Darmstadt, Germany

We weren’t very far along in the pastor search process at Converge International Fellowship, Darmstadt, Germany, before Covid-19 and lockdown hit, forcing the process on-line. In February 2021, almost a year later, we called Chris Horn to be our new pastor. But, how was he supposed to come with his family from South Africa to Germany when there is a travel ban between the countries? In faith, the Horns and CIF started the process of applying for visas and work permits so that when the ban would be lifted, we would be ready.

Three months later the ban was still in place, and Chris had left his previous church. To provide the Horn family with some financial resources, Chris became our freelance remote pastor. We didn’t know how long it would be before the travel restrictions were lifted. But, it was good to have a pastor again, if only on a screen.

Three months later, the travel ban had been lifted and Chris and his family had arrived in Darmstadt. On Sunday, 8 September, the Horn family were out of quarantine, and we could celebrate the “physical” installation of Chris Horn as our pastor. Even with the Covid-19 restrictions, there was a good attendance including a number of pastors from surrounding IBC churches who came to welcome Chris into the family of IBC churches. Tim Faulkner, IBC General Secretary, prayed over Chris and his family as they started their ministry in Darmstadt. The message at the installation service was given by fellow South African Keith Lategan, pastor of IBC Stuttgart.

Just over two years after founding pastor Bob Marsh had left, Converge International Fellowship could celebrate the arrival of their new pastor. God continues to be faithful in every situation.

 Stewart Maxwell