people and may they turn to Jesus, the only One who brings true comfort and peace in any storm.

BIRTHDAY TORCH!
Today I am one year older and still burning for Jesus more than ever! I was born the same year that Israel became a nation, so here is Isaiah's prayer for Jerusalem in Isaiah 62
"Because I love Zion, because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. The nations will see your righteousness. Kings will be blinded by your glory. And the LORD will give you a new name. The LORD will hold you in his hands for all to see--a splendid crown in the hands of God. Never again will you be called the Godforsaken City or the Desolate Land. Your new name will be the City of God's Delight and the Bride of God, for the LORD delights in you and will claim you as his own. Your children will care for you with joy, O Jerusalem, just as a young man cares for his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride: O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray to the LORD day and night for the fulfillment of his promises. Take no rest, all you who pray. Give the LORD no rest until he makes Jerusalem the object of praise throughout the earth. The LORD has sworn to Jerusalem by his own strength: I will never again hand you over to your enemies. Never again will foreign warriors come and take away your grain and wine. You raised it, and you will keep it, praising the LORD. Within the courtyards of the Temple, you yourselves will drink the wine that you have pressed. Go out! Prepare the highway for my people to return! Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see. The LORD has sent this message to every land: "Tell the people of Israel, `Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.' They will be called the Holy People and the People Redeemed by the LORD. And Jerusalem will be known as the Desirable Place and the City No Longer Forsaken."

CHRISTIAN AND NAOMI IN JAPAN
Yesterday, I received an email and this pic from my friends Christian and Naomi who planted a church in Japan one year ago. They met at Bible school in Florida and got married after they graduated - Christian is from Switzerland and Naomi is from Japan and now they have two beautiful children - GOD IS SOOOO GOOD!

CAN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY BE NEIGHBORS?
By midcentury, at least one in five Europeans will be Muslim. That change is unlike other waves of immigration because it poses a more essential challenge: defining a modern Judeo-Christian-Islamic civilization. The West must decide how its laws and values will shape and be shaped by Islam. For Europe, as well as the United States, the question is not which civilization, Western or Islamic, will prevail, but which of Islam's many strands will dominate.
Chicago Tribune: Islam shaping a new Europe
Fox News: Comparing Christians to Terrorists
Other news: Germany to stop accepting all ex-Soviet Jews

3 GENERATIONS
It has been over a year since seeing my daughter, Linda, and granddaugher, Hannah, so it was very exciting when they arrived today in Atlanta! Last night friends came by for Mark & Stacey's home fellowship and after a delicious dinner, we shared how God was moving in our lives followed with praying for one another - always a wonderful way to end an evening! Later today Linda, Hannah, and I will head down south to Pensacola for the holidays. "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD , you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth." (verses from Psalm 34 that Hannah memorized and shared with us!)

DEVEREUX
Yesterday, I again visited Stacey's work, Devereux Georgia, this time with guitar was asked to sing so I sang about my Best Friend, Jesus. Then in the classroom some of the girls joined me to sing Christmas carols and again I got to pray for a few of the teens that were struggling - I really enjoyed going. May the Lord bless these young people and may nothing stop them from fulfilling their destiny for the glory of God!

Enjoying the wonderful Georgia sunshine
CONNECTION!
Yesterday and today I could not get online with this wireless connection until just NOW! And being alone all day with no vehicle allowed me to spend A LOT of time with the Lord and listening to the powerful Revival Fire cd (listen online here). Then I wrote this poem/song:

At last we can say, the time has now come
Are you listening my daughter? Are you listening my son?
Look all around you, God's Kingdom is here
It is a new season and it's a new year.

Ready or not, I am coming again
For my bride, my beloved, my very best friend
Is your name written in my heavenly book?
Have you read the Bible? Have you taken a look?

Eternal life is free, being offered to you
God is speaking. Are you listening? What will you do?
He loves you so much that He gave His one Son
Saying, “Come to me my child, please don’t turn and run.”

“I’ve chosen you by name, so come to me now.
New life I will give you, let me show you how.
If you turn now to Jesus and turn from your sin
And give me your heart letting the Savior in.”

