Haus-Barnabas in the Black Forest

News Update

2011-12-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas carol service last Sunday evening proved to be an occasion that brought together many of our friends and personal contacts over the years we have been in Utzenfeld. It was also good to have one or two new faces. The weather was snowy but in contrast with Britain, somehow our Black Forest folk seem to feel that the worse the weather the greater the challenge to venture forth and face the elements.

Our programme of Scripture readings and carols lasted about an hour and in the concluding 'meditation' Len emphasised that without receiving the Lord Jesus with a personal faith it is impossible to worship Him with the shepherds and wise men or to experience the real joy of Christmas. We pray that this Christmas may prove to be the time that many all around the world worship the Son of God with a believing mind and a true heart. He is no longer a baby in Bethlehem, no longer the suffering Saviour on the cross, but the risen and ascended Lord Jesus who through the Gospel message is calling men and women everywhere to turn from a selfish and sinful way of life to enjoy 'without money and without price' all the benefits He has purchased for us at great price.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." 2 Cor 8:9

1. Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becomest poor.

2. Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love's sake becamest man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heavenwards by thine eternal plan.
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love's sake becamest man.

3. Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what thou wouldst have us be.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.

Frank Houghton (1894-1972)

Daily Manna - Scripture and Meditation

2011-12-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

Scripture readings

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love

We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, He loves the people; all His saints are in Your hand; they sit down at Your feet; everyone receives Your words.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Jer 31:3 - 2 Thess 2:13-14 - Deut 33:3 - John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-11 - Gal 4:6; Rom 5:5

Suggested additional reading: John 15:9-27

Meditation - adapted from C.H. Spurgeon's 'Morning & Evening'

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. - Jeremiah 31:3

Sometimes the Lord Jesus tells His Church His love thoughts. He doesn't think it's enough to say it behind her back, but looking lovingls in her face He says: "You are all fair, my love" (Song 4:7) It's true, this is not His ordinary method; He is a wise lover, and knows when to keep back the intimation of love and when to express it; but there are times when He makes no secret of it; times when He impresses it through the Holy Spirit on the souls of His people with such clearness that it is beyond all doubt.

The Holy Spirit witnesses in a most gracious manner, with our spirits of the love of Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and reveals them to us. No voice is heard from the clouds, and no vision is seen in the night, but we have a testimony more sure than either of these. If an angel should fly from heaven and inform the saint personally of the Saviour’s love to him, the evidence would not be in any way more satisfactory than that which is borne in the heart by the Holy Ghost. Ask those of the Lord’s people who have lived nearest to the gates of heaven, and they will tell you that they have had times when Christ's love to them has been a fact so clear and sure, that they could no more doubt it than they could question their own existence.

Yes, beloved believer, you and I have had times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, when our faith has lifted our spirits to the topmost heights of assurance. We have had the confidence to lean our heads upon the bosom of our Lord, and we have no more thought of questioning our Master’s affection to us than John did when he physically leaned on Jesus' breast. In fact perhaps our inner assurance of His love has been even stronger than that of John's. The dark question, “Lord, is it I that is going to betray You?” was not looming on the horizon! He has, through His Spirit in our souls kissed us with the kisses of His mouth, and killed our doubts by the closeness of His embrace. His love has been sweeter than wine and our spirits have responded with deep devotion and the determination to live only for Him.

Prayer

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 36:7

News Update

2011-11-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today Phyl celebrates her 65th birthday! Wow, where have the years gone? We are still in the UK and are just completing an interesting and helpful tour visiting several Churches and friends in the north and east of Britain. After many years we met up again with one of Phyl's earliest friends. They started school together in 1950! Here they are together after more than 60 years. We were very pleased with the 'reunion and information meetings' we had both in Yorkshire and Essex and it was so encouraging to find that some friends motored more than 100 miles to see us again! We also thank and praise the Lord for the kindness of those who have given us such generous hospitality during our time here.
We've still got room in Haus Barnabas over Christmas! Why not come and join us.

News Update

2011-11-03T02:11:00.000-07:00

For some, Sunday afternoon walks in the autumn can be just as enjoyable as in the summer if you are dressed appropriately! In fact October this year has given us some wonderful sunny days with only a blip one weekend when snow fell and settled down to a height of 800 m. Guests returning from a visit to Titisee commented that the view of the lake was blanketed out by large flakes of driving snow. Although in general it has been a mild autumn.
Phyl & Len are at present in UK and have set up office in the dining room of the kind and longsuffering David and Margaret Harman in Ashford. We head north and east in the middle of next week for visits and meetings in a number of places including an open 'reunion and information' afternoon in Otley, Yorkshire. Join us if you are able at Bethel Hall, Myers Croft, Otley LS21 3JG at 3.30pm on Sat 12th Nov., or if it's closer in Basildon, Essex on Sat 19th at Kingswood Baptist Church SS16 5DH again at 3.30 pm. On this afternoon you are invited to join us in a bring and share tea followed by an evening session with missionary reports by both Len and also David Quin from Asia Link Ministries. Don't hesitate to email us if you want more information about these meetings.

News Update

2011-10-13T02:28:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here again and the maple tree opposite the house, as seen in the picture, is in full colour once again. Phyl & Len are frantically finalising a year-end news report and a calendar/brochure and numerous other things ready to leave for UK in the last week of October.

Those of you in the north and east of Britain may be interested to join us at "Reunion and Information" meetings we are arranging in Otley, Yorkshire and Basildon, Essex. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible.

Saturday 12th November - 3.30pm in Bethel Hall, Myers Croft, Otley LS21 3JG - We plan a fairly informal time when we talk about the work and bring you pictures, mostly taken by our guests, leading into a short devotional time with opportunity for prayer and concluding with refreshments. Any queries please contact Mrs Elaine Wilkinson on 01943 461367

Saturday 19th November at Kingswood Baptist Church, Codenham Straight, Basildon, Essex SS16 5DH

3.30pm – 5pm We, Len & Phyl share the vision God has given us for Haus Barnabas with up-to-date news

5pm Bring and share tea with fellowship

6pm – 8pm Worship and news about Gospel outreach from both Len & Phyl in the Black Forest of Germany and from David Quin from Asia Link Ministries. David Quin will bring a closing message.

Any queries please contact David Barnes 01268 475297

We are pleased to have a continuing stream of guests during October with one or two giving of their time to help in practical ways too. Also a young Christian man from St Petersburg, Russia was able to obtain a visa and is now with us probably until the end of the year. It's encouraging to see the house a hive of activity and our morning prayers when we can commit everything to the Lord's control, over-ruling and blessing is so very, very important to us all.

News Update

2011-09-22T02:27:00.000-07:00

Tom and Esther are an integral part of the team in Haus Barnabas and play an essential role in keeping the house young! Their involvement in the children's part of our Sunday worship and Bible ministry is also greatly appreciated. Tom doesn't yet lead any of the songs with the guitar, that's still his mother's gifted contribution to the worship but as the picture shows it doesn't look as though it will be long before he can play his part too. Phyl is also teaching him the key board and violin!
Esther started 'proper' school this week and here she is with her school bag and the traditional German 'Schultüte'. This is a similar idea to a Christmas stocking. In it the parents give the child on his/her first day of school presents of both things for school such as exercise books and coloured pencils etc and sweets and other little gifts.
September has been a quieter time for us as far as guests in the house is concerned, which is a pity as the weather was been for the most part sunny and warm and as we come towards the end of the month the leaves are beginning to turn to display their beautiful autumn mode of dress.
We have so much reason to join the angel in singing their song of Isaiah 6:2:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!"

News Update

2011-09-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

The following comment from a church group which left us yesterday has warmed out hearts - "Our experience this year has even surpassed our visit of last year. We are saying a sincere thank you by coming back in 2012, but for a longer time! The fellowship and the loving Christian warmth that we received from you all at Haus Barnabas is priceless. A wonderful uplifting, joyous time. We go home to our daily lives refreshed in body and spirit. Thank you. With all our love. "
One of the memorable trips of the week was a drive to Engelberg in the Swiss Alps and the picture shows one of the group making his way cautiously up to the peak of Mt Titlis (10,623 ft) after ascending most of the way by cable car. The final evening of the week was very precious as we shared fellowship and worship together in song, Bible reading and prayer.
We have room for more church groups coming for retreats and holidays and would happily try to arrange to visit you by invitation to promote such at your Church or home group fellowship.
The aims of Haus Barnabas are encouragement and Gospel outreach - come and be refreshed and encouraged and at the same time your payment of our recommended rate enables us to maintain a local Gospel witness and to provide a sanctuary of loving spiritual encouragement to others whom God sends to us.

News Update

2011-08-18T02:20:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit of Phyl's sister and her husband we were delighted to be able to have a family meal together with both our sons and their families. In the picture above the only grandchild missing is Sophia who was spending a few days with her other grandparents.
Swiss schools have now returned for their autumn term so it's quite amazing to think the summer is rapidly drawing to a close. We still have a good number of busy weeks before us though and the temperature in the Black Forest is threatening to creep up into the 30s in the next few days.
The international nature of Haus Barnabas has been encouragingly obvious this year with a number of Dutch families joining us for our Sunday worship, guests staying with us from India and Israel and during the next few weeks both Chinese and Pakistani guests expected for a few days.

News Update

2011-07-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

Another visit from the 'Sportsreach' ladies www.sportsreach.org.uk was a great success and enjoyed by us all. The house was extremely lively and thankfully the girls had it to themselves with a total of 19 when three German young ladies joined them for the weekend. They put up a strong football team playing two matches in our local Schönau sports stadium. The first against a visiting men's team from Bern, Switzerland they won 3-2 and they then drew 2-2 against our Schönau ladies' team. After each match they were able to share the Gospel of the love of Jesus to the opposing team and distribute literature. They attracted a lot of attention in a positive way and demonstrated clearly that living for Jesus is no way a dull affair! Their participation in our Sunday service and the concert they put on for ourselves and the neighbourhood on Monday evening was a tremendous blessing although we would love to have had a greater response to the adverts we put out for the latter.

