On Friday June first we left at 8 :15am from the Bethel Church to our partner Church in Mainz and we had very good weather when we took off. We had a good drive and the roads were not to busy. On the way we took a couple of bathroom breaks and had something to eat. One of our stops was the Moezel Valey. It was wonderful.
Our group was very warmly received by the “Freikirche Gemeinde Mainz”. After a nice mail and a prayer we were taken to our guest families where we would stay over nights. After a little snack and a chat we went to sleep.
Saturday was a very busy day.
After a extended breakfast we took of to the Bible Museum in Frankfurt. It was an unforgettable experience. For example the cross what was actually not a cross at all. Because of the heavy logs the vertical beam stayed in de ground and the convicts would walk through the streets, strapped to a beam on their neck, shoulders and arm (also Jesus). When they came to the place of crucifixion the horizontal beam was placed on top of the vertical beam. On top of that beam a plaque was placed with the name of the convict. Jesus plaque said INRI (King of Jews). And that Is what made it look like cross which came the main Christian Symbol. But first Christian symbol was the Ichtus (the fish)

Also we have seen a lot about the Old Testament. It makes things look different from the way we used to read it. It is really a museum to come back to and explore.

After a typical local lunch in a Frankfurt restaurant, where we ate local food, we split up the group when going into the city. One group went shopping while the other group went all the way to the top of the “Sparkasse Tower”. After a short briefing we took the elevator and flew all the way to the 56th floor in 45 seconds. The view was amazing. We could see the city and all of it’s surroundings.

After small setbacks with the train, tram and bus and a lot of chatting and laughing we arrive quite late at the church. Our German brothers and sister received us with a nice barbeque all the way. That night was so wonderful. Singing together and praying with all these different nationalities. One in the Lord

Sadly it was soon Sunday, our last day, but a blessed service. Our own youth group brought a nice song and the German choir sang with angel voices. Pr. Samuel preached that morning. He used some verses from the book of Esther and talked about gossip, pride, obedience, …

Sharing the bread and the wine together in a different way we are used to, but it was very serene.

After the service, lunch and around 2:00pm back on the road. We had rain all the way home, but we are so thankful for this blessed weekend and the love of our brothers and sisters in Mainz. And because God took care of us and protected us during these memorable three days

As for many years also this year we have gone to Weltersbach as a church.
The retreat gives people the chance to get to know eachother better and fellowship in a relax atmosphere and focus on the Word of God together.
The theme for the retreat this year was: “Where is God?” Every morning during Bible study this theme was discussed and thought about. It made people think and the subject isn’t finished yet. We hope to continue this theme in the Church Bible Studies or maybe continue this during another trip.

Also this year there were people that joined this trip for the first time; new church members, but also friends of the church. Everyone was warmly welcomed en had a feeling of solidarity.

About Weltersbach; it might be good to visit their website to get to know more about it.
The people of this parish really have been taking good care for the Bethel Church and their guests and they did everything to make the stay as pleasant as possible.

One night the youth of the church was invited by Ekkehard BECKER to make a night walk through the wood. It ended in a small barbecue with bread, sausages and soft drinks.

The old, young and the children all have extremely enjoyed this small midweek in Weltersbach.

To the people of Weltersbach a very warm thank you.