On my way back to Hamburg recently, I had a layover at Hannover central train station. I went to a discount supermarket and picked up my favorite beer that they sell only there. A man who looked like he was down on his luck picked up a few too. I saw him again at the cash register and said, “Enjoy!” He smiled, “You too!” We ran into one another again at the exit. He said, “You look like you work for the Department of Justice.” “No,” I replied, “I’m a pastor and missionary.” “A missionary—in Germany?” “Yes, I tell Iranians about Jesus.” His eyes narrowed. “Well, so *you* are one of those people who help foreigners stay here. Send them all back…” “That would be bad because many of them become Christians here. Back in Iran, they would probably be executed…” He grunted. “Are you a Christian?” I asked. “Of course! My confirmation verse is Psalm 23:1-2: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” “Well, as a Christian, you understand that we need to help fellow Christians. We can’t just send them to their death.” He grunted again. “Where are you going?” he asked. “Hamburg. Track 7.” “I’ll walk with you.” “Great!” I responded. On our way, he told me that he grew up in an orphanage where he was treated poorly and has had a rough life ever since. Standing on the platform, he said, “My name is ‘Gerhard.’” “Pleased to meet you. Christian.” We shook hands. Then he reached down into his plastic bag, grabbed a beer, and popped it. “Jesus Christ died for you,” I explained. “And He not only forgives you all your sins but also takes upon Himself your shame for all you’ve had to experience.” “No, not for me,” he responded. “Yes, He does. John 3:16: For God so loves the whole *world*.” That includes you.” My train pulled up and I boarded. As the doors were closing, I shouted, “Jesus loves *you*, Gerhard. And He always will!” He waved and shouted back, “Let’s meet again the next time you’re in Hannover!”
The Tiews in Germany 