History, Friendship, and the Gospel CMML Visits Dorle Smith in Edingen, Germany
By Philip C. Parsons
Picture a small town that is home to about 14,000 people and filled with traditional German-style houses and buildings, a palace dating as far back as the eighth century, beautiful gardens, and grassy fields—all nestled along a tributary of the Rhine called the Neckar River. What I’ve just described is Edingen-Neckarhausen, Germany, about seven miles southeast of Mannheim and five miles northwest of Heidelberg. More specifically, it’s where my wife, Mary, and I found ourselves late this summer on a visit to Dorle Smith (Missionary Prayer Handbook Day 11), a longtime CMML missionary.
From denying God to smuggling Bibles
Dorle was born in East Germany during World War II, but her parents escaped to West Germany before the borders closed. Raised in nominal Protestantism but not knowing God, Dorle experienced a shattering of her faith when she started life as a university student in Cologne. Troubles with friends and tragedy in her family finally brought her to the point of total despair.
She shared with us that, one night, she sneaked into a cathedral in Cologne and cried out to a God who, in her mind, did not exist. However, she took note of a Bible verse on a wall by the cathedral’s entrance: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) In the following days, the Lord brought her together with Christians, and a totally new life began for her. Only one year later, God began opening new doors for Dorle: two years of Bible study at Emmaus Bible School in Lausanne, Switzerland, followed by a university ministry with Operation Mobilization (OM) in Vienna, Austria, and three years of smuggling Russian Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. During that time, she met a fellow OM worker who introduced her to the Brethren movement. Dorle continued working with OM in various countries for another few years. In 1976, after she spent time in the US, Hollywood Bible Chapel in Florida commended her to the Lord’s work. Due to the closure of that chapel, another assembly in Florida, Boulevard Bible Chapel, commended Dorle to the work in Germany, specifically evangelism.
Planes, trains, and automobiles (and ferries)
Late in the summer, after a weeklong conference in Annecy, France, Mary and I boarded a bus and then a train to travel through Geneva and Basel, Switzerland, and on to Mannheim, Germany, where our hotel was located. The next day, Saturday, we rented a car and found our way to Edingen and to Dorle’s home—which has been in her family for decades.
When we arrived, we presented Dorle with a special card. While at the conference in France, Mary had asked Sylvie Glock (MPH Day 10), an artist, to create a card so women at the conference could send their greetings to Dorle. For many years, Dorle had been a regular participant at the annual conference; more recently, however, back issues have made it difficult for her to make the trip. Many women wrote their well wishes to Dorle, and she was most appreciative of the expressions of love and kindness.
On Saturday afternoon, we traveled via car ferry across the Neckar River to the quaint village of Ladenburg. True to her convictions and heart for evangelism, Dorle wasted no time sharing the Gospel with a man who had offered to help unfold her walker. For the next several minutes, she easily engaged in conversation and even offered to help him find suitable housing as he intended to move to the region.
After lunch at a German restaurant, which we all enjoyed, we meandered the streets of Ladenburg so Dorle could get the necessary exercise to help her back. We enjoyed seeing some of the ancient ruins of the Celtic and Roman era. And Ladenburg is home to Carl Benz, inventor of the first modern automobile.
The 105-year-old Heidelberg assembly
On Sunday morning, we picked up Dorle and traveled to the assembly in Heidelberg. The service began with the Breaking of Bread, followed by the preaching service, when I spoke. Many in the congregation knew English and seemed keen to hear an English message, although someone did provide interpretation. At a luncheon afterward, we met some of the young people, many of whom study at Heidelberg University—one of Europe’s most reputable universities and Germany’s oldest, founded in 1386.
Two men from the assembly then took us on a walking tour of Heidelberg. We made a trek up to a ridge that overlooks the city and includes the famed Philosophers’ Walk, a picturesque path where philosophers and university professors of the Romantic period walked and talked.
We then descended on a cobblestone path, crossed the bridge over the Neckar River, and entered the old city, where the university and many historical churches are found. During World War II, Heidelberg served as a garrison for the American forces in Europe (and as their headquarters following the war). Consequently, the city was not significantly damaged by bombing. It is also believed that military personnel spared the city because they saw it as a future place to live.
Passing on her heart for students
We said goodbye to Dorle on Monday, but not before she shared some details of her calling. She, a coworker, and a prayer partner sensed the Lord calling them to evangelize in the streets of Heidelberg with a focus on reaching university students. This work expanded into a backyard barbecue outreach. International students loved to be invited and share their lives. Dorle and her companions also introduced them to young believers from the assembly.
Due to health reasons, Dorle can no longer lead this outreach, but two other believers caught the vision, and each has organized their own ministry. Now, these two groups reach out to the people in Heidelberg regularly.
Over the years of serving in Germany, Dorle has met several women willing to learn more about the Bible. Because of the women’s unique spiritual and emotional needs, Dorle has added two additional Bible studies to the two she has been leading for some time. Dorle said, “Teaching the Word of God has always been my heart’s desire, and I cannot thank the Lord enough for this privilege.”
Prayer for health and strength
Mary and I had a wonderful visit with Dorle, and we were all encouraged by the time spent together. Please pray for Dorle and her ministry in Germany—for her personal evangelism, her involvement in the local church, and her Bible studies. Pray that the Lord will give her health and strength to continue serving her Lord and Savior.
Philip C. Parsons, CMML missionary care and security
Originally published in Missions magazine, December 2023. For more content, sign up for a free subscription (US) to Missions at CMML.us/magazine/subscribe
