SERVING THE LORD IN GERMANY NEWS FROM JOE AND JENNIE ASHER February – March 2019

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This past Tuesday morning, Joe was surprised by a record Bible class attendance of eight men in Rev. Joseph and Deaconess brown prison jumpsuits. He Dr. Jennie Asher thanked them all for coming, as each prisoner has the “freedom” to Did you know… choose whether to attend this “ 101” class. • Osterbrunnen ( And here’s the point. No one ever fountains) have begun to The focus for the lesson was John wants to face the death of a loved appear near us. Many towns, 11 and ’ raising of Lazarus one. But for His glory, and so that especially in Southern from the dead. Joe planned to many would put their faith in Jesus Germany, decorate their teach about how God helps us as the Resurrection and the Life city’s fountain with when we face death, but the men (John 11: 25-26), Jesus gave evergreens and colorful took him off the rails and put him everyone what they needed. And Easter eggs. on their track when they raised the that was to suffer the pain of • Germany is known for their question, “Why did Jesus delay Lazarus’ death, and then see the two days before going to help this victory over death which Jesus our Christmas markets. But from February to Easter family in Bethany?” Savior provided in this chapter. Ostermarkts are held every It’s a good question. If Jesus had And this also relates to incarceration weekend. Among other started for Bethany immediately (or whatever hardship we may face). things, shoppers can buy when he heard Lazarus was sick, No sane person ever wants pain, but beautifully decorated eggs the man would not have died. sometimes God gives this to us in (and chocolates, of course!) our lives so that we seek His help, go • Not to be outdone by the But Jesus told His disciples (verse another direction in the Holy Spirit’s German Christmas tree, 14), “Lazarus is dead, and for your power, and deepen our faith in many Germans decorate an sake I am glad I was not there, so Christ, who is our Help and our Ostereierbaum ( that you may believe.” Redeemer. tree). This is typically done Jesus is glad that he didn’t prevent on . Please continue to pray that these Lazarus’ death? So that they men will continue to hear the Good would believe? News of Christ’s love for them, and So the men pressed the question, that they will come to trust Him as “Why did Jesus wait three days?” their Savior. Then the group discussed the fact that God doesn’t give us what we want, instead He gives us what we To be added to or removed from this need. mailing list, send an email message to [email protected] with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject line. 888-THE LCMS • lcms.org • [email protected] | 1

PLEASE PRAY FOR: New Pastor Installed in Frankfurt • Jennie’s job application We are pleased to announce that we have a new process, that she would colleague in Germany! Rev. Gary Schuschke,

find a new position soon. formerly from Oviedo, FL, was installed as pastor of our sister congregation, Trinity • Four of our youth, another adult and Jennie, as they Lutheran Church in Frankfurt, on March 17. prepare to attend the Pastor Schuschke will serve this international

National Youth Gathering congregation in much the same way that Joe in Minneapolis in July, for serves KELC. In addition to having another successful fundraisers and pastor nearby for fellowship, we are now having monthly meetings with that this would be a time for Pastor Schuschke for a study of the Lutheran Confessions and God’s a deepening of faith for all Word. This is truly a blessing for us! participants.

GIVE THANKS FOR: Lenten Services • That Joe was granted We began the Lenten season with an Ash Wednesday service at our access to the day room at home. Jennie made a soup and salad dinner for everyone prior to the the prison in order to worship service. We managed to put 22 people in our small interact with the men 1:1. apartment, with a record 12 children around our dinner table! What a joy it was to hear the little feet dancing in the living room, followed by • Ten Jr. and Sr. High youth our singing of hymns. active in fellowship and Bible study. We are now preparing for our services and again bringing a taste of “home” to our members. The children will process with • New members and an palms and sing in our worship service. On Maundy upcoming infant baptism. Thursday, our youth will have a special Communion service in place of their monthly Bible study, with the whole congregation invited. A PRAISE GOD FOR: service will be held on Good Friday evening. Of course, our • The many congregations remembrance of our Lord’s passion and resurrection will culminate and individuals who pray with a joyous Easter morning worship service. Please pray that these for us, encourage and services will be both edifying for our members and a good witness for support us. our visitors. We thank you for your prayers and financial support. It is an encouragement to us as we serve the Lord in this place. It is through the generous gifts of friends like you that we can continue to serve military families living abroad.

God bless you!

Joe and Jennie Asher

To support the LCMS through the work Mark checks “Support of - Asher.” Gifts There are many opportunities of Joe Asher, you may send a tax- can also be given securely online to serve as short-term or deductible gift to: through the LCMS website, on our GEO missionaries. Check online giving page at lcms.org/asher. out the current list and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod download an application at P.O. Box 66861 You may also send your gift to: lcms.org/service. Click on St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 “Service Opportunities.” Mission Central 40718 Highway E16 Make checks payable to The Lutheran Mapleton, IA 51034 Church—Missouri Synod.

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