Special Need - Walter & Nellie Bergmann

There is a sign on the freeway near the San Diego / Tijuana border that depicts a family running across the freeway. It’s a reminder to drivers to be careful, illegal aliens may run out in front of your speeding car. Instead of getting mad and frustrated about those who are ignoring the immigration laws, we’ve decided that to use our energy, enthusiasm and money to reward those who are doing it right. We want to encourage you to think, pray, and give to this cause. For the Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

Here’s the story.

Over a decade ago, in 1994, a German couple who had grown up in communist controlled Kazakhstan visited the United States to study to English in Fresno, California. Walter and Nellie Bergmann dreamed that one day they might move to the United States from Germany and give their children the taste of freedom uniquely offered here. After considerable expense, prayer, and development of a business plan, they arrived in Folsom with legal business status in October 2006.

With the downturn of the economy, Walter’s travel business (www.skybridgetours.com) grew slowly. Yet, hundreds were able to take Roots of Faith tours in Germany, visit the 7 churches in Turkey, and walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Israel. Walter’s business is also a ministry to Christians who want to grow in their faith. Meanwhile, Nelli began sharing her cake recipes with friends and family. Her childhood dream of making cakes as a business became a reality this year as “Nelli’s Dream Cakes” officially launched (www.nellisdreamcakes.com). By the way, she attended all the county safety courses and received all the proper certifications. Once again Walter and Nellie are demonstrating a desire “to do it the right way.” Meanwhile, Walter began to think about supplementing their income with a second job. He has now become a wholesale auto dealer certified by the Department of Motor Vehicles exporting automobiles to the Ukraine, Germany and Russia.

Look again at the photo of the sign on the freeway. How many of us know that it’s incredibly expensive to play by the rules and abide by laws? I sure do. That has been the Bergmann’s commitment and that has made them people of integrity.

So let’s fast forward. The Bergmann’s have become an integral and special part of our church family and community. Simon and Stefanie are graduates of Folsom High. Laurin starts high school this year. The family serves in a variety of ministries within our church, they volunteer for every community service opportunity – feeding the homeless, campus clean up days, etc. They volunteer in leading our worship and singing ministry. They serve by leading music for those recovering from addiction issues at Celebrate Recovery.

Now a critical financial problem has arisen. The family is facing a need to raise about $7,300 for fees that would allow them to stay in the United States legally. These fees would allow them to extend their L1 visa and apply for a green card. This is an especially critical time for them as Stefanie is nearing the age when she would be forced to return to Germany unless she gets a green card. A green card would allow Stefanie to legally work and stay in the United States.

We believe God wants to bless them with the money as a sign that He cares that they have obeyed all the laws of the land. Would you please pray about helping Walter and Nellie?
We have decided our answer is ‘yes’!

Soliciting funds was not Walter and Nellie’s idea. As a church family, our heart goes out to the Bergmann’s and we want to do everything that we can to help meet their need. We are trying to raise funds for them without any obligation because there is a risk that their visa application may be denied. In addition, the Bergmann’s business initiatives may take them out of the Folsom area to other parts of the United States. We hope to give whatever we can to the Bergmann’s as a gift with no strings attached.

So here is what we are asking. Between now and July 31st, could you help Walter and Nellie “do it the right way” by giving money to a special fund for the Bergmann’s? You can make the check out to New Song Christian Church – in the memo line write: Do it Right: Bergmanns. You can mail your check to New Song Christian Church, 13389 Folsom Blvd. #300-302, Folsom, CA 95630.

You can also give online through paypal. Simply go to www.paypal.com and give to the account: bergmansfund@conceptportal.com. For more information about how to give online please e-mail Troy Fulton at troy@conceptportal.com.

Thank you for considering how you might help. Please spread the word to family and friends. Isn’t it wonderful to be part of a miracle? Remember when Jesus looked to his disciples and asked them to feed the 5,000? What do you have? A few loaves and some fish. Ask my kids and they will tell you. “Little is much, when God is in it!”

God Bless you,

The New Song Church Family

”Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:13