The Snyders in Germany

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

Wow what an exciting few weeks we've had!  This time has been an incredible roller coaster of emotions.  So many great things are happening and even though we constantly face opposition from the powers of this world God is stronger, better and good.  He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places and many already here on earth.  Sometimes I just can't believe how good he has been to us.  Of course we've had moments in which the enemy attacks us in our weakness but then we wake up and realize just how much God has been blessing us.

1.  Healthy Beautiful Baby Boy -
Noah Zechariah Snyder was born September 3rd at almost 4 Kilos and 52 cm.

staying at home with baby has been positively one of the best things ever! ya know, something i've realized is that somebody needs to raise your children. why not you? i mean, why have children if only to pass off the work to somebody else? I am not talking about every now and then because, obviously it's important to get a break, but full time is something different. How glorious to raise up godly children! What a delight to know all the hard work you put in, will someday hopefully have an eternal payout! I know some people think it's "not possible" these days... but it is. Mr. S and I are living proof. yes, there will be sacrifices, like maybe you won't be able to buy a brand new car, or have every possession you desire, but you will know your children are being raised to know God, they will know they are loved, and isn't that worth the sacrifice of "things"?! but i don't even know if "sacrifice" is the right word, because the blessing is far greater! aaron and i have not lacked a single thing by me staying home, and it's even more beautiful/glorious/amazing because he hasn't had work since february! and yet STILL the Lord provides :) but it's really our responsibility in the end, as in, we have to make good choices now, or else yes both parents do need to work due to financial commitments made. now for example, before making a big purchase, example: a new car, determine, is it going to be possible to carry on such financial burdens when a child comes (without both parents working)? if eating out is something that is regular, consider... eating in. take the time to prepare your breakfast lunch and dinners. it's amazing the amount of money saved, and add onto that the time you have to search out good deals because you aren't at work, tired, and in a rush to just eat anything. you can meal plan, bargain hunt, and add that special ingredient to all that's made... love. it really is a blessing to be able to serve up a warm meal to your husband after he's been gone working all day. though there are definitely challenges. planning out the week's meals ahead of time is such a help to the 'what should i cook' question, and that is both time and cost effective! being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean you don't do work, not at all! it's just your work is in your home. there is nothing wrong with a wife/mom who does side work/part time even on the side. in fact that's what we see modeled by the proverbs 31 woman. the point is more rather, is your full time job outside the home? the Bible teaches us to be good stewards of all our resources, our time, treasures, and talents. how is the Lord teaching you to be a good steward? are you being faithful with that which has been entrusted to you(money, care of your home, and children)? i hope so! i don't write any of this to condemn anyone or to say there is one right way, but i think it's something important for women and parents to consider... i'll leave y'all with this verse

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." -colossians 3:2

until next time,
mrs. s