Wow! I am thinking, can this be all true?
Forgiven forever and totally loved too?
It all sounds so good, but what if it’s a lie
I want to believe and I don’t want to die.

Oh God are you listening? It is me talking now.
They say that you love me, but I don’t know how.
So many things I have done that were wrong.
Is it true in my heart you will put a new song?

Please Jesus I need you – my life is a mess
Come into my heart - all my sins I confess
I believe that you died on the cross long ago
To save me and heal me – don't let me go.

Come Spirit of God - fill my heart from above
With power and joy wrapped in pure holy love.
As I look back at all my mistakes
Now I want Jesus whatever it takes!

Then I heard Him say, "I love you and always will.
Never be afraid to trust me and be still.
I have much more for you every day
Arise and come away to hear what I say.”

Stacey in her art classroom
GRAFFITI 101
Today I went with Stacey where she teaches art and Spanish to emotionally and behaviorally disturbed teenagers in a residential treatment facility. These are kids from all over America who have been in much trouble with the law. I visited last year and we sang Christmas songs, but today I taught them how to draw bubble letter art. Stacey and I jokingly called the class, “Graffiti 101” – they liked that! Overall, it was a great day but quite exhausting. These teens are what I call "diamonds in the rough" - rough on the outside but with great potential once they put their lives into the hands of THE Diamond Cutter - JESUS! Some are Christians and others are open. Hers is a very demanding job and I am amazed how Stacey is able to do this everyday with only 2 weeks vacation a year. She says, “It’s Jesus and His grace!” These kids have been through A LOT with many painful stories - one 14-year-old boy is getting out in 3 days but will live with his grandfather because his mother who just got out of prison, is going into the hospital for cancer. He was upset and worried, so we asked if I could pray for him and he said yes. As he wiped his eyes, we told him that the Lord hadn’t forgotten him even though sometimes it felt like it and that God was with Him every step of the way. BLESS THESE KIDS WE ASK, FATHER, AND SHOW THEM MORE AND MORE EACH DAY OF YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS, HEALING THEIR HEARTS AND SAVING THEIR SOULS!

MIRACLE IN CHINA!
Today I received this photo and email from friends and fellow FIRE servants saying, "Please find enclosed a picture of our little miracle in China. Thanks again for all your prayers and contributions to saving her life and her soul." Little Melissa was found in a dumpster one year ago! In Matthew 18 it says, "Jesus called a small child over to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck." CHILDREN ARE WONDERFUL GIFTS FROM GOD AND AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE ARE ALSO CHILDREN OF GOD!

Photos taken before Hurricane Ivan
PENSACOLA
Tomorrow I leave for the USA, staying with friends in the Atlanta area for one week before heading south to spend Christmas with my children in Pensacola - and YES, I am excited! It has been over one year since being back and I am looking forward to seeing everyone, especially my seven year old granddaughter, Hannah. I plan to continue posting blogs here, but it may not happen everyday, so stay tuned and be blessed!

WHY I DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL by Cathy Palmer
"For he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth," said an angel of the Lord to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist in Luke 1
What about drinking as a Christian? How much is too much? Should we drink at all? Should we preach against drinking? Where do you draw the line? Please tell me the ADVANTAGES of drinking alcohol? Here in Germany and across Europe, most Christians think that occasional drinking is ok. I personally decided years before going to Bible School not to drink at all. Why? I do not want to stumble anyone plus I see how alcohol has destroyed so many lives around me. But more than that, the last time I had a glass of wine was at a secular Christmas party MANY years ago and I remember thinking, "I don't care what God thinks." This TOTALLY freaked me out because I ALWAYS want to care what God thinks! So I never drank alcohol again (except with occasional communion over which I have no control). While doing a word search on "alcohol" in the NLT, this is what I found and they are all warnings against it:
Leviticus 10:9 "You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be kept by all future generations."
Numbers 6:3 "they must give up wine and other alcoholic drinks. They must not use vinegar made from wine, they must not drink other fermented drinks or fresh grape juice, and they must not eat grapes or raisins."
Judges 13:4 "You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink or eat any forbidden food."
Judges 13:7 "But he told me, `You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink or eat any forbidden food. For your son will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.'"
Judges 13:14 "She must not eat grapes or raisins, drink wine or any other alcoholic drink, or eat any forbidden food."
Hosea 4:11 "Alcohol and prostitution have robbed my people of their brains." (my personal favorite!)
Now let me ask this, how can a person know if their drinking of alcohol is causing someone to stumble or not? I propose that you cannot always know and thus, I believe the better path is not to drink at all.
Romans 14:20 "Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble."
Romans 14:21 "Don't eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another Christian to stumble."
1 Corinthians 8:9 "But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble."
1 Corinthians 8:13 "If what I eat is going to make another Christian sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live--for I don't want to make another Christian stumble."
And even Proverbs has nothing positive about wine:
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise."
Proverbs 21:17 "Those who love pleasure become poor; wine and luxury are not the way to riches."
Proverbs 23:31 "Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you."
Proverbs 31:4 "And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor."
Proverbs 31:6 "Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression."
May we each do what gives us peace in our hearts and glorifies JESUS CHRIST as we obey the Spirit of God in this matter.

