SPICE ROAD - THE GERMAN TRIANGLE

In 1220, Frankfurt became a free imperial city. This meant that it was  no longer under the jurisdiction of a specific lord or king, but instead  answered directly to the emperor. From 1356 onwards, the Golden Bull  declared Frankfurt as the permanent city of choice for the Roman kings.  This made it an important center of politics and commerce, and attracted  people from all over Europe.

South Asians have been coming to Germany since the 19th century, when  they were brought over as indentured laborers by the British colonial  government. In the early 20th century, some came to study at German  universities. After World War II, many more came as refugees from India  and Pakistan.

There are several reasons why South Asians might choose to move to  Frankfurt. Firstly, it is a cosmopolitan city with a long history of  religious tolerance. This makes it easier for Hindus to practise their  religion without fear of persecution. Secondly, there are already  established communities of South Asians in Frankfurt, which makes it  easier to settle in and find support. Finally, Frankfurt is a major  financial centre, so there are plenty of opportunities for work and  business.

Nuremberg is a city in southern Germany. The imperial castle and the walled  Old Town are both major attractions for tourists. Many are drawn to the city's  well-preserved historical landmarks. But for one American pastor, Nuremberg held a much  deeper significance.

In the early 1950s, Charles W. Brewer began  visiting Nuremberg on a regular basis, preaching gospel to the South  Asians who had made the city their home. For Brewer, Nuremberg was more  than just a commercial hub; it was a place where people of all  backgrounds and beliefs could come together and find common ground. Brewer's  unique approach to ministry soon gained attention, and he became known  as the "Coffee Shop Pastor." He would spend hours chatting with people  in local coffee shops, getting to know them and sharing the gospel with  them in a way that was non-threatening and inviting.

Many of  those whom Brewer ministered to were war criminals from Nazi Germany who  had been sentenced to prison in Nuremberg. In time, he came to be seen  as a spiritual care-giver for these men, offering them hope and  forgiveness in the midst of their despair.Through his compassion  and care, Charles W. Brewer showed that love can transcend even the  deepest hatreds. His legacy continues to inspire people of all faiths  today.

Munich is a major tourist destination and convention centre. Munich has a thriving coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops dotting  the cityscape. These coffee shops not only provide a great cup of joe,  but also serve as a place for people to gather and share ideas. Munich is not only a major tourist destination and convention centre,  but also an important hub for the publishing, printing, and television  production industries. The city is home to a large number of banks and  financial institutions, and boasts one of the largest wholesale markets  in Europe for fruit, vegetables, and animal produce. Munich has the  strongest economy of any German city, as well as the lowest unemployment  rate (around 4%). The city also holds more than 100 nightclubs and  1000s of bars.

Munich is known for two siblings  made the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of conviction. They risked and  lost, fought and failed, but not without leaving a lasting imprint.  Their names were Hans and Sophie Scholl. The Scholls were part of the White Rose resistance movement against Nazi  Germany during World War II. Their story begins in 1942 when Hans, a  medical student at the University of Munich,  began to speak out against Hitler and the Nazi regime. His sister  Sophie soon joined him in his resistance activities. Together they  wrote and distributed pamphlets calling for an end to the war and urging  their fellow Germans to resist Nazi rule.

Stuttgart is an important rail junction on the natural route connecting  the Danube River with northern Germany and the Rhine River. It is the  centre of the largest industrial zone in southwestern Germany and holds  various trade fairs and congresses. Stuttgart is the modern version of  its older name Stuotgarten which means 'a garden for the horses'.  Stuttgart remained Germany's most expensive city in 2020, with average  net rent reaching 46 percent over the national average. 

Stuttgart is  known for its strong high-tech industry, especially in the automotive  sector. It has the highest general standard of prosperity of any German  city. In addition to many medium-sized companies, several major  corporations are headquartered in Stuttgart, including Porsche, Bosch,  and Mercedes-Benz Group. The city also has a strong cultural scene, with  a number of museums, galleries, and theatres. 49.8% of the population fall into those who either followed no religion or are unaffiliated. 

Heidelberg is a city located in southwest Germany. The city has a long  and rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Heidelberg was an  important center of learning during the Renaissance and became a popular  tourist destination in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many poets and  philosophers, such as Friedrich Hölderlin, Clemens Brentano, and Joseph  von Eichendorff, resided in or visited Heidelberg, making it known as  the "City of Romanticism". Located in the  region of Baden-Württemberg, along the Neckar River, the city is home to  a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Heidelberg  Castle, the Old Town, and the Heidelberg University.

Even today, Heidelberg retains its romantic  charm with its quaint coffee shops and picturesque setting. What makes Heidelberg so distant is that it does not have any evangelical churches.  This is strange for a city that is known for its romanticism . Instead of churches, there are numerous coffee shops  scattered throughout the city where people can congregate and enjoy each  other's company.

Lörach is a town located in the agglomeration of Basel, which spans over  Germany, Switzerland, and France. The town has a population of less  than 50000 inhabitants. The town is also home to a number of businesses and  industries, making it a popular destination for Germans looking to  settle down and work. Despite the obvious friction of having to deal  with two currencies every day, the costs of living in Germany are more  affordable than in Switzerland, making Lörach an attractive option for  those looking to live and work in Basel. What many people don't know about Lorrach is that it was once a hotbed  of Christian activity. In the early 1800s, house churches were prevalent  in the town and gospel work was flourishing. Unfortunately, this all  changed in the mid-1800s when the town began to experience religious  persecution.

Now, there is a need to reestablish house churches in  Lorrach and resume gospel work in the city. This is an exciting  time, and we pray that God will use these efforts to reach many  people with the good news of His love!