Fall Newsletter

LIGHT in the Lowlands

Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands

October, November and December 2008

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,
The Fall season is usually a fairly busy time of different activities - with youth, weekly studies, holiday visits and family times.

New life!
Our most important news is the birth of our new sister, Valéri. It has been exciting to see her growing towards this moment in her faith. Let me give you a quick summary of this journey.
Valéri is Isha’s best friend at school (Isha is our colleague, Ruud and Karla’s second daughter). These two have been encouraging each other throughout the year - beginning especially from the time this past summer in Marseille.
Isha was baptized on a Sunday evening at home because she knew that she didn’t want to wait. Valéri, in the meantime, had been told by her parents that she would have to wait until she was 18 (next year summer). We have always been very encouraged that her parents are concerned with what is happening with their daughter. We would be no different with our children! 
Partly because Valéri was obedient, wanting to help her parent’s understand, her mother asked her in December when she would like to be baptised. “Now!” was the answer. Her mother agreed that after exams would be possible. This was a big step for the family.
But it has been the courage and faith that these two young people have continued to show to the church and those around them that has been such an encouragement to us all.
Church life
As we moved through the normal months of activities it has been good to see the desire for life in the members here. Danny - a young postman - comes to all the mid-week Bible studies, even though he has to get up quite early the next morning. He not only wants to learn, he wants to encourgae. Willemien, who has so very little in her life, is more than willing to press an amount into my hand to pass on to the people in Myanmar who are suffering. There has been a desire in all the members to see how God is changing them, making them able to do mighty deeds that He wants done. And these are being accomplished in their everyday lives.
How “great” is it that someone is able to bite their tongue and say something nice instead? For that person, who has struggled for so long to change - it is amazing! How “wonderful” is it that someone is present regularly at church activities? For someone who has struggled to order their life - this is a victory! I am in a privileged situation to see some of these victories and I praise God for His might and faithfulness.
Everyday life
We are thankful for the tasks that we are able to continue - because of the spiritual and financial support of so many around the world. We continue to have at least 6 weekly studies with a variety of people. We are trying to encourage and train up our young people - throughout the week, during special events (Fall Camp in October), and at special moments.
With Listen Up! we were able to challenge people to think about the Saviour, encourage a new sister as she begins her life, and let people know who Christmas is really about. When Willemien recently lost her dog or needed new furniture, we were able to help. It is great to see how these lessons are things that all of the members are learning - God can use us all, wherever we are!
Looking ahead
Some of the things we are doing are in preparation for the future. We are updating a songbook - with our own songs. We are planning for a campaign group in May, a yearly church get-together in June, and a song seminar in July. In the past months we have seen how important family is. God has put us in a family that He wants to use as His body. And He is able to do amazing things - even with us. Here’s to the coming days!

PRAYER WARRIORS
Please keep the following in your prayers.
Praise God for our new sister Valéri! Continue to pray for her and her parents. Pray for her growth and for peace and understanding for her parents.
Pray that we can grow as a church as we focus on His strength in 2009.
Pray for me with RW as we continue to study in the word.
Praise God for our young people who have encouraged one another and have been an example in faith for so many this year.
Pray for our plans in the coming year for a campaign, youth weekend and outreach.
Pray for guidance for world leaders, also here in Europe.

DID YOU KNOW?
Tidbits of information about the Netherlands and Belgium
Holidays
The Fall season brings all sorts of holidays - and holidays are where you see how much you are part of a culture. Since we are Americans, living in Belgium, working with the Dutch - this can be a pretty interesting time.
In the Netherlands: people in the South (where we live) celebrate St. Martin, sometimes with paper lights, sometimes with tricks. And of course there is Sinter Klaas (on the 5th of December) when kids get presents.
In Belgium: All Saints day is quite important here, when the dead are honored (and flowers are sold). Of course Sinter Klaas is here as well (on December 6).
Interestingly, Halloween is making its way into both cultures because it is similar to Carnaval. Thanksgiving is nowhere to be seen.

What's coming up?
JANUARY
Youth weekend
Camp meeting
FEBRUARY
Youth weekend
ABSS

THANKS!
For your continued financial support, especially now
For your prayers for our work! New life is exciting!
For your cards (Irene and the Thurstons) and emails

ON THE FAMILY SIDE . . .

The Fall has been a beautiful, ever changing whirlwind of activities and people. As the colors change and the weather has gotten colder (though not really that cold), we have enjoyed the changes in our days.
We have always been very thankful to be able to get around as we need. We have a good car that gets us wjhere we need to go (and back). Gas prices may make you think twice, but at least you can consider going. But the car is still not always the best way to get around. When we get the chance, or when we need to, we have taken the train. We have used them to go to Brussels (with the ladies or just together). Sean even used one recently to get back from his friends’ house - and it all went fine (thankfully). The last time he and Stephan were on the train was a bit of a stress. In the Netherlands the train is more expensive, but it is well worth it to Scott to not have to sit in the traffic jam which is the normal traffic going north. If he has to go to Haarlem to rehearse with Listen Up!, it is better and easier to take the train.
Our visits this Fall have taken us to Antwerp - for a wonderful “Thanksmas” dinner, a day out shopping at the mall or rehearsals, to Brussels - with the ladies from church for a day together, or a day together for our anniversary, to Leiden - to visit with Genya and Ken, and even to Cologne (to find out that the store was closed). We enjoyed seeing Genya and Ken. They were both working in Maastricht some 6 years ago - Genya from Siberia, Ken from Japan. Genya brought Ken to Christ and then both moved away. Ken married a Dutch girl and lives in Leiden where they also have a little daughter. Genya is now planning on moving to Haarlem to be close to his job in Amsterdam. He is also married and has a son and a daughter on the way.
Sean has been enjoying his electric guitar and he is getting quite good, so he decided that he needed a bass guitar as well. (He also wanted a drum set - but that’s a NO). He sold his games consoles (and learned a lesson about how people will cheat you) and planned which guitar he would buy. The Music Store is a huge store in Cologne, Germany (about 2 hours away). We drove over, only to find that they were closed - on Christmas Eve! Go figure! So we just had a great time together (in the only store open for a while - McD’s) and then headed home - to order the guitar online.

