Where were you born?

The baptism of Gijs in 2015 - washed clean!

I remember the births of my two sons very well – as should be. Although both of them were born in a hospital, they were both unique in their ways. Stephan was born on Halloween. If you haven’t heard my story yet, you probably will if you talk to me long enough. Sean was born in Genk, Belgium, which was different in it’s own right.

Just as we remember the births of our children well, we also remember the births into Christ that we have experienced. The ‘usual’ way might be in a baptismal pool, but there are all sorts of variations. Our Stephan was baptized in the (very) cold creek at Bible camp in the Fall. Sean was baptized in the outside pool of friends in a night in January (we removed the ice from the pool covering).

For some, there was quite a crowd (a whole congregation). For others it was something more intimate. But for all of us, we can remember (I hope) that choice that we made, the thrill of knowing that we were washed clean, the wondering about what our life would look like now.

On Monday afternoon, Tulay emailed that the baptism we had talked about recently (she called us and said she had recently come to faith in Jesus, and did we know anything about baptism) would not leave her thoughts. She went to bed with the thought and awoke with the desire to be washed. We had just seen each other the day before and worshipped Jesus as Lord and King.

In Maastricht we meet in an upper room, but do not have a baptismal pool. Sometimes we are able to go to congregations close by and use theirs (in Liége or Genk). But this time, it was going to take too long. So we made other plans. A few years back, we had bought an inflatable pool – the kind you put in your back yard for the kids to play in (bigger than a little splashing pool). We have used it once for a baptism and it did well. Now was the time to use it again.

I took a bicycle pump, a tarpaulin, our garden hose and towels along. We stopped at a DIY store and bought the kind of pump and hose you use to empty your cellar of flood water. We didn’t have an electric pump, but I figured the bicylce pump would work just fine to blow up the pool. It didn’t. So I started blowing. The room needed to warm up anyway, so we had gone early to get things ready. How long could it take to blow this thing up?

Thankfully, Ruud came with a pump that pumps when you pull and when you push. Now (15 minutes before people would arrive) we could start filling the pool with water. The hose was hooked up to only cold water, so we filled buckets with hot water and dumped them in. This was going to take longer than expected.

In the meantime, Tulay arrived. Have you read what Cornelius’ house looked like when Peter arrived? (see Acts 10:24-27)This is what I was reminded of. There were 5 of us from the church who could be there – including sister Nel who does not go out in the evening (it was 8pm) and sister Kitty who had gotten permission from her non-believing husband. But Tulay brought her 7-year-old daughter, her mother and father, her best friend (who was now also a Christian) and her friend’s daughter, and the woman who had first introduced her to Jesus. Tulay understood how important this was and she had invited the people nearest her to hear what God had to say.

We sang, we looked at examples of this same birth in the book of Acts, and we saw a woman rise from the dead to new life in Christ. Now, as with all of our births, life would begin. Now would begin the learning, the struggles, the glorious little victories made possible only in Christ. Now we had a new sister. And we shared our hearts in prayer to the God of all who alone makes this possible.

Tulay went on her way that evening tired, but excited for her new life. Do you remember your birth? Where were you born?

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized? And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:35-39

There is a season

A time to toil, to mourn, to dance, to embrace, to search or throw away … there is a time. I want to share some of the things God has been doing in our lives as the Fall season began, but I must first unburden my heart over a sorrow and a joy.

This past week, as we were on a visit with Shirley’s family in Omaha we received news from California that our dear sister, Wanda Martin, had unexpectedly passed away. Should our passing ever be unexpected? But Wanda has always been there, from the first time we met the church in Long Beach. Our Stephan showed off superhero pajamas together with her son, Daniel. We remember the kids sitting at the kid’s table, saying grace before the meal. Wanda has always made sure that we were taken care of, when we are here in Belgium or back ‘home’ on assignment in California.

And now she has gone Home, truly. We are so very thankful for that assurance, for the certainty that we have of seeing her again. So we praise our Father for His salvation and we find comfort in this truth and reality. Even as we miss Wanda for now.

These assurances are what motivate us in our daily life, in our activities together. God’s grace is why we so want to share with those around us. And God gives us those opportunities. In September Scott organized a Men’s day, since the men’s retreat was not possible due to work down at camp. Instead of spending a weekend together the men got together to talk about and practice a time of prayer in Antwerp. Instead of the beuaty of the Ardennen, we were blessed with seeing how God wants to live in the city, where so many can experience His grace. 

