News Update

There is a path which no fowl knows
Nor vulture's eye has seen
A path beside a secluded river
Whose banks are always green -
For it is the way of prayer.
Holy Spirit, lead us there.

Amy Carmichael

Are we exploring this path? It takes time and quietness in our spirit, for first and foremost prayer is communion with our Lord. It's opening our hearts to Him and listening!

This past week has seen what we trust will prove to be the last stage in the 'healing' and restoration of one of our walls! It's a long story but over some years we were aware of increasing dampness in one of the original, nearly 2 ft thick, internal walls of the house. Eventually it was discovered that a hidden waste water pipe inside the wall behind the plaster was cracked and leaking. Thankfully we had insurance which covered this sort of damage but although the insurance company paid for the much of the repair work when they discovered fungal growth inside the wall and in some of the woodwork, caused by dampness over a long period, they opted out saying that fungal damage was not covered. It was pointed out to us that the 'disease' in our wall was similar to that described in Lev 14 where it is refered to as leprosy in the house. We left the wall open to dry, treated it chemically, prayed specifically that the treatment would 'heal' the 'disease' and eventually did some temporary plastering.
This year we've had a leak in another pipe which thankfully the insurance company accepted the responsibility to remedy. They decided that the most economical approach was to bypass the leak and to bring a new pipe into the down pipe in the above mentioned wall. Because this has meant opening up the wall again, they are this time paying for replastering the wall professionally and we have also been greatly encouraged to see that the inner wall has now dried out well and seems free from 'disease'. We praise God that we can recognise His hand on the whole situation and that he has given us a professionally restored wall at very little expense.

News Update

Have had a busy but encouraging week with guests. A Dutch couple with a knowledge of German were better able to appreciate a guided walk around the Feldberg with a German 'ranger' than many of our English-speaking guests, but a British missionary family from Tailand were able with them to enter into the interests of the bird and monkey park nearby at Steinen. The pictures were taken by Bernard Fidder our Dutch guest.

Since Wednesday we have been missing the help of Sarah but on Tuesday we look forward to welcoming Dave from the London School of Theology who is coming to help with practical things in the house until early August.

We found new encouragements from the book of Revelation in our Sunday morning service which as usual was preached in German with Phyl translating into English. Our heavenly Master is 'King of kings and Lord of lords' and we can be sure of the success of our service for Him in terms of the purposes He intends, as we follow Him and work with Him and don't allow ourselves to be distracted either by our own ideas or merely the expectations of others.

News Update

Having worked on a new website off and on for many weeks we have now put it on-line and would draw your attention to it for your interest:www.haus-barnabas.com
The page detailing our guest rooms makes the following comment: “each guest room has been individualised with the name of a Christian whose life and writings have, under God, inspired and motivated us.” One of the rooms is named after Amy Carmichael and I have this week been reading her biography 'Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur' by Frank L Houghton and am finding it extremely challenging.
We pray that Haus Barnabas might be just as much used by God for the salvation and blessing of His children, in the particular way he chooses, as the home at Dohnavur in India was a century and more ago. However it is also clear that for this to happen our own attitudes, words and actions must be made to conform increasingly to those of our beloved Lord and Saviour.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod:
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
Amy Carmichael

News Update

We are always pleased to have smaller or larger groups coming for holidays and retreats in Haus Barnabas and this past week we have very much enjoyed fellowship with a group of six from Herne Bay Evangelical Church. Although no longer in the prime of youth our friends enjoyed an active week as the pictures betray!

We have also been extremely grateful for the practical help of Sarah, whose school has allowed her to do 2 weeks work experience with us.