Get to Know the Furst Family

Ministry Description

The ministry in Austria is growing rapidly, but it is still small compared to others. Therefore, everyone is involved in many areas. My primary responsibility will be in local church ministry, supporting churches in their youth work, especially since many churches in Austria have small youth groups or none at all. I will also serve as a worship leader during our events.
My wife will join me in the ministry and will play a key role in translating and editing all of our materials.

Learn more about the ministry in Austria.

About Thomas

I grew up in a Christian family and accepted Jesus as my Savior at an early age. When I was 11, at a Word of Life campfire in southern Brazil, I dedicated my life to Jesus, expressing my desire to take my relationship with Him seriously. From that point on, my walk with the Lord truly began, with its ups and downs.
In 2015, my parents visited the United States, and we attended a camp in Michigan. There, I heard about the need in Europe, and it touched my heart deeply. On that day, I decided to become a missionary to Europe.
Around the same time, my family felt called to serve as missionaries in Austria. It was there that I finished school and developed a deep love for the culture and the people.
Now, God has been at work in both my life and my wife’s life, leading us to the decision to become full-time missionaries with Word of Life Austria.

About Carla

I grew up in a non-Christian family in Germany. We occasionally went to Catholic Church services, but only out of tradition.
So I knew the Easter story, but I didn't realize it had anything to do with me personally.
Through friends, I was invited to a Christian youth group and summer camps. There, at the age of 17, I heard the Gospel and understood that I was a sinner and needed Jesus and forgiveness in my life.
Through my friends, I also met Thomas and his family and often helped out at camps run by Word of Life Austria. God touched my heart for Austria. Unfortunately, according to estimates, only 0.6% of Austrians are born-again Christians. Because of my Catholic background, I can easily understand their religious upbringing and want to be a light for Jesus for the many children and young people here.

'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ' Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB 1995)

Contact Information

tjfuerst@wol.org
cfuerst@wol.org