Both in September and October we had an opportunity to sing. We gathered in Aachen again with members from the church from Cologne to sing in the rain. It was a bit wet and cold, but our hearts were warm. We have, however decided to gather next year at the building in Maastricht. In October Scott organized the Song Workshop for the 3rd time. A time to learn how to sing, learn how to read music (thanks to Luk Brazle teaching) and a time to record new songs so that members can teach them at their home congregations.

At the end of the month we headed to York College for Scott’s 35 year reunion. This was definitely a time to embrace and laugh and sing. Friendships that truly have lasted so many years and have been the basis of a life in the Lord are very precious. It was good to look back at how God brought us together, at what that time has meant to us. It was good to be reminded of how God is active in our lives. And it was great to sing!

So we enjoyed a few days together, laughing about past exploits and getting to know each other again. ‘Friends’ was a group, but it was also who we were, and are. You can watch the concert here – if you are willing to put up with cracking voices and our stories. It was good to be together.

Here are some pictures of our quick visit to the US to see family and church family.

Sing these wonderful truths together with us, hear some challenging truths and enjoy the YC chorus here.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:11-13

Seasons

Seasons come and seasons go, we move from one set of challenges to the next. As we transitioned into the Fall season, I realized I had not taken the time to look at the summer that flashed by.

As July started we as a church planned a youth weekend. Although most of our kids could not attend, we had some of the kids from the Catholic group come over for a great although dreary-weathered day. The misty rain simply added a veil of mystery and excitement to our discovery. It was great to have Mario and Tonia there to help and experience the day.

Our biggest task in the summer is Ardennen Bijbelkamp. This year Scott taught for a day at Jongerenkamp (15+) and then spent two weeks directing the following camps. Shirley joined him during Benjaminkamp (8-11 year-olds) to help with two kids needing special attention. This was also a week to train two young people who came for the first time as counselors.

The following week saw Scott directing, Shirley in the kitchen and a new team being trained, from assistent director to teacher. Once again we were impressed with how much God can do in young hearts (and older) no matter what the weather or situation – if we are willing to let Him work in us.

Most of the summer was filled with grey days and muddy games outside, but the word of God was still a challenge each day. Who is God? And where do we find Him? At Benjaminkamp one of our campers was a young muslim girl. During Tienerkamp it was encouraging to see how the lessons on the law of Moses were made practical and led into clear discussions about salvation and the gospel. 

After two full weeks of camp, you might think that we’d had enough, but Family Camp is always last in the summer and Scott didn’t want to miss anything there. Challenging, lesser-known stories from the Old Testament gave us good food for thought and conversation. The week ended, as always, with Family Day. But this is one of the things that will soon be changing.

Scott is one of the members of the board for camp and plans the evaluation meeting each Fall. But we also live the closest to camp, so if something needs to be done, we are often the ones who are able to do it. Scott went down on a Monday to make sure that the trash sacks that had accumulated during the summer were finally picked up. Later in the month, those who had directed and taken part in camp met to evaluate and plan for the next year. And there are plenty of changes coming up.

In the meantime, September had arrived and we moved into the next season of our work. But that is for the next time. As the leaves are falling and the temperatures cooling, we look back with contentment at what was done in the summer months and look forward to all the activities waiting.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Colossians 4:2-3

Do you want to see more photo's? Check out the albums here. 

Children of the King

This past month has been full of moments shared with brothers and sisters - children of the King. I already talked about the concert with Harding Chorus and our time down at camp. But there have been several other opportunities as well.

Scott and Paul Quiel, a brother from the church in Haarlem, got together to work on their study in the Old Testament. This is a time of mentoring, of mutual encouragement and challenge. How good it is to look at God's word together and share together what He is teaching us.

Soon after this we spent a day with christian family in Eindhoven, singing and encouraging one another. Usually this is a yearly gathering on the second day of Pentecost. Although communication and planning didn't write work out as usual, we did;t want this day to go by without using the time to encourage one another. So we gathered, sang, ate together and encouraged one another.

On June 11 we took part as a congregation in a neighbourhood Open Day which showcased clubs in the neighbourhood. We passed out free water on a hot day, offered a quiz about Jesus and basically just got to know some of our neighbours. About half of the members were able to spend some time at our tent. What an encouragement to share this time together!


Of course we also got together on the first Wednesday of the month to sing with our French-speaking brothers and sisters. But this month we also got to attend a concert in Liege with a singing group from the church in Lille, France and a French-speaking group from Harding which comes with professor Robert McCready. What an encouragement!

We are so thankful for the many opportunities God gives us to encourage and be encouraged, to serve in His kingdom.

"And I helped!"

When was the last time you allowed someone to help you – when you needed it? And when was the last time you allowed someone to help – even though you didn’t need it? I am so thankful for how God continues to help us learn how deep and wondrous His grace truly is.