SURPRISE VISTORS!
Gregg Montella and his fiance, Maria Prus, FIRE missionaries traveling from Poland to Holland stopped in Berlin for one night - what a great surprise! Check out the FIRE Holland website here. May the LORD bless them, keep them, and make His face to shine brightly on them each and every day we pray!

JESUS: THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!
My first Christmas after becoming born-again was so exciting as I would hear songs in the stores about my Savior, Jesus! That was 28 years ago and today there is an on-going battle in America to remove Christ out of Christmas, to take God out of Schools, and to rewrite the history of our Christian-Judeo heritage. This has been happening here as well as I see little if any signs of Baby Jesus anywhere this time of year. There are lots of colored blinking lights, lots of Santa Clauses, and lots of holiday markets, but sadly I haven't seen one nativity scene anywhere in Berlin, Germany! In the USA, according to the Herald Tribune, parents Ben and Sherry Burkhart rallied against the policy at their child’s elementary school to evict Jesus and Christmas out of schools. They believed that if students can sing and celebrate other holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, students should be able to sing and celebrate Jesus as well. Sherry Burkhart summed up the sentiment of most Americans by saying, “I’m just tired of Christianity being politically incorrect.” (link Merry What? The Fight over Keeping Christ in Christmas!). Now read what REALLY happened over 2000 years ago...
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2)
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancé, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said. MAY YOU HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Book Recommendation: COWBOY CAPITALISM by Olaf Gersemann
MYTH: "Americans work three jobs just to make ends meet, and unemployment is low only because so many people are in jail." That’s what most European (and many American) pundits believe. While the U.S. economy may create more growth, Europeans think they are better off when it comes to job security, income equality, and other factors. But does European-style "comfy capitalism" really deliver better results than American “cowboy capitalism”? Olaf Gersemann, a German reporter who came to America, checked the facts and discovered that the common perception in Europe and elsewhere of America's economic model is either wrong or misleading. The greater market freedoms in the United States create a more flexible, adaptable, and prosperous system than the declining welfare states of Europe. Contrary to what one might expect, continental Europe’s welfare states provide no meaningful advantage compared with America. In clear and accessible terms, Gersemann separates the economic myths from the reality. The book, "Cowboy Capitalism" is a provocative and devastating rebuttal to the stereotypes promoted by the likes of Paul Krugman and Michael Moore. And it's not about trumpeting American superiority; it’s about helping Western European countries achieve the robust growth and job creation their citizens deserve.
Comment: "This book offers an excellent comparison of U.S. capitalism with the ‘social’ model of Germany, France, and Italy. It is also a penetrating study of anti-market propaganda. Olaf Gersemann shows that the features of the American model that are attacked most by European critics from both left and right are those which continental Europe actually needs in order to overcome the social problems of high unemployment and to make the European economy more dynamic and competitive. The book displays a rare combination of clarity, passion, and moderation. I highly recommend that this book be widely read on both sides of the Atlantic." —LESZEK BALCEROWICZ, Former Finance Minister of Poland
Links:
Read more at amazon.com
700 Club article "Paradise Lost: Swedish, European Economy Muddled in Mediocrity"

"TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART; DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING" - Proverbs 3:5
Can I just right now say it: THANK YOU, LORD! Yes, after reading another news article of how a California public school principal is trying to change our American history by removing God out of it, I am VERY thankful that my daughter recently removed my granddaughter from the public school and placed her into a Christian school. Many teachers - not all of course - but too many are believing the lie that we need to keep God out of the school. This could be no further than the truth! In fact, the American public school system began in order to teach children how to read the Bible! And the first Webster dictionary was filled with scripture references. We need to heed our founding fathers and go back to our roots, doing what it says on all our American money "IN GOD WE TRUST". I like what the disciple John wrote: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God's children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn't difficult. For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5) FORGIVE US LORD, FOR NOT TRUSTING YOU AND FOR TRYING TO DO OUR WAY INSTEAD OF YOURS.


LAST NIGHT
A cool thing happened yesterday on the u-bahn on the way to the Glimm evening house church. A young couple was sitting in front of me, facing me, figuring out their new digital camera. I was thinking I would ask if they wanted me to take their photo, but before I could, they asked me first! So I took several pictures and when we all got off at the Spandau station, I wanted to give them a tract but couldn't find one in time. So I prayed that the Lord would let me see them again if He wanted me to give it to them. I didn't see where they went but when I got off the escalator, there they were, right in front of me! So I said something like, "I wanted to give this to you. I'm a missionary." The girl spoke English said, "Oh, my friend here studied theology and he wants to go to church!" I asked where she lived and Tina lives right around the corner from me - hahahaha! So I gave them my card and when I got home last night, she had left a message with her phone number saying she wanted to meet again! SEHR COOL!

Blue and Gold Macaws are easy going clowns - just big puppies with feathers! Great talkers.
THE HOLY SPIRIT (more)
The Bible says that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and being unmarried and single, it is good to know that I am not alone! In both the old and new testament, the Holy Spirit is spoken of. He is the One of the personalities of our tri-une God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. He can be grieved (not good) and He can create (Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit). Jesus baptizes people with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Jesus was led out to the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the Devil. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven either in this world or in the world to come. The Holy Spirit inspires people to speak truth. We are to go and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove on Jesus when he came up out of the water when John baptized him. Before birth a baby can be filled with the Holy Spirit as well as the mother. The Holy Spirit can tell us about our future. The Holy Spirit fills us with power and with joy. Our heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. The Holy Spirit teaches us what needs to be said. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as promised by the Father. The Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and the world at large cannot receive him because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him, but we recognize him because he lives with us and in us. The Holy Spirit is the Counselor and the representative of Jesus - He teaches us everything and reminds us of everything Jesus told us. Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (read more) COME NOW HOLY SPIRIT AND FILL YOUR BRIDE OVERFLOWING US WITH POWER, JOY, LOVE, TRUTH, AND ALL YOU HAVE FOR US AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST!

"Jesus Kommi Wieder" by Simon Glimm (permission needed before reproducing)
EAST BERLIN
This afternoon, Maria and went to the house church and taught the children and their mothers English. Afterwards, while we were having tea and cookies, one of Andre's co-workers. Werner, came by to bring the family a box of apples. We shared the good news of Jesus Christ and we told how we got saved. I then asked if we could pray for him and he said yes but before we prayed I said, "You have heard all of us talk about the love of Jesus and being born-again. Would you like to be born-again too?" And Werner said yes! HALLELUJAH! After praying, we then had a wonderful time of worship and praising the Lord for His goodness. Then on the way home, Maria and I talked to a couple of loud young men sitting behind us who had been drinking and we got their interest when I said, "Well, we have something that is MUCH better than what you are drinking! It is SO good!" They asked what was it and I said, "Oh it is so good! In fact, we had just been drinking it. You should have some!" They REALLY wanted to know more. So I said, "This is NEW WINE! You get it when you give your heart to Jesus and He gives you His Holy Spirit!" They didn't know what to think! And even with some of their mocking, they both listened to our message of hope through Jesus and one of them said he never heard this before. He said he would read the tract I gave him and then give it to his girl friend to read! SAVE THEM, LORD JESUS! Then on another train after Maria left, I was sitting near 6 young men all in black leather jackets ready to go out for the night - they also were drinking and even smoking on the train which is forbidden. I THOUGHT they were speaking Polish, but when I gave them my Polish tracts, one of them come to me and asked in English, "What language is this?" Oops! They were Russian! But they did speak German and so I gave them a German tract and told them Jesus loved them in German. May these seeds sowed tonight take root and bear MUCH fruit, in Jesus name!

