After that emotional ending to my last episode, I will continue with one of the most precious events of our lives. We had put aside for a little while, the music and the dancing, in our home. All of us were waiting, for the day and time, of the birth of our baby. The due date was for Sunday the 10th of August, but I wasn’t counting on that. The other four children, were either born before, or after the expected date. Naomi was invited to go with our friends from Italy, to a conference in Holland for Christian artists. It was a big decision for her, but we knew it would be special, so we encouraged her to go.
Because it was school vacation Thomas wanted to do some outings with the girls. One of my daughters remembered that he took them to the lake, but they stopped to call me from a phone booth, to make sure I was Ok. Now a days, its hard to imagine, not having instant contact through our cell phones. I guess we were just trusting the Lord, that we would be together at home, when my labor started.
The finishing touch of the musical celebration, with 2000 Christians in Munich, was beautiful. After the final, joyful applause, many people lingered in the aisles, talking and praying with each other. The leader of the pastor’s circle, Helmut Nicklas, came directly up the stairs to where I was sitting. He could see that I was highly pregnant but that didn’t phase him at all. He had something to say! He was so excited and blurted out, “We must do this again next year and have two shows.” Das müssen wir nächstes Jahr machen, und dann gleich zweimal”
I was so surprised that I didn’t know what to say. So many months of preparation had gone into this, and I couldn’t imagine, doing it again the next year! I heard later, that he had a series of interviews with the newspapers, and that everyone was blown away by the event.
Music and Text: Rick and Patti Ridings
German Text: Thomas van Dooren / Michael Ostermann
Copyright of the songs: International Matterhorn Music / USA
This week I thought it would be fun to quote something I wrote, from my original book files. Between the years of 2000 to 2006, I was writing my autobiography in English. Sometimes I find in those pages, things that I have forgotten about, now that it is twenty years later. At that time, I had no idea how it would ever get to book form. But it turned out that a German Christian publishing company was interested. That led to my daughter, Naomi translating it. In my recent episodes, I have been telling the story of our family, preparing for the musical in Munich. Here is an excerpt of what I wrote about those days.
Thomas and I, and our four daughters, were about to embark on a life-altering year. The day we saw the positive pregnancy test was exciting, but we had no idea what challenges were ahead of us. The first phone calls we made, were to my parents in California, and to Nadja in Berlin. Though they were both happy for the news, I think they had reservations about us having an even bigger family. But they were encouraged to hear how thrilled we were, to welcome another child into our lives. They probably also thought, " Oh no, hopefully not another home birth!"
They had no idea that Thomas and I, had asked the Lord for five children, way back in 1973!
As usual in preparing for a new episode, I have been looking through old notes and letters that Thomas and I wrote to each other. There I find confirmations of the things that I remember. In a card at the end of the year after our fifth child was born, I wrote; “Thank you for another special year together. You are a faithful and patient husband. Thank you for all your help with the children, especially during the pregnancy and the months with our new born. I pray for you and wish you much strength and clarity of direction from the Holy Spirit. You are my best friend, I love you.”
We had been together for sixteen years by then and were still learning every year how to love and take care of each other better. Our writings also show how the truth of the scriptures worked itself out in our marriage that I talked about in the last episode. Here is an example from Thomas of how he expressed those principles.
Thomas and I, immediately shared the surprise with ourdaughters, that I was pregnant. With all the girls gathered on our bed, Thomas told them to put their hands on mommy’s tummy and pray for the little baby. We felt blessed that the Lord was adding another child to our family. As for many occasions, we had a song to express our joy. So Thomas said, “Let’s sing,” and we all chimed in;
“Welcome to the family, we’re glad that you have come,to share your life with us, as we grow in love. And may we always be to you what God would have us be, a family always there to be strong and to lean on. May we learn to love each other more with each new day, may words of love be onour lips in everything we say. May the spirit melt our hearts and teach us how to pray, that we might be a true family.”
