Newest Update - January 2013

Dear friends,

It's been awhile since you've heard from us and we are back in the swing of things here in Germany (where Sam serves as Chaplain at Black Forest Academy) after a year long Home Assignment ministry.  We love the place God has called us, and the students we get to work with from all over the world.  Transition was a little more difficult than we thought.  Things have changed so much here with new students and staff, and it's taken us a while to find our place again.  Our kids have adjusted really quickly, it seems, and they have loved being back where they would call "home".  They have enjoyed sports (volleyball for Ellie and basketball for Jordan), and Matthew and Katie have both picked up German again in the bi-lingual school.  We had a special Christmas with "Oma and Opa" Stemple when they were here and played lots of games, took walks, and went to the Christmas market nearby.  So when January came, we were ready to get back to routine and see friends again.  

Now the second semester has started and there is a lot ahead for these days.  Some of you know that Jordan and Ellie are both going on Mission trips with the school.  Jordan is going to Burkina Faso and Ellie to central Asia.  It is really exciting to see how God is taking care of finances for them- thank you to many of you who have given to them!  They are so grateful and overwhelmed!  They will join some 80+ students who will go out over their spring break to work with established ministries in 8 different locations all over Europe; Asia; and Africa.  Sam will be one of the co-leaders on the Burkina Faso Trip.    

Sam is also in charge of planning the High School Retreat for the students here.  It will be held March 1-3 in a youth hostel in Switzerland.  A speaker and band are coming in from the States to minister to the students and are really excited to be here.  This is a time away from campus where the students often see Christ in new ways, so we're excited for that time.

And then there's soccer... this is a big sport here and we love the competition between the military schools that we play.  Sam will coach the girls team again this year, and both our high schoolers are thinking of trying out for the team.  So there will be lots of cheering going on and hopefully the weather will warm up by then!  That all leads into the summer, which will include the CMA’s youth conference, “LIFE 2013”.  Both Jordan and Ellie plan to attend with a group of MKs from this area (Europe; Middle East; and Asia).  Sam will also go along as a chaperone. 

How you can pray...

Pray for purpose and direction for both Sam and Jen in the ministries they have here.  Pray for relationships that are being built and that time would be invested wisely.  

Pray for preparation for the high school retreat March 1-3.  Pray for the speaker and band as they come- that they would draw the students and staff to Jesus.

Pray for the M-trips going out March 20-29.  Pray that money would continue to come in for students, for prepared hearts, and that God would work in each one however He wants in the days following.

Pray for preparations for the LIFE conference our kids, as well as a group of MKs, will be attending this summer.  This is a great opportunity for them to connect with youth from all over the states, as well as being challenged in their own walk with Christ.

Thank you so much for your love and support of our family and work here.  The world continues to be reached through our parents represented and YOU are a part of that!  May you know the far reaching effects of your prayers on His people.  

Serving Him together,

Sam and Jen Stemple (for Jordan; Ellie; Matthew; and Katie)

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!! I will say that serving at an International school (Black Forest Academy) these past 8 years has changed how we look at Thanksgiving. Most of the dorms have already celebrated Thanksgiving and since we will have school on the actual Thanksgiving day (US) we will celebrate our Thanksgiving a day late (Friday, Nov. 26). Let me take a few minutes and update you on our lives here in Germany.

We are back from our trip to Rome! Last month both Jen and I had a unique privilege to travel with the seniors on their senior trip. We bused down to Rome and spent a week on the Mediterranean. It is a fun week, but one filled with ministry and relationships. Jen’s small group are seniors this year, so she was able to spend some of that time with them.

I (Sam) had a great and unique privilege of baptizing one of the senior guys. Though he had grown up with Christianity all around him, it wasn’t until one of the evenings of this trip that he decided to give his life to Christ. Well like the Ethiopian Eunuch who said to Philip, “there’s a body of water why shouldn't I be baptized?”, the senior said to me, what better place to be baptized than in the place of my conversion and in the Mediterranean Sea. I couldn’t agree more, so we had our own Baptismal service right there and then. God is Awesome!

One of my main responsibilities as Chaplain at BFA is to organize our Spring Break Mission Trips. I was able to announce last week what those trips were. This year we are offering trips to Moldova; Slovenia; Bahrain; Burkina Faso; Uganda; and China. The students have another week to sign up for one of these trips and then I will be responsible to put the teams together.

