In this Update:

He Provides!

Upcoming "Liederabend" Concert

Ask And You Shall Receive

A New Beginning

Prayer Requests:

Marion

We ask that you pray for Marion who is having a difficult time right now with her job and with personal relationships.

The Church

The group here has really been making some progress in spiritual growth over the past year, but there some issues we're still working through.  Please pray that we will be encouraged with the progress we have already made and remember that the Lord is among us as we try to break through our self-constructed limitations.

Alex

Our littlest, Alex, has begun Kindergarten (preschool) and so far is doing well--but he has not been left alone there, yet!  After his "introduction" period is over this week, he'll be left on his own for a few hours and so we ask you to pray that he is able to integrate himself into the culture and enjoy it as much as his siblings have.

The Martins

We continue to ask for prayers for the Martins and their long period of transitioning back into the American culture.

Outreach

We could use some regular prayers for the LST program this summer and the unusual follow-up that we will have due to our furlough and the unforseen circumstance of being the only native English speakers here.  We are so very thankful for God providing Spencer and Ben, but we also ask for His help in a smooth and fruitful transition this summer with our readers.

Randy

Randy has had some more episodes with his gall bladder and has been advised by a doctor to have it operated on.  Please pray that he will find a good doctor.

We Thank You!

We want to thank you so much for your prayers and support in all that we do here in Dresden.  We truly feel the power of your prayers and we appreciate also the care and concern that you show for this small group of believers.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

--Romans 15:13

Are You A Missionary?

Are you a missionary interested in updating your newsletter or website format? Contact our former co-worker and web designer, Steve Martin, who designed our newsletter page.

Links:

	Carroll Family Website
	English Play Group
	Dresden Church Site
	Our Sponsoring Church

He Provides!

Many, many people have asked us how we are doing or faring now that we are the only missionaries here in Dresden.  Of course, we want to let you know that each and every time we hear a simple "how are you doing now?" or some such similar question, it has really gone straight to our hearts.  To tell the truth, we have wondered what the answer to that question is sometimes!  There have been many areas in the recent months where we have felt a lack; the absence of a family, absence of funds for repairs and/or advertising for the church, absence of our health, of volunteers, of group organization and of time!  But lately, God has really shown how he provides.  It's a real breath of fresh air watching Him steadfastly provide our needs as a family and church just as surely as he provides the sunshine everyday.  It is sometimes hard to think of it exactly like that; to know without a doubt that the needs we see right now will be provided for just as we know without a doubt that the long-awaited spring is coming.   He truly provides.  And the answer to your questions?  We're doing great!

Upcoming "Liederabend" Concert

I have been practicing off and on with the Chemnitz Singers, a small choir group originally formed within the Chemntiz, Germany congregation, whenever I can get the chance.  I was asked to join, even though I'm and hour away in Dresden since they were a soprano short.  The group has performed a "Liederabend" or "Song Evening" a few times in the past couple of years in order to generate contacts for the Chemnitz church and they have also participated in concerts with the singing campaign from Oklahoma Christian during the past few summers.  Of course, how could I say no to singing?  Especially when it furthers the cause of Christ!  The concert is coming up on March 28th and I will be sure to update everyone on how it went and possibly provide a link to view the concert.

I am not the only one in the choir who is not a member of the Chemnitz Church.  Though we are the "Chemnitz Singers," we represent three different congregations in Saxony and therefore the churches of Christ in Saxony in general.  I find this just one excellent way that churches can come together and spread the gospel as one.

-Brianna

Ask And You Shall Receive

During our first church meeting in our new building in January, we met with the realization that we are now the only native English speakers within the congregation here (something we had already thought of) and that since our furlough is scheduled for July (because of school break), there will be no one to follow up after the Let's Start Talking (LST) campaign this summer at its crucial period of transition (something we had not thought of)!  We sent out a cry for help not long afterward to friends and acquaintances of ours who have worked in Germany in some capacity--short or long term.  Though we sent it with a prayer, we did this thinking that a simple email would generate little if no response and that a greater effort and much cajoling would be required to find help for the summer.  Less than a day later, we received several responses and inquiries into our request!  "Ask and you shall receive" were the first words that touched both of our lips, not to mention chagrin at our negative expections.  First of all, a heartfelt "thank you" is in order for those of you lovely people who inquired or volunteered.  It is such a wonderful encouragement to know that so many are concerned and willing to be involved in the welfare of this congregation.  Secondly, we must say a special "thank you" to Stefanie Anderson who took it upon herself to ask two of her campaigners who will be in Germany this summer if they would stay an extra five weeks to cover our absence.  The wonderful men who said "yes" to her request are Spencer Goad and Ben Peterson and we can't thank them or Stefanie enough for working out the details for this extension within about a week!  It is no small feat to commit to five weeks overseas in a foreign country and to do this on relatively short notice when making plans for the summer; not to mention the small detail of finances.  We will be giving you more information about the upcoming summer LST campaign in the months to come.

A New Beginning

As promised, here is a little update on the English bible study that I teach on Monday evenings at Marion's apartment.  Our little group has been together quite a while now, but though we've had our fair share of visitors, our core group is dwindling after several people moved away over the last several years.  We decided as a group to talk about ways to bring more people into our circle.  One of our main ideas was to put up a website with our weekly discussion topics posted regularly.  Bri set up the website and I have been posting some of the content of our weekly studies.  So far, this has already been successful with one visitor already attending. 

If you'd like to go check it out and keep up with us, here it is: www.englishbiblestudy.wordpress.com  We also welcome any comments you may have to offer on the things we post from our discussions!

As mentioned on the website, we are going back to basics and exploring who Jesus is and what his credibility might be.  Another idea for outreach will piggyback on the LST program.  After the LST campaign ends, we will begin a monthly Friday night English discussion group held at the church building.  We will watch a spiritually oriented video and have discussion afterwards, which has already proved interesting and thought-provoking at some of our Monday evening studies already.  We ask for your prayers!

--Randy