January 14, 2008

John and Gayle Butrin, AGWM personnel in Berlin, Germany have a unique vision of how to plant an international church in that city.  Berlin, as is true of most other European cities, has a diverse international population.  The Butrins state,  "As confirmed by others, it has become obvious that one of our salient strengths is that of hospitality, a proven asset in reaching out to immigrants and the culturally diverse of Berlin.
 
Our dream of developing a hospitality ministry center with table fellowship at its core and with its goal to plant and grow an International Church, is in the process of becoming a reality. The name, Matthew’s Table, is taken from Jesus’ calling of Matthew and his subsequent desire to share Jesus with his associates over dinner in his home (Matt.9:9-13). As we address immigrants’ perceived needs - acceptance within an alien culture, assistance in finding housing, residence visas, auto registrations, drivers’ licenses, language instruction - we believe we can earn the right to share Christ with them. Through the use of Alpha Courses and other discipleship materials we believe God will help us to establish an ongoing ministry that will accelerate the work of the gospel among Berlin’s diverse international population."

The Butrin's motto is quite appropriate to their vision; "Serving the Bread of Life to people from every culture."