“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
This quote has been attributed to Martin Luther. It matters less who said it, and more the image of hope that these words impart. Our world is eroding. Creation itself, its society, its economy and its entire social cohesion are slowly but steadily being swept away. What bolster do we have other than hope? Such hope is not of a life without war, famine or personal suffering. Neither is it the hope of a better life. No. It is the hope of a new life - in Christ! Judgment day is not a day that will improve our circumstances, but a day that will make all things new.
The apostle Paul writes, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20-21)
The apostle makes it clear that there is something for the children of God to joyfully anticipate that is yet to come. Something that we do not yet see (Rom. 8:24-25), but that will eclipse everything we experience and endure until then (v. 18). And it is precisely this hope, the hope of the future, in the glory of God, which gives us strength and joy for the present! Strength to endure the inevitable. Joy to plant an apple tree, to encounter people with love, and to bring this hopeful message to our fellow man. Yes, creation and all that is in it is groaning, as a mother in the pains of childbirth (v. 22). But the labor pains are not the end, rather the beginning of a new life.
Dear brothers and sisters, this is not time to slump our shoulders in hopeless despair, but to roll up our sleeves and plant trees. It is not time to hide in our closets, but to connect with others in order to give hope to one another. It is not time to put one’s (future) plans on the back burner in wait for better times, but time to build! It is not time to be silent, but to preach Jesus Christ, whether the times are favorable or not (2 Tim. 4:2).
May our gaze be forward-facing, fixed on Jesus Christ and His glory, giving us strength and joy for the life God has given us today.
Looking forward to seeing you again,
Your Martin Buchsteiner
SPRING BIBLE SCHOOL
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
We have chosen these words, addressed to young Timothy, as the goal and motto for this year’s Spring Bible School at Tauernhof. We must keep this goal at the forefront of our minds so as not to forget, in the daily grind, the reason we are here. How quickly our routines and habits shift into ruts, lacking the joy and endurance to persevere when things get tough. Many of our students are just emerging from such tough times, their youth being marked by the particularly immense challenges in our society today. For this very reason, we want to exemplify the love of Jesus to these 45 young adults, that they might taste and see His goodness. Only in Jesus is this kind of supernatural love to be found. Only in Jesus Christ can we experience this kind of love. It is Jesus alone who can give us inner peace, as He Himself is our hope and confidence. A pure heart, a good conscience, a sincere faith - three essential ingredients to a fulfilled life of faith.
We are grateful for your prayers for us as a team during this Bible School season, but especially for our students, that their time here would be a real milestone in their walk with God.
There is more good news! After a long season of restrictions, we are finally able to welcome “Taste and See” students on our campus again. If you’re interested in an immersion experience at our Bible School, to deepen your knowledge of the Bible while making new friends and enjoying the mountains of Schladming, you can register for one or two weeks by phone or electronically. Who knows, maybe it could still happen this Spring?
Brazen or meek? Gangster or Businessman? Macho or Softie?
What makes me a man?
What is the purpose of being a man?
What is the focus of manhood?
What’s the point?
Men’s Special: 4 days of intense fellowship, time in God’s Word, outdoor adventure, dialogues with God, conversations with other men, all with one personal challenge - to become a man after God’s own heart.
For men between the ages of 18-30 who are brave enough to face the challenge of God, “Stand up and be a man!” (Job 38:3).
We are looking for help on our House & Kitchen Team, as well as our Maintenance Team, from mid-June to mid-September. We would love to have YOU volunteer as part of our Team this summer.
Hi, my name is Zippi and I come from beautiful Swabia in southern Germany.
My first experience here at Tauernhof was in 2013/2014, when I spent a year as a volunteer on the House and Kitchen Team. This was a truly rich experience for me, and as a result, I decided to train as a hotel manager.
Eight years later, Tauernhof resurfaced in my life via social media. I was thrilled when I was accepted to be a part of the House and Kitchen Team once again for a summer season. Little did I know, things would turn out quite differently than expected!
After my short summer in the kitchen, I was given the opportunity to attend the Fall Bible School, and then return as a volunteer in the Bistro. In April of this year, I accepted a permanent, full-time staff position on the House and Kitchen Team, primarily as a Bistro Manager.
What I love most is fellowship with people, the surrounding mountains, but above all, growing closer to God in body, soul and spirit. My desire is to be used daily by God, sharing His love with others.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Bistro!
Your Zippi
GOODBYE LILIA
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
And so, the time has come for me to move on. It is with gratitude and a real sense of fulfillment that I look back on the last 3 years. I am grateful for each and every person I encountered on a daily basis. Grateful for the courage to go to the right place at the right time. Grateful for the personal growth that has taken place during my time at Tauernhof.
I experienced Jesus in an especially close way during this time - how HE provided, how he cared for me and gave me everything I needed.
And now, I look ahead to a new chapter that lies ahead of me.
Jesus says, “I am the way…”
United in Jesus,
Your Lilia
Dear Lilia,
thank you so much for your ministry, your flexibility and especially for your friendship.
We wish you all the best and Gods blessings for your future.
Yours Tauernhof friends
ARC - PROJECT
Ark, a place of encounter
It has come to our attention over the last several years that we have outgrown our lecture hall. The space was originally designed to accommodate 50 people, but in recent years, we have pushed beyond its capacity up to some 100 people (guests and staff), especially during the summer and winter months. This results in poor air circulation, tight quarters and limited flexibility. Seating that would include tables is unthinkable.
After careful consideration, we are excited to announce the implementation of a long-awaited project without delay. While our overall concept includes the following: Main house (2018), addition of garden house, creation of more staff rooms, garden design, improvement of the parking situation - our general assembly has decided to prioritize this project.
The plan is to build a new conference hall, adjacent to the existing garden house, which will include an underground parking lot. The new hall will be roughly double in size to the current one and, in addition to our weekly retreats and quarterly Bible Schools, will provide space for evangelistic events, concerts and lectures for people in our region and beyond. The red garden house will eventually be converted into an office building for staff.
Our vision is that the new conference hall would be a place of encounter, where people can meet one another, experience the risen Christ together and, thereby, a place of refuge - an “ark” - where people can find security, peace and hope.
Construction will begin in July 2022 and, should the funds be sufficient, we hope to complete the underground parking garage, as well as the ground floor.
Help with financing and/or hands-on help with construction is most welcome.
A project like this can only be financed by donations.
Thank you very much for your support!
INFO ABOUT THE ARK PROJECT (insert link)
42 Students from 10 different nations and their desire to deepen their relationship with Jesus
For good bookings this summer season
For Zippi, who joined our full time staff in May
For your prayers for Lothar, and God’s mercy in healing him
We ask for:
Clarity for our students and volunteers, as they look ahead to life beyond Tauernhof
Wisdom and guidance in all areas of the Ark building project
Lilia, that God may continue to show her His faithful provision as she moves on from here
RETREAT BROCHURES
Registration for our Summer Camps 2022 and Winter Camps 2023 are possible anytime - we would love to have you join us!
Summer Camps 2023 will be open for registration beginning in July 2022.