News Update

2011-07-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

With the summer holiday now underway it has been good this past week to welcome Dutch families with us, both to our Sunday service and Wednesday Bible Study. Two families holidaying together contributed to our worship with two of their Dutch hymns and one brother translated much of the service into Dutch particularly for the benefit of the children. It gives us much joy to see Haus Barnabas used as a place of fellowship and worship for believers of many nationalities and sense this is an important part of God's purpose for us. It is also extremely encouraging to find Christian families who, immediately on their arrival at their holiday location, Saturday evening, motor around to find the most appropriate place to worship Sunday morning!

Our text last Sunday was from 1 Chron 29:10-12:-

"Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honour come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all."

We say our amen to King David's prayer.

News Update

2011-06-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

The past week with our guest preacher, Steve Wyncoll was a great time of fellowship and blessing. It was a full week of holiday activities and the pictures will bring back memories to many of you who have holidayed with us. But in addition to our regular daily morning devotions with Daily Manna, Steve brought us a message each evening from the life of Elisha.
To find out more of Steve's regular ministry in his home church in Waldingfield, Suffolk see his church's website www.waldringfieldbc.org.uk

We still have accommodation available in July and August so if you are still wondering about a holiday do contact us.

News Update

2011-06-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

It has been a very enjoyable fortnight with our 'birdwatching and nature' theme weeks. In addition to the walks and outings the guests made by themselves I, Len, was able to accompany them on four occasions and we visited interesting locations rather less accessible by foot and public transport, the gorge of the river Wuchtach, the Kaiserstuhl and our more local Nonnenmattweihe where the picture alongside was taken. The rarer birds we saw were the hoopoe, bee-eater and redpoll on the Kaiserstuhl and two of our guests also had clear views of two ring ouzels on our local Belchen mountain.
We now have a new set of guests and have also welcomed Steve & Christine Wyncoll from Waldringfield. Steve is bringing us ministry each evening from the Life of Elisha. There doesn't seem to be any dull moments in Haus Barnabas and we praise the Lord for His daily help and encouragement.

2011-06-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

The 'Pitsea Friday Club Family Week' was a further eventful time in Haus Barnabas. David & Christine Barnes, with Deb's help, led a children's session each evening for the 7 children in the house and the week closed with a garden barbeque, see picture, followed by a relaxed time together with an organised quiz and testimonies. There were 21 us in total and not all the adults were believers so we have been praying, and continue to, that the week will prove to be God's means of bringing all ages to truly know Him.
With Tim and Deb and children leaving on Friday 10th June for 2 weeks in the UK, Phyl and Len would value your prayers for all the strength, wisdom and grace we need to cover for them as well as our own daily responsibilities. We are grateful to have Vicky with us to help for most of the month and the picture above shows her with Tom and Esther at the barbeque, which was the day she arrived.

News Update

2011-05-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Another week of blessing in Haus Barnabas has just drawn to a close with the departure of Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson and the guests who came to take part in their 'Encountering God' week. The picture gives a glimpse of the evening Marilyn shared her testimony and love for the Lord in word and song and the following poem was composed by Hellen Jeans, prompted by Isaiah 26:3-4 and her experiences during the week.

The Sound of the Peace of our King
I feel this peace in this house.
It fills my soul from the inside out,
Permeating my whole being.
This is the perfect peace of our King

I feel this peace when I walk down this path.
I hear the peace of the burbling stream;
The sing song of the birds in the forest;
The chirping of the crickets in the rustling meadow grass.
This is the perfect peace of our King.

I feel this peace when my mind is stayed on Him.
I can lean right into Him, my Rock of trust.
I can be confident of the hope I have in His plans for me,
As I lie down in this house, in the constant peace of the Lord my King.

News Update - middle May

2011-05-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

During this past week we have enjoyed a further 'reformation week'. This year for the first time we have included lectures on the doctrine of the reformers and in particular that of Luther. Working together with Paul Barnes of India Link Ministries we had hoped to have had a small contingent of Indian pastors and teachers whom Paul had felt would have benefited from a retreat week in Haus Barnabas with teaching on this theme. In the event it proved harder than expected to get the necessary visa for them to come to Germany and Switzerland and only one brother from India, Joseph Paul who runs the El Shaddai children's home in Chennai (Madras) was able to be with us.
Two other friends from Britain were with us to help practically and were able to participate fully in a fairly heavy programme. We gave lectures supplemented with dvds on the main European reformers of the 16th century with outings to the Hus museum in Constance, the Zwingli museum in Wildhaus and the cities of Zürich and Basel. Then between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning Dr Bernhard Kaiser of the Institute of Reformation Theology -

www.irt-ggmbh.de

gave four lectures on reformation doctrine; Christ alone, Scripture alone; Grace alone and Faith alone. There was also time for helpful discussion and questions. The photo of Bernhard lecturing was taken by Paul Barnes and that of the group of us by Tim Brooks. We are hoping that this structure and form of programme can be used for future reformation weeks.

News Update - 1st week May

2011-05-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

During early May God provided us with a small group of workers for repair and upkeep of the house. With willing and capable hands and God's blessing it's surprising what can be achieved in a week! The rotten part of a roof rafter was successfully replaced together with a number of broken tiles; a new velux window installed; a large number of window shutters repaired and painted; the lower section of the front outside wall re-painted, and wall tiles removed and re-set in one of the bathrooms. All the cost of this has been wonderfully met and our workers have set their heart on coming back as soon as possible to undertake further work! Praise God with us for this provision.

There are also indications that it's God's time for work to really go ahead seriously on the development of new rooms in our large roof space. Envisaged is a family apartment for staff and additional guest bedrooms to effectively double our capacity. A local architect has made a feasibility review with costings and has advised us that we could be eligible for a substantial grant designed to encourage village development in our part of Germany. He is following this up for us. We are praying that if this is truly of God He will provide the financial means to make a start with the drawing up of plans to be passed by the local council. We are encouraged to sense this is God's purpose by three definite enquiries by church groups of larger numbers than we can at present accommodate for 2012! And also by the fact we have experienced builders and workers offering to undertake voluntary work for us.

News Update

2011-04-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

We feel to have been honoured greatly with the Lord's presence over this Easter. Our 'Easter Bible Retreat' run for 4 days and we greatly valued the ministry of Tom Lori, seen here leading us in a Passover meal on Easter Saturday. Our steady attendance over the weekend was 25 with others coming in for some sessions. 31 of us sat down to the passover meal. Guests and participants came from UK, Switzerland and Germany and it was good to be able to welcome new faces as well as more long-standing friends. On Wednesday this week we held a 'Theme Evening' with a buffet supper followed by a talk by Tom entitled: 'How I as a Jew came to find the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as my Saviour', which we had advertised in the local papers. A number of our guests stayed on for this evening and we were also pleased to have 8 further people from the locality joining us. Tom spoke in German and Deb translated into English in one corner of the room for our non-German speaking guests. We feel that Tom's testimony and witness spoke to our hearts and we pray and trust to the hearts of one or more of those with us who don't yet know Jesus personally.

News Update

2011-03-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

We, Len & Phyl, have had a good time in the UK, with the emphasis this time in North Wales. We benefited greatly from the fellowship and ministry of the Church at Penrhyndeudraeth, near Portmadog where Len also preached one Sunday evening. The picture shows some of the approx 30 friends who supported our 'Reunion and information' afternoon. The weather was extraordinarily good for Wales and we had more warm sunny days than wet. Groups from the church there have come out to Haus Barnabas during the last two years and we are pleased that a further group have booked to come again this August.
Tim & Deb and family have been maintaining the witness of Haus Barnabas back in Utzenfeld in our absence, with the help of Rachel and Dave Gallop who are with us for nearly 3 months. We return to Germany tomorrow and the next main event is our Easter Retreat weekend when we are looking forward to ministry from Tom Lori.

News Update

2011-03-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

Our blogspot has not appeared for a while, which is very remiss of us. We have had a gastric 'bug' in the Haus and various ones succumbed to it. Phyl was out of action for a while and is only just feeling well again really. Fortunately she had her oesophagus/gastric endoscopy before she was ill, for which she was very thankful. This went fine and all is well with the afore-named organs, which is an answer to prayer, and probably wise medicine as well!

We are now in Britain and expect to arrive in Wales by the weekend for what is becoming an annual visit. We are not actually staying in Harlech castle, seen above, but in a much humbler but rather nice log cabin a little inland. We have our Haus Barnabas 'Welsh Reunion' at Capel Fron, in Penrhyndeudraeth near Porthmadog, on 19^th March, (see details along side) with Len preaching at the Chapel there on the Sunday evening, 20^th March. Apart from our friends in the locality who we know will be joining us Saturday afternoon, we know of various friends and HB guests coming up to North Wales for that weekend especially to attend and to see us, which is rather nice. We are also hoping to have some holiday too, although we seem to have accumulated a few appointments and in these days of internet and emails there will be daily office work to do also.

Tim & Deb and family together with Rachel & Dave Gallop are keeping things running in Haus Barnabas and we are pleased to have a few guests coming later in March.

News Update

2011-02-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

Our Easter Retreat Weekend

We, Len & Phyl, have been back in Haus Barnabas during February and important work this time of year is promoting our programme for the year and corresponding with guests and prospective guests. Alongside this news update is our schedule of special weeks planned for 2011 and we would like to encourage you to consider joining us in the Black Forest sometime this year. You will find a warm welcome anytime but maybe one of our special weeks will interest you. Tom Lori, a Jewish believer in the Lord Jesus and evangelist amongst his own people has a particular love for the Old Testament Scriptures and will be giving us several sessions on the life of Moses, under the title 'The making of a man of God'. Tom will also lead us in a passover meal explaining this and its significance too for New Testament believers. The picture albove is taken from www.churchisraelforum.com/A-do-it-yourself-passover.htm and the article: Celebrating Salvation - The Jewish Passover through Christian eyes. The whole Easter Retreat will be in both English and German and there are more details on our website.