Our family continues to do well. Jordan made the Basketball team, so that was exciting. He will play on the JV team. He is doing well and loving High School. Ellie got a part in the Middle School play, so she is busy memorizing lines and getting ready for that. Matthew is in second grade and in his second year of bi-lingual so he is really doing well learning German, as well as English. Katie is in a German Kindergarten and is still trying to figure out life there. She has days when she is excited, and then has days where she begs to stay home. Pray for her integration into life there – it has to be hard for a 5 year old who doesn’t speak the language. She is learning, but still has a long way to go. Jen and I are doing well, but still need wisdom in balancing ministry with family and with each other. We do look forward to the Christmas Break which is fast approaching.

Thanks for lifting us up in prayer – continue to do so,
The Stemples: Sam; Jen; Jordan; Ellie; Matthew; and Katie

Ready ... Set ... Go!

The race is announced over the loud speaker... you must report in... stretch... prepare mentally for the marathon ahead...And then you're off- ready or not. Through the sweat and the tears, you're determined to cross the finish line.... And it will happen, even though the race itself holds some unknown.

Well, we're off to the start of a new school year after a great summer in the US seeing many friends and family. Our year is before us and even though we're only 2 weeks into school, much has already happened- in the school and for us personally.

What has already happened...

**We welcomed new staff and students to BFA.

**Opening ceremony was on August 24, where 45+ countries were represented and a senior class of 60 students walked into the auditorium carrying the flags of their countries- Breathtaking!!

**We've hosted parents, RA's, and students in our home, providing a refuge for them in the busyness of school life.

**Sam has already been to the Swiss Alps with the chapel band worship team. They had a refreshing weekend as they had time bonding as a team and with their Father.

**All our 4 kids are in school- including Katie (5years) in her first year of German kindergarten.


What's happening in the next leg of the race...

**Next week (September 13-17) is a big week here for students. Spiritual Emphasis Week is a great time, with chapel each day led by a team from the US. Pray for connection with students, softened hearts to respond to the Holy Spirit, and deeper walks with the Lord.

**Small groups are starting up. Pray for both of us as we lead small groups- for wisdom, direction and complete dependence on the Lord.

**September 30-October 8, both Sam and Jen will be going to Rome with the senior class. Pray for strength, safety, and great interactions as we live, sleep, and eat with these amazing teens!

Thank you for praying!

Running the race together,
Sam and Jen Stemple

SEW at BFA

So - just a quick update on our life. We just finished Spiritual Emphasis Week here at BFA. I am always thankful for a week the school gives us to go deeper with these students. BFA holds its SEW at the beginning of the school year, which is a great way to kick off the school year and to help focus the students. Bill Finnemore was our speaker (a missionary from Poland) and challenged the kids in their Love for God and their Love for Others. Geoff and Pearl Dresser brought a team with them from Calgary to lead us in worship and did a great job leading us music. All –in-all it was a great week. For our SEW we combine the Middle School and the High School together, but Wed night is a special service just for the Middle Schoolers and we had so much fun together. Friday night is a special service for the High School, and I was so encouraged by the numbers that showed up and the Spirit of the night. Thanks for your prayers

In our lives, I (Sam) will be leaving today, as I am going along on the Senior Trip. The senior spend a week in Rome, Italy, so I am really looking forward to that time with them. We also spend a day in Florence and one day in Venice (that’s the nice part of living were we live). I will have to endure a 14 hour bus ride both ways, but it is not quite as far as the bus rides to Mexico I did from Wisconsin, so it shouldn’t be that bad. Do pray for Jen, though, as I will be gone for a week.

Thanks for praying for us, continue to keep us in your prayers, as well as the students of BFA (and the staff). We are doing well, but value your continued prayers.

Sam - for the Fam (Jen; Jordan; Ellie; Matthew; and Katie)

The New School Year

Hey All,

Just checked this blog and realized that I haven’t updated since Christmas, which means it has been a while since most of you have heard from us … and for that we are sorry! We have a couple of things happening here at Black Forest Academy in the next few weeks that we need and value your prayers for, so this will be more of a prayer needs update rather than a blog of our life.

