"I have a dream" Micha Brück once said in front of the congregation on a Wednesday devotional...

Every town is known for something in specific. We call our city "Weltstadt mit Herz", which means "cosmopolitan city with a heart". But did you ever think about what your church is known as?

If I for example look at Micha, and this is my personal opinion, he represents so much heart bringing into the church, that you feel extremely loved, appreciated and unconditionally accepted even if you just did something totally silly or foolish and are located knee-deep in a schlamassel (how the jews call it. You might translate it with get my foot out of my mouth).

I remember a Wednesday devotional, when Micha Brück, our church leader and member of the team leadership, stood in front of the congregation during midweek service, including us in a dream he had for our church.
He said: "My vision for our church, that we are known as servants".

I guess this weekend god fulfilled his and our dream with the
European Leadership Meeting 2004.

What do I mean by that? The bible tells us:
1. Peter 4, 9-10: Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Hebrew 13, 2: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it

More than 100 participants of about 40 churches from different European Countries were welcomed. Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Yugoslavia and even Great Britain, Jerusalem and the US.

My personal special thanks to all the disciples who were host of about 60 participants of the meeting. Just some background stories: Although being out of town, a couple handed over their house key, accompanying during their absence 6 brothers and providing a full refrigerator (the guests threatened to bring salami from their country so they don't have to starve). A sister moved out of her apartment as there was no room anymore for two brothers elsewhere. One brother told me, when he was welcomed by his hosts, he felt so much like home. And that describes best our goal. Not only be servants to our guests BUT being a truly united, caring and loving family. My home is your home and your wish is my wish.

Don't ask me how difficult it can be to coordinate registration, arrivals, special wishes or needs, pick ups, accommodations or any other kind of information having to be handed over to each participant in a personal way. If I ever forgot to tell you, Agnieszka, thanks for doing that job during the Budapest Retreat.

It was a very special setting, arranged as we picture it 2000 years ago. Every little group of 6-8 had a Greek loaf of bread and a glass of juice in front of them. Lesson for that night was "The Passion of Christ". All the participants sat on the floor on pillows like back in the old times, listening to Thierry Fender (Geneva Church) on "Paul - The Message of the Cross" and Mirko Russo (Berlin Church) leading us through the setting and getting our heart prepared to what was going to come. The hassle of the day was long-forgotten. A closeness and relaxed atmosphere I never experienced in any meeting before settled in. It crossed my mind, that for me (as a woman) it almost felt like Maria sitting there and listening to the word of god.

We watched a section of the movie "Passion of Christ" from Mel Gibson to remember what Jesus did for us and to once more fix our eyes on him.
"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly".

At this point everybody not only felt united or close to his fellow brother or sister... after breaking the bread and taking the cup we once again felt united and close to Christ and to his love for us, which made him go through all this pain. Many had tears in their eyes and a broken heart - but it is always a healing and reconnecting incident to the one who loved us first.

You might have been tired because of the last week's demands, but to see so much love in one room is so overwhelming. A united family of different cultures, backgrounds, problems and expectations BUT the same dedication, foundation and dream. There was no sign of inequality but brotherly/sisterly love and appreciation of every attendant. Nobody wanted to leave the room and head back to their accommodation for some rest.

Saturday
The next morning started with an introduction by Frank Großklaus (Düsseldorf Church) "Restore Christ" and some thoughts by Thierry Fender (Geneva Church). It was followed up by a presentation of every single Church with their actual situation and needs.

Let's pray for the needs and requests mentioned (jumbled list)

• Men who step in and take responsibility as leaders in the church / staff
• Provided training and teaching
• Listen, respond and understand each other
• Grow and mature spiritually, building own foundation
• Build conviction how to lead church and young marrieds
• What is the purpose of our live
• Deep relationships
• Dedication to mission
• Restore Faith and Commitment
• Faith for growth
• Family atmosphere and spirituality
• Church unity worldwide
• How to serve each other and be more joyful
• To concentrate on god
• Help disciples to be stronger
• Accept small groups and authority
• Installed fellowship and discipleship
• Loving one another
• Serving poor and needy
• To understand my gifts and how to use them for the church
• Install Deacons and Elders
• More connection and commitment in friendship
• See our responsibility
• Learn to understand good more deeply
• That god shows us his plan where we have to go
• Be more zealous and have focus on others
• Show more encouragement
• Stable in faith
• Be more real in love for god, sisters/brothers and others
• Enjoy salvation
• Build personal relationships
• Listen to each other
• Help in problems of the married
• Heart for the lost
• Church planting in the next year
• Brothers/sisters to come back to church
• Mature to handle disputable manners
• Full time ministry and staff
• Remain committed to the lord
• Leadership, Vision, Consensus, Advisory team, restoring convictions
• Redefining who we are
• Stand on own faith and not rely on others
• Visit churches in need
• Confess sin
• Zeal based on vision and foundation
  

"We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him" John 9:31

Figure the moment when a disciple of a church with a membership of 8 steps up talking about how the church is working through highs and lows and asking for a specific prayer, followed by a church leader with 40 times more members and we know there is no status difference whatsoever and being just all one in our goal, foundation and need of help between each other. For me it is amazing to see all the disciples, who take and bear the responsibility to use their god given gifts and lay down their lifes for their church instead of going the easy way. "You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16

Before lunch Peti Szabad (Budapest Church) approached the stage and spoke about "Restore Christ as lord". I've already heard him a couple of months ago at a retreat in Budapest and the first thing I recognized was his zeal and commitment to the lord.

