The German Baptist Women's Department

Report on a special visit -
Cross-cultural Partners in Christ

"Ngiyanibingelela egameni lenkosi yethu u Jesu Kristu". This is Zulu for "I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" which we learned from our South African sisters.

In May 2004 we were privileged to be hosting two groups of South African ladies during their visit to Germany, as a result of the partnership between our German Baptist Union and the Baptist Convention of South Africa.

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Due to the uncomplicated way and openness of our sisters, contacts were made quickly and good relationships were formed.

Our hearts connected across cultural barriers and we had a wonderful and enriching time together. Our cultural differences led to a keen interest in each other. We could see our differences as a mutual enrichment, and even made fun of the incompatibility of the German's and South African's sense of time.

We were inspired by the lively faith of the South African ladies, their radiance and lifestyle of witnessing to the Lord in every-day-life. There was a heartfelt warmth in the relationships on both sides, which the South African ladies had not expected in this way (prejudice: cool, reserved Germans!).

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Our dear sisters have long gone back, but we are keeping in contact, exchanging reports on our meetings as well as prayer requests. What a privilege to be prayer partners across the miles, knowing our Father in heaven hears! Praise the Lord!

With thankfulness for the diversity of women, God created, and with love in Christ,

Annegret Drueke

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