Doing good in Germany
This week has been busy busy! Earlier in the week, the kids' camp that Siloah had been running wrapped up—but not before the team had the chance to give their presentation to the kids on Monday evening. On Tuesday afternoon, the team helped clean up the property and prepare for the gigantic group arriving after we leave.
Yesterday was our sightseeing day.
The morning started off on a somber note as we visited the Buchenwald concentration camp. Built in 1937 by the Nazis, it was one of the first and largest camps. It was a brutal place that led to the deaths of over 56,000 people through disease, malnutrition, exhaustion, beatings, and executions. We toured the camp and learned a lot about its history through an audio guide, as well as from our missionary here, Jamal.
Although it was difficult to process the horrendous actions that took place there, it was also encouraging to hear stories of those who survived or stood strong in the face of adversity. One of those was Paul Schneider, a pastor arrested and sent to Buchenwald after publicly denouncing the Nazis. While in the camp, he remained strong in his faith and continued to share publicly with other inmates. He was placed in solitary confinement, but even then, he shouted words of encouragement and love out the window during morning roll calls. Eventually, he was taken to the infirmary, where a so-called "doctor" was meant to treat him for his deteriorating condition—but instead killed him via lethal injection.
Stories like his were heartbreaking, but incredibly important for the teens to hear and reflect on. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to visit and learn.
In the afternoon, we visited Erfurt, a nearby medieval city. We strolled through its streets, explored shops, admired the beautiful old buildings, and enjoyed some goodies and sweet treats. A highlight of the evening was dining together at a sit-down Italian restaurant—relaxing, socializing, and enjoying each other's company as a team.
We’re amazed at how quickly our time in Germany has flown by. It’s been a true privilege to serve the people here—through our work projects and by building personal connections. While we’re looking forward to being back home with family and friends, we know that Germany and the memories we’ve made here will stay with us for a long time.
So we went to a concentration camp and it was sad to see but it’s good to learn about all this. Miss you and love you Mom, Dad and Esther -Aiden R.
I’ve been having so much fun in Germany! We’ve gotten to see many beautiful towns and much of the countryside. God has really blessed me with an amazing team. -Katie
Hey Mom, Dad + Kiddos :) The German countryside is beautiful! I’ve been learning a lot here about the culture, faith, and God. I can’t wait to see ya’ll in 8 days! Say hi to everyone for me! -Kate
Yesterday was our sightseeing day.
The morning started off on a somber note as we visited the Buchenwald concentration camp. Built in 1937 by the Nazis, it was one of the first and largest camps. It was a brutal place that led to the deaths of over 56,000 people through disease, malnutrition, exhaustion, beatings, and executions. We toured the camp and learned a lot about its history through an audio guide, as well as from our missionary here, Jamal.
Although it was difficult to process the horrendous actions that took place there, it was also encouraging to hear stories of those who survived or stood strong in the face of adversity. One of those was Paul Schneider, a pastor arrested and sent to Buchenwald after publicly denouncing the Nazis. While in the camp, he remained strong in his faith and continued to share publicly with other inmates. He was placed in solitary confinement, but even then, he shouted words of encouragement and love out the window during morning roll calls. Eventually, he was taken to the infirmary, where a so-called "doctor" was meant to treat him for his deteriorating condition—but instead killed him via lethal injection.
Stories like his were heartbreaking, but incredibly important for the teens to hear and reflect on. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to visit and learn.
In the afternoon, we visited Erfurt, a nearby medieval city. We strolled through its streets, explored shops, admired the beautiful old buildings, and enjoyed some goodies and sweet treats. A highlight of the evening was dining together at a sit-down Italian restaurant—relaxing, socializing, and enjoying each other's company as a team.
We’re amazed at how quickly our time in Germany has flown by. It’s been a true privilege to serve the people here—through our work projects and by building personal connections. While we’re looking forward to being back home with family and friends, we know that Germany and the memories we’ve made here will stay with us for a long time.
Here are a few things you can be praying for…
- Smooth packing up process when we leave here
- Safe travels
- That the kids will stay focused on their mission and the work still left here to do
So we went to a concentration camp and it was sad to see but it’s good to learn about all this. Miss you and love you Mom, Dad and Esther -Aiden R.
I’ve been having so much fun in Germany! We’ve gotten to see many beautiful towns and much of the countryside. God has really blessed me with an amazing team. -Katie
Hey Mom, Dad + Kiddos :) The German countryside is beautiful! I’ve been learning a lot here about the culture, faith, and God. I can’t wait to see ya’ll in 8 days! Say hi to everyone for me! -Kate
Hallo from Germany!
Hello from Germany!
We have almost spent a week in Germany...
Germany (25004) - Trip Photo Album
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