"I can do all things through him who makes me strong"

On 6 July, Pastor Bernd Klein retired after more than 32 years of service. Many friends and colleagues came together for the celebration in Osnabrück.

In preparation for the service, things got unusual in the sacristy: everyone involved in the service practised the first song in order to sing it together as a "choir": "My hope and my joy ...". Pastor Bernd Klein was a sign language counsellor and many of the visitors to the service relied on sign language.

Superintendent Dr Joachim Jeska (Osnabrück) paid tribute to Bernd Klein's life at : After completing an apprenticeship as a baker, he began his theological studies at the missionary seminary in Hermannsburg. His ministry began as a vicar in Hamburg and Fairmont (Minnesota/USA) and then continued in Motswedi and Akasia in South Africa.
After his return, Klein worked in Weyhausen. Stationed in Osnabrück, he was then responsible for pastoral care in sign language for a large area of Lower Saxony. He felt supported by God's strength, which carried him through many challenges. The Bible verse from Philippians - "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" - was a recurring theme throughout his ministry.

Klein learnt sign language in South Africa. In order to be a welcoming church for all church members, there was a lack of services for people who could not follow spoken language. His later ministry in Lower Saxony was a consequence of this.

In both Motswedi and Akasia, Klein not only built a congregation, but also a new church. While the church in Motswedi was too old and small, there was still none in Akasia. The dual challenge of community service and church building was not always easy. In a report to the ELM, he described this very vividly: "The building itself often reminds us of Peter following Jesus' commission to come to him on the water. Sometimes you can feel uneasy - not knowing whether the water will hold, but we look to Jesus in prayer and know that everything will come to a good end."
The fact that the family has left its mark was demonstrated by the fact that over 60 members of the congregation from Motswedi came to Akasia especially for the farewell - but also again on 6 July with the many guests at the retirement ceremony.

The ELM is grateful for the service of Bernd Klein and his family. We wish them all the best for the retirement that now lies ahead of them.