Germany 2022 Outreach

April was a very busy month for my team and I. On the first of April we arrived in Berlin, Germany and were greeted by the cold (!) weather but warm welcome from the YWAM Berlin base. We were blessed enough to stay at said base for the duration of our time in Berlin – which opened up several doors to serve at the base through leading times of corporate intercession and worship sessions, helping complete projects the base has been working on, such as, painting the basement at the base, creating a small garden, and much more. 

Our team’s main goal while being in Berlin was to assist with the Ukrainian Refugees as much as possible. The YWAM base in Berlin is currently connected with multiple Ukrainian families who we were able to hang out with, get to know, and run a few programs with. One of my students, Daniel, started a Bible club program for the Ukrainian children at the base. Every Thursday we would meet with about 4-6 kids and go through a Bible story lesson with them, play lots of games (sevverrrallll rounds of uno were played haha) and help them understand the Character and Nature of God a bit better. Another one of my students, Iryna, started a cooking club with one of the Ukrainian moms and several of the children staying at the base. Each Friday afternoon we would meet up in the kitchen and cook the most delicious Ukrainian dishes together. Nothing better than a yummy meal, good conversation, and a solid dance party to bring everyone together. 

One of the main ministries we did was volunteer at the Berlin Central Train Station and assist with the thousands of Refugees still coming into the train station every day. While there, we were there to assist the passengers when they got off the train, get them a ticket/figure out where to go next, and help them get on their next train. Our team absolutely loved volunteering at the station and the opportunity it gave to help out in a tangible way. Here are a few testimonies from my students from working there:

1. “I’ve loved being able to show God’s love to people in the train station and simply taking time to listen to some stories from Ukrainians, helping to direct them, carry their luggage and genuinely care for them. I spoke to a man who had a gun shot wound in his left thigh and I was able to pray for him after listening to how he was discharged from the army after 10 years of service. His family died and he said after what he’s seen he no longer believes in God but he allowed us to pray and speak to him about what God thinks about him.”

2. “My heart was full when I was able to help the Ukrainian friends. Being able to have a real impact and assure their safety was so special.”

3. “People really value kindness, just giving them food and taking care of their needs. Even if people are confused and a bit angry it is just nice to help them.”

4. “Everyday there are more and more stories of women/families having to leave without preparation. That they wanted to stay as long as they could. They would be driving and hearing their homes be torn apart by bombs. When entering Germany they’re hopeful for a new beginning but most can’t wait until they get to go back home. Most want their old life back. They’re so grateful though for being in Berlin and the open arms they’ve been having”

Having the opportunity to help out in any way during this stressful time is not something that was lost on our team. We took this responsibility very seriously and feel deeply honored and thankful that we were able to spend a month serving. All thanks to God for opening up this door for us and entrusting us to serve in position to do so.

My team and I also spent several hours each day evangelizing around the city. This was a stretching time for our team when we first started out, but in the best way. This is an area that everyone wanted to grow in and let’s just say that that sure did happen. Our first time evangelizing as a team was definitely a time to remember. Three of my students; Alex, Toby and Ben, made lasting impressions. Alex met a man during the evangelizing time because of their common interest in cameras, he spoke to him about Jesus and what he thought about spirituality and was able to meet up with him for coffee multiple times before we left Germany. Toby and Ben were able to speak at a Ukrainian Rally - share the Gospel and pray over the rally on the stage in front of the hundreds of people attending. Seeing my students step out in such boldness and faith continuously brings immense joy to my heart and reminds me daily why I love what I do so much. Could not be more thankful for God giving me opportunity and entrusting me to lead and guide my team as we serve in the nations.

All in all, our month in Germany was an incredible time. Besides me testing positive for Covid for the second time within the past 4 months and having to quarantine away from my team for a week - my team and I loved all the opportunities we had to serve and help out at the YWAM base and at the train station.

Blessings, 

Rebekah McGunagle