Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,
Some months just fly by! These past two months have shown us why it is so important to know what we believe.
Our regular studies, our youth activities and our outreach has been focused on this question - either by purpose or providence. It has been enervating and exciting as well as frustrating at times.
Every week I read from the Bible with four people (for whom many of you have been praying). It has been interesting to see how each meeting is becoming a confrontation - not because I am doing anything differently, but because the message of Jesus is getting through. We mustn’t underestimate how much smoke and miscommunication blurs this message to people in a culture where one assumes the message has already been heard (and long ago rejected). So when the real picture of Jesus - as presented in the Bible - finally gets through, it can be quite confronting.
Some don’t like it. Jesus calls us to follow him and only him. He makes clear that there are good things and bad things - no relativism for him. And he calls sin “sin” - without beating around the bush. So what do you do with Jesus?
One of the people I read with has come to realize what it means to be adopted nito Christ - at least that he is not yet part of Christ. Another has been considering this question for some time. She knows that if she accepts Jesus that this means changing her life. This change can be literally dangerous for her in her own country. She wonders if she is willing to make this choice. Does she really believe?
This is also what came up during the Catholic weekend in which we had an opportunity to participate. The “articles of faith” are usually quoted during confirmation - the moment for Catholics when they accept the baptism they were given as babies and declare their own faith. But do these young people (11 and 12-year-olds) really believe these things? That is what one of the organizers struggled with, mainly because he also is not sure if he believes them. So the young people were encouraged during an activity to put together the things they DO believe in. These young people will have been challenged to think about what they really believe when they make this choice.
Thank you for your prayers for this opportunity. There were some really good opportunities for discussion - with the young people and with the adults. We pray that God will continue to use us in this village in the future. There are so many who do not know what they believe or why.
This is why we want to get people into reading their Bible. Our course “Getting to know the Bible” was offered in March, but there were no takers. We sometimes don’t know if this is because of the time (just after Carnaval), our advertising methods, or some other reason. It was frustrating to have everything ready and no one show up. But we are not giving up. We have put ads in the papers and will offer the course again at the end of April, beginning of May.
Growing together
In February I presented a series of lessons at the Advanced Bible Study Series (ABSS) in Germany. The lessons were on “Glory and suffering” and camne from 1 Peter. Difficult material when you are one who has not yet really suffered - considering that in the West we aren’t really persecuted as Christians. But it is important information to internalize. We all expereince what we feel is suffering, and the message remains the same: If we hold on to God, He is glorified and will carry us through, shining as never before.
- Scott taught at ABSS -
The week after ABSS Shirley was able to go to the Ladies Retreat in Germany. We weren’t sure if her health would allow it, but she did well on the drive there and back and enjoyed the time with sisters from around Europe. We are so thankful that several of the ladies from the congregation here are able to go - and want to go.
- at the Ladies Retreat -
PRAYER WARRIORS
Please keep the following in your prayers.
- My reading in the Bible with LJ, the Chinese PhD student.
- Our contact with young people in the village of Ruud and Karla (Veldwezelt).
- Development of a program for our older youth (18-30) and helping them to grow in their faith.
- Our upcoming youth activities. These contacts are going well, with our own young people and their friends.
- The “Getting to know the Bible” series in April and May - for good visitors.
- Shirley’s and Ruud’s health.
ON THE FAMILY SIDE . . .
I want to use this opportunity first to update you on what has been going on with Shirley’s health. At the time of this writing she is feeling pretty good and we are very thankful for your prayers and for the wonderful care we always have in our Father.
In December Shirley realized that the pain in her arm and neck were not going to go away, so we went to the doctor. He sent us to the physical therapist, who really couldn’t help, so we were referred to some tests. Shirley has now had the pleasure of expereincing a CT scan, an EMG and an MRI. To clear up that alphabet soup a little: a CT scan is like an all-around x-ray, and EMG measures electrical impulses, and an MRI uses magnetics to look at the soft tissues in your body (sees what the x-ray cannot).
All of these tests confirmed what the first specialist said - Shirley has two major hernias in her neck pressing on two nerves which go to her right arm. The hernias may be caused by or exacerbated by the arthrose in her neck (arthrose is basically wear and tear - the bone is worn out). She has anti-inflammatory medicine to help what may be swelling (although it is not certain that anything is swelling) and takes some pain madeicine. She also needed to stop doing the things that hurt (easier said than done!).
At the end of March we had a further meeting with the neurosurgeon (works on nerves) about the possibilities of surgery. He is happy that Shirley seems to be doing well with the medicine. Shirley will go in for another EMG in April to make sure that the nerve is not deteriorating (even though she does not have as much pain). At that point they may discuss surgery again.
In the meantime, Shirley continues being the joy she has always been in the lives of those around her. She makes bread and muffins and cookies (as long as one of her “men” gets the things from the tall cabinet), makes sure that everything is running well in the household and shows a continuous and firm trust in God. She knows that this physical ailment is frustrating, but not eternal.
The boys have continued growing and learning in all they are doing. Sean is now well above Shirley in height. In fact, he may pass Stephan soon. They both continue to enjoy their sports and keep going in school (whether theyreally want to or not). Stephan takes the SAT in May, so he has been doing some extra studying.
It has been great to see how both of the boys have tried to help in all ways when needed while Shirley was not feeling well. Stephan is truly a young man, willing to accept responsibility, taking the consequences when he does something wrong, willing to make things right, sharing in his victories. It is exciting to see.
At the end of March we were pleased to be able to see Sue Foster. She is still planning on joining the team in Ghent and was able to spend some time with them there. We were just glad to be able to visit some. What a joyful spirit!
EXTRA'S
DID YOU KNOW?
Tidbits of information about Belgium and the Netherlands
Well-known current sport celebrities
- Women’s tennis: Justin Henin and Kim Clijsters
Interestingly - Justin is from the French-speaking area, Kim from the Flemish-speaking area of Belgium.
- Swimming: Dutchman Pieter van den Hoogenband was American sensation Michael Phelps’ major competition in the 200meter freestyle at Melbourne. He won 3 Olympic gold medals in Sydney.
-IOC: Jacques Rogge, a Belgian, is the chairman of the International Olympic Committee.
What’s coming up?
APRIL
Youth weekend
Getting to know the Bible
Listen Up! Concert
MAY
Getting to know the bIble
JUNE
Youth weekend and concert
THANKS!
- For your emails and comments on the blog
- For all those helping with our furlough
- For your continued prayers and encouragement
Thank you for all of your prayers and comments (on the blog). We are enjoying the things that God has brought into our life, knowing that we are always with Him - so it’s going to be great!
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