News Update

2011-02-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Phyl & Len have been involved in a number of different meetings and 'reunions' in southern England during the past month and it has been wonderful to catch up with many friends and several church fellowships. The top picture show refreshment time at our Stanmore, London reunion and then the second the group of those who were able to join us at Duncan Road Church, Swanwick for the 'Pitsea Friday Club family week' holiday reunion. It's been so good and encouraging for us to meet up with so many of our past and future guests as well as long-standing friends and family members. The programme of food, games, memories and fellowship at the Swanwick reunion was organised by David & Liz McCann which we appreciated greatly. We expect to arrive back in Utzenfeld Monday evening 7th January.

Bookings for this current year are coming in encouragingly as also are offers of voluntary help. We have every reason to believe the Lord has an eventful and exciting year ahead for us and we value your prayerful support as we go forward to serve Him in it. The winter has been a lean time for us financially as it often is but we praise our Lord and Master that we can begin to see light at the end of a dark tunnel.

News Update

2011-01-03T01:59:00.000-08:00

It was good to have some family time over Christmas/New Year and the picture shows Len with sons Geoff and Dan (Geoff hidden) with five of the seven grandchildren.
Attendance at the various services in Haus Barnabas has also been encouraging and we have valued the ministry of David Harman on two occasions. David and his wife Margaret from Ashford, Kent have been with us for about a month and are returning home with us when we, Phyl & Len drive back to the UK on Friday 7th, God willing. We have a good number of engagements and meetings and would remind you again of our London reunion and information meeting at Stanmore Chapel, Marsh Lane, Stanmore, Middx on Saturday 22nd January beinginning at 3.00 pm. Tom Lori of the Messianic Testimony will be bringing a short epilogue from the Scriptures before tea.

News Update

2010-12-24T03:20:00.000-08:00

Our 'Carol Service' last Sunday evening directed our thoughts, hearts and voices to our Lord Jesus and to God's love and grace in sending His Son to be our Saviour. We were encouraged that several from the village joined with us, as well as a number of Christian believers from at least three local Churches. Bible readings, carols and songs were centred around 4 key words of Christmas; love, joy, righteousness and peace. Our picture shows Tom accompanying his mother Deb in a recorder duet of the German carol 'Freude, freude'. (Joy, joy). Geoff Holder, our son, gave a concluding Bible message from the praise of the Angels - "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace" The whole service was conducted in German although some appreciated singing occasional verses in English.

We wish all our readers a very happy and blessed Christmas.

2010-12-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

This picture of Phyl with our nephew's children was taken during our recent itinerary around parts of UK. It's a great privilege to have contact with so many lovely people who come and stay with us in Haus Barnabas. Before we gave up our home in Yorkshire and went out to Basel in 1983 one Scripture verse with a promise which spoke to us was Mark 10:29-30:

So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time — houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions — and in the age to come, eternal life."

Through our ministry in Haus Barnabas and through our children and grandchildren we are certainly seeing the fulfillment of this and praise God for His goodness. The promise however also mentions 'persecutions' and we are beginning to recognise that many of our daily struggles arise from spiritual 'persecution'. Satan is extremely frustrated by every true believer and follower of Jesus Christ, his arch enemy, and it's quite amazing what difficulties and opposition to a smooth and comfortable life he can bring to all of us who love Jesus. Thankfully we can rejoice that through His death and resurrection Jesus has defeated Satan and these struggles are only for a short time. The promised goal is eternal life in the age to come.

Phyl and I are now back in Utzenfeld for Christmas and and New Year but would invite anyone reading our blog to come and meet us in Stanmore, Middx for a reunion and information afternoon on Saturday 22nd January. Details below:

Saturday January 22^nd 2011
Stanmore Chapel
Marsh Lane, Stanmore HA7 4HP
3.00pm – 6.00pm
(More information: Tel: 01227 363857)

News Update

2010-12-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Phyl & Len have been motoring around the UK with meetings in various places on the eastern side of Britain. The picture was taken in Durham of our friend Helen demonstrating skillfully her latest musical instrument. Providentially we have been one step ahead of the snow, leaving Durham the day before it arrived there and then after the weekend in Basildon escaping from there the day before the heavy snow hit the southeast. We are now safely tucked away in Ashford, Kent and trusting the weather will improve to allow us to motor back to Germany at the end of next week.
Although both struggling with one or two ailments we have had an encouraging time. Between meetings we have prepared a brochure/calendar for 2011 which we would like to circulate to all past guests and interested friends but this is rather dependent on the finance being available.
A scripture that has blessed me in the past weeks is the promise from Isaiah 58:11. “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

News Update

2010-11-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

Esther the youngest member of our Haus Barnabas 'family' was 6 this past week. She invited nine children from her kindergarten to her birthday party, a lot of chocolate cake was eaten and a good time was had be all!

Len & Phyl leave for the UK in the middle of the week, God willing. If you want to contact us while we are away from Utzenfeld don't hesitate to email or use our UK mobile 07789 867300. We have meetings planned in Haxby - York, Langley Park - Durham and Basildon and expect to be back in Haus Barnabas in plenty of time to prepare for Christmas.

We expect to be preparing our 2011 brochure/calendar whilst away and if all goes well circulating it in the UK before returning to Germany.

News update

2010-10-29T03:14:00.000-07:00

Through mycharitycards.co.uk we are able to supply a range of 22 different Christmas cards with a suitiable Bible verse and our slogan 'Friends of Haus Barnabas'. These are available in packs of 10 cards of the same design, of which the picture alongside is an example, for £3.50. (A charge for packing and postage is added per parcel, so ordering several packs is an economy.) For every pack ordered Haus Barnabas receives £1.20 via Bible in Action Trust.

Click: www.mycharitycards.co.uk/haus-barnabas

It has been good this past week to have had guests from Prague, Munich and Hartlepool, but the next weeks look to be quieter and Len & Phyl are due to be in the UK for the second half of November. We have Reunion and Information meetings in Haxby, York on Sat 20th and Basildon, Essex on Sat 27th November and will be leading a Bible study in Langley Park, Durham on Tuesday 23rd when we will also be giving an update of our work. It would be lovely to see you if you are in these areas.

News update

2010-10-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

This week saw the beginning of winter on the hills around us. A sudden change from the beautiful autumn sunshine of the earlier part of the month. It has been good to have Geoff and Isobel Carr with us this past week. Geoff has been a Counties Evangelist in Essex for most of his working life. He gave us Bible ministry each evening and with fewer guests than we had expected and once the children were safely in bed all four of us benefited from this. Thank you Geoff. The picture was taken by Isobel during a bus ride up the Feldberg.

With winter looming and the prospect of real snow have you considered a winter skiing holiday, or simply coming to us for Christmas or New Year! Also don't forget you can support us through buying our charity Christmas cards.

www.mycharitycards.co.uk/haus-barnabas

News Update

2010-10-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Gen 8:22

On Sunday we thanked God afresh for His faithfulness in providing another harvest season and for all the good things has given us throughout the year. A simple colourful table display gave us a visual reminder of some of His provisions. Our sermon developed the theme of God's covenanted faithfulness, thinking particularly of the apostle Paul's firm persuasion that nothing can separate the believer from God's love in Christ Jesus. Rom 8: 38-39

The pumpkin was made into a delicious soup for supper!

News update

2010-10-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

This past week we were introduced to the excitements of 'geocaching' by our grandchildren. The following website will tell you all about it www.geocaching.com but in a nutshell, hidden around the globe including our immediate area of the Black Forest are numerous 'caches', i.e. containers of varying sizes containing a logbook and perhaps other objects. The exact location of each cache is pinpointed using GPS technology through satellites. To play this 'treasure-hunt' game you need a hand-held GPS receiver into which you have down-loaded from the internet the exact location of hidden caches in your area. Your GPS will then lead you to within a few feet of the 'treasure'. Our first find was under rocks in the roots of a tree some yards off a footpath through the forest and took us a least 20 minutes of searching once we had found the location!
The game can provide considerable incentive to youngsters, and perhaps those not so young too, to exercise their legs as well as their minds and experience the joys of finding beauty spots and view points in less accessible places. We hope to to able to provide 'geocaching' as an option for families holidaying with us in the future.

Of course there are spiritual lessons to be learnt from the excercise and Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of heaven being like treasure hidden in a field. Matthew 13.44

2010-09-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

At long last we've completed another newsletter. We shall be printing and sending copies by post to many of our friends and past guests but a copy is immediately available as a 4-page pdf document on the internet. To get your copy to read and print for others to read simple click the following:

www.haus-barnabas.com/html/welcome.html

There you will find the opportunity to click on the letter-heading (also given above) and get our Autumn 2010 Haus Barnabas News. We shall be more than happy for you to print copies for others who you think may be interested in the ministry and witness of Haus Barnabas in the Black Forest.

If you are beginning to think about Christmas Cards for 2010 we would invite you to click

www.mycharitycards.co.uk/haus-barnabas

You will find a selection of cards with Bible verses overprinted with our Friends of Haus Barnabas slogan. For every pack of 10 you buy at £3.50 per pack we receive £1.20 for the support of our work.

Thanks for your interest and it's not too late for an autumn holiday with us or how about Christmas or New Year!

News Update

2010-09-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday our International service was almost entirely in German. Our two British guests both had a sufficient grasp of the language to follow it well and we had three German visitors. Tanja who often joins us when visiting her mother in Todtnauberg accompanied the singing on her cello together with Phyl on the key-board. The sermon was from Jeremiah 33 1-3, which encourages us to believe that even when things look hopeless we can know that God has everything under control. We are exhorted to call on Him in our bewildering circumstances and He promises to show us great and unimaginable things which we couldn't know through human logical thinking!
Our special rated 'Autumn Uplifts' at £230 per 7 days runs from 19th Sept to 31st October and we still have rooms available! During the week 12th - 18th October Geoff Carr a retired Counties evangelist from Essex will be leading devotions each evening under the theme 'Open my eyes Lord'. Why not come and support us here and find blessing from the Lord for yourself!