Christmas was a wonderful day with Willemien and skyping with Stephan. The second day of Christmas we spent with friends in Belgium. New Year’s Eve will be in Antwerp. It is so good to be able to see, hear, talk to and be with people we love. We are so thankful for all the possibilities we have to be family!

Sharing Christ at Christmas

This season has always been a time for us to let people know about who Jesus really is. In past years Listen Up! has taken the time to present the whole story of Jesus in music. This year we went to Haarlem to sing with some kids from the BOB (the after-school daycare with the Bible) for a home for the elderly, sharing the message and the joy of Jesus. It was thrilling to see how the members even came out on their balconies to listen and to sing together with us, celebrating the goodness of God.

A few days later we welcomed Willemien to our house for Christmas day. She is such a part of our family. It was great to be able to have Stephan in the living room with us (via Skype). He was able to laugh and joke with Sean, greet Willemien and share in a cup of coffee (kind of) for a little bit of the day.

We are so thankful for how blessed we truly are with so many things, so many opportunities, and especially all the people in our lives.

New life!

Last Friday we were so pleased to welcome our new sister to the family! Valéri is the best friend of Isha, one of our teens. They have both been encouraging one another immensely this past year, striving to grow in Christ. Valéri had already decided she wanted to give her life to Christ, but her parents were not so sure. We were so glad that her parents care about her and want what is best. When Valéri's mother recently asked her when she would want to be baptised, Valéri's answer was "Now!"

Thank you for your prayers in the past months and please continue to pray for Valéri, her growth and new life in Jesus, and for her family as all start this new beginning. New life is always so good to see!

Looking back and forward

Eugene visit
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

A few weeks back we had the pleasure of seeing Evgeny Voronkin in Maastricht again. Eugene (or Genya) - as he said we could call him - was first in Maastricht about six years ago while working at a computer programming company in the city.

It was there that he worked with Ken Yamashita. Genya is a christian from Tomsk, Siberia (Russia). He was the first real person I had met from Siberia - a bit of proof that people really do live there. And Genya very definitely wants Jesus as his Lord every day. This is something that was evident in his work, and Ken noticed it. After some talking, some studying and some praying, Ken was baptized into Christ late in the evening at our neighbors' house (they had a bigger bathtub).

Now Genya is married and soon to have two children (a three-year-old son will soon be joined by a daughter) and he was in the Netherlands for a job interview. The company in Amsterdam not only hired him, they also hired three other guys from Russia. So in the Spring Genya, Tania and his family will be moving to the Nettherlands.

While he was here for his interview it was great to visit with him and to go visit Ken, who now lives in Leiden and has also begun his family in the Netherlands (you can see his wife and daughter in some of the pictures of the visit by clicking on the picture). We are looking forward to how God will use this family in the coming year.

Welcome, "Sweetheart"

Willemien and Lyuba
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

We weren't planning on taking anyone home, but when we got to the dog pound in Maasmechelen and saw the little English Cocker Spaniel, Willemien was certain. There were some concerns: this little guy is only 8 months old, he still needs to learn a lot. But the two have taken to each other amazingly.

His name is slavic and (Willemien tells me) means "sweet heart", or "nice", or "kind" (I am sure that some of you might be able to give me a more precise definition - either in Russian, Ukrainian or Slovakian). And he is just that. From the first day he has been a loving help to Willemien. And unlike her other dogs, he listen to her first, and then to others (like me).

We are so thankful for this comfort in her life. God is so good!
You can see some more pictures of Willemien and Lyuba by clicking on the picture here.

Shopping for others

The group
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

The youth weekend in Eindhoven was titled "How to survive with/without "thingy". The last bit was a play on words (which almost works in English) showing how much we need Jesus and don't need "things". This weekend is spent helping us put into practice what we learn about sharing. We head into the city to buy gifts to put in shoeboxes to send to kids who usually don't get any presents.

The interesting thing for us is that this is held on the weekend that Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) arrives in the Netherlands. For some he arrives on a boat from Spain (didn't you know that?) - and so will arrive in the harbor (in Rotterdam for example), but he also arrives on his horse. He is surrounded by his helpers. In this case there was a whole band of "black Petes".

After getting everything in the boxes and making them look special, we spent some time thinking about what was really important to us. Jesus says: Your heart will be where your treasure is. What are we really holding as our treasure. I was extremely encouraged by these young people and their desire to share and learn.

Unexpected farewell

MacRooney was the runt of the litter. But that was perhaps why Willemien loved him and wanted him. He was full of fun and life, jumping and catching (he could throw a ball in the air and catch it - all by himself), beating your legs with his wagging tail. Willemien wasn't even sure she wanted another dog. Her experiences with Bartelo had not been good. And Willemien is no stranger to dogs. 

The day Willemien was born she was given a dog - a big bouvier. Since then she has always had dogs, even though she actually liked cats better. When she was married to Cor, they had dogs - first a collie, then various sorts of hunting dogs. Bartelo was the last of that line, taking over the house when Cor passed away, making life difficult for Willemien because he missed his master and decided that he needed to be master in the house. 

When Bartelo got sick and needed to be put down, Willemien was not planning on getting another dog. She had had enough. But MacRooney (Rooney for short) stole her heart. And they were so good for each other. Rooney probably would not have lived if Willemien had not chosen him. No one wanted the others in the litter and they were put down. And to be honest, Willemien definitely wouldn't have done as well without Rooney. 

The last three days Rooney has been at the vet. Willemien barely got outside (she usually walks Rooney 3-4 times a day). When she called today, I could hear that it was not good news. Rooney had developed a kind of meningitis - an inflammation in his brain, perhaps caused by a hernia which had gotten worse in the last days. He was already blind. Willemien didn't want to see him in any more pain and allowed him to go to sleep. MacRooney was only five years old. 

