Days of Encounter 2023 in Aeschi/Spiez

When was I actually invited to the TdB for the first time? When I was asked this question, I had to admit that I didn't remember. I think for sure it was about 20 years ago since I spoke here for the first time. Back then as a guest speaker for a paper. Over the years, I have been asked to speak for the entire conference, or for two conferences, with the same theme. In the meantime, the Abraham Dienst is the organizer/inviting party and the conferences are held under the Abraham umbrella. Responsible is a team consisting of four couples. They meet during the year to prayerfully consider the theme. The core team is joined by a cook who is responsible for the physical well-being.

The theme this time was: "Promises of the fear of God". Why such a "difficult" theme, you may ask. It's simple. Because God wanted it that way! After I had spent several days preparing for this topic, it became more and more clear to me how fundamental and central the fear of God is or should be for every follower of Jesus. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov. 1:7). Loosely translated, this means it is impossible to know the Lord without the fear of God. We hear hundreds, even thousands of sermons, teachings on love, but virtually none, or very, very few, on the fear of God. Of course, this corresponds to the spirit of the times, also in the church, congregation. We want fun, joy and to hear again and again that God loves us. The fact that he is also to be feared goes against the grain, comes to us really weird and crosswise. We do not want and do not need it. In the church, too, need and demand regulate the supply. The preachers of the Word satisfy their "customers" according to what tickles their ears.

In Aeschi these were extraordinary days, with depth, release and inspiring encouragement. Since the beginning, the voluntary groups in the afternoon have been an integral part of these days. There one meets for a deeper exchange of the theme, other questions and for personal prayer. Now, after decades, it was the first time that we had people present at both meetings whom God has called to a special area of ministry. They came as normal participants, without any special calling. We asked you spontaneously if you would be willing to lead a group in the afternoon, if there was interest, and teach about "your" area. That is what happened. Once it was about flags, their meaning and handling. And the second session was about language prayer. The response was very good. And all this without our (leadership team) planning or doing anything about it. God simply gave it. A strong sign that God wants to restore "His orders" before He can then work among us in His manifest glory. Therefore, among other things, the fear of God must absolutely become a topic again to be talked about and taught. That is why we also offer to be invited, for example, for a day seminar on the fear of the Lord in churches or house groups. One could also invite us for a regional event. We are open for a clarifying discussion. Please contact us for this purpose.


W.W.