“…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

Diedrich & Nettie’s Ministry Overview

As we look at world events happening around us, the strife and division that is happening across the globe, it is comforting to know that God is working in all of it. It is His work that we are involved in, He has begun it, and He will finish it according to His will. We are only His instruments, working in partnership with so many others who are faithfully supporting us through prayer and finances. Thank you, everyone, for your continued encouragement and support.

Looking Back:

Some ministry highlights of the past three months:
1) Ministering in Hayes, Alberta (July 11-13) at an event (put on by the addictions rehabilitation center in Mexico) called “Centro Ruszeit” which means “Center Retreat.” It is an event held annually in Mexico, but it is the first time it was held here in Canada. Thousands of people showed up and it was a very blessed time of inspiring and uplifting messages ranging in topic from marriage relationships to freedom from addictions to clear presentations of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mixed in around the speaking sessions were testimonies and live music by several groups including us as D’Friesens. There was an altar call on two of the evenings and the response was truly amazing. Hundreds of people went forward each night to either renew their commitments to the Lord, seek help with addictions or other personal problems or to surrender to Christ for the very first time. Our role was to provide live music, run the sound system for the entire weekend, and be available for counselling, praying and encouraging the attendees as needed. It was a great reminder of the needs that are out there in our Low German communities, but it was also a visible demonstration of God’s hand at work. This event, also marked the debut of our granddaughter Soren singing in public! She did a great job in the duet with her daddy (Jason) and enjoyed it so much, she’s sung at several other events through the summer! It always adds something special to the program when a child is involved. Hopefully she will be joining us on a more regular basis soon!

2) Much of our time was also spent working with the Läwenswuat Christliche Jesalchoft in Gnadenthal, MB, helping with the administration, preaching and music. It is a real blessing to work with this group of people, and we are working in partnership with the EMMC conference, working on a constitution, statement of faith and all the other administrative tasks that are involved with a church. We also spent a good amount of time planning, organizing and executing a fish fry fundraiser for the church. We are so thankful for everyone who helped in any way, and who came out in support. The funds raised will be used to purchase the property where we are currently meeting. Our prayer is that God would provide some more committed people to come alongside and work with this church, providing leadership, inspiration and encouragement for the people, helping them to find their place in Canadian society, growing in their faith in the Lord, and becoming a church that welcomes, uplifts and encourages new comers to the community.

3) We participated in many other events, both local and further away, either singing and/or running sound, preaching and sharing one on one, shipping out many mail orders of our resources, stocking the shelf at Sunny Day Foods and many other tasks that go on behind the scenes.

Looking Ahead

Our plan for the rest of the year, is to focus on finishing several recording projects that have been put on hold for the past few months, making some new videos to put out on YouTube, taking part in some local events, restarting the monthly Sinjstunds, putting out a few new children’s coloring and activity books, publishing a new “Jieda Dach Met Jesus” volume, finishing up and printing the second Low German song book as well as continuing to work with the Läwenswuat Church. On top of this, we need to hold a fundraiser or two so that we can continue funding this ministry. All in all, it’s full steam ahead!

On a personal note: We usually take a few weeks in August for personal time (vacation), however, this year, we postponed our vacation until September due to a very joyful event that was to take place…our son Mark’s wedding! So, our vacation time was spent helping with all the last minute work of preparing the venue, decorations, food etc. On September 20th, Mark and his bride, Maria were married, and they are now setting up their home and preparing to continue working for the Lord in this ministry. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will use them to further His kingdom.

Mark’s Remarks

This has been an unusually busy summer for me, but it has been such a blessed time as well! I have continued in my usual role, editing pictures for upcoming children’s books, working on lyric videos for the Low German church as well as participating in local events, helping out at the church and working with the day to day tasks of the ministry. Throughout the summer, some major life changes have also been happening for me. I bought my own place and moved out of my parents’ home in July. Between moving and the ministry, I spent the summer preparing for my wedding! On September 20th I married Maria, a wonderful, committed Christian young woman whom I love with all my heart, and am so thankful to the Lord for blessing me with this amazing gift! We look forward to working and growing together and serving the Lord however He may lead.

Nikki’s Notes

The summer season has flown by! As usual, things have been quite busy. While the rest of the team was traveling the provinces, I spent my time doing my usual admin tasks. This includes expense reports, catching up on entering orders, updating the inventory and writing the newsletter. I also have been working on making lyric videos for all the songs that we currently have on CDs. I’ve been putting most of my focus on the Low German songs, this is so that these can be used when the Friesens are away and can’t lead singing in the Low German church. As the summer winds down, we shift our focus to the next season of events, which means there isn’t ever a “slow” season. We feel blessed by the work God has provided for us.

Jason’s Journal

These past three months has been a whirlwind of activity! With the summer travels and weekend festivals, there has been little time to keep working on other projects. But with the coming of fall, we’re finding our routine again after the busy and chaotic summer. I’m back in the studio, rehearsing and recording instruments for the Low German album, and I’m really happy with the progress and results so far. Other projects for this winter include some video work, a few programs, and probably continuing on an old Low German Bible study book for adults. Thank you all, God bless!

Praise God For:

• A new family member!
• A successful, safe summer of travel and ministry
• The many other ministries working to reach out to and meet the needs of the Low German communities around the world.
• God’s faithful provision
• The many words of encouragement and support we receive wherever we go.

Pray With Us For:

• Mark and Maria as they begin their journey through life as a married couple.
• Continued funding for our work.
• The health needs of various members of our team.
• God to provide more workers to help with the Low German church.
• Continued strength, wisdom, enthusiasm and passion for all of us at D’Friesens to continue being effective labourers, serving the Lord with love and integrity.