For anyone without a dog, this may all seem quite trivial. But these two helped each other live. Please consider Willemien in your prayers. She is doing well, although the sorrow hits in waves. We sat and looked at possible new dogs - she knows that she really needs to find a help (and one she can help) fairly soon. So we look forward to seeing who will choose her soon. 

What a beautiful couple

What a beautiful couple
Originally uploaded by smileyneel.

For those of you who know Tonia and Mario, you can see some pictures of their wedding (from Karen Neel's site - thanks Karen!).

Focus on Marriage

Couples
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

Right in the middle of the month we had the opportunity to attend a weekend for those who wanted to "Focus on Marriage". You would think that that would mean married couples - and most of the people in Eindhoven were married - but it was exciting to see the range in the participants.
The church in Eiondhoven organized this weekend to be a help for the families in the churches in Belgium and the Netherlands. They invited Steve Minor to present the lessons. And there were participants from all over Belgium and the Netherlands. Newlyweds, couples who had been married for more than 40 years, and also singles who wanted to plan well for marriage were all present.
It was thrilling to see how many wanted to make this their focus. As the teacher mentioned: it is astonishing how much planning, money and effort goes into a wedding these days, while the preparation for marriage is basically non-existent. But if we want to be able to make a difference in this world, we cannot ignore the importance of good marriages building strong families.

September News

LIGHT in the Lowlands

Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands

September 2008

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again ... through the living and enduring word of God.             1 Peter 1:22-24

Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,
September seems to be the beginning of our work year as the young people start back to school, everyone returns from vacations and we are able to focus on regular activities. This month was especially full.

And the two became one
It has been exciting to witness the new beginnings in the last month. Robin Huyghebaert and Joyce Agyare pledged their love for each other in September. It was a real honor to be asked to help with this service - singing with Listen Up! and being the master of ceremony. In October we were able to witness the beginning of two more friends, Mario Nyeki and Tonia Davison, where I performed the ceremony.

Weddings are so beautiful because they show the beginning of something truly beautiful - love. When this is true love - love that comes from God and includes God - it is fantastic! At both of these weddings we were able to enjoy these additions in the family of God. It was especially thrilling for the church in Maastricht to show their love for Mario and Tonia who are members in Maastricht. Almost the whole congregation was present. When we got up to sing as a wedding present, every one of us sang from the heart.

How’s your serve?
At the end of September the church in Maastricht hosted the youth for a youth weekend. We took the time to talk about what it means to serve - and then we took the time to put our words into action. We cooked for each other, cleaned up after each other and served one another. But we also spent several hours at a local playground cleaning up the grounds. If we do not let our young people see how good it is to give to others, they will never know this joy. And it is a joy!

It was exciting to see how the young people reacted to the day and the lessons they learned from it. Many of the things they learned did not necessarily come from the lesson moments - they came from working together. It has also been exciting to see how this continues to impact their lives. Not this one weekend, because this is not the first time that we have talked about this, but a continued encouragement to find the joy in serving others.

Single’s Retreat
The end of September brought the Single’s Retreat. This is organized twice a year for single’s from all over Europe and is an amazing time to fill up on good spiritual food. The lessons are often the dessert, with the discussions and long walks together being the real meal. This year I was privileged to be present again with this wonderful group of Christians - I taught from Ephesians 6 on the armor of God.
It is so good to see how God is using people all over Europe in so many ways. This weekend had visitors from seven different countries, but even more impressive than their willingness to travel (the weekend is held in Germany) was their willingness to learn and encourage one another. These people love God with all their heart and are encouraging churches all over Europe. Exciting! God is truly good. (see more pictures here)

New life and new beginnings
Everday continues to go its way - meetings with the school, for camp, with community groups; cleaning, maintaining, letting people know where we are - it all starts again each week. But each day is holding a myriad of opportunities to help each other, touch others’ lives and learn from what God is giving us in our lives. It has been good to see this in our two new babies (Isha and Susanne). We look forward to the coming months as God shows us all the mighty things He will do. It is so good to know that we are family, helping one another, growing together.

PRAYER WARRIORS

Please keep the following in your prayers.
- Continue to pray for Valéri and her parents. She wants to give her life to Christ, but her parents aren’t too sure.
- Pray that we can all continue to keep our focus on the One who really matters and ensures our future.
- Pray for RW as we continue to look at why we can give our life to Jesus.
- Continue to pray for our young people as they encourage each other in their growth in faith.
- Pray for our continuing outreach through the Wiser on the Way courses in November.
- Pray for guidance for world leaders, also here in Europe.

ON THE FAMILY SIDE . . .

You might notice that most of this news is actually from parts of September and parts of October. Or maybe you won’t notice that - that’s okay too. As we get older, the days fly by even quicker - but some of you know that already. And some of you are beginning to figure that out!

The biggest change for us this month has of course been the absence of Stephan. Mind you, thanks to the wonder of the internet - facebook, skype, email - Stephan has not been completely absent. But when we sit down to eat in the evening, when we read our Bible in the morning before everyone gets started, when we figure out how many are going somewhere - so many times we miss him. But he is doing great at Harding (as far as we know). And we are so thankful for so many of you who know him and are encouraging him in so many ways. It really is exciting to see him growing, knowing that he has so many fantastic things ahead of him.

Back here we have had some really good visits due to all of the family activities this month. The two weddings we attended were wondeful culinary events as well. We also held a barbecue for all the birthdays we had had during the summer. The church in Maastricht got together at our house for good food and fellowship.

And with the beginning of the school year and work year we also went to the first ‘hootenanny’ for the year over in Antwerp. This is an evening of guitar playing and hotdog eating. It was fun this time to see the looks on some of the visitor’s faces. “Ah, this is normal food for you then?” they wondered.

Speaking of guitar playing, it has been a thrill to see Sean learning more every day on his guitar. He donwloads a tablature from the internet (there you go again with that strange language) and then starts practicing the song upstairs. He plays electric guitar and likes a good rock beat, so stop for a minute and imagine the sound. .... Got it? But it’s great to hear. He is so dedicated and enjoys playing. Then he and Scott get together and jam for a bit (turn up the volume of the sound you just imagined).

