From moving conversations on the street to surprising encounters in the middle of the night, these experiences show how prayers can turn into concrete “Divine Appointments.” By Stephan Heinig

Reading time: 10 minutes

About four weeks before the start of the “hope-worldwide” retreat, Alberto Rosenthal called me to ask if I would join him and another brother in the faith in taking responsibility for the outreach—the daily mission tripson the streets of Plauen and Auerbach—during the camp meeting.

Right then on the phone, Alberto and I prayed together that God would take the lead from that point on and prepare encounters—encounters with people who are searching. This prayer would accompany us throughout the entire four-week preparation period: a plea to a great God for “Divine Appointments”—opportunities created by God that do not rely on human wisdom but come about solely through God’s work.

And God answered that prayer. The highlight of our mission was a demonstration that took place that afternoon in Plauen. It was intended to bring together as many people and protest groups as possible who disagreed with the current government’s policies. Counter-protests were also expected.

It is a great privilege to share the biblical message of Jesus Christ, the Savior, with people who look to political parties and politicians for answers to pressing questions and solutions to political problems. It is precisely at demonstrations that one finds many people who are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. Our goal was not to leave this need for change solely to political parties, but to introduce people to the joyful message of Jesus Christ.

Plauen witnessed a historic demonstration

It is surely thanks to God’s providence that the demonstration was scheduled to take place at the same time as the “hope-worldwide” retreat. Over the course of its centuries-long history, Plauen had proven to be a place where the longing for freedom became visible. As early as 1524, Martin Luther’s teachings reached Plauen, where they were enthusiastically received. Over the next 300 years, Plauen served as the spiritual center of the Vogtland region.

And once again, Plauen drew attention as a bastion of freedom: On October 7, 1989, the 40th anniversary of the GDR, some 15,000 people gathered in Plauen, Saxony, to voice their demands for freedom of travel, freedom of speech, democratic reforms, and an end to the SED dictatorship. It was the first large-scale rally in the GDR where local authorities were left at a loss. It gave the movement decisive momentum—even before the better-known demonstrations in Leipzig.

60 Disciples of Jesus, a Mission!

Nearly 37 years later, on the Sabbath, August 8, 2026, more than 10,000 people gathered once again in Plauen to voice their demands for greater social justice, a more peace-loving policy from the federal government, and greater balance in political discourse. On the same day, about 60 brothers and sisters from the “hope-worldwide” retreat set out to bring the message of the Kingdom of God to their fellow demonstrators—a kingdom in which true peace reigns, a peace that surpasses all understanding, and in which, in the end, suffering, hardship, sickness, and death will be overcome.

The day before, some members had already gathered and packed about 400 care packages. They contained a bottle of water (since it was very hot), a brochure titled *What Lies Ahead?*, various flyers—including one about the “Experiencing God” phone hotline—as well as various words of encouragement, such as a short Bible verse or something handmade or handwritten.

In addition, there were a total of thousands of copies of the magazines *What Lies Ahead?*, *From Shadow to Light*, and *Hope Today*. Thus equipped, 60 enthusiastic brothers and sisters from the “hope-worldwide” retreat finally set out to share the message of a liberating God with their searching and freedom-loving fellow human beings.

Now it was time for the “Divine Appointments” for which we had been praying to God for four weeks—the divine opportunities prepared by a loving hand. And God did not disappoint. He kept His word and answered those who call upon Him in His divine name. Here are a few examples to prove it:

144,000 People and a Testimony!

Diana and Daniela got in touch with Utopia TV Germany and shared their testimony about Jesus Christ in a livestream watched by 3,000 viewers. The video is still available on YouTube and has since been viewed 144,000 times.

At the demonstration in Plauen, Diana struck up a conversation with a leading politician. Inspired and encouraged by this experience, she began reaching out to other leading elected officials, sending them the book *From Shadow to Light*, and praying for them regularly.

A “No” Becomes a “Yes”

Steffi observed that two friends reacted completely differently to the same offer. While one firmly refused, the other gratefully accepted it. “Two people in the same situation—one closes herself off, the other opens her heart to the message. Let’s pray for both friends,” Steffi urges.

Larissa met a woman who, although she didn’t want to accept a book, was open to having a detailed conversation with her and praying together. As they parted, the two embraced. The encounter had been arranged by God. The future will reveal the eternal significance of this meeting.

Elmar, too, clearly sensed how two different forces are battling for people’s hearts. He struck up a conversation with a woman who, despite her companion’s very hostile attitude, showed genuine interest and was delighted to receive a book she wanted to read during her health retreat.

From Murderer to Prayer

Viola had many different encounters; two of them touched her particularly deeply. One was a man who had served a 30-year prison sentence for murder. He shared how he had come to reflect deeply during that time. At the end of their conversation, he prayed the Lord’s Prayer together with Viola.

The second encounter was with a couple, the man of whom was clearly under the influence of drugs. Nevertheless, a profound conversation developed that revealed the invisible spiritual battle taking place behind the scenes. While the woman declined to pray at the end, the man gratefully accepted it.

A Stranger Opens His Heart

I myself struck up a conversation with an elderly gentleman who politely but firmly declined a copy of the *Hoffnung-Heute* magazine. Even as I walked away, I suddenly asked myself why I should turn away from him just because he had declined a magazine whose contents were still unknown to him.

