Slipping through time, imagine Rostock during the communist era. Evershagen, once a village, transformed into a bustling hub of apartment blocks. Evershagen pulsed with life, a testament to the era’s industrial drive. However, the reunification of Germany brought unforeseen changes to Evershagen. The once-vibrant neighborhood experienced a significant population decline. Many residents sought new opportunities elsewhere, leaving behind a community grappling with the shift. Today, Evershagen still stands as a testament to this period of transformation. The van Dijks, ECM workers, have made Evershagen their home. They work in partnership with the FEG Rostock, a local church. Their mission is to serve the community. Evershagen faces challenges like deprivation, addiction, and isolation. But it also yearns for connection. The van Dijks and the FEG Rostock are answering that call. They organize weekly events, inviting locals to actively participate and shape the community’s future. Every Wednesday, the heart of Evershagen beats a little stronger in the market square. The “Café for Everyone” pops up, offering free tea and coffee. It’s a simple gesture, but it creates a space for conversations and connections to blossom. Gerrit van Dijk can be found playing football with local teenagers, while Jorine runs a playgroup with the community center. Their efforts reflect a vision of a loving and stable Evershagen. A community where questions about faith arise naturally. A place where the local church is ready to walk alongside those seeking answers, sharing the love of Christ.
Heubastion
The Heubastion stands in the middle of Rostock’s city center, a silent guardian of the past. It was once part