1) On Monday (Sept 14) we start our Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW). As chaplain at BFA, this is one of my main responsibilities, so it will be a busy week. We have a speaker here from Poland and a band here from Canada to lead worship. The students will meet everyday for a chapel service and will have a special evening, as well. Pray for open hearts and that this week will be a great way to help students refocus their lives as they start this new school year.

2) In a couple of weeks I (Sam) will be traveling with the senior class on their senior trip. While I look forward to the bonding time I will have with the seniors, I will be gone for a week. Pray for the family as I am gone, and pray that I would have some good interaction with our seniors during this time.

3) Jen continues to meet with a small group of junior girls, as well as a group of young adult women (RA’s). Both groups kicked off again this past week, so would you pray for Jen that she would have the wisdom in leading and be encouraged by her relationships that are built in those groups.

Our family is doing well. Jordan is in 8^th grade and president of the Middle School. Ellie is in 7^th grade and has a great group of friends (I remember when she was in 1^st grade, that was one of our prayers for her – that God would bring her some good friends). Matthew started first grade this year. He will actually be going to a Bi-Lingual school where he will learn both German and English. He is doing well in his German language after spending a year in a German Kindergarten. Katie is loving being the only one at home all day long, though she does miss her brothers and sister.

We continue to value your prayers, and want to commit to keeping you more updated than we have in the past. I will try and blog (and e-mail) my thoughts when SEW is over, but remember to keep that week in your prayers

Thanks for Praying … Continue to Pray!!

Sam (for the Stemple Fam)

Chaplain, Black Forest Academy – Kandern, Germany

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!

Hope this Christmas season was good for you. We have had family here (Jen's sister's family - the Glancys) and the other night the kids (our 4 plus the Glancy 2) put on a Christmas Pageant for us. I have tried to include a video of their performance. I hope it works. Have a great New Year.

The Stemples

It's a Hard Life We Live

So often we look at missionaries and are challenged and encouraged by all they have to “Give Up” to serve God. Having grown up a missionary kid, I understand that as well as anyone. There are times, however, that Missionaries, because of location or circumstances, get to experience some amazing things. It is in those times, one would almost feel guilty writing home and reporting on what is happening on this side of the ocean. This, my dear prayer warriors, is one of those times.

The life of a missionary at Black Forest Academy took me into the deep dark jungles of Rome, Italy. Suffering for Jesus, I just came back from a week with the senior class on their senior trip. It is not every senior class that can say they went to Rome on their senior trip (Wait, how ironic that my senior skip DAY was in Rome … Rome, NY). Anyway – every year the seniors take a week in early Oct and bus down to Rome for their senior trip and I was asked to join them. On the way down (about 14 hours by bus) we stopped for a day in Florence and on the way home we had a day in Venice. Again – forgive me for shattering your view of the typical missionary life. We didn’t actually stay in Rome, but in a little village right on the ocean (The Mediterranean). We traveled into Rome each day and saw some incredible things. We spent a day at the Vatican (St Peter’s Basilica) a day at the Pantheon; Trevey Fountain; and other places in that area; and a day at the Coliseum and the ruins in the surrounding the area. We went to the Catacombs on our way home. One day was just free day on the beach and we had the most gorgeous day for it. Our final day was spent at a city ruins just outside Rome. I can’t put my whole experience into this report, as it was an incredible week. Venice was my favorite, though, and I wish we had more than the 6 hours to see it. To me it is such a magical city.

So all this is not just to gloat over such a unique trip I was able to be a part of (though I do want to do that a little), but it is to ask you to pray for our seniors. Being with them for the week reminded me that what lies ahead is exciting, but also very challenging. MK’s that are transitioning back to North America have some huge hurdles to jump as they leave family, friends, home, and culture, to travel back to a place that, for many of them, is a new experience (I was talking with one senior who is planning on going to college in the states that had never been to the US yet). These next months ahead many seniors will be making final plans on where they are headed. Will you commit to pray for them? So – next time you hear the name “Rome” stop a minute and remember that the seniors of BFA just went to Rome and take a few minutes to pray for our seniors and what God has in store for them these next months ahead.

In the slide show to the right, I have included pictures of Rome, as well as pictures of my family (no, Jen was not able to travel with me). If you click into the slide show you can see the captions for each picture

Anyway, thanks for praying … continue to pray!!

