Last week my wife and I returned from a short trip to Europe, where we had the honor of visiting with three of our church planting families. God is doing some amazing things through our people, and I’m more energized about our church’s mission than ever.
First, we went to see Rich and Julia Rudolph in Germany. The Rudolphs work with a German pastor, leading a new network of churches just south of Frankfurt, right on the border of France. It’s a beautiful area out on the German countryside. Right across from their house there are these rolling green hills with sheep and windmills. I felt like I was in a scene straight out of The Sound of Music. The work Rich and Julia are involved in doing is incredible: They have several new churches there they are working with, some among the rapidly growing refugee population. They need a family from the Summit to come join them as soon as possible. Perhaps that is you.
Then we went to see Adam and Stephanie Parken, who live in Berlin, which I’ve heard referred to now as the “atheist capital of the world.” I was really encouraged by the Parkens, because they simply took our vision to “Do what you do well to the glory of God and to do it somewhere strategic for the mission of God.” Adam heard that and said, “You know what? My skills can be used overseas.” So he looked for a job where he could be involved in a church plant. And now he, Stephanie, and their three kids have an amazing ministry there. They also really need a family to come join them in their work. Perhaps that is you.
Finally, we went to Ukraine and Poland, where we spent time with Russell and Ingrid Woodbridge, two of our very best. The Woodbridges work with a network of pastors in Ukraine, and much of their work is focused on college students. I spoke at a conference that they organized, and more than 600 college students and young professionals came to hear how to live out the implications of the gospel—in a nation right in the heart of the former Soviet Union.
We have short-term mission trips going to all of these places (and many more). Some of you really need to get involved. To learn more about how you can get involved with missions at the Summit, start with our “Go Short-Term” website, or email missions@summitrdu.com.
Some Pictures from My Travels
What’s an international trip without a slideshow? Here are a few photos from my time in Germany, Poland, and Ukraine:
Rudolphs outside of Wartburg castle, where Luther translated the New Testament into German.
The Parkens. Baklava.
The Wittenberg Church door, where Martin Luther nailed the “95 Theses” that sparked the Reformation.
Brandenburg gate separating East and West Berlin. “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
Wawel Castle, Krakow, Poland, with the Woodbridges. Nothing significant for Christianity—just cool.
Pond at Auschwitz where they dumped the remains of people burned in the crematorium.
Russell and me, holding up the gates in Kraków to let the truth of the Reformation come to Poland.
Schindler’s desk.
Some celebrity whose name I couldn’t come up with. (Not the old guy mean-mugging right at me. The tall guy in the hat behind him.)
