Das Beste

{photo courtesy of the Stadtmission}

The Berliner Stadtmission's motto is Jeremiah 29:7, "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (NIV). The Stadtmission has many organizations throughout the city that seek the best for Berlin - stations to help the homeless and refugees, ministries that reach out to the suicidal or women struggling with unwanted pregnancies, a youth hostel alongside a welcoming cafe, and much more.

Every year, the many different parts of the Stadtmission come together to throw a festival - a festival to celebrate Berlin and fundraise for the many different ministries. 

{"The Best: a Fest for the City - You are Heartily Invited"}

As interns with the Stadtmission, we had the privilege of helping set up for and run the festival this year. On Saturday, we erected many pavilions for the different stands. On Sunday, we served in various roles to ensure that the festival went smoothly.

Tim and Clementine and I were "Mobile Infodienst" - mobile information services. Basically, we got to wander around the fest all day, answer any questions that people had, and buy lots of food. 

Anna and Bill heroically sold ice cream and drinks for 7 long hours. 

Nick helped facilitate the spectacular children's program, which included this awesome transit game that had miniatures of Berlin's major sites. 

{photo courtesy of the Stadtmission}

What was cool about this event is how varied the people there were. Many of the visitors came because they had heard about the fest somewhere and were simply curious. Many came because their churches have connections with the Stadtmission. But what I found fabulous is that many of the refugees and homeless people that the Stadtmission serves also came. They had received vouchers so that they didn't have to pay for food, and they got to come and enjoy the festive atmosphere just like everyone else.

{two refugee children enjoying cheerful music. photo courtesy of the Stadtmission.}

I loved getting to see the refugees whom I give food to every day simply relaxing on a beautiful summer day. I cannot imagine what they have gone through, and it was so good to see them away from the refugee center and setting their worries aside, if only for a couple of hours. 

There were multiple stages set up throughout, with music programs throughout the day. It was one of the hottest days this summer - temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but there was free water, lots of ice cream for sale, and plenty of shade. The fest was a hit, even with such high temperatures in a city that doesn't have air conditioning.

All in all, it was an eventful weekend in Berlin.