News Update

2010-09-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

We have just completed a successful 'Reformation Week' in Haus Barnabas. The five participants took part enthusiastically in the evening sessions on our 'local' 16th century reformers, Zwingli, Bullinger, Oecolampadius and Bucer together with Erasmus who through his work on the Greek New Testament text was used by God to give such impetus to the revival of interest and study of the Holy Scriptures. We were privileged to have Canon Peter Cook with us, whose detailed knowledge of John Calvin added greatly to discussions after each evening's presentation. Visits were made to Zwingli's birth place in the Swiss Alps and the cities of Zürich and Basel. The photo above was taken outside the manse of the Swiss Reformed Church in Riehen-Dorf, Basel from where it's minister Pfarrer Daniel Holder gave us helpful information about the reformation in Basel as well as updating us on the situation within the Swiss Reformation Church today.

News Update

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our picture this week shows Steve Morley, evangelist and children's worker in Essex UK, with a group of the children from the village who came to the Bible Week in Haus Barnabas at the end of August. Over 5 mornings he looked at five N.T. characters whose lives were changed by Jesus. The children here are binding themselves up with paper as Lazarus would have been in bound in grave-clothes! We praise the Lord that the week was successful, as far as we can measure success, and that it might be the beginning of a regular children's club.
We, Len & Phyl, have enjoyed a brief holiday break in North Wales and are now back in Utzenfeld and are today expecting the arrival of guests for our Reformation Week here.
If you haven't been to Haus Barnabas this year, or even if you have, why not consider an Autumn Uplift' with us, or even a visit over Christmas or New Year! - for details see www.haus-barnabas.com/html/seasonal_prices.html

News Update

2010-08-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

Preaching is tiring! Our son Geoff preached for us in Haus Barnabas this past Sunday and here he is relaxing with his two sons, Barney & Tim later in the day! We had a good congregation of around 40 from Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Holland, Germany, USA, Brazil and Switzerland. Geoff preached on the cost of following Jesus which demands a trust in all that He has promised us and a denial of personal selfish concerns.

God has provided for us, Len & Phyl, to have a holiday for the next two weeks and we are trying not to take work with us! Next week Steve Morley from Essex will be leading ministry in Haus Barnabas and we have invited Tom & Esther's school and kindergarten friends from the village to join a children's programme to be led by Steve each morning, when Deb will be translating into German as necessary. Your prayers for this venture would be valued. David and Christine Barnes are giving over their holiday to helping Tim and Deb in the house but are trusting that both they and Steve Morley will also find time to enjoy the Black Forest.

2010-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today we had probably our largest congregation ever to our Sunday morning service. Dutch and German families on holiday in Todtnau supplimented our own guests in the house. The picture shows part of the congregation over coffee after the service.
"Who has bewitched you ... having begun in the Spirit are you now being made perfect by the flesh." was our subject this morning and it was good to have reason to preach in German again.
It has been miraculous how God has sent us voluntary helpers this year. They have come from Switerland, Britain and N. Ireland and as well as helping with the more mundane tasks each has contributed something of their own interests and gifts to the running and maintenance of house and garden.
We look forward to welcoming Steve Morley from Essex in two weeks time who will lead the ministry while we, Len & Phyl are away. Pray the Lord will bring folk to be blessed by Steve's ministry!

News Update

2010-08-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Our picture this week shows the ladies Christian football team from Sportsreach, who stayed with us in Haus Barnabas, sharing the Gospel through testimony and tract with our local Schönau ladies team. The Lord only knows what He purposes to bring out of this contact! We can pray!
We are pleased to be having guests of all age groups coming and going these summer months. Most are from the British Isles, and England, Scotland & Wales have all been represented. A Dutch family came unto our Sunday service this past weekend and we have a German teenager with us this week doing an intensive English language course with Allen www.kings-english.de
Switzerland has also been ably represented in the house this season with two very capable and efficient helpers, Joel and Damaris, and as I write we have an Hungarian gentleman here for the night. Our daily prayer is that all who come under our roof might be touched by God's Spirit here. The Lord Jesus is establishing His kingdom amongst all nations and it's a wonderful privilege to be part of it.

News Update

2010-07-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend we've had the pleasure of the company of a team of young ladies from different parts of Britain and Germany under the auspices of 'Sportsreach' with us in the house. www.sportsreach.org.uk They have encouraged one another spiritually through their devotion times, shared actively in our Sunday worship service, enjoyed the Black Forest and played football and netball on our Utzenfeld playing field and Schönau sports stadium. One of the high lights of their visit was a soccer match against the Schönau ladies team! The final score of 5:0 to Schönau doesn't reflect the skill and enthusiasm with which our girls played! After the match their leader, Sue Marsden was able to explain their Christian faith and the commitment to Jesus and His Gospel which brought them together and motivated them. They had one or two gifts for the Schönau team and then presented each member with a Christian booklet explaining the Gospel. We are praying that there will be on-going contacts through this visit and fruit to God's glory.

News update

2010-07-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

We have this week past, amongst other things, been giving our website a face lift and bringing it up to date. We shall continue to work on it but do please draw our attention to any spelling errors or other mistakes. www.haus-barnabas.com
We continue to appreciate the voluntary help of young people in the house and this coming week will see a change. Anna's six weeks are coming to a close and we have much appreciated her assistance including, at her own initiative, clearing weeds in parts of the garden, adding a few new plants which have smartened the view from the window considerably. Today, Monday, we are expecting a young lady from Switzerland, Damaris to be with us to help with things for two weeks. She wants to use the opportunity to improve her English.
We also this week expect to have several contacts with the village. The ladies club (Frauentreff) in Utzenfeld come to us for their regular get-together on Tuesday and at the end of the week a ladies football team from Sportsreach in northern England come for a long weekend and are scheduled to play the Schönau ladies football team. We are hoping that some of members of the latter will accept an invitation to come to the house to meet us all socially. The Sportsreach team are eager to share their faith and that should give an opportunity.

2010-07-12T03:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our guests hear a scurrying sound across their ceiling during the night or early morning. Up to now our 'roof-dwellers', stone martins, a close relative of pine martins found in parts of the UK, have been very secretive and have only rarely been seen and then mostly as they clamber up the rock face at the back of the house into the forest beyond. However this year they have become more sociable. We have used our 2nd-floor rooms for helpers and one night one of them saw a furry face peering through the window at them from the roof outside. Yesterday one came running down the rock face to stare chatteringly at us in the garden. It's God's house and He is sending all sorts of guests to us!!
We've this weekend enjoyed fellowship with a family from Perth, Australia and in two weeks time we are expecting a ladies football team from Lancashire. Under the auspices of Sportsreach these use sport as a means of contact for sharing their faith in Jesus and communicating the Gospel. We have been able to arrange for them to play the Schönau ladies team on the splendid Schönau sports ground and are hoping that some of these local ladies and their friends will accept an invitation to Haus Barnabas to meet the English team socially and to hear about their personal faith that binds them together and motivates them. Please pray about this.
Phyl unfortunately kicked a rock rather hard when playing football with the children on Saturday. It seems likely that a big toe is broken. Please pray it will heal quickly.

News Update

2010-06-29T01:14:00.000-07:00

In the service this Sunday we enjoyed a violin accompaniment by a competent and enthusiastic musician who was visiting us for the weekend. Maurice and his wife had spent a holiday with us in 2008 and came in on their way home after a week in Switzerland. Through their time with us two years ago Maurice came to really appreciate the Spurgeon meditations we use in Daily Manna and has been reading them ever since. One reading for last week 'go up into the high mountain' seemed so appropriate to their situation that he shared it with the other hotel guests where they were staying in Lauterbrunnen. (we reproduce it as our blog meditation for this week).

We are now at last enjoying real summer weather. We look forward to welcoming a group from Herne Bay Evangelical Church on Thursday for the fourth year running and trust the fine weather holds.

We have on a number of occasions had to overflow into village accommodation this year and it has been good to see these guests wanting to join us for morning devotions before breakfasting with us in the 'Haus'.

News Update

2010-06-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's been lovely to have some warmer, sunny weather after a rather disappointingly cool May and this has of course brought out our summer flowers. We marvel at our heavenly Father's creative skills displaying astounding design. One of the breathtaking sights for me is blue of the wild lupins against a background of yellow broome and surrounded by the soft greens of fresh leaf growth. We seem to have more bird song in our garden this year and we have every reason to re-echo the song of seraphims around God's throne: 'the whole earth is full of His glory' Isaiah 6:3.

Against this background of beauty there are constantly things which create stress in the running of the house and afresh this week I've taken comfort and strength from the reminder, I believe from the Lord, that it's His house and His work and He has the ultimate responsibilty for it. We are His servants and also His friends John 15:15 and above all He wants our love and our faithfulness. He entrusts us to provide loving hospitality to His children and all whom He sends to us. We serve them, enjoy their fellowship, pray with them and bless them and they return 'from whence they came'. Often we continue to prayer for them and they continue to bless us. It's truly a wonderful privilege to be part of God's family in Christ!

News Update

2010-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Suddenly the house is empty of guests for a week-end of quiet after a very hectic week. The 'Family Week' from Pitsea Friday Club filled the house to overflowing and with Tim & Deb and family in UK we were thankful that they provided they own cook and kitchen workers. David & Liz McCann led the 11 children in two separate children's sessions each evening and the week came to a climax on Friday evening with a BBQ and evening programme for all of us. Children, parents, grandparents, friends and helpers made 30 in all. The week was full of 'happenings', many unplanned and unforeseen, and although we have appeared to live on a very earthly level, dealing with very earthly things, we have had a strong sense that these things were only superficial. The real significance of the week has been an invisible spiritual work that God has been doing. Satan doesn't relinquish his territory easily and we have been caught up in the cross fire of two kingdoms fighting for the possession of precious, immortal souls. We believe that future days and all eternity will reveal the overwhelming power of God and His grace in the hearts and lives of some of all ages who where with us this week.

Just at present we feel weak and drained but those 'who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint'.

