Hi Everyone!
We met Karl and Amy Steinbrinck, PowerLink Ministries, around 1992. Our church was meeting in a middle school on the west side of Green Bay, WI. We had a couple of things in common—we loved Jesus and kids! Little did either of us know that Jesus and kids would be the foundation for a friendship and ministry that would shape our lives for 27 years! Karl and Amy have a love for children everywhere, not just in Green Bay, WI. We have travelled together to many nations to teach pastors and leaders the importance of reaching kids with the Good News of Jesus Christ. What memories! The stories that could fill a book! And the joy of witnessing how the Lord shapes people in their gifting when they are obedient, flexible, forgiving, committed through good and sometimes difficult circumstances. They are retiring at the end of this year. We find it difficult to see this season end but desire to share a couple of stories.
While in Vietnam on one trip, it was important to not look obvious because we were teaching in an underground house-church. So we put on sunglasses, facemasks, and scooter helmets. It was impossible to recognize who we were. Except—we were 100 pounds heavier and 12 inches taller than every other person. It was evident that we were not Vietnamese riding on the back of a motor scooter nearly flattening the rear tires. And then there is the story of marbles in the little green pee pot.
While in Myanmar one year, we left the hotel on a very hot day to attend the graduation ceremony of the Disciple Bible College. Because of the heat, we decided to wear shorts. When we arrived, Peter told us that he forgot to mention that he wanted us to participate in the graduation ceremony. We told him we weren’t dressed for that. No problem he told us. He had graduation robes for us to put on over our clothes. So we did. But when we came out of the house in our robes, we looked like we were both wearing miniskirts. The robes were for students 5 feet tall!
When Dennis was in Cuba many years ago, he felt like the Lord spoke to him and said, “I have just shown you what will open the doors of the churches in Cuba, and they will never be closed again—children!” Dennis returned to America and immediately called Karl. He asked him to go to Cuba with him to build a children’s ministry. “Are you crazy?” was his response. But he went and today thousands of children have received the Lord thanks to Karl’s willingness to go where the Lord called him. Karl and Amy have also done couples’ ministry in Cuba.
In Bangladesh Karl and Dennis taught pastors and leaders of children’s ministry the importance of reaching children with the Good News. As part of the teaching in churches, Karl would demonstrate games that held children’s attention, which are part of several things that can be used in kids’ ministry. This game was about who could stuff the most balloons in extra-large men’s trousers with somebody in them. Usually it is the girls against the boys. But this time Karl just separated the teams by left and right side of the room. The most balloons stuffed is the winner! Culturally this was way out in left field. But both Karl and Amy have a unique ability to cross cultural norms. As a result, and when done in love, it seems like people often become more open and engaged. It worked and everybody had a blast! Another sacred religious cow tipped over to make a point!
Karl and Amy are our heroes! We wish them well. They have earned every day of togetherness that lies ahead for them. Robert Frost wrote in one of his poems, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.” We pray for and wish them miles and miles of joy, rest, peace, and a wonderful life as they begin their new season. We are so glad to call them our friends!
Our ministry will continue to receive funds for the partnerships that Karl and Amy have established over the years and forward them to continue their work.
Grateful,
Dennis and Robin
Food For Thought
“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5: 31-32
Jesus was at the home of a sinner, and the hypocritical religious leaders were critical of Him for being there. He came to forgive sins, not condemn sinners. Got an issue? Go to Him.
Prayer Requests
You can be an important part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a weapon of warfare, and we covet your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, e-mail your prayer requests to us. Please pray for the following:
· Pray for your pastors.
· Pray for protection against the Covid virus.
· Pray for our granddaughter who is going through treatment for cancer.
· Pray for peace during the upcoming election.
· Pray for Karl and Amy as they begin a new season in their life.
Special Note
We are beginning a prayer connection on the third Thursday of each month. Send a text message to: 31996 and write GOINGGLOBALINC to receive more info. You can send prayer requests to: www.goingglobainc.org/prayer as well.