It has been good for Sean to have the guitar. When he comes home from school is when he realizes that Stephan is not there. It is then that he is very happy to still have Snuffles (our dog) and he pulls out the guitar downstairs (a classical guitar - much quieter) and plays. And his creativity has been challenged and sharpened by this outlet.  

As we head into the Fall we are enjoying the colors, enduring some of the rainy days and looking forward to what the house will look like in the Spring (with our plans for changes). Each new day brings reminders of how wonderful God has been and promises of how mighty He will be as we move together to the next day.

What’s coming up?
OCTOBER
Marriage weekend
Fall Camp
NOVEMBER
Youth weekend
WoW Course

DID YOU KNOW?

Tidbits of information about Belgium and the Netherlands

Tourism
Tourism is a major industry in the Netherlands and Belgium. So where should you go when you get over here to visit? (other than our house of course) Here are a few ideas that you may not find on the internet.
In the Netherlands: the house of Corrie ten Boom, a walk through the Jordaan (a neighborhood in Amsterdam), a trip to the Veluwe or Schiermonnikoog (tulips may soon be gone, but this beauty remains), a train ride to Maastricht (just sit, watch and listen to those around you and the scenery).
In Belgium: An auction hall in Antwerp, a walk in the dunes in De Panne, a village full of books in Redu, a train ride from Brussels to the Ardennes (Spa, for instance) where we can pick you up for the beautiful trip to our house.

THANKS!
For your continued financial support, even now
For your prayers for our work! New life is coming!
For your emails, comments, cards and encouragement

A new beginning

Although I can't show you the pictures (just yet) I can try to paint a picture of a wonderful day. Tonia and Mario have had to struggle in order to wade through the sea of red tape needed to make their wedding possible. They even went through a stormy night on high seas, waves spilling over the ship, people lurching in every corner, in order to get to Denmark for the formal part of their wedding. 

But on the day that they would share together - sharing their vows before the witnesses they will trust to help them in their coming life, bending their knees in grace before God's blessing - the sun broke through the clouds and bathed the castle where we all gathered in glorious sunshine. Atop a hill along the Rhine, in the libraray of what some royal person probably considered a simple hunting lodge, Tonia and Mario pledged their love to each other and to God. Their faces shone even more than the sun, if it is possible. 

Later, at the reception, friends and family from all over Europe celebrated with the happy couple, presenting gifts of song and laughter. It was great to see everyone singing together - what a vision of the final wedding banquet we will be sharing! It was so exciting to have most of the church from Maastricht there to let this couple know how much we love them. A long day, to be sure, but well worth every minute. 

Single's Retreat

2008 09 27 Fall ESR 2008 054
Originally uploaded by eurosingles.

This past weekend I was down in Gemunden, Germany for the Fall European Single's Retreat. It is always such a privilege to be asked to teach at this retreat. This is a group of exciting people - young and older - who are in love with the Lord and wanting to know how better to serve Him. What an encouragement!
The theme this Fall was "Fight the good fight of Faith", based on the armor of God from Ephesians. We also had a knights and ladies theme running through the weekend and that was fun. It was exciting that we had quite a group from the Netherlands and Belgium. It is so great that all of these people are able to make so many contacts from all over Europe. It was a real blessing to experience this place of encouragement once again - gives some real strength to fight the good fight!

A wedding and a weekend

In September every weekend has an eventful activity. Last weekend we had the honor to take part in the wedding of Robin Huyghebaert and Joyce Agyare. 

Robin has been involved with camp weeks from a very young age. When he was 16 he decided to organize a winter camp, because he wanted one and no one else was organizing it. Joyce has always been active in the church in Turnhout and has also helped out with camp the last several years. What a team these two make!

But last week it was just wonderful to see how beautiful they were. Listen Up! sang, several people form their lives took care of parts of the wedding, and we all had a wonderful time sharing this day with them. 

The very next weekend we were welcoming a group of young people for our youth weekend in Maastricht. We talked about "A Body Lives", but we did more than just talk about it. We also took the time to put the ideas (a body works together, has to be active, and helps others) into practice at a local playground. We cleaned up the area, then went back and helped each other get ready for dinner. A good group having a good time with an important concept. Fun with friends and learning about God - that's what a youth weekend is all about. 

The next few weekends are also full - but more about that as the time comes. 

Summer News

LIGHT in the Lowlands

Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands

Summer 2008

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Jude 20-21

Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,

Where in the world have you been? This is what I hear some of you thinking, especially if you don’t have facebook, flickr or a blog (is he speaking English?). So let me tell you where we’ve been all summer!

Singing, France and Camp

In June we focused on the youth weekend in Maastricht. We not only talked about but also practiced telling others about Jesus. This concluded with a concert by Listen Up! So exciting to see the young people talking and serving others. 

This theme continued as we took a group of young people down to Marseille, France for a week. In Marseille we served, learned, sang and put faith into practice. It was an amazing seven days! Scott went with two Verheijen girls, Stephan and Sean, and Isha’s friend, Valéri. 

It was so good to see how excited they were to be learning, to be serving at an old-folks home, to be singing - and all of this in French! All of them have mentioned that they plan on returning next year and we have been seeing the fruits of this week ever since in their daily lives. 

 

Back in Belgium July brought the camp season, but before that started ...             

... we welcomed a group of high school students from Canada. 

Former missionary to Antwerp, Blair Roberts and his wife Susan brought these students to work with several different congregations in Belgium. First they held a Young Friends week in Antwerp, teaching English using the Bible. They also helped out with evangelism in Ghent and went down to camp as counselors. Stephan spent time with them for this whole time and also helped out at camp. In Maastricht we waited for the beginning of August when the students would head over our way for a few days. It was exciting to see how they were helping in so many different places.

 

By the end of July it was our turn down at Bible camp. This year we had the Teens (11-14 year-olds). We talked about turning the world upside down, as Jesus presents it to us. 

It was a great week and started out with a bang: 

David van Ginneken, one of our teens, gave his life to Christ on the first day of camp, and that evening Isha Verheijen did the same at home (she had been at Youth camp the week before)! 