"Welcome to the Family" by Ernie and Debby Rettinohttps://youtube.com/watch?v=PjhaFYCVA8A&feature=shared
In each new phase of our lives, Thomas and I were learning how to live out the great commission. Simply put; "Preach the gospel, make disciples, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember; I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” With this foundation that began with faith in Jesus, the challenge was to seek him and to trust his guidance. Our confidence was in Jesus, our shepherd. Like Naomi said in the last episode; it was so important that we drew our children into the process of sharing the gospel with others. As parents we were learning that the greatest joy of our lives was raising our four daughters.
At this time we had a brand new challenge. Besides the church and school schedule, we were mapping out a plan to present the musical in the summer of 1986. Thomas had worked with at least 15 pastors in Munich, since 1976. They organized the gathering called “Fest zur Ehre Gottes” (Festival to Honor God), which I have talked about before.
A few times a year, they had special seminars and services that took place in old Lutheran churches. Usually, Thomas wasresponsible, for organizing and practicing with the musicians. Other times he was the translator for American or English pastors. The decision to plan an even larger event, as a 10year anniversary, was definitely a few steps up, from the tradition of normal church meetings. Just so you know, modern mega denominations didn’t exist in Germany. The only choice, was to find a public building, that wasn’t tooexpensive to rent. For the musical presentation a large stage would also be necessary. The pastors could only estimate how many people might come. At that point, they probably calculated, they would need seating for approximately 1000people. And even that big of an audience was hard for them to imagine.
Hope you enjoyed my Guatemala story. That was such a long time ago, but I am more aware now, of the influence that trip had on my family’s life. Also I realized how amazing it is, to know that God's hand that protected us, traveling to so many different countries that year. Today, before I get into my story, I want to take time to reflect again on the purpose of my podcast. With the radical and scary news reports in our world, we might tend to think that things are way worse than in the past. But actually, the scripture says “there is nothing new under the sun”. Therefore similar movements, agendas, including political murders, also took place in my generation. Not only in the US, but in Germany too. There are so many people today, exactly like Thomas and I, were, in the 60s and 70s; lost and disillusioned, without true purpose. But still, there is only one answer, and solution, it begins with hearing and accepting, the truth of the gospel of Christ. This means that the responsibility lies with the Christians, who share their testimony; with conviction, with courage, with joy and are willing to make sacrifices. How could Thomas and I, have ever been saved out of the darkness, unless someone told us that Jesus is alive and He is the only way to God?
Today I am continuing on with our story from Episode 139 called “Dreams Come True”. The impact that musical had on our lives, started a whole new avenue of ministry, for our family. Following that episode, were two inspiring conversations, with the producers of the musical “Celebrate His Holiness”. God seemed to be using the creative gifts in our family, as a way to serve the Lord, and others. A songthat we sang from Psalm 100 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into his presence with singing.” This verse inJoshua chapter 24, 15, had become our motto; “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The way that worked out practically was, “we will serve the Lord with joy through music.“
Besides our trip to the UK, we had been planning for months, for a long visit to see our friends in Guatemala City. This was by invitation from Pepe and his wife Mayda, who were in Munich the year before. Maybe you remember that story from a previous episode.
Music of Mayda Garces: https://youtu.be/eSCQsmzfp1Q?si=v7oHppRNGhUv_je9
(This is a rerun story of our trip to California. Next week's episode will be about our big adventure to Guatemala in 1985! )
Thomas and I, couldn’t have known that after moving toGermany, we would be going back and forth to California, taking our children with us. It was my home and Thomas’ spiritual home. Both worlds, Germany and California, were an enrichment for our lives. This was definitely, somethingthat God had set out, for all of us. Each time we got the invitation for a conference, we had to start planning for the big trip.
...So the old tape that I listened to this week by Jim, is titled “The Sovereignty of God”. It wasn’t made at the conference, but was recorded around that time, in Eureka. I was pretty amazed to hear some very familiar points that Jim made. Thomas had obviously listened to this one, he took notes and translated the message, for one of his German sermons.
