You’ve been much in my thoughts. I’ve not been able to get on to the internet since I left Boise for Germany. (I’ve been trying for three days!) I arrived in Berlin on Friday, April 28th. (Ann will be joining me with Charissa as soon as the spring semester at the University of Idaho is finished.)

House Nazareth in the May sunshine

Matthias and Sieglinde Ploner have been living in “House Nazareth” since last week - in faith that God will provide the rest of the funds necessary for the purchase to go through! It was a VERY unusual feeling to walk through the door and realize: “This is the place that God has chosen for you and the work of Philosophia in Berlin!” The sisters moved out two days ago - also in faith that God would provide the necessary funds to Philosophia! And God has blessed: He has given the financing to move ahead with the purchase!

This is the “Reader’s Digest” summary:

May 1st was supposed to be the closing date. We needed to have the down payment together by then. This date has now been extended because the bank has said it needs more time to give final approval to the mortgage that we have applied for. We hope that the final signing will take place early next week! Please pray that this will go smoothly and that God will continue to be glorified. We cannot really start any renovation work until the papers are signed. Please also pray that the Enemy will have not have any room to throw monkey-wrenches in the works as this process nears completion. We feel like the children of Israel actually walking through the Red Sea - water on both sides, with the troops of Pharaoh still a potential threat until we come up on the other shore! The good thing about the extension of the signing date is that every bit of cash donated before final closing counts! We are grateful for all your gifts, large and small. God has multiplied them like a mustard seed.

One other prayer request: the Philosophia team spent eight detailed hours on Saturday walking through everything with the architect who has been advising us on the necessary renovation of the building for future ministry. “House Nazareth” is in good condition, but for professional medical offices to move into the ground floor, there are some important changes that need to be made. The upper floors also need some renovation for the use of the Philosophia team and students. Please pray that God will give us His wisdom as we analyze and prioritize these needs. Some will have to be done by putting it out for bids (such as major wall changes); much can be done with the help of short-term workers and others.

One final thought about the Israelites in the wilderness: after the deliverance at the Red Sea, God began providing manna each day to feed them. They were commanded to gather only enough each morning to meet their needs for that day. Just enough… just in time! That is God’s pattern in providing for His people. It always has been and that is certainly the case with the “House Nazareth” project. As He told the Apostle Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).