Friday March 20 Day 6

Today was our first full day in Potsdam. Deb and my host family, Kersten and Ingolf Haas, live in the 700 year old village of Nudow. They have 3 children, 2 of which we met, Lucas and Becky. Staying in German homes has really given us a totally different perspective as opposed to staying in hotels. The authentic hospitality and sharing of meals and conversation together cannot be duplicated any other way.

Village of Nudow

Kersten, Becky and Lucas Haas

Kersten drove us to Potsdam where we met up with our FBC team, John O’Connor and Ronnie Freeman. We were shown the areas they lived and shopped and interacted with their neighbors. Potsdam is large and has many beautiful areas, castles, gardens and churches. It has many run down and gray sections as well. It is not unlike any other city in America. The beautiful churches are all but empty each Sunday. Years of communism and repression has made the people forget the great evangelical Christian reformation that took place in the 16th century by Luther, forget their Christian Heritage. Later that day we did a Prayer Walk around the city, praying for God to draw their hearts Christ.

The evening was spent at  Zweitwohnsitz, the Cafe and Book Shop associated with the Mitterenden Church. Many of the congregation was there, giving us an opportunity to meet them and put faces with names.

Ronnie, Amanda and Elma watching the Solar Eclipse