Our picture shows two of the youngsters completing the nearly 3 Km down hill run on the Todtnau mountain coaster - www.hasenhorn-rodelbahn.de

News Update

2010-05-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

This past fortnight we've had our oldest guest with us. Having had her birthday in 1918 Hilda is doing extremely well and has led an active holiday with the help of her wheel chair and a devoted daughter and husband! By way of contrast, at the end of the month we have a family week with about 10 youngsters coming with either parents or grandparents. There will be a children's programme each evening led by Dave and Liz McCann.

May has so far been a disappointing month weather-wise with coolish temperatures. We are hoping for better things soon!

We are pleased to have arranged for guests speakers to lead devotions and evening ministry later in the season. Steve Morley, who was a Counties worker in Essex has agreed to be with us for the week August 21st to 28th when we, Phyl and Len, are having a little break. He will also lead a short children's programme in the evenings. Then during 11th - 23rd October Geoff Carr, also a Counties worker, will be with us to share devotions and bring ministry. Please make these dates know to folk you think may be interested.

News Update

2010-05-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Lord has wonderful ways of encouraging His children but I wonder whether we sometimes fail to appreciate these signs because our minds are too taken up with our practical activities. Something happened this week and it was only after the event that I realised that God was speaking to us through it. Two Christian friends, previous guests with us, called by unexpectedly during a motor caravan tour of Europe. The timing of their visit was not particularly convenient as we had had a busy morning and although well past midday we had not yet had lunch! However it was good to see them and we gave them tea and talked for an hour or so and after prayer together they continued their planned tour leaving us for Bavaria. After they had gone I suddenly noticed that the bunches of tulips they had kindly brought us were the same colour as those on our Daily Manna cover for May - see the picture. Surely not a coincidence? God was saying that their visit was of Him and had significance? Then I realised that the generous sum of money they had slipped into my hand on leaving adaquately covered the amount I had spent that very morning on DIY material for the staff bedroom I was hurredly trying to complete in our roof space before we needed it at the end of May. Surely a remarkable sign that our thoughts and plans were of God and He could supply all we need for the work to go on. Then finally, they had left a book with us that they had been reading during their trip. It was a testimony of a Christian couple doing a similar work to us, namely providing an open house where Christians came to find encourgement and unbelievers came and experienced God's grace and blessing and the opening of their hearts to Him. We can only say - 'Thank you Lord for sending Your servants to us and for the confirmation that You are with us and I quite believe have new thoughts for us from the book Your servants quite casually passed on to us!

News Update

2010-04-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

It's a sure sign that Spring is here once we wake Benita, our 24 year old water turtle, from her winter sleep. Between November and April she sits quietly in 6 inches of water in the cellar demanding neither food nor attention. A convenient pet to have! Now she's looking forward to her spring diet of tadpoles and we need to locate batches of unhatched frogspawn to nurture for her. We expect still to find some in the colder pools at higher altitudes. One year when we got home from such an expedition we found a beautiful red-bellied newt in our bucket, which we had obviously unwittingly scooped up with the frogspawn.
The ban on flights across Europe this past weekend because of the high altitude ash from the icelandic volcano brought us unexpected guests. We appreciated greatly the fellowship with a family from London on their way home from Italy in a hire car. It was good too to have our first Sunday picnic lunch of the season in the garden after our morning worship service.

News Update

2010-04-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the intrepid contingent from our Easter Bible Retreat who conquered the Belchen mountain (4,595 ft) on Good Friday afternoon! Actually car and cable car took them most of the way!
The picture was taken by Dr Bernhard Kaiser from the Institute for Reformational Theology who we were priviliged to have with us for part of the weekend and who gave us two excellent addresses. We recommend you link on to his website to learn about his ministry and with samples of his sermons also in English. www.irt-ggmbh.de

We were encouraged by the following comment in response to our request for feed back from the weekend - 'The teaching was excellent - we benefited so much from it - good to have it so bible based and clearly taught. I don't think that could be improved - be hard act to follow next year'
April is quiet in the house as far as guests are concerned but we really take off on 1st May! The sun is now warmer here, but snow showers are forecast again for tomorrow!

2010-04-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying our first Easter Bible Retreat in Haus Barnabas. The theme is 'our incorruptible inheritance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead' 1 Peter 1 3-4. Over the four days we have had four speakers each giving two expositions of the first part of 1 Peter chapter 1. (Berhard Kaiser, Alfred Staheli, Geoff Holder and myself). Everything is conducted in both English and German. There is time for relaxation in the afternoons and on Good Friday Geoff led the group of guests up the cable car up our neighbouring Belchen mountain. (See picture, although this was taken in February 2009 by Chris Hall) Most of the the guests who came were from the north the Switzerland and although we would have liked more it has been good to meet and get to know a few more local Christions. Tim and Deb and children needed to take the opportunity of the school holiday to visit Tim's family in Kent and we have been very grateful to a family from UK who have come out to help in very practical ways.

The expositions of this wonderful passage of Scripture have not only deepened our appreciation of the 'living hope' we have though Jesus' resurrection but also recognised and explained the necessary prerequisit of the new birth into God's family to entitle us to receive the promised 'incorruptible inheritance'. We are producing 8 CD's of the series of sermons. Let us know if you are interested and watch this space!

News Update

2010-03-11T03:31:00.000-08:00

We, Len & Phyl, are at present in north-west Wales on a semi-holiday. We have the use of a secluded log-cabin in a holiday village where we have internet contact to maintain correspondence etc and Len is preaching for three consecutive Sunday evenings at Capel Fron, Penrhyndeudreath. We also have a Haus Barnabas information afternoon on Saturday 20th - see details alongside on blog. However we are also taking time out to enjoy the beautiful Welsh coastline and mountains and visit a number of friends in the area. The view here is from Criccieth across to the Snowdon range. We praise the Lord for the opportunity for this time of rest and change and for the blessings of 'Geborgenheit' which is the very apt name of the cabin we are privileged to have the use of.

News Update - Sunday 28th February

2010-02-28T05:45:00.000-08:00

Our snow in Utzenfeld has been melting fast in the last few days but it looks has as though we could get more at the end of the week! The picture was taken of one of the rock faces along the old railway track to Todtnau. Skiing has been good and according to the Feldberg report still is.

We, Len & Phyl, leave for the UK tomorrow, Monday 1st March, and have a series of engagements in Wales. We are contactable on our UK mobile 07789 867300 and are happy to deal with holiday enquiries and also to be generally available for friendly chats. Remember our reunion and information meeting in north Wales on Sat afternoon 20th March those of you who live within travelling distance. (More details on the righthand side of this blogspot page.) We aim to back in Utzenfeld for Palm Sunday and in time of course for our Easter Bible retreat.

Tim and Deb Brooks and family are keeping things running in Haus Barnabas during our absence and although we ahve a minimum oif guests booked for March younever know what may materialise!

Bookings for the year have been coming in fast so we advise you to contact us as soon as possible about vacancies if you are considering coming.

News Update

2010-02-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

This little species of finch, the Bramling, or in German 'Bergfink' (Mountain Finch), has got itself into the news here this past week. The bird is a regular winter visitor from Scandinavia, both to Britain and mainland Europe, but this year the species has arrived in the Black Forest in flocks of several thousand. The local newspaper reported that streets in Lörrach had to be closed to traffic because cars couldn't avoid killing them! We also had a flock in Utzenfeld although not so large. They are apparently particularly attracted to beech woods where they will clear the area of beech nuts completely. I wonder if they have also been seen in Britain? A response from bird watchers would be welcome!

On another subject, we are hoping and praying for a positive interest in our first Easter Bible Retreat. The programme for the four days Thursday 1st April evening until Monday 5th April midday provides for fellowship, worship, Bible ministry and relaxation. The four preachers, Alfred Stäheli, Dr. Bernhard Kaiser, Geoff Holder and myself Len Holder will each give two Bible expositions from 1 Peter 1. For full details see our website: www.haus-barnabas.com All will take place in both English and German. We are expecting a good German contingency but it would be good to see English-speaking guests also well represented. Do please pray for us and consider the possibility of coming! It may not be so impractical as you might imagine. You could always stay a few extra days to make the journey worth while!

News Update

2010-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

It's carnival time in Europe and although sadly in some cases these few days give an excuse for uncontrolled drinking and licentiousness in its moderate form it seems to give every age group a happy party spirit. The pensioners of Utzenfeld had their monthly gathering in Haus Barnabas this past week and most of them arrived in funny hats! See our photo. The Kindergarten encouraged the children to go in fancy dress. This pleased Esther tremendously, as she loves dressing up. One day she went as a fairy and the next in Tom's pirate costume!
On the more positive side for us because the weekend, and for the schools also next week, is holiday we have had guests in the house. We are enjoying fellowship with an American couple based in Germany and also a Welsh-Irish lady living in Prague where she teaches at an international school. Meal times have been a delightful time of sharing cross-cultural experiences and our guests are entering whole-heartedly into our Sunday worship and fellowship meetings. The weather remains snowy with sub-zero temperatures and our teacher from Prague is looking forward to cross-country skiing this coming week.
Our Sunday sermon was based on Peter's enquiry 'Lord what about this man?' and Jesus' answer 'What is that to you? You follow me.' from John 21: 21-22.

News Update

2010-02-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

It's good to be back in Utzenfeld even though we were welcomed back by snow. The worst of this had come a week earlier and the picture shows that despite the weather Haus Barnabas was still open for weary travellers and local villagers wanting an excuse for a walk and 'Kaffee und Kuchen'. It is unusual for the weather to bring life to a halt as is so often the case in the UK so Deb pulled Esther to Kindergarten on the sledge and Tom's bus to his school in the next village ran on time.
We have been working on the arrangements and programme for our proposed Easter house-party with Bible ministry and you will find details of this on our web page. Why not consider joining us for Easter? Or maybe it's not too late to come and enjoy the snow. The forecast is for the weather to get colder again and skiing conditions are ideal on the Feldberg and other slopes.
We got a lot of blessing from hymns from 'Praise' on the journey home here on Friday .... 'Through floods and flames He leads me safely on, and daily makes His sovereign goodness known'

News Update

2010-02-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Having been travelling around the southern counties of Britain this month it has been difficult to keep up the weekly news updates. My apologies to those of you who follow our activities for interest and prayer. We have had encouraging times with a number of different churches and also afternoons of 'reunions' with guests and friends in Stanmore and Basildon. The crowning blessing was the privilege of taking part in the baptism of Richard and Michelle Smith this past Sunday at Kingswood Baptist Church, Basildon. See picture.

