Dear praying friends,

Ministering in a post-modern, post-Christian, post-Communist part of the world has its challenges! One church planter commented that people in former East Germans have "forgotten that they have forgotten God." 70% of people in Berlin say that they have "no spiritual belief."

So it is always interesting when I come across comments from other people ministering in post-modern, post-Christian environments.

Roland Walls, theologian and founder of the Community of the Transfiguration in Scotland had his teachings summarized in this way by Brendan Pelphrey:

• First, spiritual learning does not proceed primarily from things we have read but from the things we have lived.
• Second, theological learning is about learning for life - not acquiring skills by which to earn a living, but skills for life itself.
• Third, genuine teaching for life cannot be conducted from books alone nor by ourselves alone - it is not simply an exchange of information or sharing idealism - but takes place in real, living community, in relation to others.

As we attempt to establish real, living community in relationship to others - we believe that real theological principles can be communicated. But what do you think? How does this summary of Roland Wall's teachings strike you? Where do you agree or disagree?

Here are some prayer requests for this week:

1. I am meeting with a man from the gardening initiative we are a part of who is interested in recording a podcast with me in German. He is not a believer, but has deliberately looked for questions where his life coaching and faith overlap - questions like, "What gives me direction in life?" and "How can I find peace?" and "Why is it often so hard to forgive?" I am fascinated by the possibilities this gives. Can you please pray for our meeting on Thursday?
2. Thank you for praying for Elissa's health and my sleep. I have slept much better since last Wednesday (with the exception of New Year's Eve!), and Elissa has been waking up with less back pain and the lingering effects of her migraine seem to be fading. Pray for continued health!
3. Could you please pray for interns and residents for the coming year for us?
4. Pray for our team as they finish up the book project we have been working on.

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,

mike