Dear Friends,
Who is this God who gives every star a name? Technology has allowed us to discover 10(22) stars to date. If you were to list the name of every discovered star in a phone book, you could cover the entire country of Austria with phone books and stack them 230 feet deep! We stand in awe of God who reaches far beyond our understanding, but yet He is personal, caring, and loving ("He heals the brokenhearted." Ps. 147:3)
Annual Youth Convention in Innsbruck a.k.a. PFIJU '09
"Called to Shine", was the theme of the annual youth conference this year. I was able to bring seven volunteers from our church in Lancaster to help convert a public high school into a youth convention. My topic was to teach a fantastic job challenging his fellow countrymen to rise above mediocrity. As he stated, one way to shine is by serving the city. So that is what we did: a free car wash, visits to retirement homes to sing, pray and take the elderly out for walks, and painting. Yes, we painted the inside of the public school with bright colours as requested by the principal. The youth were also able to raise $2000 to give to a local orphanage. The "highlight" of the weekend, however, was on Sunday night, when the young people were given the opportunity to rekindle a heart-to-heart relationship with God. They wrote their thoughts down on heart-shaped post it notes, and stuck them to large hearts on the wall of the auditorium.
Two Shining Stars: Chris and Tine Urch
Both Chris and Tine are youth leaders in our old Church in Graz. They have joined us for three months in an internship: "We are learning so much personally through the church in Lancaster. It is amazing to see how God provides more than we need." This couple is considering going into the ministry in Austria, and they are gathering some great ideas and impressions that they can bring back to their church in Graz.
Reinforcements...
I had a chance to meet with Robert Wascher this month in Austria. His wife is doing better, he has a missionary family moving into the area for extra help, and he is joining together with the Janz Team from Germany to increase his resources and opportunities to reach his valley for Christ. Recently while gathering statistics (his side-job) Robert came to a homestead with very cold reception. Since they are required by law to answer some questions, they invited Robert to come in. Robert is so personable, and soon the discussion turned to faith. He found that they had been to a Bible Study in the past. They were, however, turned away, always feeling guilty when they read the Bible. Robert was able to reaffirm that there is no condemnation in Christ, and through tears the couple accepted Christ as Savior! Please continue to pray for Robert and Hanna...I could tell you stories...
John and Liesi Doss are close to becoming Titus Missionaries. Please pray for them working in Eisenstadt outside of Vienna in a church plant. Liesi was in our discipleship school (first class) and John is from California. Currently they are offering some follow-up courses after Pro-Christ (an evangelistic outreach by satellite TV).
I will be teaching at an English camp in Austria this summer. Please pray for all the camps, and thank you for your concern. God hears the cries of every broken-hearted Austrian. We can be a part of answering a prayer or two.
In God's Hands,
Bobby, Jen, and Kids Parschauer
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