Sam for the Fam

Season's of Life

We have definitely moved out of Summer and into Fall, it is always beautiful to watch the season’s change in the Black Forest. As we anticipate the changing of seasons around us, I realized that we, as a family, have come through a busy season of life here, so let me give you a summary of some of our events that have just transpired.

Matthew Started Kindergarten (do you see the tear in the corner of my eye) - Matthew has started school at a German Kindergarten and loves it. Sure there are things that he hashad to adjust to (not knowing the language) but he loves going every day and is doing so well. I think this has been harder for Jen than Matthew, but we are thankful to God for this season in his life.

Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) – One of the seasons that we have here at Black Forest Academy is SEW. It is one of my main responsibilities and it is one of the ways we kick off the new school year. We had a speaker from St. Louis come and share his life with us. He was a Military “Brat” and an MK, so he related very well to these kids here. A groups of students and staff from a Bible College in Northern Germany (English Speaking) came and led the worship for us. It was a great week and I was thankful to God for helping us walk through this seasonal event we have here at BFA.

Start-Up: As I look at my calendar, Fall starts up on Monday. Well we have already started up here at school. Both Jordan and Ellie are in the Middle School now (that is weird to think about) and loving it. They are away at a Middle School Retreat today. I have started up with all my responsibilities, including a new group of seniors guys that I lead in a Leadership Team small group ministry. We have new students at the school (as we do every year) and we are trying to infuse them into regular life here. As we start up, I do it with Lee Evans who has come to serve as Middle School chaplain, so I am not trying to do both jobs this year, which I am thankful to God for. Jen has started back up with her small group of 10^th grade girls, and has even started up with a set of brand new RA women that she leads in Bible Study.

So as you look out at the changes of seasons (for those of you that have changing seasons), use that as a reminder to pray for us and all our seasons of life that we are going through right now.

Thanks for Praying … Continue to Pray!!

Sam (for the Fam)

Matthew has a new look

Well Matthew proved that he has moved out of the little boy stage into manhood yesterday. He now will be sporting a nice scar on his chin after recieving 5 stiches. He was riding his scooter in our courtyard and fell. As he was falling his chin hit the handlebar of his scooter and the end dug into his face. What a mess he quickly became, and we immediately knew we were off to the doctor. Unfortunately, our children's doctor was on vacation, so we took him around the corner to our family doctor, who was leaving on vacation the next day. She did such a great job putting him at ease and sewing him up. We are thankful for a lot of things, but are also reminded that we are in constant need of your prayers, not just for missionary ministry things, but for everyday health concerns. We value your prayers everyday!!

Sam - for the fam

‘The Stemple Stau’

Have you ever been cruisin’ the highway, making good time, windows down, radio up, and life was whipping by and then look up to see red lights flashing ahead? Not the red lights of a police car or an ambulance, but the red lights of those dreaded brakes on the car in front of you. The lights that tell you, though you were making good time, life was about to come to a screeching halt and you were about to be bogged down in the traffic jam that lie ahead.

I am sure you know that Germany is known for its autobahn. I tell you, unashamedly, that it is fun (and legal) to drive at a real fast pace and I have been known to take advantage of the “No Speed Limit” driving that you can experience on certain parts of the autobahn. That being said, there are many cases of “Stau” here. When you experience an autobahn “Stau” (the German word for traffic jam) it seems such a big deal because of the speed you have been traveling so far.

To be honest, that is the picture of the Stemple’s life right now. We have been clipping along at a real nice pace, feeling good about our ministry and life here at Black Forest Academy. Life has been good, the windows are down and the music is up. Up ahead, though, I see the brake lights. Up ahead, I see all lanes merging into my lane and I see that things are backing up. I have that sudden sense of “Now we have hit the jam”.

Don’t worry, this is not the time for a move or a huge change in our life, though the pattern has been every two years for the past 6 years now. There is just a lot of little stuff heading our way in the next few months and we need your prayers. So here is a look into a few of the lanes that are merging into our lane in the next weeks and months

Fast Lane: High School Retreat. One of my (Sam’s) big responsibilities as chaplain is to organize, coordinate, and lead our high school retreat. We will bus about 300 students and staff to Nurnberg, Germany for the weekend of Feb 29-Mar2. We have a speaker and a band coming to lead, but there are a lot of details that have to fall into place, still, to pull this off.

