Gospel Expedition

This morning’s ride was difficult as weariness from the previous day told on us. The thought of riding 250 km after the challenges of yesterday made us anxious. But as usual, we came together to read the Word of God before we began, and the Lord, as always, had words of encouragement for us. We read Psalm 91 . . . Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.â€? We saw how these words were fulfilled along our way. It was a hard ride again, but the Lord was always with us. We felt His powerful and strengthening hand. He was our support and protection.

We stopped to have a snack and met a group of Germans who had stopped to rest at a rest area. When we told them who we were and the purpose of our trip, they were surprised and impressed. They decided to encourage us in their own way. They gave us food they had with them, begging our pardon for having not more with them. It was a simple and a warm meeting with these people. Though the language barrier separated us, we told them about God and gave them maps with the plan of our trip. Praise be to God for such an opportunity to share the Gospel!

We were now entering the territory of the former communist East Germany. The contrast between East and West is stunning. Roads and houses are better, cleaner and more beautiful on the territory where there was no Communist influence. But in East Germany, there are more people who know Russian as they learned it at school. We took it as a good opportunity to preach the Gospel. Along all our way in Germany, many people were friendly as they met us, waving their hands at us and signaling with their horns.

We reached Leipzig with God’s help. We were met by very hospitable young people in the Baptist church and treated to a wonderful dinner. We then went out into the town’s streets to reach people with the Gospel together with young German Christians, having New Testaments with us. Today Germany celebrates Ascension Day — today is a holiday in Germany. There are many people in the streets.

Andrew Kaplin