From the September-December 2011 Issue
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN' - UK
Jorg and Heike Muller
From a prison cell somewhere in Rome Paul is articulating his apprehensions as he faces a somewhat “uncertain future”. It is not the only time Paul has let us know something of his innermost feelings and apprehensions, but the letter to the Philippians is probably the most personal and moving insight into the heart of the Apostle. However, this might be expected when writing to friends who have been in partnership with the Gospel for so long and shared one’s burdens in the past. And I am reminded of the fact that I am also writing to friends who share the same concern for the course of the Gospel in Europe and who have upheld Heike and me in their prayers so faithfully in the past while we served the Lord in Germany.
To his friends Paul writes in Philippians 1:20 about his earnest expectation and eager hope that as he faces the future, he “will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted.” Thus reads the NIV. Most of the German translations accentuate Paul’s underlying fear much better, that is his fear of failing when confronted with the challenge to face the Roman court – and consequently of letting the Lord and his people down. Nevertheless, it is his earnest expectation and hope that he will succeed and do well, so that Christ may be exalted. Paul is so confident, because he knows, as he writes in verse 19, that through the prayers of his friends in Philippi and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ he will not be a failure in exalting Christ.
In the same way it is my earnest expectation and hope that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ I will meet the challenges and requirements of the new responsibilities as Assistant Director of EMF. Working alongside the new Director, Martin Leech, this will involve me in every aspect of the work of the Mission, including its pastoral side. However, my main responsibility will be the running of the School of Biblical Studies and pastoring the students.
I have already started preparing my lectures for 2012, which will include lectures on “Common Grace”, “The Intertestamental Period” and “Cults”. Besides that, I will also teach “Pastoral Theology”. These lecture preparations will be mostly done from Warburg in Germany. However, I will also commute to Guessens very regularly, which will give me the chance of getting more involved in the running of the Mission before the start of the new school year in January 2012. I will then live in Guessens during the week and will commute back to Germany for most weekends until July. By October 2012, our youngest daughter will hopefully be settling in at university so that Heike and I will be able to move into Guessens.
This transition period will not be easy and at times we will be fearful and apprehensive. However, as we have never been short of encouragements, or answers to prayers in the past, and are confident of your prayers, it is our earnest expectation and hope that all needed will be provided and that Christ will be exalted by the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Thanks for your prayers!