That’s how I struck up a conversation with this honest man. He told me about his life: how, contrary to the prevailing GDR doctrine, he had freely chosen to refuse membership in the communist youth organization and had subsequently been bullied by all his teachers. From then on, his best grade in school had been a four. He explained how he’d become an auto mechanic and hadn’t had an easy life. Ultimately, he’d been disappointed by every form of society and still didn’t know today who, in the end, wouldn’t let him down.

The conversation concluded with a prayer and a heartfelt “thank you” from this sincere seeker. As he was leaving, he slipped a rolled-up copy of the *Hoffnung Heute* newspaper into his jacket after all.

These experiences are just a small glimpse of the “Divine Appointments” that took place on that Sabbath afternoon. God answered the prayers that had been offered up in supplication hundreds of times over. During the mission tripin Plauen as well, many brothers and sisters brought their intercessions before the Creator of the universe. Not one of these prayers went unanswered.

Thank you for all your prayer support in 2027!

Next year, another “Hope Worldwide” retreat will take place at Waldpark Grünheide, not far from Plauen. Let us pray now—as we look back with gratitude on 2026—for opportunities prepared by God, “Divine Appointments,” for the retreat in 2027. God has great plans for the Reformation sites surrounding Waldpark Grünheide!

Two Experiences in the Aftermath of the Hope Worldwide Retreat
A Midnight “Divine Appointment” in a McDonald’s Parking Lot

On the night from Sunday to Monday after the “Hope Worldwide” retreat, I spent the night under the open sky, in my “Thousand-Star Hotel.” Around midnight, I was awakened by a gentle rain shower. Since there was no way to tell how long it would rain or whether the shower would stop soon, I packed my things into the car.

I was wide awake, felt no tiredness at all, and was also hungry. So—even though it didn’t exactly meet the highest standards of a health-conscious lifestyle—I headed to a McDonald’s to grab a late-night veggie burger.

What I hadn’t counted on, however, was a divine appointment at midnight at McDonald’s.

This is the scene that unfolded before me: In the parking lot of a McDonald’s in a small town in Saxony, seven young guys had made themselves comfortable on folding chairs. The rain shower had been brief; the air was warm and mild again, and the area was lit up by the McDonald’s sign.

I walked over to the young men and asked if I could sit with them. What can I say? It turned into a blessed time in a cozy, conversational atmosphere, just the kind you can experience in Saxony. A long conversation unfolded about life, God, outlooks on life, health, morality, career aspirations, and prayer—and about how God is real, loves everyone, and has a plan for them. We talked about how God is truly there and how you can talk to Him.

We could have sat together much longer, but we still needed a few hours of sleep to be ready for the coming day. So I asked if I could say a prayer. Everyone agreed, and so I prayed for each person by name. To wrap things up, everyone received a “Hope Today” newspaper featuring practical life topics. Through it, God has the opportunity to continue the work He has begun in their hearts well into the future. A group photo keeps the memory of this late-night “Divine Appointment” alive.

Cherries and Prayer for the Organizer of the M1llion Demos

Before I left Saxony, I had resolved—or should I rather say: Had God laid it on my heart?—to pay a visit to Marcel Baldauf, the organizer of the M1llion demonstrations. Shouldn’t he, too, have the opportunity to gain access to the truth, just like the participants in the demonstration he organized in Plauen?

Through some research on the internet, I found out where he lived: a small village in the heart of the Ore Mountains, where—as fate would have it—I myself had once lived for two years.

In preparation for the meeting, I brought a gift bag containing the following items: a copy of *From Shadow to Light*, a copy of *The Victory of Love*, a children’s book titled *Why Are There So Many Churches?* (an abridged version of *The Great Controversy* for children), a copy of *Where Does Suffering Come From?*, and a kilogram of plump, black sweet cherries.

At some point in the afternoon, I had the impression that I should drive to Marcel Baldauf’s house RIGHT NOW. I prayed earnestly once more that God would prepare the meeting through His angels. Then I set off, found the house, and rang the doorbell.

A short, friendly man opened the door. “Hello, I’m Stephan. Are you Marcel Baldauf?” It was him. He said he only had ten minutes because he was invited to a barbecue at a friend’s house. He asked what I wanted and how I knew where he lived.

So I told him about our “Hope Worldwide” camp, thanked him for his dedication and commitment, and asked him about the secret to his success: How had he, as a simple man without any airs and graces, managed to get such a mass movement off the ground?

He talked about his career and the back pain he’d developed later in life, which currently prevented him from working, giving him time to focus on the organization. He also spoke about his desire to bring about political change.

I asked him if he was a believer and spoke with him about Daniel 2. Then I asked if I could pray for him and his work, as well as for protection and guidance for him and his family. He gladly accepted the offer.

Finally, I handed him the gift bag and its contents. I had, however, taken the cherries out beforehand and placed them on the roof of his car, because I wasn’t sure if he’d feel comfortable accepting unwrapped food from a stranger—after all, he surely has influential opponents as well.

That seemed to bring our encounter to a close. But then he said he’d be happy to have the cherries, too, if I could spare them!

Taste and see how gracious the LORD is! For those who still have room in their hearts: Please include the likable, humble Marcel Baldauf—who organizes the large demonstrations—and his family in your prayers!