Visa/Resident Permit Status
We shared with you in our last update about our "camp out" to turn in our Visa applications on January 2nd. According to "the list," we were numbers 20 and 21 out of the 60 applicants which Vienna accepts each year. However, while we have no official word yet, we recently heard from a reliable source that we (and all the other missionaries who applied) are in numbers 61 and higher. Our actual number is unknown at this writing, but we can calculate that we are approximately 68 and 69. This means that some applicants will have to drop out or lack the qualifications
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Remember this?
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for this type of Visa or we will not be among the 60 who are considered.
We are working with our team leader and the Serve Office on a "Plan B," investigating other types of Austrian Visas and ways of staying. We are currently on a tourist Visa which allows us to stay in Austria 90 days out of each 180. Please pray with us that God leads us in His perfect plan. We will keep you updated as we have conversations and find out more. Refuge Ministry at "the Oasis"
"Hold on. I've just been bombarded by a bunch of people who want to see the Jesus film in ***si!" (their native language) ~ Oasis volunteer
 | | It's all about Jesus |
We have become more involved with the refuge ministry and are learning from great people, some who have served refugees for 20+ years. The ministry is multi-faceted, providing for physical as well as spiritual needs. The refugees can come to the center each week for several different events, all giving opportunities to share the message of the gospel. Many are transit, and there is only a short window of time to spend with them. Then some are here for months , even years if they receive asylum, which allows more time for relationships and plugging in of new believers. Two Testimonies we won't soon forget... from two amazing young men, serving our amazing God In spite of the risk to themselves.
 | I have decided to follow Jesus
Ob niemand mit mir geht, doch will ich folgen.
(Though none go with me, I still will follow)
Niemals zur�ck, niemals zur�ck
(No turning back, no turning back) |
This is a familiar song that we've all heard and sung before. But the words never had such an impact as when we sang recently beside two young men at their baptism service. We have been "tutoring" one of them and he invited us to be with him that special day. The service was possibly the most inspiring we have ever experienced.
Both young men had to leave their own homeland due to persecution for their faith. Their testimonies, which showed clearly that God had pursued them, saved them and protected them, were simply amazing. We can't give many specific details for obvious reasons, but in short, here is what happened.
One heard the gospel over a TV station after his village began receiving a satellite feed. He wrote to that ministry and asked for more information. He received a bible, read it and came to faith in Jesus Christ He told no one..... but later on, in a conversation with his religion professor in college, the professor "perceived that He was a Christian.." That professor confronted his parents.....and he had to leave.
The second young man followed his own spiritual interest as a teenager in finding a bible to read for himself. After much danger in securing a bible, he read it secretly then put it aside. Later, after his father accused him of being "too spiritual" and "crazy," he was forced to leave his country and pursued university studies elsewhere. He ended up in Vienna where someone approached him in the subway and asked him, "do you know where you will go after you die?" This apparent evangelist handed him some material and a copy of the gospel of John. He said he wanted to leave it on the train, but "something told him he should keep it." He said, "After reading about the miracles that Jesus did, I knew that He was my Savior. Now I love Him with all my heart."
We thank God for them and praise Him that He protected them both through dangerous travels and brought them to a place where they are part of a church family. Please pray with us for their continued spiritual growth and adjustment to a foreign land.
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