Daniel Glimm; Blowing the shofar; art by Cathy for BD card
HOLINESS TO THE LORD!
The battle cry of the Jesus Revolution is "Holiness to the Lord". This is the standard we raise high, this is our call to arms, this is the requirement for every soldier in the Lord's army, this is the banner under which all of us march, and this is the heart of the holy revolution (from "Revolution! The Call to Holy War" by Michael L. Brown)! And today we celebrated the birthday of one of the Lord's prophetic swat team leaders: Daniel Glimm. May nothing stop nor hinder the calling and destiny for this young man who passionately loves Jesus. AMEN!

Dennis Jernigan with wife Melinda
A SONG OF HOPE: FREEDOM FROM HOMOSEXUALITY
Read the powerful story of Dennis Jernigan's battle and victory overcoming the gay lifestyle through Jesus Christ! Here is a portion of it - click here to read it all: Then a well-known Christian group called "Second Chapter of Acts" came to our area and I felt an inner prompting to attend. During their concert, I was captivated by their sincerity and love for God. Then, in the middle of one song, they suddenly stopped. "God has put something on my heart," one member said. "There is somebody here who is hiding something so hurtful, so terrible, that they would be devastated if anyone found out about it. But God wants you to know that He sees it and He loves you anyway." Then we were encouraged to lift our burdens up to the Lord as we raised our hands to Him. This type of worship was new to me, but as I lifted my hands, God became more real to me than I had ever imagined! I realized that Jesus had lifted His hands for me--spreading them upon the cross. I knew that He was right beside me, willing to walk with me. I could be honest with Him. "Lord Jesus," I cried inside, "I can't change me or the mess I've gotten myself into--but You can." In that moment, I turned everything in my life over to Jesus: my thoughts, my emotions, my physical body ... and my past. For the first time, I realized that homosexuality was a sin that Jesus died for. I heard him say in my heart, "Dennis, I'm making you somebody brand new. My blood has paid your debt. You are free." (continued)

"His Call" by Simon Glimm (permission needed before reproducing)
THE END OF THE BOOK
This are the last lines of the last chapter in the last book of the Bible: The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let each one who hears them say, "Come." Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words of this prophetic book, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. (Revelation 22:17-21)

Can with his new flute; Tabea and Can leading worship at the house church; birthday card for Can - art by Cathy
TABEA AND CAN
Yesterday, it was Can's birthday and he turned 25 years old! Both he and Tabea are anointed musicians and lead worship at the house church, The Holy Place, on the streets, and anywhere you put them. The Lord brought them together and they will be getting married early next year. May the LORD richly bless Tabea and Can and use them even more in the Kingdom of God to bring freedom to many in the days ahead!

COME AND WORSHIP THE KING!
Sandra Kostic, a German FIRE grad & my sweet friend, is visiting Berlin for a few days and plans to relocate here in January. Besides the guitar, this anointed worshipper plays a variety of instruments including the keyboard and various flutes. BLESS YOU SANDRA, SONGBIRD OF THE LORD, MAY YOU NEVER STOP SINGING TO AND FOR JESUS WHO GREATLY DELIGHTS OVER YOU WITH HIS OWN SONG OF LOVE FOR YOU!

