Spring is around the corner and we've seen some signs of it here in Germany the last few days. Though frost can still be seen on the rooftops in the mornings, the sun is shining brightly after what seems like weeks of cloudy and rainy days.  Next week is already Passion week, ending in the celebration of Christ's resurrection.  It is beyond my comprehension that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, yet I believe it because God's word tells us it's so.  I'm so grateful to the Lord for what He's done and is doing for us and in us.  Thank you for your prayers for the work here.  It is proof of the love He puts in our hearts, that you are concerned enough to pray for people you don't even know in another part of the world.  Thank you!

We are diligently preparing for the concerts and service we will be having with the Jazz Band from Mid America Nazarene University in May.  These rehearsals have been strenuous for all of us, as we try to stretch beyond our actual abilities and learn songs that are challenging for most of the inexperienced choir people.  Will we do it?  Only with God's help.  But He does help us and for that I am also very grateful.  In all of this, I learn that I must trust Him more, as my trust in people is sometimes severely tested.  But our faith isn't in man, but in the God Who created the universe!

Pray that He will fulfill His purposes for these concerts, the service, and the time that our people will have with the people from the band.  The week-ends they are here looks something like this:

Thurs., May 7:  Supper and rehearsal with the band and choir together.

Fri., May 8:  The band will play in a High School here, and visit classrooms, hopefully having the chance to share their faith with the students. In the evening:  Concert with Gospel Union and Band in a large State Church in Friedland.

Sat., May 9:  Freetime for the band with their hosts from the choir. Evening concert in the State Church in Neustrelitz (where I live).

Sun., May 10:  Jazz-Gospel service in the State Church in Feldberg.  Evening concert with the band alone in another State Church in Neubrandenburg.

Please also pray for the band as they make their final preparations for their trip and tour.  May the Lord use it for His glory.  That is their prayer, too.

The Bible studies continue and new people have joined them.  Several people are very open, and though they have had absolutely no previous background or knowledge of the Bible or Who Jesus really is, they want to know more.  One young woman bought herself a Bible several months ago and just started reading it on her own!  When I heard this, I was sure God is working in her life and that she will soon become His child.  Another young woman told me that she had never come in contact with the Gospel (in it's true sense) until she started singing in the choir.  What she has picked up there has made her want to find out more. Stories like these and others encourage me, and show me that God is working in hearts.

Please pray that He will open my eyes to my true work, and that I won't be too focused on the musical side of the assignment. :-)

I wish you all a happy and meaningful Easter celebration.  May God continue His work in you, and in us, and teach us to tune our hearts to sing His praise.

With gratitude for you all,
Linda Psaute