The Snyders in Germany

After being in Lippstadt for almost 3 years we are moving on. We have been waiting on the Lord for about one year as patiently as possible. Then God in His diving timing answered our prayers. 

One year ago today in Shingal, Iraq and the villages around it inhabited by a lesser known people group called the Yazidi were captured by ISIS forces.  Fathers were seperated from their wives, young men were separated from their mothers and sisters.  The men were systematically murdered.  By UN calculation over 5,000 were killed.  The remaining women and children have been sold as sex slaves, married-off in a forced conversion or have been trained as "cubs of the Caliphate" to become murderous child soldiers.  5,000 - 7,000 were captured and by in large most remain Islamic captives.  The surviving families pray to be reunited with their daughters though many on both sides have given up hope leading to the reports of Yazidi captives killing themselves.  This intense pressure gave rise to this now somewhat renown rescue video which I cannot watch without crying.
I cannot believe the extent to which the nations are flooding to Germany.  Beforehand I knew of the refugees but many attempts at contact were so difficult as to make me wonder if it was worth it.  Language barriers and extreme need and system abusing liars all take the edge off of our passion but now as the nations no longer rise as water seeping through the cracks but as water bursting through the door and pouring through the window I am made to consider what my role, our role in this might be.

   The Yazidi people have a strange form of faith mixed with Christianity, Islam and Tribal superstition.  They revere a top fallen angel and are therefore known as devil-worshipers by the Muslims.  But in this I imagine there must be an openness to the Gospel.  As I considered these things today I saw a dark man with two children at the park.  I asked his language and he said "Kurdish" and expanded that he is a Yazidi who fled from Sadaam Husein.

Gods will be done.  "in the latter days the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it" - Micah 4:1 AND Isaiah 2:2

God finally brought together youth from seven different churches across Lippstadt and it was a really cool time.  We had young moderators, awesome testimonies from youth who God has been moving powerfully, fantastic music from the God Fearing Youth Crew from Koinania Hannover, and a solid preaching on the Calling of the Disciples. Then after more worship we forced everybody to mingle by charging them three signatures from new aquaintances in order to score a free bratwurst or two.  Then they pulled couches together around a big bomb fire with marshmallows.  Lots of people stayed until midnight or later and spirits were high.  Many said they want to do it again and we plan on doing exactly that.  We'll be looking for a date in the late summer/fall and you can be praying with us that God multiplies his work as these youth share with their friends "you really missed out last time."  May many come expecting to hear from God and may their expectations be exceeded as they were by one youth who said "I've never felt such a nearness to God like that in my life!  The feeling was incredible."
Thanks to God for the God Fearing Youth Crew for coming out, showing up and leading us in true worship.

Earlier this year as I wrote about a city-wide youth rally I seemed to be the only one who believed that it could happen.  Yet in two weeks God is going to make it happen.  Young Catholics, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Baptists and others are coming together to praise God with one voice and in one spirit.

A few months ago even an elder thought that the Bible study at the High School would fall apart or be stopped.  Now God has opened the door that I should have the honor of preaching at the graduation service in a Catholic Church.  The church is supposed to be "crazy full" and it is going to be happening this Saturday.  I've also been selected to be the main preacher at the Youth Rally.  It reminds me of the verse:

"And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was."
- Hebrews 5:4

Two excellent oppertunities in the next eight days to tell hundreds about the glories of Christ.  Great oppertunities but also the weight of resonsiblity is hanging somewhat heavily on me.  I am not afraid because I have nothing to lose but I do concern myself hoping that Christ would be glorified in all my speech and confirmed in the hearts of the hearers through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Beyond all this there is the great blessing of our third child Elijah.  I am so happy to welcome him to our family but I know my thoughts are divided and that we are also suffering attacks on our thoughts and our relationships so as to discourage us from taking full advantange of the good things God has laid before us.  At the moment my inlaws are also living with us to help with the baby which is not always so simple.  So as I have been praying that words might be given me and that we might be relieved of our anxiety.  To these ends and beyond I decided to write this update and reminder to you our faithful family in Christ that you might aid us in a great victory for the name and glory of God in Lippstadt.

What greater battle can there be than for the hearts and minds of the next generation?  These next two weeks could prove to be a decisive battle in the ongoing struggle.  Therefore I ask for a few minutes of intercession on our behalf and on behalf of the city that hearts would be opened to hear the word and that many disciples would be made who would make more disciples.  Also please ask for an easing of the language barrier and that the right words would be spoken.  We thank you and love you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits,
- Aaron

It is amazing how quickly we forget what God has done for us.  In simply thinking of 2014 few things come to mind.  It actually seems at first that nothing has gotten accomplished.  But as I examined last year's calendar preparing to throw it away I decided to jot down all the major happenings.  The list came to over two pages of events.  In order to bring our supporters a little bit more into our lives here in Germany I would like to share some of the list.