Worshipping in China with the underground church & Brother Yun, the "Heavenly Man"
WHAT IS "BACK TO JERUSALEM"?
The Back to Jerusalem vision is something that thousands of Chinese Christians are willing to die for. Why? When many people first hear about “Back to Jerusalem” they misinterpret that the Chinese Church wants to evangelize Jerusalem. The first thing to understand is that ‘Back to Jerusalem’ does not at all mean the Chinese want to rush to Jerusalem with the Gospel. The vision is much larger than that. The vision is a passion for the house churches of China. They pray about it daily, dream about it, and talk about it over breakfast, lunch and dinner and many feel it is God’s ultimate call and destiny for the Chinese Church, the very reason they exist! Back to Jerusalem refers to a call from God for the Chinese Church to preach the Gospel and establish fellowships of believers in all the countries, cities, towns, and ethnic groups between China and Jerusalem. This vision is no small task, for within those nations lay the three largest spiritual strongholds in the world today that have yet to be conquered by the Gospel: the giants of Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. More than 90% of the unreached people groups in the world today are located within the 10/40 window – more than 5,100 tribes and ethno-linguistic groups with little or no Gospel witness. Of the world’s 50 least-Christian and least-evangelized countries, all 50 are located within this region! (click http://www.backtojerusalem.com/ for more info)

HANNAH AND HER BUNNY
Last night, I talked to Hannah, my granddaughter and her mother, Linda (my daughter). They sent some photos along with a couple of video clips of them both jumping on Hannah's new trampoline - I am looking forward to visiting them for Christmas in Pensacola, Florida, as it has been one year since I've been to America! Of course, I will miss my Berlin "family" here, but I will be back. And tomorrow, Asia & I will be at a FIRE International missions retreat in Bischofsheim until Friday, so no blogs will be posted during that time. So until next time, here are some interesting links to check out:
Gästehäuser Hohe Rhön
FIRE International
Crazy Christians
Linda's Website
Asia's page
The Bible
May you have a GREAT week with your Best Friend, JESUS!

"Warrior with Jesus" art by Simon Glimm (permission needed before reproducing)
"IT IS FINISHED!"
Read the powerful words of Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest today:
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I have finished the work which You have given Me to do —John 17:4
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The death of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment in history of the very mind and intent of God. There is no place for seeing Jesus Christ as a martyr. His death was not something that happened to Him—something that might have been prevented. His death was the very reason He came. Never build your case for forgiveness on the idea that God is our Father and He will forgive us because He loves us. That contradicts the revealed truth of God in Jesus Christ. It makes the Cross unnecessary, and the redemption "much ado about nothing." God forgives sin only because of the death of Christ. God could forgive people in no other way than by the death of His Son, and Jesus is exalted as Savior because of His death. "We see Jesus . . . for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor . . ." ( Hebrews 2:9 ). The greatest note of triumph ever sounded in the ears of a startled universe was that sounded on the Cross of Christ— "It is finished!" ( John 19:30 ). That is the final word in the redemption of humankind. Anything that lessens or completely obliterates the holiness of God, through a false view of His love, contradicts the truth of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. Never allow yourself to believe that Jesus Christ stands with us, and against God, out of pity and compassion, or that He became a curse for us out of sympathy for us. Jesus Christ became a curse for us by divine decree. Our part in realizing the tremendous meaning of His curse is the conviction of sin. Conviction is given to us as a gift of shame and repentance; it is the great mercy of God. Jesus Christ hates the sin in people, and Calvary is the measure of His hatred.

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION!
Yesterday, on my way to teach children English at a home church in the east of Berlin, I stopped to buy some flowers and while in the shop, a man heard me speak and asked if I was from America. We began to have a friendly chat but then he proceeded to verbally abuse America and President Bush saying he was like Hitler and should be shot! I refused to argue with his guy but I did rebuke his word curse in Jesus name and said we need to pray for our leaders. This anti-America/anti-Bush attitude is a very common mindset here in Berlin and throughout all of Europe these days. The liberal news both here and America have an agenda, but the voters made it clear who we wanted in the White House! I found a few interesting verses today written by King Solomon:
Proverbs 11:14 - Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety.
Proverbs 14:34 - Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 28:2 - When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.
May the LORD bless & protect President Bush, his family, his staff, and may all the world leaders turn to God Almighty for wisdom in these challenging days!

NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Lately, I've been feeling very patriotic about my home country, America. And even though as disciples of Christ we are citizens of heaven, it is good to be grateful for our individual countries as well and pray for them. So, Asia, who is from Poland, and I have been listening to our national anthems as well as to Germany's. Here are the links:
USA
Poland
Germany
"And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit,[1] with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. (Rev 22) MAY THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY BRING HEALING TO THE NATIONS!

