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)