2017
Markus Tilgner: Saxony Anhalt, Germany
March 2017


“Markus Tilgner: Saxony Anhalt, Germany,” Ensign, March 2017

Portraits of Faith

Markus Tilgner

Saxony Anhalt, Germany

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family having meal outside

In 1989, Markus, Karen, and their three-year-old son were granted permission to leave their home in East Germany to go on a holiday to Hungary. While they were there, Hungary opened its border to Austria, providing thousands of East German refugees a way to freedom. Markus and Karen recognized their unique opportunity. They could also leave.

Leslie Nilsson, photographer

I said, “Let’s leave for Austria.”

“Oh no, you can’t,” Karen said. “Your parents are left in Germany and my parents as well.”

“They will understand,” I replied.

“We’ve already started to build a house,” Karen told me. “Let’s finish that.”

“No, let’s start again,” I said, “somewhere else, in western Germany.”

Again I tried to tell her we should leave. She said, “No, because you have just been called as bishop and you said yes, you would serve.”

This is why we did not leave Germany. Some weeks later the Berlin Wall was falling. We were blessed for staying. This was Heavenly Father’s way for us.

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people in kitchen

A friend (center) visits with Karen and Markus Tilgner. The Tilgners make everyone feel welcome in their home and consider it a blessing to serve those around them.

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woman holding and kissing baby

The Tilgners’ daughter-in-law tenderly caresses her baby. The new grandchild brings joy to Markus and Karen, who say that remaining in their native land has helped them stay close as a family.

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sister missionaries helping man prepare meal in kitchen

Sister missionaries help Markus put the finishing touches on a dish that’s about to go in the oven.