Left Lane: Missions Trips. March 14-22, I will be leading a team of 10 students to Burkina Faso for our Spring Break Missions trips. At the same time, I am responsible to oversee the other 6 trips that are going out, which include 70 students and 15 staff. We are sending teams to Rwanda, Burkina, Northern Africa, Scotland, Slovenia, Northern Germany, and Poland. It is a great opportunity for the students to get out of their comfort zone and be challenged to serve.

Girls Only Lane: Small Groups. Jen continues to lead a small group of freshmen girls and loves the challenge it is to communicate timely truths in relevant ways. She is also leading a bible study of young adult women who serve at BFA as RAs. It is such a privilege to help encourage and train up these young women

Autobahn: Candlelight Dinner. Each year our school hosts an evangelistic dinner for the German Community. It is a huge undertaking and many of our German neighbors and friends will be here. This year’s candlelight dinner is Feb 22 and 23

Reconnect Lane: Summer Home. We are scheduled and ticketed to return to the states for the summer. We are looking forward to the chance to see people again, and reconnect with friends and churches.

Sports Lane: Soccer Coaching. Soccer, here, is a spring sport and I have agreed to coach the varsity girls soccer team again this spring. While I appreciate the opportunity and the relationships I build through it, it is another lane that adds to the business of life.

Middle Lane: With all these lanes merging, our normal life continues on and our family moves forward. Our kids keep growing and we keep trying to juggle all that is happening between our ministry and our family .

So next time you are cruising down the highway and up ahead you see the brake lights flashing, take a moment to pray for us as we navigate the highway that God put us on (GPS – God’s Positioning System). Pray that as our lanes merge into one, we would not see this as a Stau, but see this as opportunities to be God’s servants and to minister for Him in whatever situation He places before us ... And then ask God what opportunities He is handing you as you see your own “Stau” lying before you.

As always, Thanks for Praying … Keep on Praying!!
The Stemples

The Stemple Family Update

Another month is here and as we move through October I can’t believe how time is flying. The Black Forest has a season change just as Wisconsin would, and the leaves here are in full color. It reminds me that we really do live in a beautiful part of the world.

So what have we been doing to keep ourselves busy? Well –life in the Stemple house has been active. Let us take a few moments to let you know how each one of is doing.

Sam – My last blog focused more on me, so I will give more of this blog to my family to let you know what life is like for them. I continue to serve as chaplain at BFA and continue to love what I do. After SEW things have been a little lighter, though I am in the planning process for our Spring Break Mission Trips. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and you can catch me heading to the gym for either Basketball or indoor soccer

Jen – You would think that being a mother to 4 young children was work enough, but I have decided to get involved in a couple of Bible Studies and small groups, as well. It definitely keeps me busy, but sharpens me at the same time. I am leading a Bible Study with some of the RA girls this year and love the interaction and the time we spend together. I also lead a small group of 5 9th grade girls. We just had a sleep over last week and what a great time we had. I am growing to really love these girls and look forward to what God will do in and through us this year. I am also involved in a prayer group of mothers with young children, and they are such an encouragement to me as we are all in the same stage of life. I don’t take my job as a mom lightly and love serving my family, but it is nice to have some interaction from others, as well as investing into the lives of others. Pray for me and the opportunities I have to serve, both within my family and others, too.

Jordan – I am in Middle School this year (6th grade) and I love it. I was just elected class president and we have our first activity that the senate had to plan this weekend. Tomorrow my intramural soccer team is in the semifinals and (hopefully) the finals, so it has been exciting around here. I just got a retainer, which I have to wear at night, but I hate wearing it. I love riding my bike around town or blading places. Last weekend we had a middle school overnight at the school, which was so much fun.

Ellie – I am in 5th grade this year and am having a great year. It is fun being the oldest grade in the school. I just got some retainers, as well. I have one on the top and bottom. I has made it hard to sleep at night, as I wake up and they are hurting, but mom and dad say they will get better. I have to put them in after supper and then wear them through the night. It makes me talk funny, though, so my family has been joking around with Jordan and I about the things we say. I have a lot of good friends this year, which is an answer to prayer, as my good friend is in the states for a year home assignment. God has been good to give me so many girls my age to play with. Thanks for praying for me.

