One of my observations is that the churches in Germany are experiencing greater concerns about church support than what we experience in the US.  The churches which are restored are magnificent and some others have been left in ruins after the WW II bombings.  One church is The Cardinal Wilhelm church in Berlin.  This church was almost totally destroyed in WW II, along with 85 % of Berlin.  The devastation was unimaginable.  The church spire was left and a new sanctuary -- very modern -- was built on either side of it.  It is a landmark on one of the main streeets of Berlin where we stayed---Kurferstendamstrasse.  We also saw the remnants of the Berlin Wall and it has been evident that even with the wall being down there will be much to for the former East Berlin to gain the commercial and economic status of the West.  Most impressive are the steeples that rise above the towns and make a statement of the importance of religion and faith in peoples lives, especially since during the communist era, the communists declared that the church was of no purpose in people's lives and turned the churches into museums, schools and other institutions and did all they could to destroy the faith of the people.  So now many years later, the people are seeking to again find the place of faith in their lives...and after so many years of oppression it is not easy for many. 

 

Members of our group are talking about our freedoms and that fact that it is the first of July and how we will celebrate the 4th while in a foreign country.  One certainly becomes aware of the privileges we have when travelling in another country.  I will be thinking of Mt. Pleasant congregation and worship on Sun. July 3 as you all celebrate faith and freedom.  Dan and Jeremy.