Terrorist In Germany

On a tip from the British, the German SGS, their special terrorist unit, broke up a ring of three Islamic terrorists last week. You may have read about this in the world press. It was a big deal. The terrorists were located in a small village about 100 miles, northeast of me. What caught every one's interest here in Germany was that two men were of German decent and a Turkish man who was born and raised in Germany.

It was reported that they had some 1,500 pounds of chemicals that they planned on turning into explosives to use against U.S. military facilities and places frequented by Americans. With one million American Expats living in Germany that would not be hard to do.

Two weeks ago the Danish broke up a group of terrorists located in their country. The Europeans seem to finally be recognizing that this problem is more than just a U.S. or U.K. issue. Or maybe it is more fair to say that it is now more visible in the press than ever before.

Last Year
Last year a couple of terrorist tried to blow up a regional train with two propane gas cylinders. Thank God, literally, the bombs failed to trigger and were removed from the train without harming anyone. That specific commuter train is one that runs through my village.

Every overseas missionary runs risks now that were never foreseen two generations ago. It doesn't matter where in the world we serve, we are exposed to hazards no one would have considered years ago.

Yes, our missionary forefathers faced their hazards and in some cases gave their lives for the furthering of The Gospel. They needed prayer support and so do we.

Pray For Us
No matter where God calls us to serve we all know, whether it is spoken or unspoken, before we take that flight from the U.S. to our mission posts, we know the risk and God's protection, grace, and strength.

It is still hard to explain to our families, friends, and fellow home church members in the U.S. why we take the risks or expose our families to the risk.

Ironically, to the nationals we serve overseas, they don't understand why we would leave America to live in their country. This is even true in Europe.

No matter what denomination or independent church you represent, all overseas missionaries, know that God's Calling on their lives is not satisfied until you are where The Lord has sent you.

In fact, once you've been serving overseas for awhile, it is hard to see yourself anywhere else, especially back in America until He sends you back or your finances just run out. (That's another topic for another day.)

"Go or Send"
There is an old axiom that has floated around the church world for a gazillion years. "If you can't go yourself, then send someone." "They" can't go unless "someone" supports them.

Psa 37:23 "The steps of the righteous man/woman are ordered by The Lord." In these days, everyone must stand on that scripture and know, believe and have faith, that your steps will be ordered out of harms way. You just can't get "them" saved if you're in heaven.

All of God's protection on you and your families,

Lawrence