A few weeks ago at our Gathering, Oscar Cardozo and his wife Eva Froese announced that on November 27, 2024, they’ll be leaving to serve in Germany for two years. They’ll be working as deacons in a Mennonite church, in the city of Ludwigshafen.
Oscar and Eva grew up in the church and have been involved in global and local missions for a long time. They’ve been part of our Westside family for 16 years. Although they are not new to living abroad, having originated from Paraguay and lived in several countries, this next big move is evidence of how God has been working in their hearts. After much prayer and seeking His guidance, Oscar and Eva knew it was time to take a step of faith and start serving full-time.
As Oscar said in the gathering: “We know there are three ways to serve: praying, giving and going. We have been doing the first two for a long time. Now, it’s time for the third one.”
What they’ll be doing
In Germany, Oscar and Eva will be helping refugees who have primarily come from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Türkiye. Serving and restoring hope and dignity to people who have lost their homes and families. They’ll also be working in a community center owned by the church to coordinate programs like beginner German classes and conversation groups, school homework programs, quilting groups, and social and cultural events.
How can we help?
We can be there for Oscar and Eva in spirit, praying for them as they remain obedient to God and take on this work. We can also support them financially if possible (link below).
Their prayer requests:
- For guidance from and obedience to God
- For the people they will serve
- For their new church
- For new friends
- To adapt to the new culture
- To improve their knowledge of the language (Oscar)
- For financial support
The whole church is involved in the Great Commission. If the fact that Jesus will return is kept at the forefront of our thoughts, perhaps we will start sharing our faith more often.
As Oscar said: “God’s plans are often beyond our imagination.”
Watch Oscar and Eva share about their call and mission HERE
For a one time donation to help Oscar and Eva get settled in, you can donate to Westside directly (indicate in the memo). We have alotted a minium of 1000$(CND). If more comes in, we will honor it. Please donate by December 1. For longer term or ongoing support, see link below.
References
- Read more about where they’ll be serving: https://www.friedenshausludwigshafen.com/kopie-von-hauptseite
- Join their mailing list to get their newsletter: https://diakonia.ca/subscribe.html
- Support them financially: https://thegc.org/ca/projects/eva-froese-and-oscar-cardozo
- Contacts:
- Their contacts at church are: Wendy Gariepy and Natalia Peña – Colantonio.
- The other two members of their advisory team are: Electra Rozakis and Joseph Vybihal.
