Mission work to Germany and Scotland

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Recently, we received a provisional call through the Southeast Alabama (SEAL) Presbytery to take upon the role of church planters through the Ministry to the Military and Internationals (MMI). Following graduation from RTS and completing the internship requirements for the Presbytery of the Mississippi Valley, we will be moving to Grafenwöhr/Vilseck, Germany to support the U.S. Armed Forces by planting a Presbyterian church in that area.

Due to the internship requirements of the presbytery and RTS, I am required to conduct an internship of 400 hours of practical work. I have received an opportunity to partner with an MMI church in Landstuhl, Germany to meet those requirements. Similarly, I have received a second opportunity to work with the International Presbyterian Church (IPC) in Falkirk, Scotland, wherein we will be given an opportunity to support a Presbyterian church overseas. These dates are from 15 August 2023 to 10 December 2023.

Why Germany and why Scotland? Again, the ministry in Germany is targeted for the U.S. military personnel who are stationed overseas. MMI provides an opportunity for the ordinary means of grace and reformed worship to be conducted where those critical aspects of biblical theology are lacking. Similarly, Scotland is projected to be less than 2% confessing Christians. The Gospel is desperately needed for both locations.

I, Megan, and our three kids (Luke, Raelynn, and Jonathan) are asking for support for this upcoming endeavor. Since we will need plane tickets from America to Germany, Germany to Scotland, and Scotland back home, the total cost for travel expenses comes out to be $24,322.62. We are requesting financial support in the form of a one-time donation(s) to be able to conduct this missional work. I am aware that given the current economic situation that we are facing, this is a lot to ask.

However, I would like to encourage you with two passages from Scripture. First, Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. He writes, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (1.3-5). One of the profound Christ-like qualities of the church at Philippi was their willingness to give for Paul’s missionary work. Similarly, they were a robust military town for the Roman empire. Paul commends them for their generosity in being among the first to give in seeking funds for the church in Jerusalem (cf. 4.15-18; see also 2 Cor. 8.3; 11.9). Generous giving graces missionaries.

Secondly, look at the church of Rome. Many see the Book of Romans to be a theological treatise of Paul. While this is certainly true regarding his firm doctrinal stance, it is in fact a missionary support letter! Paul lays forth the doctrinal unity Christians share with one another (Romans 1-11), the transformative power thereof (12-15), and finally, the missional thrust of his letter (15-16). Paul writes, “For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings” (15.26-27).

How can you help? Firstly, with absolute priority above all things, pray for us. I cannot stress the importance of prayer enough. Christ communicates to us the benefits of his redemption through prayer, the word, and sacraments. Please be in prayer. Secondly, pray even more! Do not give hastily but as the Lord would have you do. Thirdly, if you feel inclined, we will graciously accept any generous donation. Our aim is to serve the resurrected Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, whom the Father has sent to perfectly obey the Laws demands that we may be justified and declared righteous in the sight of a thrice holy God.

Thank you for your support,

Dylan, Megan, Luke, Raelynn, and Jonathan Halter