"Bush Prayed" art by Simon Glimm (premission needed before reproducing)
FREEDOM
America greatly values freedom and when this freedom is threatened in any way, she takes action whether it be with military strength or with humble hearts in prayer. The Lord is raising up an army of intercessors and prayer warriors across the globe. Today we read of the horrible murder of international aid worker Margaret Hassan by terrorists in Iraq. Who is willing to risk their lives to stop this madness of the slaughter of innocent people? America is along those who align with her. President Bush is a God-fearing man who prays. We need courageous world leaders who trust in the Lord and listen to His voice for wisdom. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free." Paul wrote "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time... For the Father has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation." GOD BLESS AMERICA AND LET FREEDOM RING!

"Safely Home" by artist Ron DiCianni
REPENTANCE DAY (BUSS UND BETTAG)
Even though today is Repentance Day in Germany, it is only observed in the Saxony area of the nation which was part of the former communist East Germany. Saxony is considered the motherland of the Reformation and the most successful Protestant missionaries also come this area. Interestingly, this is the location of many significant events, like the 100 year prayer meeting with Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians which happened in Herrnhut. And the fall of the Berlin Wall was due in large part to a growing prayer meeting in Leipzig in 1989. In Luke 13 it says, "About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were sacrificing at the Temple in Jerusalem. 'Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than other people from Galilee?' he asked. "Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will also perish unless you turn from your evil ways and turn to God. And what about the eighteen men who died when the Tower of Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will also perish." May the spirit of Repentance again flood all of Germany and spread across the globe we pray in Jesus name!

PSALM 121
Today Tabea, Can, & I watched the 1965 movie classic, "The Sound of Music," which is based on the Von Trapp Family singers, a real family from Austria. In the movie, a portion of Psalm 121 is quoted and here is the whole psalm which is very good! "I look up to the mountains-- does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."

"Krieger für Christus" by Simon Glimm (permission needed before reproducing)
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Today I received an email from a young fellow missionary who is working in Ukraine with a FIRE missions team there. He spoke of the continual harassment from some local youth who have stolen stuff and scratched their cars. Here is my reply to him:
"I believe the guys that are harassing you all are there to teach you UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, among other things. What would Jesus do? Of course, wisdom says bind the demons when they literally attack you, but ask the Lord to give you HIS eyes and HIS heart for these hurting, broken, & VERY lost people. Here in Berlin, I was once choked by a witch until the LORD distracted her, then the police arrested her. A few months later, I was able to confront her in love at the train station, but haven't seen her since. Then another time, a demon possessed woman spit on me and from that I got to share the Gospel with a young man who asked me why I didn't hit her. Another time, when I saw a young man commit suicide by jumping in front of the train (very tragic), I was able to share Jesus with another young man who was walking next to me as we left the scene. And while carring my 3 foot large cross one day, a woman came up to me screaming in German in great rage and anger. I understood none of it and on the train again I had the opportuinity to share Jesus with a fellow who also heard this woman. And another time, a girl came up to asking directions to a street which just happened to be where I was going, so I knew this was a divine appointment. I shared Jesus with her and after crossing one street, there was a 3 car accident right where we had been. A few miniutes later, ANOTHER car accident happened across the street, again right where we had walked. I told her this is a prophetic picture of people's lives who refuse to turn to Jesus - they crash! And so it goes. But out of each of these bad situations, the Lord brought something good - hallelujah! You know our FIRE missionary in Poland has been robbed 5 times which includes loosing their van and another time robbers entered their home, stealing $8,000 worth of stuff while the family of 7 along with their visitors where sleeping! The Lord enabled the 4 thieves to be arrested (this even shocked the police - most thieves are never caught in Poland) and the missionaries got back some of their stuff. In any case, out of all this the Lord is doing a wonderful, deep work in the hearts of this missionary family AND it is speaking VOLUMES to their Polish community about unconditional love and forgiveness! What the devil means for evil, the LORD WILL TURN FOR GOOD! I pray the troublemakers in your midst will become the next evangelists in the community, spreading the Gospel to all, in Jesus name! LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS!!! "Humanly speaking it is impossible. But with God EVERYTHING is POSSIBLE!" (Jesus - Matt 19)