It is exciting to see new life and the pleasure and determination that these young people bring to that new life. They know how mighty Jesus is and trust that. What an example! 

Following Teen camp we continued into Family Camp where Scott presented three lessons (of the 12 or so total lessons) on the Holy Spirit. This was a really challenging week with good discussion, good lessons and challenges, and fantastic examples of the Spirit working in our lives. 

As always with camp, the real challenge comes when we have to go home and live as we have just been taught - in our own homes, towns, schools and churches. We are so thankful for the opportunities we have to challenge and encourage one another during the camp weeks. This is a very important time for equipping the Dutch-speaking churches. This summer session of camps was completed with our annual Family Day. We were especially excited that the French-speaking members also came during our fellowship time. 

Back in Maastricht we welcomed the Canadian students and were blessed immensely by a short but intense few days of encouragement.

We had talked to our young people about being an example for the students, and we challenged the students to be the same for our young people. Both took up the challenge. We cleaned, played soccer, cooked, visited, talked and distributed - all the while getting to know one another better. 

It was especially good to hear our young people share their stories about their lives with God, and vice-versa with the Canadian students. Everyone opened up and was willing to be seen and help each other. We have already seen some real growth an openness in our young people because of this time together. 

A new year begins

As the summer ended, we headed into the new school year, planning for several weddings, a youth weekend in Maastricht, a Single’s Retreat, and Fall Camp all coming up. But the summer was an immense encouragement! Thank you Father!

PRAYER WARRIORS

Please keep the following in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Valéri and her parents. She wants to give her life to Christ, but her parents aren’t too sure.

Praise God for our new family members in Maastricht - Isha Verheijen and Susanne Dela!

Pray as we start up our weekly Bible studies with Mieke, RW, LJ and C&T. 

Please pray for our upcoming activities including a youth weekend in Maastricht, Single’s Retreat, and two weddings.

Pray for our continuing outreach through the Wiser on the Way courses in the Fall

Pray for guidance for world leaders, also here in Europe.

EXTRAS

Did you Know?

Olympics

Everyone was watching, but we were blessed to be able to root for more than one country. So we were thrilled with the US victories, but also with those from the Netherlands and Belgium. Sometimes we had to shout and cry during the same event.

Michael Phelps was master - Pieter van den Hoogenband was completely out.

Te Dutch took gold in women’s water polo, and the US surprised in the final of the men’s water polo. 

The Dutch also won gold in women’s field hockey, jumping and rowing. 

Tia Hellebaut brought the gold home for the Belgians in the women’s high jump. (I almost saw her at the airport the day she returned to Belgium)

THANKS!

For sending the Canadian students 

For your prayers for our work! New life is coming!

For your good care of Stephan - he is in good hands

What’s coming up?

OCTOBER

Marriage weekend

Fall Camp

NOVEMBER

Youth weekend

ON THE FAMILY SIDE . . .

So much can change in such a short time - although to be honest this newsletter is covering a relatively long time period. Let me tell you about the summer. 

 

At the end of June the boys (including Scott) had an adventure in France. Their car broke down on the way to Marseille, so they got to try their hand (tongue) at French with the gendarmerie and AAA before they were finally able to get to Marseille. They had a great week in Marseille singing and sweating. It was a lot warmer there than it was back in Belgium!

When they returned we got the feeling that Stephan was trying to prepare us for his impending departure (or were we trying to prepare him?) by being gone quite a bit. He left for a week to Antwerp to be with some Canadian students, and then headed down to Youth Camp. 

Sean knew that he had Mama and Papa to himself, so we went for a special day to Cologne to look at guitars. Sean has been really active in teaching himself guitar, learning new songs and getting a band together. 

Check out his band (konverse) on his facebook site. 

When we got the chance, we went back to the music store with Stephan as well and since it was near Scott’s birthday, Scott got an early birthday present - a guitar to complement his good ol’ Yamaha (which he bought back in 1983). 

For a few short days there was plenty of guitar playing in the house!

After a few weeks of camp we all welcomed the Canadian students to Maastricht, which meant that the guys stayed with us. The last day was also a going-away party for Stephan and Shareya (Shareya is our colleagues’ daughter) as they head to Harding University. It was a beautiful and a beautifully hard evening for us. Scott went to Arkansas with them, to help get Stephan settled in. 

Shirley survived all these trips with her typical strength. She went shopping with Mieke (who reads the Bible with Scott ) while everyone was down in Marseille. When Scott and Stephan were checking out the Wal-Mart in Searcy, she was shopping with Willemien, Geesie and Sean - building relationships and getting the necessary done. 

 

Now the new school year has begun. Sean mentioned that he expects it will be better than last year. The new home situation will take a bit longer to get used to. Setting one less place for dinner, making less food, Sean sleeps in Stephan’s bed sometimes. We miss him, but we are so excited for him as well. Stephan is doing great - getting to know lots of good people and learning who he is and will soon be. We are so thankful for a wonderful Father and family!

Wonderful words of life!

This evening we witnessed the birth of Susanne Dela. Our births here are always so very special. Every birth is special - because we get to see God in His saving grace and power raising a loved one from the dead of sin to the newness of life. But in Maastricht, because we do not have a place to baptize people, we are especially blessed. We usually call up the church in Liege and ask to have the birth with them. This makes for a very special relationship. Although most of us in Maastricht speak very little French, and most of the members in Liege speak next to no Dutch and only a few speak English - we both understand the joy of new life. So we sing, pray and are witness to the mighty power of God!

This evening was doubly special. Susanne and her husband have lived in Liege in the past, so the church there know her struggles and journey to this point. So it was especially good for them to be a part of this wonderful birth. And the two families (Maastricht and Liege) were able to renew their ties again. How wonderful it is to be part of the family of God!

A great team

The team
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

The high school students from Western Christian College in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada came with Blair and Susan Roberts for several weeks to help with the church in Belgium and the Netherlands. They gave conversationl English lessons in Antwerp, distributed flyers offering courses in Ghent and helped out down at camp for several weeks.