We were so thankful that Harding University Chorus stopped by on their tour to sing with us and two local choirs. What impressed me was the willingness to help in whatever way possible, including crawling around on the ground setting up a podium, unstacking chairs before the concert and stacking them again afterwards. When I don’t want to ‘bother’ people in asking them to help, I remove any opportunity to serve. The concert was a time full of people being willing to help, even when they were not asked.

This past weekend I got to go down to our Bible camp. We hold a work camp every year at this time to get things ready for the summer weeks. Once again, people came willing to help, looking for ways to serve. There was a list of things to do, but there was also a willingness to ask: “What can I do?” And when some of the younger ones wanted to help, we found ways that they could take part as well.

We want to help. We are made to be part of creating. And God’s grace is what makes this possible in His kingdom. He allows us to help. He even puts us in places where we can help. I love working in His kingdom and learning from His grace.

Go on over to our photo site to see some pictures of the concert inMaastricht or of our time down at work camp. And remember to allow people to help you too, today.

I have been crucified in Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live in faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Give your best and be prepared to be surprised

A few weeks ago we went to Switzerland to fellowship – and play some football. I got to play with the Benelux amateur team – a group of young, enthousiastic kids and two adults. We (the adults) said – “Give your best” – and that is what these kids did. We didn’t win a single game (I don’t think we even scored). But we had fun and we were good for each other. To keep your eye on your goal is important – helping one another, giving your best, being kind to others along the way.

I was recently reading in Luke of when Jesus meets Peter. Peter didn’t expect anything to happen when Jesus told him to let the nets out. After all, he – Peter – was the professional. But Jesus makes it possible, when Peter thinks it is not possible. It reminded me that we try all sorts of ‘methods’ to reach people with the gospel. But it is the presence of Jesus that changes things. And we have no promise that people will listen. We are simply to be faithful in fishing. Give your best.

We had fun and we gave our best in Switserland. And I want to keep doing that each day. Tomorrow we will be welcoming Harding’s Chorus and singing at a special concert. We will give our best and be prepared to be surprised (is it possible to prepare for surprise?).

You can find pictures of our weekend on facebook (Football weekend thayngen) and here. After the concert I will have pictures up on Facebook and our picture site. Keep an eye out.

I wanna be like you!

Good examples are indispensable for growth. When you are learning things, watching someone do it right, and having them teach you, is the best way of assimilating what you want to learn.

This past week was Missions Emphasis Week at South 11th and Willis church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. This congregation has been ‘doing’ missions for the 65 years they have been at this address. I don’t know about all of those years, but I can remember all of the examples we saw.

We arrived in Abilene on a Saturday and attended Willis the next morning. That Sunday we were asked out to lunch by at least two couples (if not more). We were taken on a driving tour of some nice areas of Abilene before being taken to a lovely meal. And it wasn’t even because we were such a wonderful new married couple (we had been married that very day before). It’s just how the family at Willis is.

When we arrived, the congregation had already supported a mission effort in the Northeast for a longer period. They were already active in missions in Africa and with the deaf. And they took care of their members and their neighborhood. They had young members who had done short-term evangelism in New Guinea, Africa, and Europe – and they continued to support them.

What does it teach you when you see a congregation set their budget in such a way as to make sure that they can continue supporting missions all over the world? And they are not picky. What I mean is – it is easy for a congregation to get focused on one area of the world. It makes a bit of sense, since the congregation can then gain a deeper knowledge of that area of the world. But Willis has always had a principle of supporting the person. They support their own members who are called to serve – no matter where they are called to serve.

I remember seeing funds raised in a special contribution – because it was needed. Above and beyond the budget. This could be for a chair for those sitting with a loved one through the night, for clothes for those who had less, or a missions need. When there was a need – voiced by any of the members to the family – all looked for a way to help.

In our own situation we were offered a place to stay, had a car loan co-signed (we didn’t have any relatives to help), and found jobs because of these family members who continually focus on the heart of Christ. I don’t know how many of these brothers and sisters specifically thought about their example, but they indisputably formed us through their example.

When one of the members started a Bible study in the neighborhood he asked for any members who wanted to join them in the effort – but he was quite clear: only come if you are willing to be active in sharing your faith. “If you aren’t telling people about Jesus now and here, what makes you think you will do it anywhere else?” That was a good question.

When we started getting ready to come to the Netherlands and Belgium, Willis was right there beside us. And they have remained there all along. But in the typical fashion and example we learned from them they have continued on. Besides supporting us in Europe, this congregation continues to have efforts in Africa, with the deaf (both local and overseas) and within the refugee community locally.