Matthew – I am 4 years old now, and as my dad showed you in our last blog, I just learned to ride a bike. Our family went for a bike ride the other day and I biked about 5 kilometers (3 miles) – at least that is what my dad told me. I am in Awana and love going every Tuesday. My parents say that I am growing fast, but I love being a little guy, too. I love playing soccer (futbol) and baseball in front of our house. I also like walking to the store with my dad. Last year one of my good friends (Joe Hill) left to return to Canada, so it has been sad not having him around, but God has given me some other friends to play with.

Katie – I am about to turn 3 (in Dec), and though I am the littlest of our family, I don’t like to be the littlest. I like to do everything everyone else is doing. I am all girl (that’s what my mom says at least) and I love to dress up. I am in the process of potty training. Whenever mom thinks I am doing great, I like to show her who is boss by doing a little number here and there. It won’t be long, though, and I will have this thing mastered. Sometimes I think mom should have more work around the house, so I will take all my clothes out of the closet and try each and everyone on. I do love to change my clothes. It is fun to put a different outfit on everytime I go into my room. I am still not sure why that bothers my parents, though. I am growing fast, and it seems like I am the most popular person at BFA, cause when I show up at school everyone want to play with me. Oh – the price you pay for being so cute (my dad says I look just like him :)


Well - I know this got long, and congrats if you made it to this part of the blog. I should have some type of reward – but I don’t. I just wanted to give you a more personal look into life with the Stemples. We value your prayers and ask that you would continue to pray for us. We need them so much.

Have a super day!!
Sam; Jen; Jordan; Ellie; Matthew; and Katie Stemple

Spiritual Emphasis Week at BFA

Well, my last post was just after school began again for us, and that was about a month ago. A lot has happened here at Black Forest Academy, as well as with the Stemples, since then. I thought I'd give you an update on our school's Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW). One of my main responsibilities as chaplain is to coordinate and organize a week of special meetings for the school. We have just finished SEW and we saw some great things happen here at the school. Erik Williams, a friend of mine (he was in my wedding and I in his), came and spoke and brought some guys out to lead worship. What a great week we had as many students made some life changing decisions for Christ. We had 2 students who accepted Christ, which is always a great reminder that even though we serve many MK's it doesn't mean they all know Christ. Please continue to pray for follow-up and for the students who have come down from the mountain and are trying to figure out, "Now what?"
Life for the Stemples has been busy, but good. Our kids continue to grow and develop. Please keep us in your prayers that we would be able to balance life at an active school and ministry and family and life here in Germany. God has been good, but we must continually rely on His provision everyday.

So here is a shopping list of way to pray for us ...

1) Pray for the students at BFA. Many were impacted in some way last week at our SEW. Pray that they would follow through with the commitments they made to Christ. Pray, also, for growth in our two students that have now made faith in Christ their own. Pray for other MK's that do not know Jesus.
2) Pray for our old neighbors, Anjia (pronounced Ahn-Ya) and Martin. They have a baby boy (Laybin) who contracted a virus and is intensive care in a hospital north of here. He is not doing well, and his organs are slowly beginning to shut down. Anjia and Martin are believers, so pray for a reliance on Christ and that their lives can be testimonies to the many non-believers around them.
3) Pray for the Stemple Family. It seems like Satan likes to attack after such spiritually challenging and rewarding week. Sometimes I (Sam) am like Elijah, who after defeating ALL the prophets of Baal was found hiding in a cave and in a deep depression. I don't think I find myself that deep, but I can feel Satan attacking with discouragement at times. Pray that God would protect our family from all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Thanks again for all you do to support us in prayer, we need that more than anything. Continue to lift us up and encourage us through your prayers.


The Stemples (Sam; Jen; Jordan; Ellie; Matthew; and Katie)

PS - Matthew learned to ride his bike without training wheels this past month. It is another one of those milestone moments you don't want to miss. Look out Beulah Beach ... here he comes.

Here is a video of Matthew right after he learned to ride.

School Begins Again!!

Well today was the first day of the start of school. This day is nothing like any other when you work at a boarding school. Not only is it the day that school begins, but it is also the day that parents say goodbye. What a mixed bag of emotions are experienced on this day. The day started out with my own family getting ready for the day - and it is a BIG day in our household. We have a Middle Schooler now!! Jordan started 6th grade today, and moves up to the big boys campus. Ellie, being in 5th grade is the big momma at the elementary campus now.

