HOPE FOR THE CITIES

by Andreas Geers

Berlin is an extremely cosmopolitan city. Some foreigners pass through, but many stay and make this city of 3¹/₂ million people their home. Germans, Asians and Russians; refugees, students and businessmen; all rub shoulders in the Berlin streets. And all are searching for life in its fulness, for meaning and purpose to their existence.

Like the Gedächtniskirche - a church in the centre of the Breidscheidplatz which was bombed during World War II - Berliners have been damaged, casulties in an invisible war.

The homeless, drug addicts and prostitutes are easy to identify. But even the rich carry deep if well-hidden wounds. The light of the Gospel is desperately needed in a city full of darkness.

This year, for the seventh summer running, OAC joined Operation Mobilisation for a two-week outreach on the Breidscheidplatz. 45 young people aged between 18 and 28 took part. With 11 nationalities and 17 languages in our team, we were well-prepared for a multi-cultural city.

In spite of the spiritual attacks we had to face, we had lots of serious conversations. Hundreds of people stopped to watch and listen as we used the sketchboard and other creative means of sharing the Gospel.

Yung, a Korean girl, was encouraged by a positive contact. Afterwards she was attacked and hurt by other people. But the next day, after much prayer, she was able to help three people to accept Jesus as their saviour.

Katja from Finland led a Belgian man to the Lord, whilst Martin from Switzerland helped two of his compatriots to make decisions. In two weeks a lot of people found true life in Jesus; in the midst of so many religions and material attractions, God was at work.

It is a privilege being a missionary of Jesus Christ, and so exciting to see some fruit!