Richard and Michelle came to Haus Barnabas with their children as part of the 'Family Week' last May and it was through that week that the Holy Spirit touched their hearts and as Richard said to me at the close of the week - 'I know my life has got to change'. After attending the services as his local Baptist Church and an Alpha Course they both responded to the call of Christ and see their baptism as the beginning of a new life of following Jesus with the help of His promised Holy Spirit. Please pray for them and their family of four children. They are due to come out to Haus Barnabas again in May 2010. (See http://www.kingswoodbaptistchurch.com/testimonies.html for Richard's and Michelle's testimonies.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

A happy and blessed new year to you all

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."

Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

News Update

2009-12-29T00:54:00.000-08:00

Our first significant personal contact with continental Europe came in 1972 when two au-pair girls from Switzerland came into the small Baptist chapel in Surrey where Len was pastor. Both found a personal faith in the Lord Jesus during their 6 months with us and this aroused in us an interest and prayerful concern for German speaking Europe. It was more than 10 years before we, Len & Phyl and our two sons, moved out to Basel in September 1983 to begin a new phase in our life and ministry, but the seed of God's call had been first sown on that Sunday evening when the two Erikas had come into our home after the evening service in Horley.

This past weekend the two Erikas visited us again. This time in Haus Barnabas in Utzenfeld. Much water has flowed under the bridges of our lives during these intervening 38 years and of course we have kept in touch to some degree, but it was great this weekend to spend time together, to worship together and encourage each other afresh.

News Update

2009-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

We are encouraged to have about eight folk from the village coming regularly to special events we arrange and several of these are keeping in contact between times by coming into the cafe. It was good to welcome most of these to our Carol evening yesterday together with a few others from Todtnau and Schönau. We valued also the participation of our son Geoff with Ruth and Barney, Tim & Beatice. The picture shows some of the Utzenfeld villagers during a more serious moment of the proceedings.

Our Christmas arrangements with guests has developed in unexpected ways. A British couple expected are sadly now unable to come because of serious ill health, but over the Christmas/New Year period we are now expecting two individuals and a family from Switzerland.

We have had severe low temperatures and fairly substantial snow and were awaken last night by water cascading through the ceiling of our upstairs corridor, and to some degree down to the ground floor below, through a frozen pipe bursting and defrosting! Our work will be cut out to get everything dry and ship-shape before the first guest arrives on Christmas eve! There are no dull moments in Haus Barnabas but it is good too to see our Lord's providential timing of our problems. As friend Spurgeon once said, God makes his grace available in an unlimited way but metes out the gall and vinegar in carefully prescribed amounts.

News Update

2009-12-16T05:21:00.001-08:00

Snow has arrived here in the Black Forest. The attached photo was taken by one of our guests on the Feldberg last week. In the far distance is a clear view of the snow-capped Swiss Alps and on the Feldberg itself there was sufficient snow for skiing to have begun.
In Haus Barnabas we are engrossed in preparations for Christmas and also for the on-going work in 2010. We are planning for a Carol service in our lounge on Sunday evening which will be mainly in German but including well know English carols and are also busy printing our own Black Forest calendar which also includes information about the house particularly for those thinking of visiting next year. We are happy to send a copy of this to you without charge on request either by email to len.holder@haus-barnabas.com or by telephone in the UK to Rosemary Edwards on 01227 363857.
Len & Phyl plan to be in England again in January and all are invited to our 'Reunion' meeting at Stanmore Chapel, Marsh Lane, HA7 4HP on Saturday afternoon 23rd January, commencing at 14.30.

News update

2009-11-28T01:09:00.000-08:00

During November Len & Phyl have been in Britain. It has been good to spend time with friends in different parts of the country, to take in Bible ministry for our own souls and enjoy Christian fellowship. However in these days of computers and the internet our office comes effectively with us and we have spent many hours preparing a power point presentation of the work and also a brochure/calendar for 2010, as well as catching up with some correspondance.
Our travels have taken us virtually the full length of Britain, from the south where we had the privilege of sharing about Haus Barnabas at a men (and women's) breakfast in the parish church hall in Patcham, to the north where after catching up our friends in the Baptist Church at Langley Park, Durham with the Lord's blessing on us in 2009, we were taken to see parts of the old Hadrian's wall, albeit in pouring rain! Among several highlights of our UK visit was a second annual reunion with friends in Yorkshire at Bethel Hall, Otley, and the kind hospitality of David & Margaret Harman in Ashford, who not only allowed us to use their home as a base and office but also welcomed various of our friends who came from quiet long distances to see us there.
The picture shows David and Margaret with granddaughter Grace during an October visit to Utzenfeld.

News update

2009-11-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

Emily, seen here with Tom & Esther, has been a tremendous help to us in the house since the end of August. She is on a gap year before going on the study German and philosophy and when she leaves us during this month she will be working to raise funds for a three month stint in Uganda in a mission school with Mission Direct.
The Scripture text for our Sunday service was from Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord will wait that He may be gracious to you ... blessed are all those who who wait for Him. Often the Lord doesn't seem to be in hurry to answer our prayers but He knows the very best time seen from the many vantage points which He alone has access to. These words of promise are set within a chapter warning of the foolishness and sin of making our own plans and using our own initiative without reference to God and His word. Our deliverance and salvation is in returning to Him in restful trust when we will then find our strength through quiet peace and confidence in Him. (v 15).
November is a quiet time in Haus Barnabas as far as guests are concerned and Len and Phyl have various appointments in England.

News update

2009-10-29T02:21:00.000-07:00

This past week has seen more activity in our garden than for any other week we've been here. We're extremely grateful to Andy Ninnis for his skill and hard work in rebuilding the 2 metre high dry stone wall which collapsed some months ago. (see picture). With his father's help he also felled six largish trees to let more sunshine into the garden and brought to light the old bowling alley of by-gone years. Peter Ninnis also contributed significantly to the spiritual ministry of the house in giving us an encouraging exposition of the book of Habakkuk in four sessions, which were ably interpreted into German by Deb. A full house of guests, including our Hungarian friend Gabriel and a local German bus driver appreciated this ministry greatly.
Also this week we have finalised arrangements with 'charitycards.co.uk' for the sale of Christmas cards with the Haus Barnabas logo which we would like to recommend for your interest as an additional way of supporting our work and ministry. The cards can be bought online through

www.mycharitycards.co.uk/haus-barnabas

News update

2009-10-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

We had a friend with us this past week whom we hadn't seen for 26 years. He very kindly told us we hadn't changed at all in the intervening period and wanted a few pictures of us. We've made one of them our blog picture for this week! At the end of this month we have a break from guests for a few weeks and are travelling across to Britain. We hope to get a bit of relaxation but have a guest reunion meeting in Otley, Yorkshire on 14th Nov - come and enjoy a Black Forest tea and an update on news and information - all are welcome, past guests, future guests and interested friends. See more information alongside here on blog spot. We also have a meeting at Langley Park, Durham on 17th and are speaking at a parish breakfast in Patcham, Sussex on 21st and at Herne Bay, Kent on 1st Dec.

News Update

2009-10-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Tom having enrolled for a second year of football training in the village is now playing short matches in the junior team against other local villages on a series of Saturday mornings this autumn. As the picture shows he is very proud of his kit, supplied by the village and with 'Utzenfeld' blazed across his back, and also his first real football boots. For his weekly training he wears an England shirt!! What will happen if he's ever chosen to represent the national German team?

This week we are providing the venu for the Utzenfeld pensioners' club's monthly meeting. This now happens several times a year. We provide food and drink and get to hear all the local gossip. This contact has also helped a number of the older folk to feel more comfortable about coming into our 'evangelical Christian' house. Some now come fairly regularly to our café and we were delighted when eight from the village came to the Marilyn Baker concert in September.

The second half of October becomes busier with guests before Len & Phyl come across to England in November. See details of our 'northern reunion' opposite.

News Update

2009-10-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday our worship service concentrated on thanksgiving for harvest and all God's visible, material gifts to us. We noticed however that in Psalm 65 David praises God for both material and spiritual blessings and that the New Testament shows us that God's invisible blessings are eternal and therefore more important than His material blessings. (2 Cor 4:18). Our very simple harvest display, seen in the picture, illustrate His visible gifts given for the good of our bodies. They come to us with God's love, but the greatest demonstration of his love is His gift to us of His Son Jesus, through whom He gives us eternal life. When we know and receive this gift we begin to know God Himself, which should bring us to the position where we can be happy in Him whether the material gifts are there or not. The prayer of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk illustrates this. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
After the service 17 of us enjoyed a fellowship lunch together.
Martin Leech from the European Missionary Fellowship was visiting us for the weekend and in our evening fellowship we valued hearing about EMF and its work. This led us into a time of earnest prayer for a movement of the Holy Spirit in revival across Europe and also more specificially in the lives of those we ourselves know and love.

News Update

2009-09-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

With fewer guests and the much appreciated practical help of Emily in the house, who is with us for about another ten weeks, Len has been able to spend a few hours on two days helping our son Dan construct new cupboards and book shelves in the manse the family are moving into for their new pastoral responsibilities. After ten years of ministry with the Swiss Reformed Church in Muhen, Canton Aagau, Dan and Martina were unanimously accepted by the Church in Riehen-Dorf, Basel as a husband and wife partnership to fill the vacancy of their retiring pastor. The picture shows the church with the large manse on the right. The whole family are excited about the move but it will of course involve a change of school for the three older children, Sophia, David and Benedict. The Riehen Church has a long-standing evangelical tradition and the manse itself has a claim to fame being the childhood home of Leonhard Euler an important Swiss Mathematician, born 17o7.
www.gap-system.org/~history/Biographies/Euler.html. Tim has this week been in England to celebrate his father's 80th birthday but since his return has also spent a day assisting in the move. We wish Dan & Martina much blessing in their ministry in Riehen, Basel.