In Maastricht we would only have them for a few days, so we wanted to make the most of the opportunity. We decided to use the time to challenge our young people to also be an influence and example on these young people in living for Christ. It was a great time of learning and encouragement!

We did a few different things that all involved working together so that we could encourage one another. We cleaned up the building in order to give our ladies a well-deserved rest. Many hands make light work - and it was fun too!

The team was also split up into two groups - each group made up of Canadians and our own young people. Each group had to plan a meal on a minimal budget, buy what was need, cook the meal and decorate the table - for everybody! This was a real challenge, but well-met by these young people.

We also spent time simply playing. Getting out on the local football (soccer) field was a good way of getting to know one another and letting others see how fun it is to do things together. This will be a good example for the future with our young people and their friends.

The most encouraging time for me was the evening we spent some time telling our stories. Everyone has a story - the story of their life and how Christ has touched it. Although this was quite a confronting time as well, it was very encouraging for our young people.

And all of this (inclduing a bit of distributing in the rain) was completed in just four days of being together. In these four days our young people also developed some good relationships with the students. Now that is encouraging!

Family Day!

Johan Huyghebaert
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

Family Camp always ends with a Family Day - a day for the churches in Belgium and the Netherlands to get together for learning, encouragement and fellowship. This year was organized by the churches in Brughe and Roeselare. Johan Huyghebaert, who was also the camp leader for Family Camp (and had the help of his son, Robin, Robin's finacee, Joyce, and Johan's mother, Jose), got the day going with some good singing and announcements.

This is always a day of wonderful fellowship - sometimes the only time you might see someone from a congregation further away. It is always esepcially nice when some of the French-speakers from the church in Belgium are also able to attend. And this day was amply blessed with beautiful sunshine until everyone was on their way home again!

(click on the picture for more pictures of the visiting during this day)

Family Camp

Every year we put together four outstanding weeks of Bible camp for all ages. These weeks are often some of the only times for young people in the church to get together with other Christians. But this is also a time for families. We see the week of Family Camp as a time to provide some needed Biblical training and encouragement. This is a time when families can not only enjoy good textual studies, but can discuss what they mean for daily life - ready to head back into their daily lives encouraged and armed.

This year we focused on the Holy Spirit - in all His aspects. Although several of the teachers ended up stepping on information already presented earlier, it was always a good review and reinforcement. It was especially exciting to be able to discuss how God wants to help us, lead us, make us His own through His Spirit in our lives. As we head into September it is exciting to be watching and waiting for how God will use us, will have changed us and challenged us to live in His might.

As always during this week we have plenty of time to be together and do some fun things as a family in God. For our family this was just about the last time we had to be with Stephan. Sean enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his brother, although he might not have let on that he was going to miss him.

Take a moment and check out some of the pictures of Family Camp and be thankful with us for such times that God gives us. We are so glad that we are able to help in this way and take part as well. That is how a family works!

Tienerkamp 2008

Tienerkamp 2008
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

Check out the pictures for Teen Camp. I know that it was back at the beginning of August, but I am glad to finally be catching up a bit. Hopefully the pictures for Family Camp qill be up in a few days.

This week was such a joy. We worked for the first time with a new couple - Daniel and Caroline Boonaerts. We saw David van Ginneken resurrected to new life. We learned about living upside down, had lots of fun and deepened our relationships together. You can see quite a bit of this just by glancing through the pictures.

We are so thankful to be able to work with these opportunities! It is great to see God working in people's lives! What a mighty God he is!

Catching up

It has been a while since I was able to keep this blog up to date - the summer season tends to take me away from the computer more than most times. Thank you for stopping in and wanting to know what is going on with our lives. It is especially encouraging to us to know that you are checking because you are also praying for us.
At the moment I am in Searcy, Arkansas bringing Stephan to Harding. But I have so much I still want to tell you about the summer! We have put up some of the pictures from Teen Camp, but we still want to tell you about the week. And we had a great week at Family camp as well. After that a group of students from Western Christian (in Canada) came through Maastricht. Lots to talk about, so be patient. I hope to get some of this information up this week or next.

New life!!

Many of you have been praying for the people in our lives here - for their growth, their struggles and their joys. We have mentioned Isha and Valéri - two of our teens - and their search for and desire to know the Lord. They both went with us to Marseille at the end of June and have been talking and praying sincerely for the last weeks.

On July 27 Isha decided to give her life to Jesus, dying to herself, being buried in baptism and raised in life with Christ! She was with her family at home, but now she has a larger family - and that includes many of you! We are so excited for her and her new life. She has also not been able to stop smiling. What a wonderful joy and what a wonderful sister she is already becoming.

On the same day, but down at camp (which is where we were when we heard the news about Isha), David van Ginneken - one of the teens who regularly attends our youth weekends and Bible camp as well (they are members in Ghent) also decided to give his life to Christ. You can read more about his decision and see some pictures over on Luk Brazle's site.

Thank YOU for being part of this wonderful family, for sharing in this joy with us, and for taking part in the growth of these two young people. Continue to pray for them and for the church here in Belgium and the Netherlands as God does mighty things - changing peoples' lives.

Guitars!

I know it has been a while since I wrote. It's not that life has not continued, but that I haven't had much access to my computer (and that other things were more important at the time). But let me update you a little bit - and thanks for checking in anyway - even when nothing was happening over here!

We have been doing our best to cram all that we need to get done into the few weeks we have in the summer, along with cramming as much time together as a family before Stephan heads off to Harding. It hasn't been easy, considering there are so many different priorities. Sean just recently realized how quickly the time was passing and commented, "Stephan's leaving in a week!" I reminded him that he had already known that. "Yeah!" he said, "but Stephan's leaving in a week!"

Before that had hit home, however, we had spent some time together - mostly around the area of Cologne, Germany. Sean has been looking at buying an electric guitar for a little while now (he and his friends have started a band called "Konverse" - check out the band page on facebook). In Cologne there is a music store called The Music Store (inventive name, eh!). They have pianos and things like that, but more importantly, they have guitars!