When I got to the high school (HS and Middle School are on the same grounds, elementary is separate), I arrived to the sounds of squeals and laughter and hugs and celebration as many students were seeing each other for the first time in many months. But the ironic thing about this morning is that in the same moments of so much Joy and celebration you can look around and see just as many faces streaked with tears and pain. This is not an easy day for many students and parents alike. Whatever your view of MK boarding, know that it is NEVER an easy decision for parents to leave their children here. It is never more evident than on this day of separation. As one parent shared with me this morning, It was not a hard decision in that they know it to be what God would have them do, but it was a hard decision in that it breaks there heart to say goodbye. With that, please continue to pray for our students and their parents and for the next few weeks of transition into life here at BFA

One of the highlights of my morning was watching the seniors march in with the flags of the many countries around the world and then to hear the "Roll Call of Nations", where they list out the 47 different countries that are represented here at BFA by just the students alone. They have the students who have a passport from, or whose parents work in, a specific country stand when their country is read. It is a great reminder that we are able to literally touch the world, as we work to touch the lives of these students.

Continue to pray for us, as a family. We had a wonderful summer and we are so thankful to God for the great days we had together. I still had responsibilities throughout the summer at the school, but it is so much less stress and responsibility (in fact there are NO evening meetings). even while working, there is so much time to be with family, and we felt like we were able to "reconnect" this summer.

I begin my second year as chaplain at BFA (and our 6th here in Germany), and it is definitely good to have a year under my belt. I feel like I know where we are headed and what it will take to get there. Our theme this year is "Fully Equipped" from II Peter 1:3, which states, "His divine power has given us everything for life and godliness". It is good to know that as we head down the road that this year holds for us, we are fully equipped for this journey. Pray that we would take hold of the power of Jesus Christ and live out that power in the lives of these students we are ministering to.

Thank you for your prayers ... Continue to Pray!!

Sam Stemple, for Jen; Jordan; Ellie; Matthew; and Katie

Summertime Fun

The Last time I wrote I mentioned that we were going to try and spend some time as a family this summer. Well we are thankful to God for all that He has given us. We were able to go to Adelboden Switzerland as a family in the end of June. We were gone for 5 days in the heart of the Alps. Too bad it rained almost everyday we were there, though our hotel had a pool, so it ended up being such a great time. I put in some time in the office getting ready for next year and then just last week Jen and I were able to get away for 4 days in Lugano Switzerland. A lady in our church stayed with the kids and Jen and I took off. It was the first time in 6 years we have gone anywhere overnight. The weather was hot, but we had such an amazing time. Again, we are thankful to God for His blessings of time together as a family. Here are some pictures of our family and some of our time in Lugano.

Summer Has Begun

Well - after a crazy spring, summer has hit us. It has been so good for us to have time as a family. Right after graduation of Black Forest Academy, Sam flew back to the US for two weeks to take a class at Moody, visit his home church (for their 25th anniversary) and see his parents. He returned last week, and we have taken this week off, as well as taking the next week off, as well. It has been good to finally have a few moments to breath.

We are traveling to Switzerland (it's actually only about 2 1/2 hours) and will be staying at a hotel in Adelboden from Monday - Friday. We have not gotten away as just our family in a while, we look forward to this time off and away.

We continue to ask you to pray for us. Though the summer doesn't create as many needs ...

1) Please pray for quality (and quantity) time together as a family. If you read my last E-mail (sent in a normal E-mail format) then you know our Mar-June was chaos, especially on the family. Pray that we can take advantage of these down times to re-connect together

2) Pray for wisdom for Sam as he begins to plan for next year. It will definitely be easier going into his 2nd year as chaplain, but he desires to be ahead on stuff when the school year begins. Pray also - for the chaplain's office staff. Sam has an assistant to help him (Hans Shaffer); as well as a lady who commits her time to the chaplain's office, mainly in the area of Small group coordination (Renee Grubb). This next year he has someone helping him with Middle School for the first semester (Lee Evans), but will have to take over the second semester and do both groups again.

3) Pray for personal renewal and spiritual strength throughout the summer. Pray that we would not forget to grow and deepen our own walk with God this summer

Thank you for praying ... Continue to Pray
Sam Stemple