Reformation2Germany

New Opportunities. . .

Opportunities......we all agree, are not necessarily special or divine guidance. But they are still a part of God's providence.

In God's providence, a rare and unusual opportunity has come our way.

Will we miss it? Or will we seize it for God's kingdom and glory?

Recently......we have been offered rental space in a prime location in Heidelberg, Germany.

The so called 'Landfried Complex' is a beautiful old Tobacco factory, built in the 1890s, placed under preservation order as a historic monument.

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as available rental space is rare in Heidelberg, and especially rare in the downtown area and of such quality and visibility.

The PropertyHeidelberg is the most expensive city in Germany when it comes to renting real estate.

To find a place the size of this half floor in the 'Landfried Complex', in downtown Heidelberg, with plenty of parking space, with no immediate neighbors - and all this for a reasonable amount of money - is almost a miracle.

It is easily accessible, with elevators, rest rooms, etc. and the entire infrastructure necessary for a church and multi-purpose facility.

Location......isn't everything.

However, for a church plant, visibility is quite strategically important.

Located in historic downtown Heidelberg - five walking minutes from the train station, in easy walking distance from the pedestrian walkway, with a tram and a bus station right outside the building - the 'Landfried Complex' is perfectly and strategically situated.

Besides, the entire block is being redesigned and reshaped into a center of community life.

The Purpose...In order to establish a permanent Reformed presence and the headquarters of the Free Evangelical-Reformed Church in Germany, we are in need of a multi-purpose facility that will serve as worship space/sanctuary, theological seminary classrooms, diaconal/outreach center, and office space.

The Church...In Europe, and in Germany especially, a church needs a home, an address with some degree of visibility. Most Germans are not used to the idea of church planting and are therefore skeptical. We want the offense of the Gospel to be the only offense to people coming to us.

Therefore, the Free Evangelical-Reformed Church needs a place to worship God together, publically and in a stable setting.

The 'Landfried Complex' is an address that just about every 'Heidelberger' knows.

Even though it has no steeple, it provides enough of a 'churchly' atmosphere to accomodate both those who are used to church buildings and those who are not.

The Seminary...Heidelberg once hosted the famous German Reformed Seminary, the 'College of Wisdom'.

Once again, a Reformed church, the Free Evangelical-Reformed Church, has a need to train pastors for a new Reformation.

Through a recent partnership with a Reformed seminary, we hope to be able to start our own campus - preferably in the 'Landfried Complex'.

The Diaconal & Outreach Center...As part of our outreach, some of our members plan to start a thrift store/used clothing store. Here, poor and not so poor can come and buy cheap clothing and other products. And those who have things to donate can be involved as well.

This will be a superbly strategic opportunity to get to know people and to serve the community in outreach as well as the church in diaconal ministry.

The NeedSecuring the 5,000 square foot half floor in the 'Landfried Complex' would cost us around $5,000/month in rent and utilities.

In order to make this happen, we need another $25,000 in one-time gifts or $,1500 worth of monthly pledges for the year 2010 and 2011. And we would need both - the special donations and the pledges for monthly support - by February 14, 2010.

If we get one-time gifts of $1,000, $2,000, $5,000 or even $10,000 to make up the $25,000 as well as pledges for monthly donations of $100, $250 or $500, we will be able to move ahead and sign the lease agreement.

For this we need sponsors who see the strategic kingdom opportunity before us and are willing to invest in it over the next two years.

The Vision & The ChallengeWhat we are endeavoring to do is nothing less than to bring Reformation to Heidelberg and beyond by establishing a Reformed denomination, the Free Evangelical-Reformed Church, throughout Germany. And we need you to help us in this endeavor.

We believe these facilities in the 'Landfried Complex' would give us the visibility, credibility and permanence needed in order to launch this crucial and strategic work and ministry.

It is our vision to see the kingdom of God come in Germany. And we do hope that you share this vision and will participate in it.

Please visit our website at www.reformation2germany.org for directions for donating and contacting us.

www.reformation2germany.org