Stuttgart, Germany

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

On 12 January, the International Baptist Church of Stuttgart, Germany, held their first worship service in their new building.  In the week leading up to the day, a large group of volunteers helped with the final preparations: cleaning; painstakingly attaching felt pads underneath every chair and table leg; setting up the chairs and tables in the sanctuary and other rooms; and doing a final systems check with the audio and lighting.

Pastor David Packer writes: “Then – at long last – we held our regular two services, at 9:30 and 11:30, in the new building. And it was packed! We even had to set up some chairs on the balcony, which we had initially planned to keep closed. However everything ran smoothly, and it was such an amazing experience for us to finally be there.

“It was a special day for our church. For many years we have been praying, planning, and giving for this new church building. We, first of all, praise and thank God for His leadership and faithfulness during these years. We are building this house for Him, out of a sense of His leadership to do so, for His glory and renown, and for His purposes — the expansion of the Church and the increase of our own ministry here for Him. This is His house, and we are His people.”