Kirche!

The first Sunday we were here, a few of us went to a church in Bonn called American Protestant Church. We were all a little skeptical, but it turned out to be fantastic! Since we had to leave early for the vineyard tour, we didn’t get to hear any of the sermon from the first week, although the worship was great! Last Sunday, we went again. The sermon this week was appropriate for how I assume most of us have felt at some point on this trip so far. The language barrier has tested all of us to some degree since being here, whether it’s trying to talk with our host parents, ordering food, or just getting directions. It’s hard to believe that there are almost 7,000 different languages in the world, and yet I’m having a hard time just learning German!

In Acts 2: 1-13, on the day of Pentecost, men from all different nations had gathered together in Jerusalem, each speaking their own language. The Holy Spirit came and filled each of them so they could understand and declare the wonders of God, despite their native tongues. The irony of this sermon was trying to imagine a room full of people from all over the world, giving glory to God together… Even though the service at this church is in English, it is very much an international congregation. Almost everyone speaks multiple languages. It’s such a unique and humbling experience to be praising God with people from all different nations in one small building in the middle of Germany, literally! Just on that morning, we were introduced to people from Nigeria, Indonesia, and Mexico! God is so big!

At the end of the service, a lady by the name of Jacqueline (not sure how to spell it) asked if we wanted to try out a Bible study later that week with a few members of the church. We said absolutely and got directions from her. On Wednesday evening, we met her and about six other people from the church at one of their apartments in Bonn. It was so much fun too! It was so surreal to be with this group of complete strangers in a foreign nation discussing Jesus and praying over one another. I cannot wait to go back again next week! I feel so blessed to have found such a wonderful church home here with such amazing people!