News update

2009-09-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Tom and Esther return to school and kindergarten this week. Tom beginning his second school year and Esther continuing at the village kindergarten. After six weeks of speaking essentially English this sudden re-immersion into their respective German-speaking environments can be quite traumatic. We have been praying for them. Tom also begins another session of football training with other youngsters in the village, this term on Thursday evenings. They both have local friends who they often play with outside of school hours and Deb encourages this as much as possible.
Emily who is helping us in the house for four months is a great favourite with the two children at the moment and this should be particularly helpful when Deb re-commences her English-teaching afternoon sessions shortly.
We have been pleased to have a guest from Bendigo in Australia this past weekend and others from the UK are joining her on Tuesday. We have shared our lives with more people than ever before these summer months and although the house has no 'empty' days before the beginning of November these next few weeks look like being a little less hectic as far as guests are concerned.
We pray that the following comment in our guest book may have been true for many of those who have been with us - 'Thank you for encouraging us through your life' - after all we see this as one of the more important reasons for the existence of Haus Barnabas.

News Update

2009-09-08T12:18:00.001-07:00

A retreat week in Haus Barnabas entitled 'Encountering God' and led by Tracy Williamson and Marilyn Baker culminated in a public concert by Marilyn in which she sang her own songs and gave personal testimony, as a physically blind person, to God's love and grace in her life. This is now the fourth such concert Marilyn has led in Haus Barnabas over the past five years and her name is becoming known locally here. It was tremendously encouraging to us this past Sunday evening to see nine Utzenfeld villagers walking in groups of two and three to the concert, most of whom had never been to any 'spiritual' event in Haus Barnabas before. We feel the café has helped people to feel easier about coming to us, as four of those who came had been in the café that afternoon and received personal invitations to the concert.
A few weeks ago Marilyn had fallen off the platform on to the rail at Tonbridge station when her guide dog had underestimated the the amount of space she had needed to get around a group of workmen. She testified of God's providential protection in enabling the oncoming train to be stopped just in time and that she had no broken bones. A visit to the warm thermal baths whilst with us together with prayer had helped to relieve the pain and stiffness which were hindering her sleep pattern and we praise the Lord that she and ourselves and each of the group of ten who took part in the week had found blessing from it.

News Update for week commencing 31st August

2009-08-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

The glorious summer weather has continued here this past week and our guests have enjoyed an active week, walking, sight-seeing and generally relaxing. The free use of public transport as a benefit of the compulsory local tax has again been greatly appreciated this summer and the picture shows our guests of last week eagerly waiting at the'Engel' bus stop for the 10.00 am bus to Titisee or where ever. The morning devotions, Wednesday evening Bible study and Sunday service and fellowship has been appreciated and the comment has been made, more than once: "coming on holiday in a group with other members of the Church has enabled us to get to know one another in a new way." Thankfully this has always been said in a positive way!!

Although we have had the café open less hours this year, we do, as happened again today, have a few ladies from the village coming in for scones, jam and cream! We pray some will choose to come to Marilyn Baker's concert next Sunday evening.

Emily is proving to be a tremendous practical help and the lads helping us in the past weeks have been great and greatly appreciated.

We are looking forward to, and preparing for, the retreat week with Tracy Williamson and Marilyn Baker due to begin Wed 2nd September, entitled 'Encountering God'.

News Update

2009-08-28T01:53:00.000-07:00

August is proving to be a month for groups in Haus Barnabas supplemented with additional guests. We have appreciated and valued the fellowship and input from a group from Nicholaston House, Swansea, (see picture), and this week a group of 11 from Essex and Cambridgeshire. It's so rewarding for us to see our guests relaxing as they get into their holiday and in 'becoming themselves' better able to take in nourishment from God's Word in a sincere way from the daily devotions, and contribute through their prayers and spiritual conversation for the mutual blessing of all.

Of interest for many of our friends is that this year for the first time we have seen a kingfisher on the stretch of the Wiese river by our house. Guests taking a walk before breakfast have reported this two days running. They have also been thrilled to see a family of dippers.

We have been pleased to welcome Emily this week who is now due to be with us for about four months on a voluntary basis as part of her gap year. We trust and pray we will all be of mutual blessing to each other and Emily may have opportunity to improve her German language skills.
Dave is with us for about another two weeks and the two young people are working and relaxing together well. Patrick left us on Wednesday to begin a job in Bern.

News Upate

2009-08-19T03:48:00.001-07:00

During outings with our guests to the Mainau - the Isle of Flowers on Lake Constance we will often deviate into the city of Constance to see the Huss Memorial Stone. John Huss was born in about 1380 in Bohemia and became a pastor in Prague and dean and rector of the university there. Being enlightened to biblical truths through the writings of the early English reformer John Wickliffe, he began to preach and teach in a new and vital way which soon brought the condemnation of the archbishop of Prague and eventually excommunication from the Church of Rome. The emperor sent him a certificate of promised safe-conduct to a Church Council in Constance in order that he might defend his views, but once he had arrived in Constance the pope refused to acknowledge the emperor's promise and John Huss was burnt at the stake as a heretic. A year later his loyalist supported Jerome of Prague was also martyred on the same spot. The stone seen in the picture above commemorates the spot where the two men died for their faith in Jesus and their steadfast belief that obedience to the teaching of the Bible was more important than adherance to religious traditions and what they saw to be a corrupted church system.

We are pleased to have a full house of guests for the rest of August and into the first week of September and there has been 20 of us around the meal table the last few evenings. It's good to have Tim & Deb and family back from holiday.

News Update

2009-08-10T00:39:00.000-07:00

Tim and Deb and children are having a weeks holiday on a campsite in France. We trust they have a really lovely, relaxing time. Len & Phyl are appreciating the help of Patrick in the house as three guests leave today, five more come Tuesday and then a further eight on Saturday. An increasing number of guests are using the Eurostar train to Paris and then the very fast TGV line to Mulhouse or Basel where we meet them.

It's a quiet time in Utzenfeld generally with school holidays and and some of the firms closing for holidays too, but the pensioners group which met in Haus Barnabas last week was well attended and with obvious activity in the restaurant a Swiss couple passing came in for ice coffees. We would very much like to be open more to the public as all coming into the house are confronted with evidence of our faith in Jesus and there are free bookets, Gospels and New Testaments to be picked up if they wish.

Patrick is helping us put the new website into German so hopefully very soon these pages will be added to the site.

News Update

2009-08-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday saw the largest gathering yet this summer in our lounge for our Sunday morning international service. There were four with us from the locality, one of whom was a gentleman with us for the first time who still had personal questions about fairly basic biblical issues of faith. We also had a couple from Holland and guests from north-west Wales, Cheshire, Bedford and London. After a day of fellowship there were 20 of us for the evening meal and we really sensed the 'house' was fulfilling it's ministry of bringing encouragement and blessing to the full spectrum of ages. The picture shows some of the Welsh group, who were with us for the week, at the Todtnau waterfall.
Dave leaves us this week, after contributing in many helpful ways in the every day chores as also in longer-term organisational aspects of the work. We hope to welcome him back with his wife Rachel in the not too distant future for a further spell of voluntary help but in the meantime Patrick, who is Swiss and from the Freie Evangelische Gemeinde in Balsthal is taking his place. We are very pleased to have Patrick with us and he is already showing his worth as a valuable 'Mitarbeiter'.

News Update

2009-07-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

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.

News Update

2009-06-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

This past week we were pleased to have a group of five Christian men among our guests, two of whom were totally blind and a third with only limited vision. The week went well and the enthusiasm for the daily devotions and prayers and Christian fellowship was refreshing and encouraging. One of the highlights of the week was the outing to the Toggenberg mountains in the Swiss Alps which included a cog-railway and a cable car up to about 7000 ft.

News update

2009-06-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday last week was a public holiday in the Roman Catholic areas of Germany for the celebration of Corpus Christi. The body of Christ in the Mass is honoured through beautiful flower petal arrangements in and around the churches and a procession accompanying the consecrated bread through the streets. We watched this in our local town of Schönau where the above picture was taken.

By way of contrast, we, as evangelical believers, are so thankful to be able to concentrate our thoughts on a risen Saviour whose powerful presence is with us each day and as we eat bread and drink wine in fellowship together in rememberance of His body broken for us it's wonderful to believe and know that His presence is not so much in the bread but in our hearts.

This week we have a group of five men as guests in the house, two of which are totally blind and one only partially sighted. On Sunday we sang 'When I stand in glory I shall see His face' and one of our blind brothers pointed out to us the particular blessing this glorious hope is to him.

News Update

2009-06-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

The big news for this past week is the arrival of our new (one-year old) car. It's a wonderful provision from the Lord and although we still have other urgent outstanding bills to meet it's tremendous blessing to have a vehicle free of debt and so suitable for the work. Our guests will appreciate the better comfort and the air conditioning!

This week we have the Utzenfeld ladies club coming for their monthly get together when we supply the venue and food and drink for up to 15 members. It's a valuable opportunity to keep in touch with the community and to get closer to some of the significant ladies of the village!

It's good to have Tim & Deb and family back from their England visit and the children are now back at school and kindergarten for the final half term before the summer holidays.

At our Sunday service we looked at the account in Rev 1 of John's vision of the risen Lord Jesus. Our Saviour plays so many roles for us in our lives. He is our Shepherd, our Lord and Master and our Friend and its wonderful to see Him too as the powerful King of kings assuring each of His local Churches that He is with them, His very appearance giving that confirmation that we are on the side of victory!

