Berlin, Germany

September 2008

Dave and Jody just returned from a 2 week visit in Berlin. They observed many new and exciting things happening with the church in Berlin since last year. Here are some highlights:

• at a Sunday morning house church gathering, we counted 6-7 new Christians or folks on the edge of accepting Christ
• Matthias and Debora Karcher are now pastoring the Vineyard Köpenick (one of the house churches of Vineyard Berlin)
• the Berlin Vineyard has expanded from one house church in Friederichshagen to several around the city
• there are many stories of prayers and physical healings
• one new Christian told of how he's noticed that since accepting Christ, he's much more aware of others around him rather than only his own business
• the Vineyard Köpenick is running an Alpha program every Sunday evening, and are expecting that to turn into a new house church in about 6 weeks.

Ken and Leilani Hall spent 8 weeks in Berlin this summer, and have many stories to tell and pictures to share. Check out their blog which is full of stories and photos, especially regarding the "Love Berlin" event that took place over the summer. Church groups from all over Europe went to Berlin, one group each week for 10 weeks, to join the church in Berlin in praying for and talking to non-Christians. Many powerful healings and encounters happened.

And what do our friends in Berlin need from us? Prayer. Lots of prayer. They're excited about what God is doing, thrilled to see Him moving so powerfully among them. Please continue to pray for His powerful presence, for health and rest and energy for the leaders, and for growth and health for all those who are finding Christ for the first time.

Berlin 2007 blog and photos here.

In September 2007, Dave and Jody Nixon took a group to visit the Vineyard Netz Berlin. This is a network of house churches in Berlin, Germany. The Nixons have already visited with these friends twice and both times have been welcomed very warmly. This group is much like Vineyard Central in mission, wanting to live and work in a neighborhood, loving the people around them. Living in east Germany, and in the eastern side of Berlin, they face obstacles in that the people around them are skeptical of friendship, and not always open to the kindness of others.

During their visits to Berlin, the Nixons have developed a friendship with Jochen and Steffi Hackstein, the pastors of Vineyard Netz Berlin. September 10-17, 2007 we took a group from VC over to stay with these German friends. Those who went with us were Ken and Leilani Hall, Todd and Anthony Long, Leslie Nixon, and Beth Simpson. The main purpose of our trip was to build relationships, bring encouragement, and serve. We spent our time hanging out with several family from the Vineyard Berlin: the Hacksteins, the Karchers, the Eigenbrodts, and the Reinkobers, as well as a neighbor of theirs, Judith and her daughters. We talked, ate, laughed, sang, prayed, and shared stories. And we served. We helped the Eigenbrodts work on their new garden property, a lovely little place tucked away in a more woodsy area, where they can invite their friends to come and talk and learn more about Christ. And we helped to host a Kinderfest / Grill Party where more than 80 neighbors gathered. We played games with the kids and gave our German hosts the opportunity to talk with their neighbors about life. Click on the link above for a more detailed account of the trip as well as photos.

We hope to go again, perhaps a year from now. We also invited our new German friends to come and visit us at VC anytime.

If you'd like to be on the contact list for future possibilities, email Jody.

The Nixons' story ... how we connected with Berlin in the first place:
In March of 2004 a young man from Berlin, Germany came to stay in the convent for 5 months. His name was Matthias. We fell in love with him. In August of that year, he fell in love with our oldest daughter, Kimberly. One year later, in September of 2005, he and our daughter got married. It was a beautiful celebration of community, not just our neighborhood but the community of Christ that stretches from Norwood, Ohio to Eastern Germany. Matthias� family and friends came to the US for the wedding, and we fell in love with them as well.

In December of 2005 we took our first trip to Berlin to celebrate the holidays with Matthias and Kim and Matthias� family. At that time we met Jochen and Steffi Hackstein who pastor the Vineyard Netz Berlin, which is the church that Matthias and Kim worship with. We felt an immediate kinship. This is a couple in their mid 30's with 4 children who have big hearts for their neighbors. They oversee the network of house churches. The Hacksteins bought a house that they share with Matthias and Deborah Karcher who have 3 young children. Matthias and Deborah lead the house church that meets in their home.

In September of 2006, we returned to Berlin for a 2 week sabbatical. During that time we met with the Vineyard Netz Berlin a couple of times, worshiping with them in song and prayer, sharing stories, learning more about each other. In a country where people do not normally greet each other on the street and are very wary of strangers, we were welcomed with warm hugs and smiles into this home church. The first time we worshiped together, Dave and Kim each tried to translate for me (Jody) into English, whispering into my ear. After a few moments of that, I let them know they could stop ... I don't quite know how to explain it ... I understood what was going on without hearing the actual words in my own language. The Spirit was sweet. It brought me to tears to sing and pray with these dear people.

Our hearts have been unexpectedly and deeply touched by the people of Berlin. From the warm smiles of these Vineyard friends to the expressionless faces of those riding the S-Bahn (public transportation). We want to return regularly to this country, to encourage and love those in the Vineyard Netz Berlin family, and to serve them in any way we can.

Copyright 2008 • Vineyard Central
1757 Mills Avenue, Norwood, OH 45212 • 513-396-7202