Meeting University Students at ERFURT, GERMANY

After our visit to the Old Synagoogue in Erfurt, we took the public bus and visited the University of Erfurt. While we were there, we distributed some tracks to help promote the local church. It was a nice sunny day and we sat on one of the benches on campus, took in the sunshine, enjoyed the fine weather and chatted away leisurely.

We were curious to see if there were any Asian students studying there, but we saw very few non- European students coming and going at this campus.

We went for an Italian lunch n enjoyed the beer, Italian food on the patio. Since it was a weekday, I was urprised to see so many people sitting outside enjoying their lunches.

After lunch, we visited the big church n saw the art drawings display inside. I was not sure what the modern drawings were about until Stan read the German explanations on these art pieces. Each piece art work was interpreted in a modern way by the artist about one of the ten commandments, very interesting indeed.

The main reason we were in Erfurt was meeting with the students there. Rev H. arranged a dinner meeting at one of the local churches. We picked up a couple of university students at the train station and went to the church for the small group evening gathering. There was already a gorup of German students preparing for a meeting in the main hall. There was lively music; wonderful aroma of baked good permeated on the main floor of the building and a few young people were busy decorating the place. There was an air of excitment! I was curious and talked to their leader, Teresa, a friendly and warm lady who was in charge and from the organization Students for Christ. Their young people's group meets every Tuesday to share songs n have refreshments together, followed by sharing of a message and fellowship. It was delightful sharing and exchanging ideas of our respective ministries for the young people.

We had dinner with the young people and learned more about them and their situation in Erfurt. We learned that there are about three hundred Chinese ( including families) studying and working in this small German town. Many students are alone, studying at the university. Rev. Jonathan shared a few words of encouragement with them followed by my presentation. We had a few technical problems but were able to overcome them. It was a good meeting and sharing with some young people from Erfurt, praise God! RT, Erfurt, Germany 04062024