Jim and Brenda Brosch
Serving in Vienna, Austria
and beyond

Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,

Much has happened since our last newsletter. Please take a few moments to read this update which includes new ministry news, a Visa update, and a special prayer request below.

Refugee Ministry

Jim has started a new weekly bible study for the men at the Oasis. Those attending are from various nations and tongues, and the one thing they have in common is their need for a Savior! They have left or escaped from situations most of us can't even imagine. Some have made decisions to follow Christ and others are seeking answers to their many questions about the God of the bible. It is very humbling to see them seeking in innocent faith.

Jim teaching at the Refugee ministry

We meet new faces weekly, of those just arriving as refugees into a new land, away from their families and the life they've known. Many are from countries in unrestful situations, and many fleeing persecution. Regardless of their reason for being in Austria, they are welcomed into the Oasis, loved on

by the volunteers, and most important of all, they hear the gospel!

Resident Status Visa Update

After receiving encouraging news about our Visa application in early March, we've been expectantly hoping to receive notification any day that we have been approved. However, since our current status is due to expire May 3rd, Jim personally inquired to our Visa caseworker at the immigration office. We were told that they have only processed 5 applications so far, that we are still high on the list, and they have a long way to go in working through the applications. She advised that we will need to leave the EU by May 3rd, pending approval of our long-stay Visa or until another 90 day short-stay period begins, whichever comes first.

In light of this, Brenda (who is already in Texas) is remaining in the states and Jim will be returning Monday, April 29. We have made arrangements to keep our sub-leased apartment in Vienna so that we can return easily and as soon as possible.

We have been dwelling on Hebrews 11 lately, in particular verse 6: Without faith, it is impossible to please God... We are confident that God is orchestrating these events for our good and His glory, and yes, we trust Him!

New Babies!

As you know from our last update, Brenda traveled to the states in March to be with two of our daughters for the birth of two new grandchildren. Both babies arrived safely, (although neither were punctual!) and are beautiful and healthy. Selah Hope Moore was born on March 18th and Samuel Stonewall Staton arrived on April 6th.  We praise God for these new little blessings!

United Nations Bible Club

Jim has been leading the UN Bible Club, studying through the book of Hebrews with the group of UN staff members. Studying Hebrews with multiple cultures and denominations could be challenging, but God has been gracious each week to bless our time together. Everyone was convicted to turn to God in thankfulness and not take for granted our salvation through Christ.

IBCV   (International Baptist Church of Vienna)
 
The International Baptist Church of Vienna is where we call "home."  We love serving with these wonderful, loving people.  Brenda had the privilege of sharing with the women's ministry group at their Ladies' Night Out program in early March, speaking about the simple, yet awesome, all-consuming love of God!  We are enjoying getting "plugged in" to Sunday morning studies and mid-week small groups as well. 

Sad News and Special Prayer Request

We have sad family news which we would ask you to include in your prayers. Brenda's 42 year old nephew died last week in a tragic boating accident in East Texas. Please keep the entire family in your prayers. He leaves behind his wife, children and a very close family who loved him dearly. We see God's hand in the timing of Brenda's travel plans and are thankful that she was in the US with her sister and the family in this very difficult time.

Please pray also for Jim as he ties up loose ends and prepares to travel and for our time here at home to be productive and God-glorifying!

Please continue to pray for a favorable, timely Visa outcome and that we are able to return quickly to Vienna.

Please know that we thank God for you and pray for you often! We could not Go if you did not SEND! Thank you for being a team with us, for the glory of The Name above all names - our Lord Jesus Christ!

With Love and Thankfulness,

Jim and Brenda

The Saviour is, by his Spirit, still on earth; let this cheer us. He is ever in the midst of the fight, and therefore the battle is not doubtful. And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for His people! O anxious gazer, look not so much at the battle below, for there thou shalt be enshrouded in smoke, and amazed with garments rolled in blood; but lift thine eyes yonder where the Saviour lives and pleads, for while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe. Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends on Him. Spurgeon

Contact Information

Serve International

Denton Bible Church Missions
940 382-1761
2300 E. University Drive
Denton, Texas 76209

Jim and Brenda Brosch

jimbrosch@gmail.com

Brenda's temporary Texas number:

940 230 3577

VOI number: (940) 453-2677

Vienna: +43 664 3603933

Check out our blog to see our archived updates: Compelled by Love