(Excerpt from the Memoirs of Peter Daugelat) 

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Between 1981 and 1993, I was a successful IT entrepreneur with my company, Datalink GmbH. During that time, we celebrated our silver wedding anniversary in London and on the island of Malta. We were so enchanted by Malta’s sister island, Gozo, that we bought a large, centuries-old farmhouse and had it renovated. It was ready for occupancy in 1990. 

 

In 1991, I invited a youth group from our Methodist Church district to this spacious farmhouse. Led by Tobias K., the group consisted of 12 people, most of whom came from Christian families. 

 

We spent two wonderful weeks together. Tobias K. had prepared a discipleship course. Every morning and evening, we listened to lessons and discussed the topic. Many songs of praise and thanksgiving were sung. During the day, the group went swimming, snorkeling, or sailing on the MANTSSA. We cooked, played, and laughed together. 

On the final day, I asked for 24 hours of silence. Each person was to find their own answer: Do I truly want to become a disciple? Am I willing to pay the price? 

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On the last evening, we held a worship service. I asked the group to share their decision with Tobias K. in a one-on-one conversation. 

It was sweltering that evening. We sat in the library while Tobias waited in the house chapel. One by one, each person went to him. Three-quarters of the youth, including my wife and I, decided to fully dedicate ourselves to Jesus. We wanted to become disciples. Inge and I renewed our commitment. 

 

No one slept that summer night. We were deeply moved by what had happened. One boy, Nicco K., a passionate fan of FC Bayern Munich, asked me, “Tell me, Peter, I’m a Bayern Munich fan. Do I have to give that up now?” That was his fear. 

“No, Nicco, you don’t have to give it up. But from now on, give Jesus first place in your life. Bayern Munich must come second.” 

That made sense to him—and he did it. 

 

Around 3:00 a.m., the news came through the internet: GORBACHEV IS FREE AGAIN. The group erupted in celebration, singing over and over: “Gorbi is back!” 

 

Looking Back ​

This small but significant awakening left heavenly traces for many—indeed, for most of the participants. 

Our home group in Gozo also benefited from this revival. Joe A., a charismatic exCatholic from Malta, had been leading it since 1990. Both of us were filled with the Holy Spirit. Soon after, the Spirit urged me to begin two major projects: 

- First, I was to finance Joe A.’s training to become an ordained pastor. He was then to move to Gozo and become our pastor. 

- Second, we were to build a house in Victoria, the island’s capital. A building for the first evangelical charismatic church on Gozo was to be constructed. 

 

1993 – A Pivotal Year ​

One event from October 1993 stands out: Joe A.’s ordination. He had completed his training to become a licensed pastor. 

By then, the church building was finished: a community hall, kitchen, and 17 guest beds. We named the new congregation the Gozo Jesus Center and awaited the move of Joe, Christine, and their sons to Gozo. 

 

But it wasn’t to be: 

“My family can’t move from Malta to Gozo. Christine is against it because of the children their education on Gozo isn’t good enough,” Joe A., newly ordained, told me. 

It was the end of a friendship. A painful separation. Why had I built the Gozo Jesus Center? I received no answer from God. 

 

Journeying with the Holy Spirit ​

A completed house of worship stood waiting to be used. An evangelical, charismatic congregation was meant to be born on Gozo. But how to begin? ​

In 2000 the Holy Spirit gave me the idea to open the first internet café on Gozo.  I had saved up the start-up capital. 

I visited the Gozo Minister. She was enthusiastic about the idea and promised support with the authorities. 

 

There were significant legal hurdles for foreign property owners, including restrictions against non-Catholic worship services. Most critically, the neighborhood had to approve. They actually agreed. It was a miracle. 

The Minister herself attended the opening. Word spread quickly. Children from the area came to compete in internet games. The first foreigners living on Gozo, as well as tourists, found their way to us. Delicious pancakes and salads prepared by Inge drew more and more people in. 

Among them were the first African refugees. Soon, there were many. Some were Christians, but most were Muslims. All found a warm home with us.

 

Not long after, we celebrated our first worship service together. In 2009, we registered an evangelical congregation with 30 active members as an NGO.​

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Summary 

God’s ways are mysterious. Josef Antwi, one of the first Africans, is now the lead pastor of the Gozo Jesus Center. One of the great miracles.