News Update

2009-06-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

We are very grateful to God for giving us a happy and we believe successful family week with a children's programme each evening. The week finished with a BBQ in the garden followed by a 'party-like' programme when the parents and other 'grown-ups' were able to hear and join in with the songs and games the children had learnt during the week. We were also challenged by the main points of the Bible teaching the children had received and by the testimony of 'Uncle Aldo' who shared with us how God had called him to faith in Jesus when a wild and desperate young man.

Work in the house continues this week with more sedate guests and we look forward to the return of Tim and Deb and Tom & Esther on Saturday.

News Update

2009-05-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

Although still awaiting the delivery of our new car were able to borrow our son Dan's 7-seater family Espace for the guest airport and train station pick-ups at the week end. Dan & Martina and 15 month-old John were leading a church group to Salzburg and we were looking after grandsons David and Benedict, while Sophia was with her aunt.

The house filled-up on Saturday with a total of 21 of us including David, Benedict and their friend Maximilian sleeping in a tent in the garden! With Tim & Deb & family in the UK, Phyl & Len were extremely grateful to have the help of various friends from Britain - some of you have been praying with us for the help we clearly needed and we are so thankful that God is meeting this need.

The emphasis this week is a children's Bible club week and our nephew David with his wife Liz and 2 young children are leading this very adequately. We have four other children together with their parents, the uncle of another child and an older teenager too. David and Christine organised the week for families connected with their weekly Children's Club and are also with us. It's proving an eventful week and we pray for lasting blessing.

The Sunday service was different and the emphasis was to explain as simply as possible how the Lord Jesus has removed the 'big curtain' of the Old Testament temple which separated the people from God because of His holiness and our sinfulness. Jesus returned to heaven after His death and resurrection (during this past week was 'ascension day') to sit with His Father on His throne as our Saviour and Friend and to hear our prayers. Hallelujah!

News update

2009-05-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Lord has graciously provided for us to order a 1 year-old 7-seater Renault Espace Grand. We now await it's arrival from Renault! With Tim and Deb and family leaving for the UK on Wednesday it would be very convenient for it to arrive by Tuesday afternoon although our garage doesn't give much hope of this. We'll see!

Among our guests this week have been a Baptist couple pastoring a church in Cumbria. What is encouraging is that their contact with us arose through a friend who has been circulating all the email addresses on a website of British churches recommending us on the basis of his own holiday at Haus Barnabas. Thank you Jeff.

On Sunday mornings I'm beginning to preach a series on Revelation. Today was chapter 1:7 – 'Look, He is coming with the clouds .... '. John uses the present tense for this statement. Although written 2000 years it was present then and is still present today. Jesus is coming back again! All that He has been doing and is doing is in preparation for His coming and in this sense it is the present tense; He is on the way! Are we living and working towards this too?

News Update

2009-05-11T02:24:00.000-07:00

Another eventful week - Our older Mitsubishi van effectively died on us after achieving more than 260,000 km and at the beginning of the week the only possible option for replacing it seemed to be some form of leasing arrangement. Remarkably before the week had passed our heavenly Master had indicated through promised provision from His children that we could go ahead and find a suitable vehicle to buy. As we have so often proved, we have a loving, faithful Lord whom we can trust to provide what's needed in His service. More exciting details next week!!

We have valued the fellowship and prayerful interest of our guests this week. Derek Prime, who was pastor of Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh for many years, is with us and a couple who helped us, (Len and Phyl), to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary two years ago are with us again and they invited a teacher from the Black Forest academy who they met at the Faith Academy, Philippines to join them for the weekend. On Sunday we all enjoyed wonderfully encouraging fellowship together and sensed very much our oneness together in the Lord Jesus. The afternoon saw a walk above Schönau around the hills of the Holzer Kreuz, familiar to many of our guests and illustrated in our picture.

News update

2009-05-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

This past week has been an eventful one for us and we want to thank and praise God for a number of significant happenings:

1. Pastor Peter Ninnis gave us a helpful study on the Old Testament book of Ruth. He preached from Ruth chapter 1 in our morning service last Sunday and then gave us three further studies on the following three chapters on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. These expositions with helpful application for our faith and practise today were ably interpreted by Deb into German and were appreciated by both English and German guests in the house and one or two German friends coming in each evening. We would like to think that this can be the first of similar weeks of Bible ministry!

2. The installation of our new hot water and central-heating boiler was completed at the beginning of the week and proved itself very satisfactory until after the last guest had left on Friday when a significant part failed on Saturday leaving us without hot water or heating over the weekend. Our heating engineer was prepared to motor 30 miles to Freiburg on Sunday to fetch the necessary part to install but we told him we had no guests over the weekend and Monday would be soon enough, which he appreciated! New guests are due to arrive Tuesday.

3. John Lowther had worked hard on the en suite bathroom in Tim's old office in the roof and when he left on Wednesday there were only a few details for us to finish off before the room can be used by the 'helpers' coming to work with us at the end of the month when Tim and Deb and family are in the UK. Please pray with us about this week 23rd -30th May. We have a group of ten coming from Essex including 5 children. Several of the children are a 'Good News Club' and their parents are with them. David & Liz MacCann and family are coming to provide a programme for the children each evening and we are praying that this together with our Sunday service and the general witness of the house may be a real blessing to the whole group.

The guests had a very successful visit to Mainau, the Isle of Flowers, on Lake Constance with Tim this week, when the the snow covered Swiss Alps could be clearly seen across the lake to the south, the orchid house full of hundreds of blumes and the island's gardens and fields full of colour.

Guest bookings for the whole period May to October have continued to come in most days this week and we have had the first two bookings for the Tracy and Marilyn retreat week entitled an 'Encountering God renewal break' 1st -7th September.

News update

2009-04-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

This week in addition to four guests we are pleased to have a good friend from Wales with us helping practically with the completion, we trust, of an en suite bathroom in staff accommodation on the second floor. We value greatly this form of voluntary practical help as there are a variety of jobs needing to be done. We would like to get some trees felled this year so any experienced voluntary help for this would be valued!!

The installation of our new boiler is going to scheduled. We were relieved that they managed to get us hot water by Friday evening and now Monday should see the central heating radiators warm again. Thankfully the weather has been mild and we have our wood fired tiled oven downstairs which has maintained some warmth in the house.

It was good to have the café open over Easter and the warm sunshine enabled us to have tables outside which attracted several passers by. Two-tone yellow pansies in our car-park flower boxes are giving a nice splash of spring colour while in the forest it's good to see new growth driving away the drabness of winter and wood anemones, violets, celandines and ladies smock adding their colour to the fresh green of the opening leaves. However a little higher up the valley there is still snow up to your knees as I discovered with Tom and Esther when we went searching for frogspawn earlier in the week.

We are sorry that the Bible ministry planned to begin this Thursday has had to be cancelled due to Peter Ninnis suffering a minor stroke. He and his wife Marion have still been able to come to us as planned but it was considered wise to allow Peter a complete holiday rather than the seven nights of Bible ministry he had hoped to give us. Our times are in God's hands!

Len & Phyl & Tim & Deb

A wonderful provision from God

2009-04-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

This week we are expecting to have a new boiler for hot water and central heating installed in Haus Barnabas. We praise the Lord for His gracious provision. It seemed an impossibility when we first contemplated this need! The sequence of events leading up to this miraculous provision runs something like this.

Last autumn a heating consultant whilst on holiday here without any prompting by us, took an interest in our heating system with the intention of helping us to reduce heating costs which are big! We sent him facts of the amounts of oil consumed at different times of year and he made several practical suggestions as to how to run things more efficiently. However he came basically to the conclusion that our old burner was an 'oil guzzler'!

At the same time our local heating engineer who had installed the system in 1968 and serviced the boiler each year was warning us it could give out without warning any time. Also it needed each year to pass a test in regard to exhaust fumes and in 2007 it failed on this although thankfully just scrapped through after being re serviced. Providentially it passed again in 2008.

After some discussion our heating consultant friend generously offered to finance half the cost of a complete new boiler if we could find the other half of the cost.

Five year ago we had paid to bring gas into the cellar when they were taking it into the house opposite and were advised this type of fuel would be an advantage for us.

We discussed our present needs with our local heating engineer and he gave us a quotation of a minimum of 18,000 Euro and nearly 1,000 more if we opted for a bigger boiler which we would recommend. We mentioned the situation in a letter to 'friends of Haus Barnabas' and then in our general newsletter. The following is part of a letter from a regular guest who has become a close friend and faithful prayer supporter:

'I'm writing to let you know that I have today sent a cheque for £8,000 to Bible in Action Trust to go towards your new boiler - No I am not a millionaire but I lost money on an investment and decided to withdraw the remaining funds and place my treasure in heaven. I have thought and sought wisdom from the Lord and this is the decision I have come to; so it gives me great pleasure to help you.'

We informed our heating consultant friend of this gift I had the following email from him:

I am so glad that the Lord has answered your prayers. I will send a cheque to Peter tomorrow. Please can you tell me the balance required, as after conversion to pounds it may come to more than £16,000. If as a result of exchange rate changes or charges for moving money around, there is any deficit in the total, I will make it good later.
Yours in Christ,

We knew that the installation of the new boiler and all that involved with this would take the best part of a working week and since we would be without hot water or heating for those days the timing for the installation would obviously be important with regard to guests in the house. A family group due to come the week after Easter cancelled at the last moment because of illness and when I spoke to our heating engineer remarkably he said he would be able to schedule the work for this period.

A further factor in the best timing of the installation of the new system is the avoidance of the waste of expensive heating oil. We normally have to buy this 5000 litres at a time, but because of lack of funds the last order was for 2500 litres only. This ran out a week ago and since then we have been able to feed the old boiler from a measured supply in a canister.

We have been told that we should have heating and warm water again by next weekend when we are expecting new guests.

Surely we can see the Lord's hand in all this and we praise Him for His care and provision. We continue to look to Him for His further over-ruling and providential care until the job is completed and finally paid for.

This provision has encouraged us to pray on in faith for other pressing needs.

Yours in our Lord's service,

Len & Phyl Holder & Tim & Deb Brooks