Fall into Winter

This was going to be a Fall update but it started snowing so I guess this is somewhere in between. In any case, here is what we have been up to the past few months.

BTS Switzerland

In September, I (Ray) headed off to Switzerland for 10 days to staff the Bible Teacher School (BTS). We had 25 students who came from all over the world wanting to become better Bible teachers. There is a big need for the Bible and for those who can teach it well around the world. The school takes place over three sessions in different locations. In between the sessions, we offer coaching for those who are interested. I am now coaching one student who is working in Italy and has a passion for teaching the Bible. I help them find teaching opportunities, and provide guidance and feedback. All the staff and most of the students work with the Discipleship Bible School (DBS) in Europe. The BTS was also an amazing time to network with each other and discover ways we can support each other.

BTS Class Matterhorn Hike Horned Moses

(At one point in history, the Latin Vulgate translated Exo 34:29-30 as Moses was "horned" coming down from Mt. Sinai, instead of Moses "shone". Therefore, you can find horned Moses statues in some cathedrals in Europe.)

Teaching Oppotunties

Some of my teaching opportunities for the Fall fell through due to some schools being postponed, which I have been reinvited in the Spring. However, I was able to do a Bible Overview for the DTS here in Hurlach, and a couple of weekly Bible studies on base. I was also invited to do an introduction to Bible study at our YWAM base in Nuremberg.

DBS Hurlach

I am now starting to plan for the Spring DBS here in Hurlach. The school has not run here for a few years so its starting from scratch. I need to recruit a staff team and students at the same time. Fortunately, student applications are starting to come in and some interested staff. Progress is also being made on some of the logistics. Please pray for the upcoming school!

School Website

Housing

When we first arrived, the YWAM base provided transitional housing for us on base. It is a blessing but it is pretty small for a family of two growing boys and needs to be open for new staff. It has been a challenge to find housing as the village of Hurlach has become popular. After 9 months we finally found an apartment in the village! We moved in a week ago and we are thankful to have found a bigger, long-term space to live in. However, it does come with some challenges. First of all, we didn't have any furniture, and German apartments don't come with kitchens! Luckily Dori is really good with "Kleinanzeigen" (German version of Craigslist but way less sketchy) and we have acquired a whole kitchen and beautiful leather couches for free! The other challenge is it is more expensive to live off the YWAM base, which is stretching our financial support. The Lord has put us on a walking in faith journey and He has been faithful. Finding ways to provide the things we need, pay the security deposit, 1st month rent. It is not easy but these times show God's faithfulness!

Lately, we have revived our Instagram account. We have almost daily updates and a daily challenge of "Ray is a Bible Teacher, can he answer that question?" I don't know what the question will be or when I'll be asked. I have to answer off the top of my head and in under a minute! Be sure to follow the fun:

Instagram: @the_pieratts

That is all for now!