We are finally updating this blog from inside Austria!!! I want to pinch myself to see if it's true...and it is. With only 3 months to prepare we are here and ready to work the works of the One who sent us. Praise God for those who are praying for us and sacrificing greatly because you've caught a vision for a country that is desperately lost without the experience of being "born again." Austria is still one of the most spiritually destitute countries in the world...but God has a plan and we all are part of His plan. It's a plan for revival and transformation!
There is so much to say, but you are not wanting to read a book. So, we are hoping to tell our story and update you in a concise manner with photos to follow.
ARRIVING AND GETTING SETTLED...
We are getting settled in our new home and surroundings. This has been quite the stretch for us because things are very different here compared to Texas. We are relying on the locals to help us with many things, and they have been so gracious towards us. Not many people speak English so we are learning to get about acting like tourist from time to time. Culture shock with a capital "C." Items that you'd normally find in the grocery store are not there. This makes cooking the way you know difficult. Angie is making a list of cooking ingredients for care packages (smile). The same spices taste different. A refrigerator that is 2ft x 2.5 ft. No ice except at McDonalds. We are translating entire letters from the government and other mail items. Everything takes longer because of the language. Disposing of garbage requires 4 different kinds of trash bins and you buy trash bags for almost $7 USD (each) at the Mayor's office and much, much, more. These are not bad things, we are just not used to them yet. But, there are many enjoyable things about the Austrian culture that we really like. We have found the people here to be warm and helpful!
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| Swiss Mts. from our Flat. |
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| View from our Flat |
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| View from our Flat |
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| A day walking with friends Waltraud & Dietmar Dold in Hohenems |
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| An elderly man we meet for 1st time picks pears from his tree to give to us. |
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| Walking to the grocery store |
We have applied for our Residence Visas! Please agree with us that all will go well and we get approved soon! We have a new mailing address and cell phone number that will be located at the end of the blog. Simply scroll down the page until you see it.
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Applying for our Residence Visas in Feldkirch
We had to open a bank account here in Feldkirch. So, we took time afterwards to have a prayer walk and discover our new city. Pray with us that Feldkirch will experience a mighty revival! |
Ministry: Bread of Life Church
Bread of Life Church is the ministry base for us located in Feldkirch, Austria. It is a small pioneer work with a great future ahead. We received a warm welcome and are ready to get about what we have been sent here to do! There are many challenges for a "Free Church" ministry in Austria, but we believe this congregation is a key for revival in this region. In the days ahead I'll be getting with a leadership team and strategizing with them about what is ahead for this ministry. We are so appreciative for those that have helped us so much.
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| Italian food and fellowship after Church! |
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| Bike in front of the Church |
Angie and I are committed to God, His plan and this people.
Doug and Angie it is great to find out about your new adventure for the cause of Christ. It is God that ordains our steps as we follow him. The steps of the rightous are ordered of the Lord. I have always looked at these types of moves as great new adventures. I am excited for you. God Bless
ReplyDeleteBobby Pruitt
We are so-o moved reading the comments and viewing the pictures of you guys and the congregation there in Austria. I pray for the blessing of the Lord upon you and the present folks in the church with the hope of youth and children in the church in the future. Mom and Dad Pitman
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