The congregation rose to their feet, cheering, as Pastor Roland Krumm and his wife, Sarah, strode to the pulpit. Roland jokingly clasped his hands together over his head like a victorious prizefighter. He thanked the people for their prayers and understanding. This was their first time back before the congregation in two months; the couple had needed extended time to recover from weariness after 10 years of continuous ministry.

A decade earlier, a team from CC Chino Hills, CA, had assisted in planting this Calvary Chapel in the industrial German city of Stuttgart, known for its invention of the automobile and home to German automakers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Translators and evangelists also journeyed from Roland’s home church at CC Siegen, 200 miles to the north, to help start the church. Now, ten years later, the fellowship had grown and solid ministries abounded. Church responsibilities, however, had begun to weigh heavily on the Krumm family.

You can find the complete article in the Summer 2010 issue of Calvary Chapel Magazine. To subscribe click here.