Jim’s voice takes me back, not only to the Elder’s Conference, but to his teachings that transformed our lives. It was always practical instructions in understanding the heart of God.
AUDIO Jim Durkin - Sovereignty of God ...
Today I am talking with my daughter, Naomi, about raising a big family. She has alot of practical and interesting questions, about marriage, and loving being a mom of five daughters. It helps to have had a good example in your parents, but for example, my husband did not have that. The biggest blessing for both of us, was becoming Christians, and learning from the Bible's instructions, for marriage and raising children. I hope you enjoy listening to our personal, mother - daughter conversation!
PS: This video is also on my Youtube channel: Kristine van Dooren, Finding Purpose
Welcome back, Jim and Anne!
All of the interesting details, and the networking of artists needed to create the musicial, "Celebrate His Holiness", (written by Rick and Patti Ridings.) Begining with willing hearts and trusting the Lord, Kirk and Deby Dearman, Randall Bane, Debbie Roberts, and many more singers and dancers came together in Southampton.
The result; a musical experience that changed lives, drawing people closer to each other, and to God.
It’s amazing how our family was discovering, step by step, God’s plan for our lives. Thomas and I, came to Germany with one purpose, to share the gospel of Christ, that we had come to know in California. Our lives were transformed by Jesus, and we wanted nothing more than to share those truths. We were always a part of a team that worked together on each project at hand.
In a recent episode, I talked about the international folk dancers, that inspired us, with a desire to replicate their example. Many countries were represented through their traditional music, costumes and flags. Dancers and musicians of all ages, including children, brought so much joy tothe audience. At home that evening Thomas and I, talked about the idea of God’s people being visible to the world, rather than only gathering, within the walls of the church buildings. We decided to start praying about how we could create something like this.
"Exalt the Lord our God" by Rick Ridingshttps://youtu.be/fnjJ_7pJrzo?si=CORznJO2eGX1ov39
"Father make us One" by Rick Ridings https://youtu.be/iSVXd3GAy9Y?si=TSV-5f62FEsyRq8Z
In the podcast conversation with Jim and Anne, we talked about how we met in Munich, through planning evangelistic outreaches. Thomas, was part of the pastors circles and also had similar experiences as Jim, being the one to lead the group in song with their guitars. The difference was, that Jim brought a team from Youth With a Mission, that lived in Hurlach to Munich. This included a few women who did folk dance to the songs, and others told stories using pantomime, or “White faces” as they called it.
Our early days, witnessing in the English Gardens, was only about singing, preaching and talking to individuals. There were always young people who responded to the gospel and moved into our communal houses. But it was powerful to see how people responded, when there was more of a program to watch and listen to.
In the early 80s ministries for praise and worship, included not only seminars for music, singing, song writing, but also fordance. I went to a dance seminar with a young woman in our church, to the town of Altensteig. They were a church and had a large building, that could house students that came for seminars.
Today, I am talking with dear friends of the family, Jim and Anne. As missionaries to Germany in the mid 70s, we have had alot in common. Preaching out on the streets; using music, mime and dance, drew people into listening to the message. Over the years we worked with many of the same Christian organizations, and singer -songwriters. This led Jim and Anne, on a fascinating journey creating a network of artists, both in the US and Europe.
Their dedication and example, was a big encouragement for my daughters growing up, who also pursued ministry and professions in the arts.
Here you can see what they are up to today!
https://creativeartseurope.com/
Today, I am talking about two important things in life; joy and praising God’s Name with dancing. Oh dear, that might seem like a strange thought for Christians, who live in Western countries. But as I am always looking to the Bible for instructions, this is one of those “hard to relate to” topics. Last week, I mentioned the command from Psalm 149, verse 3, that says,”Let them praise his name with dancing, and make music to him with tambourine and harp.” This encourages God’s people, to express their joy, through music and dance. Since we read this in the Old Testament, it would have been normal for God’s people in Israel. That’s why we can learn now, from their example.
