Here's Laura's Latest Update:
Dear Prayer Partners,
What a wonderful sight! Every seat in the Oasis Church was filled for the
Dedication service for the Oase and some were standing in the back. Some
were our faithful regular church attenders. Others were those who come to
the Wednesday cafe. Many were people from other churches in Leipzig who
support the Oasis through prayer, finances, or in other ways. All had come
to celebrate what God has done. Due to the generous gifts of an American
team that came last fall and other "friends of the Oase", we were able to
complete major rennovations on the building. Fresh paint on the walls, new
ceilings and lighting, and new carpet testified to God's faithfulness in
providing for our needs.
Brad gave a devotional on Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a new thing!"
Coffee and cake was served, a short concert was given. A slide show led
people through the years of God's work in the Oase. Lori and Brad's son
Caleb and I used the puppet theater to perform a puppet show. Perhaps most
moving of all was a video presentation of short testimonies from people in
the Oase. Many were deeply moved as person after person share how much the
Oase means to them... that it is where they feel at home, that it is family,
We praise God for what he has done... not just the rennovation on the
building, but the rennovation that is taking place in people's hearts and
lives.
This rennovation is not always easy. It is especially difficult for new
Christians with who carry the scars of their past life. We are thankful that
Madeleine, after having cut off contact with us for some time, has begun to
come again. As is so often the case, God is apparently using a very painful
situation in her life to draw her back to Himself. Please keep her and her
baby son Leon in prayer. Please keep her ex-fiance Peter also in prayer,
that he, too would be drawn back to the Lord.
On a personal note, I praise God for his faithfulness during my move. So
far, it seems that the previous landlord will be honest in their dealings.
I'm so thankful for the many people that have volunteered so much time and
effort with so many aspects of the move.
Also, I want to share with you God's amazing faithfulness in another way as
well. Upon being diagnosed with normal-pressure glaucoma two years ago, I
asked the elders of the Oasis to pray for healing for me, as God instructs
us in the book of James. Many of you have been praying for me as well. Last
month I had my bi-annual major eye exam, to monitor the progress of the
disease. After studying the extensive photographs of the eyes that they take
(don't ask me what they're called), the doctor said, "In two years there's
been no change. Who told you that you have glaucoma??" It seems that I still
am in need of eye drops to control the pressure, but apparently the lack of
change in my eyes themselves is enough to astound the doctor. So, whether
God has chosen to heal me or has chosen to keep the disease in check, I
praise Him.
Thank you so much for your prayers! As you see, they do make a difference!
Please keep praying!!
I should have internet as of November 2. Thank you for your patience! Until
October 30, I will be at Crossworld's European conference.
In Christ's abundant love,
Laura Hansen
P.s. Another Praise
I forgot to mention another very important praise! I now
have a small 2003 Opel Corsa to use for ministry! With this car I'm able to
take an elderly lady to church who can't come on her own. I will be able to
take invitations to more children to the kids club, will be able to
transport ministry materials easily between my "office" in my apartment and
the church, and will save so much time that has always been needed to wait
for the tram or walk to the tram station, and so much more!
Your support has made this possible! THANK YOU!!!