We have said yes to Nürnberg
Earlier this month, we travelled to Nürnberg together with one of the leaders from our sending church in South Africa. The purpose of the visit was to spend time with the church, meet with the leadership and core team, and prayerfully determine whether we should take over the leadership of Every Nation Nürnberg.
We came away from the weekend with a real sense of peace and excitement about what God is doing, and we have made the decision:
We will be taking over the leadership of Every Nation Nürnberg.
Our plan is to relocate permanently to Nürnberg sometime between January and March 2027. Until then, I will be travelling there regularly to preach, build relationships and walk with the church through this transition. My next visit will be 25–27 September.
The flame is still burning
One of the moments that impacted us most happened on Saturday evening.
A small group of people gathered together and simply spent time worshipping, praying and sharing what they felt God was saying. Also ministering to each other. There was a freedom and sincerity in the room that gave us a glimpse into the heart of this group.
They love Jesus. And you can do a lot when people love Jesus.
It reminded us of Leviticus 6:13:
“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”
There are currently around 8–10 people who form the committed core of the church. There are no staff members, and in many ways the next season will feel like a restart.
Yet through seasons of uncertainty and leadership change, these people have remained.
They continue to gather every Sunday. They continue to serve. They continue to volunteer. They continue to pray and worship.
They have kept the flame burning.
We don’t feel that we are going to Nürnberg to start something from nothing. We are joining a small group of faithful people who have continued to carry what God placed in their hands.
And even though this was only our second visit, we already feel incredibly welcomed and at home.
Stepping into the “why”
Something has also shifted in my own heart.
For a long time, so much of our prayer has been: “God, where do You want us to go? What do You want us to do?”
Now, for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I am asking that question anymore.
We believe we are stepping into the why God has sent us to Europe.
That brings a deep sense of peace, but also excitement, expectation and urgency. We are eager to put our hands to the plough and begin working in the harvest fields of Europe.
The next season will be about taking responsibility for the church, casting strong vision, building trust, establishing a healthy core, reaching people who do not yet know Jesus, and making disciples.
There is a lot of work ahead — and we are ready for it.
An opportunity in the community
The church also has a unique opportunity through its coffee shop. The coffee shop is currently not operating, but this is something we would definitely want to get started again.
We believe the café can become an important part of the church’s future — not only by generating income, but by giving the church a visible and meaningful footprint in the local community.
We would love to see it become a place where relationships are built and where we can serve the neighbourhood through different events and spaces, particularly for parents and families with children.
There is still much to develop, but we are excited about the potential.
Please pray with us
As we prepare for the move, we would really value your prayers for:
- A home in Nürnberg – that God would lead us to the right area and provide suitable accommodation for our family.
- Kindergarten for Evan – this was one of our biggest practical concerns, but we already have a testimony to share: we have been offered a place at our preferred Kindergarten! We are incredibly thankful for God’s provision. They have basically told us that there is 1 spot open and they have been keeping it for us. The Kindergarten is part of a local church and they are very intentional about sharing Jesus, equipping children to pray and to help them see and experience the faith for themselves. They have sent us an official offer which we have accepted.
- Riette’s work – please pray for favour with her employer and that they would be open to her continuing in her current role while working remotely from Nürnberg.
- The transition – for wisdom as we take over leadership, cast vision, build trust and establish a healthy core team.
- The church in Nürnberg – that the flame of prayer, worship and devotion to Jesus that has been faithfully kept alive would grow stronger in the season ahead.
- The mission – that God would give us courage, wisdom and fruitfulness as we reach the lost and make disciples.
Thank you for continuing to pray, give and walk this journey with us.
We are grateful for what God has already done, and deeply expectant about the chapter that is now beginning in Nürnberg.
Much love
Jaco, Riëtte and Evan.
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