So we spent some time there, first without Stephan, then on another day when he could come along. Sean bought his guitar and the second time was near Scott's birthday - so he arranged one as well.


And guitars are no fun unless you play them, so Sean got right to work. He has enjoyed playing - all day long if need be. And it has been neat to see him teaching others how to play as well (even though he has only taught himself to play). Down at Family Camp we even got to play together. What a great time!

Stan en Bertha

Stan en Bertha
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

Our neighbors down the street recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. We were thrilled to be able to celebrate this with them. Our street regularly gets together for a yearly summer barbecue or some other activity, but this was especially nice.

It is so good to see how a couple can love one another and allow their love to grow for such a time. Of course these two also have their health - which is essential if you want to reach that milestone! We were glad that Stan and Bertha invited us to share in this time, along with the rest of the neighbors. Good to have good neighbors and to be able to share truly good times.

French week

On the way home
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

Last week Scott took five young people down to Marseille, France for a week of "Christians on Mission". This is a program set up by the church there in Marseille to encourage young people to learn more and be practical in their Christianity. There are lessons in the morning and in the afternoon and evening there are opportunities to serve, reach out, share and live what we have heard about.

Scott, Stephan, Sean went with Isha and Kyana Verheijen and Valéri Ubachs in Ruud Verheijen's car (a Fiat Multipla seats 6 and has room for baggage) down to Marseille. Or at least, that was the plan. The car broke down about 90 minutes from Marseilles - in the left-most lane of the highway in the middle of traffic. (Wanda Martin and Dino Maisano are already going "Aahh!") But the car really didn't have too big a problem (it was taken back to Belgium and has already been fixed) and that meant that we began a great adventure without the worry of a foreign car in a big city.

And it was definitely an adventure! We finally got to Marseille and into bed around 3 a.m. But it was a great beginning for a week of learning how to be flexible, how to share and how to keep each other focused on what really matters! Lessons were often in French (translated into English), it was almost always hot, we did a lot of walking, a lot of singing and a lot of helping - and it was all great! Amazing what a right attitude will do for your days.

In the meantime we have made it back home and everyone is sad that it went by so quickly. We all made new friends, stretched our view of what is possible in our lives, and grew in faith. We are looking forward to what God is doing with us each and every new day!

I made it!

I made it!
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

After 12 years and lots of hard work, tonight was Stephan's night. Students here have to wait until the day before the graduation to find out if they have passed or not. so yesterday was a little tense, but this evening was all fun.

It was amazing to feel how proud we are of Stephan and what he has done. To see him walking down the aisle, knowing that this is just the next step - but a big one! It was great to be able to talk to some of his teachers afterwards who said they would miss him.

And now on to the next step - quite a scary one, according to Stephan. He leaves for Harding on August 18 - to a place where he really doesn't know anyone (except for Shareya, who will also be attending there). He has met his roommate and is looking forward to that new life - but it is a new life. Making daily decisions without the push or help from parents. Scary, exciting, challenging!

Orange!

FBL-EURO-2008-NED-ROM-MATCH 21
Originally uploaded by joe.klinsman.

For those who have been following the Euro 2008 games it cannot have been missed - the Netherlands is doing great! And everything is orange: milk, cheese, chips, bandages in the hospital, the fountains in Bern (where the "Orange Legion" fans are stationed). You can tell when the Dutch are playing by looking at the stadium - more than half will be completely orange!

What has impressed me the most about this team is that, for the first time in a long time, they play as a team. And, perhaps because they are winning and things are easier, they seem to want to put things in a right perspective. This picture is perfect (copyright PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) - orange everywhere and the players - who are also husbands and fathers - spending time with their children at the end of the game.

Go Holland!

Good news!

Fun!
Originally uploaded by sraabs.

This past weekend was a youth weekend in Maastricht. The theme was "Telling the good news" so we put that into practice in lots of different ways. In Maastricht the young people personally handed out invitations to the Listen Up! concert, handed out "compliment cards" or distributed invitations to the concert. After spreading some good news, they also took some time to get to know Maastricht.

The next day, Sunday, the young people who could stay for the concert helped Listen Up! spread the good news. While Listen Up! was singing, they were helping at the door, talking to visitors, serving food or drinks, helping in the concert, or setting up and cleaning up. What a great opportunity to grow!

We had a wonderful turnout for the concert in Maastricht. There were visitors from our street, from the boys' school, from the local paper Scott works with, from the university students and from the local neighborhood as well as from other churches in the city. It was quite an international group as well. We are so thankful that God gives us these opportunities and look forward to the conversations we will be having in the coming days!

April-May Newsletter

I know it has been a while since the last newsletter, but here is what has been happening in our work and lives.

LIGHT in the Lowlands
Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands

April/May 2008

There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,
I don’t know how the time can move so quickly, but once again a month has flown by so quickly that it has become two and a bit. But life is great in the Lord!
Busy and busy
One of the things I struggle with is deciding how busy I should be - or with what I should be busy. Committees can seem quite depressing (especially in the middle of a long meeting) and I am involved with quite a few. I help with committees on Bible camp, financial assistance, school and a local newspaper. I will be adding a community activity committee in July.
Sometimes it all feels like a bit much. At the same time, I know that many of these activities are the things that connect me to people i my life and in the community - and I like these things! So I continue to pray that God is able to use these moments to reach hearts as well.

In the meantime, we also continue with our studies and church activities, including youth days, a Ladies day, studies with univerisyt students and camp work days these past two months. You will have seen some of these on the blog, but I want to tell you a little bit more about a few of these - moments that were really exciting, seeing how God is working.
I have often mentioned how important our work with the youth is. I am proud that our young people are struggling to hold on to their faith - and are growing. So many young people today are simply abandoning their faith, often without even considering. We are trying to make sure that our young people have the tools they need to grow in faith and love.