When Thomas and I, came back to Germany, one of the first praise songs we learned, was written by a musician that we met in Hannover. It is a joyous song from Psalm 150 in German. It's the last song in the book of Psalms, and it’s all about praise and the instruction to use every kind of instrument, loud cymbals, and to dance with timbrels. Even the last five Psalms, are about the command to praise, to sing a new song, to rejoice in God our maker, and His greatness and His mighty deeds. Writing these Psalms, and directing the choirs, was a part of God’s peoples’ way of expressing high praise, to the King of Kings. The team we came with from California, included Jackie, who was actually of Jewish background, and she had come to faith, in the Messiah Jesus Christ. Somehow, our friendship led to dancing together for special occasions.
Here are two links to Naomi's song that I used on this podcast. You can watch the video clip, both in English (Garden of Love), and in German (Winterhart)
https://youtu.be/ijnMiR18fMw?si=Ah27BRgVemQpW1wv
https://youtu.be/fcTNGQ3LjdM?si=6EyVf_tvL2Qou8JS
Listen to all of her songs on Spotify under: Naomi van Dooren!
Particularly in the early 80s, my heart and desire to share the gospel, and to lead in worship was growing. I had the opportunity with women from other churches in Munich, to do exactly that, through our AGLOW group. The purpose of our women’s meetings was to share our testimonies, and to introduce our guests, to praise and worship music. We asked the Lord, to give them open hearts, to hear the truth.
Since I was appointed to plan for the music, I chose the songs, and my faithful musicians, Thomas and Antos, came with their instruments. Antos had loaned me a guitar, so I had started practicing at home. While my girls were at school, I would spend an hour everyday learning the chords, and the songs in the booklet, that Antos had made. Those were precious mornings of worship, and I hoped that many women would come to know Jesus. Like the song recording that you heard in the last episode, our motto was; “Ich will dir Loblieder singen unter den Menschen.” In English “I will sing praises unto you, among the nations.”
We were very aware, that our neighbours and friends who came, had never heard such personal stories and songs like we sang. If anyone went to church, it was either Lutheran or Catholic. The emphasis, was unfortunately not on salvation, or learning to know Jesus. Today, I will share some back story, of how I grew in the understanding of worshipping God, both through singing and through dance.
In my last “story” episode, you heard about my parents,visiting us in Munich, and listening to all of our family music. A special part of that summer, was driving with them in our church van to Florence, Italy. It probably took us at least eight hours, including a few stops along the way. The plan was to stay at Andy and Linda’s spacious apartment, and then do some sightseeing. My parents had never been to such an old antique city like Florence, that was around 2000 years old at that time. My dad, also wanted to take a day trip, to see the leaning tower of Pisa, and a nearby town, called Lucca. Hehad neighbour friends, that were from that area, so it would be an interesting excursion for all of us.
Before that outing, we were invited to the home of Salvatore and Maria, for lunch. He and Danny, had started a small church in downtown Florence, that Andy was partnering with. For some reason I don’t have, or can’t find, many pictures of that trip. But the best one, I do have, says it all!
click here: "Be Exalted O God"
https://youtu.be/8FwvEBULwIQ?si=vmSR34A5Tb1CBEky
Welcome to part two of our fascinating conversation!
Our paths crossed in November of 1974 in Eureka, California. We were being sent out to Germany, and Jim and Diane, were wondering where God wanted them to go. Listen to the adventures and places they went to, before finally ending up in France, as missionaries. Our families had some special times together, both in Munich and in France, in the mid 80s.
"Behold and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Psalm 133, 1
Welcome friends to our video conversation!
You have heard the stories of Thomas and I, ending up in California, looking for something we called truth. Today you will hear Jim and Diane's search for the hippies, in California, in the early 70s. Hitchiking to the nearest commune, taking drugs for enlightenment and hanging out with musicians, was much better than going to college. For the first time, noticing a sign in the town of Santa Barbara, that said, "All lost sheep welcome." What could that mean?