He talks about that Jesus IS lord in our life and that "Restoring" should be seen in the sense of examining our life and faith to understand, with the help of the bible, what's missing and repentance should be taken as a possibility of an inspiring change.

In relationship with god we are not free. Instead of slaved by sin one should prefer to be set free from sin and slaved by a god who loves us and has grace with us. My life ruled by him. Instead of fighting submit to him and totally surrender your life and future and believe in the lordship of Jesus. Luke 14:31-33

What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. I've heard this often in my life.
Petis passionate, challenging and motivating lesson shows his heart so much.

Lunch
After several hours of spiritual food some stomachs grumbled and believe it or not, there was no food shortage as some brothers feared. "You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty". All different kinds of German food was served by the Munich disciples in Christmas Outfits. I personally liked the red Santa Claus bobble hat. Mirko I guess preferred chicken with potato salad or that knuckle of pork with a soft, crispy pretzel? It almost looked like a feeding scene described in John 6. A time you were able to pick up on one-to-one talks. I had a great conversation with Peggy Malutinok (if you ever need a good advisor, she gets to the point and looking at my email account, gets back to you too to broach the subject again) and Agnieszka who helped me with a lot of insight and turns out to be a dear new friend for me. Supportive friends in difficult times are priceless. "A friend loves at all times. And a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

Afternoon
In the afternoon we had some extra time with representatives of the Munich Mainline church with whom we started to build new friendships and exchange how we live our Christian life (e.g. bible knowledge, mission) some months ago. It was impressing to listen to the background of Mr. Kallus in which ways and how many years he already served the lord.

After a short break the afternoon was finished up by two parallel workshops by David McAnulty who gave a lesson on "Restoring Intimacy with Christ" +"Part II" and by Kelly Petre who had his lesson on "Restore the Foundations".

How David McAnulty phrased it, was inspiring. He knows us, he made the first step, he chose us, he came after us and relentlessly pursuing us. How often do we put pressure on ourselves if our time and walk with god is enough? Looking at spiritual intimacy with him as a gift of Christ is usually not my first approach - yours? Step back of a DO-Job, this doesn't get us closer to an intimate relationship towards god. Have the heart behind the doing and have Jesus in the picture. Why do I do what I do? Interesting questions.
I did love his way of teaching this class and how he got the main theme across. I could have gone on listening to what popped out of his head, but time ran out. I am looking forward to see him again at the end of January in Geneva.

Afterwards we were able to talk about what we just learned in small groups. My group especially talked about how the Spirit may work in us nowadays and some other themes.

Sunday
Christian Herbst (Berlin Church) starts the Sunday fellowship with some information about the last meeting in Budapest "Glory in the church" followed by a prayer of Rico van Rooij, Walter Siegwart and two other brothers.

Valdur Koha talks about "Vision, Strategy and Plan" and the EURO Team (Peti, Christian, Thierry, Mirko, Christopher) and NEEM Team (David, Kelly, Dave, Jim, Valdur) followed up by some information of the EURO Team members, why they joined the group and how they hope it will help to coordinate the different needs in each church.

Christopher Lindfeldt talks about "Restore Christ's Vision". He states, that a vision lasts as long as it is applied and owned by everybody - otherwise it might divide or die out. A fulfilled vision is a prayer answered. He questions if we have confidence, that GOD answers our prayer. GOD will restore Christs church. GOD works through bad times. GOD is in control maturing the church.

Christian Herbst talks about the outlook into the next year. As churches in Europe we need to connect and strengthen each single church e.g. when there is a problem to humbly ask for help. Furthermore to provide an infrastructure in leadership, an European Ministry school, specific Meetings and Internet information. There will be an internet site to provide information of the European churches on a centralized platform http://www.icoc-europe.org, several conferences e.g. Open heart conference in Stockholm, a Summer Retreat in Eckerö-Finnland, a Teen/Preteen Camp and meetings in London / Athens / Jerusalem 2005. With the new teams financial and theological support will be provided and coordinated.

Afternoon
Mirko Russo summarizes the event of the last days.

Andy Flemings sermon on "Restore Vision" was translated by Bernhard Georg.

<sermon will be provided soon>

For me it was a weekend which standed out towards anything I ever experienced in the last 4 years. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of it and deeply hope that every participant went back to his country being supported with what he was looking for and what's needed in his church. I am sure that god used the last incidents for purifying the body and our foundation, providing what we need as his children in the future so his kingdom will be built up the way he wants. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." Mal 3:3