In April we had the opportunity to go to Switzerland to play soccer. But the trip was much, much more than that. We ended up getting a group of 25 people together (definitely not all “young” people) to go play against teams from Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland (it sounds like the matches going on now!). But we also sat in a car together on the trip there and back, spent time worshipping together and got to know one another better. It was great to see the commeraderie in the teams. We had four teams there along with some great cheering sections.
Even more, we met and got to know Christians from all over Europe. One evening the young people stayed up late singing (wonderful music to fall asleep to). On Sunday we worshipped God together - in several languages. What a privilege! It was a wonderful opportunity. Now we are planning to do something of the sort at home (in Belgium and the Netherlands) before going again next year.

In May, on the weekend of Pentecost, we planned a weekend down at camp for the congregation. Once again, this was not a time just for young people, but rather a time that all ages could encourage one another. It was absolutely fantastic, passing all expectations. Everyone helped one another, we were all able to learn from one another and we grew closer as a result - closer to God and closer to one another. Once again we got six new songs - what a blessing! Each time since last year that we get together, we challenge the young people and any present to write a song based on a text from the Bible. And they do! (you can hear these by going to www.gvcmaastricht.nl and clicking on the “Liedjes” tab).


In June we will be putting some of this closeness into practice when Listen Up! sings after a youth weekend. Everyone is inviting their friends, colleagues and classmates to the concert. It is exciting to see how many people (connected through all those committees!) have said that they will attend - wanting to know who we are more closely. It will be exciting to see what God will do with these opportunities in the coming months.

A funeral, a wedding, a birthday and a dinner
In these months we have also had many chances to share joy and sadness with our brothers and sisters. Our friend and colleague in Eindhoven, Roel de Gruyter, lost his mother (his father is now in the hospital - please pray!). On the other side, one of our former student members, Linda N., got married and we were able to share in her joy.
With RW I was glad that we could help out in any way. He had a birthday dinner with his whole family - a yearly family reunion - but didn’t have enough tables. We were able to help out - although the weather didn’t. And we have spent some very good times with LJ, just eating dinner, sharing coffee, or sitting in the garden, but always getting to know one another better and learning more about who God is.
God has given us all a family - His construction - in order to live and grow. We are loving living this real life and all the busyness it brings!

PRAYER WARRIORS
Please keep the following in your prayers.
- Pray specifically for the youth weekend and concert - our outreach to the city in June! Many of our friends, neighbors and co-workers will be attending!
- Continue to pray for Mr. W. and LJ as we continue to study together. your prayers for them and for me mean a lot!
- Praise and thank God for the wonderful times we are experiencing as a church family! We want to use this to continue growing in faith and love.
- Pray for our regular visitors A., S.,V. S has mentioned that she is ready to take the next step!
- Our high school seniors need your prayers as they finish their final exams and get ready to move on in their lives.
- Please keep our summer Bible camp preparations in your prayers. This is a very important time for our young people and for the church in Belgium and the Netherlands.

DID YOU KNOW?
Tidbits of information about Belgium and the Netherlands
Art!?
From the Renaissance to Impressionists, both Dutch and Belgian painters are well-known throughout the world. Taste varies, of course, but in the Netherlands and Belgium you can find almost any kind of art you might like. From Rembrandt , Frans Hals and Vermeer (Dutchmen), to Rubens, Brueghel - both Jans and Pieters (Belgian). The Dutch gave us Van Gogh, M.C. Escher and Mondriaan, while the Belgians offer James Ensor and René Magritte (the heads with apples). Even the bunny “Miffy” (her name in Dutch is Nijntje) is from Dutchman Dick Bruna.
Have you come across something typically Dutch or Belgian? What did you think of it? Let us know. s.raabs@tele2allin.be

What’s coming up?
JULY
Canadian students
Marseille trip
Camp weeks
AUGUST
Camp
Listen Up! concert

THANKS!
- For your emails and comments - it is good to hear from you!
- for your prayers and encouragement
- for good advice and help for the future with Stephan

ON THE FAMILY SIDE . . .
You would think that two months would present plenty of time to do all sorts of things. And I am sure that all sorts of things happened, but sometimes the days seem to be very normal - so you wonder, when you look back on them, what happened.

As far as school goes, the boys have been soldiering on, trying to make sure that homework gets done and tests passed. This being Stephan’s last year, he is especially aware of the need to make sure things go well. He has been busy getting things ready for Harding in the Fall - but first things first. He will need to pass this year, of course. Sean has completely gotten used to his “new” school from this year. And it has even been interesting to see the guys helping each other with various school problems.
Stephan has been working on his GIP which is a sort of research paper covering all of his disciplines. The preface needs to be in French, the acknowledgment in English (the rest in Dutch, of course) and the various parts covering Biology, Chemistry, Economics, etc. All of this with the theme of “bread” (one of the themes they were allowed to choose from, as long as it had to do with food). This has covered all year and is finally coming to an end.

For a weekend in April all of the “guys” left for a weekend. Scott, Stephan and Sean went with about 20 other people (youth and adults) from the church in Belgium and the Netherlands to an indoor soccer tournament organized by the church in Switzerland. Friday evening driving down, Saturday all day playing, Sunday worshipping and driving home after the final games. It was intense and fun. It was pretty quiet back at the house, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

At the end of May we welcomed Anina Zingg for a few days. She is one of the organizers this year of the soccer tournament; she is a 19 year-old from Schaffhausen. Since she was traveling all over Europe (getting in some travel before she starts back to school) and was doing the Belgian/Dutch wing of the trip, we were glad to be able to host her here for a few days. It got us thinking of all the traveling and meeting that Stephan will soon be doing in the States. It’s good to know that there are people who will care well for him.

One of the more interesting, exciting, but at the same time slightly scary things has been our house. We have never really been able to do too much to fix parts that needed fixing, but recently we became more and more aware that something had to be done to one of our walls. As a result we have torn out a closet (exposing how wet one of the walls really was!) and have starting talking to an architect about what we can do to remedy the situation. It is exciting to look at what might be in the future. It’s slightly frightening to think of the extent of changes needed to make this possible. But it will be a good adventure - one we take together.

We pray that you have been able to enjoy and survive the challenges in your life these past two month and more. With God in our lives it will always be a good day!
Have a great day today!