That was something I learned a long time ago from this family: the job is never done and it is not always about doing big things. Sometimes it is just about taking someone home for a good lunch.

We are so thankful for this congregation and all that God continues to do through them. 

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all God’s people – the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. Colossians 1:3-5

Sing and be Happy

You have heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again – I am so thankful for what God has given us in song! Singing brings heart and mind together. When we sing together, we bring our hearts and minds together. What a blessing and encouragement!

In March we organised the second Song Workshop in Antwerp – time to learn new songs for any congregation, to learn how to read music, to learn the bass line or other part from a specific song. It was a great day of encouraging singing and hopefully preparation for more in many local congregations.

On some Monday’s Shirley and I get to visit with Mario and Tonia in Aarschot for a study. Often we will finish the evening in song – no matter how late it has gotten. And on the first Wednesday of every month we welcome some members from the church in Liege for an evening of singing (often in three languages). This month Mavis Antwi was able to come as well. She is from Scotland, but is doing an internship in Heerlen (outside Maastricht) and made sure to be active with us for the three months she is in the Netherlands.

In May we are organising a concert with Harding University Chorus. Harding will sing with two local choirs and Laus (a group of Dutch-speaking church members) for a varied group in a church building that has been turned into a home and laboratory for blood studies (wonderful symbolism there!). Be praying for the singers, the listeners and all hearts involved, that they will be touched with the words and heart of God.

Whatever your heart is – lift it up with God in song. Are you alone? Sing it out (even if it is only in your heart). Better yet – get together with others and share those hearts and minds in glorifying and extolling our gracious Father.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13

Check out a few pictures here.

Out of the dark

How do you deal with forgiveness? What do we do with the struggle against sin in our lives? Who do you think you are – are you holier than I?

These and many other questions are part and parcel of our conversations and interactions – not only in our work, but in our daily lives with one another as well. Paul struggled with his past, knowing that he had condoned murder – even though he had not considered it such at the time. Peter knew what he had done there by the fire, cursing his accent from Galilee. We all know the feeling: we were in a dark place, a very dark place.

But that is the operative word – if we are now in Christ. We WERE in a very dark place. A place of shame. And when satan reminds us of it – either in temptation or in accusing us through the mouth of someone who has come to know of our past – we can only admit that it is true. We were truly like that. We really did do that. And yet, that is not the end of the story.

It is truly true that Jesus’ death on a cross, in shame and pain, paid my debt to righteousness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin so that we might become his righteousness” (a favorite song and of course also 2 Corinthians 5:21). You may have lived in the darkest depths of slavery (yes, that is really what it is), but He brought you out and placed you in His glorious kingdom of light.

Imagine what the Israelites felt when they came through the Red Sea on dry land and saw the waters crash back down on the army that had been breathing with heated breath down their necks. They had almost been caught again, captured and carried back to the darkness. But now, now they look back over the waves at that far away place, that place of darkness – as they stand in the light, as they stand in freedom.

I am NOT in darkness. I am NEW. And I will live as this risen creation, awoken to new possibilities and new strengths in the might of the Almighty God, my loving Father. You, too, can walk away from darkness. Don’t listen to the repeating refrain of shame that satan shouts into your ear. Simply admit the truth: Yes, I WAS in darkness. And admit the Truth: but ‘I have been crucified in Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me!’ (another song – and Galatians 2:20).

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

Consistency

When Shirley and I were just married, we moved to Abilene, Texas (the day after our wedding), where I would finish my degree. Our first Sunday was with the family at South 11th and Willis. It was, and is still, a very mission-minded congregation. This family has worked all over the world, including the Eastern US, Kenya, France, and Belgium and the Netherlands. They also continue to have an outreach in the deaf community, both locally and internationally. It was at this congregation that we were also encouraged and challenged in our desire to serve. They are consistent in their focus on what is most important - spreading the news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
One of the couples we met and worked with there was Larry and Hollye Conway who went on to work in Nairobi, Kenya. Today I got a copy of a newsletter text about their work. It applies to so many things that I wanted to share it with you.

Hello everyone, the last few days I have had the opportunity to watch Kenyan fishermen go out with their nets and gear to catch fish. These men are professionals. This isn’t a rare occasion for them. They do this daily. While there are many things they do that I can apply to my life, one trait they possess is consistency. It doesn’t matter if the weather is favorable or not, they consistently go out and work. If it is hot, they go out. If it is raining, they still go to the water and cast their nets in order to bring home results. Consistency is a good thing.
Sometimes, people ask me what exactly do you do in Kenya? When working with street children one needs to be consistent! There’s that word again. Consistency is important to street kids because they have lost trust in others. Somewhere along the way there has been an authority figure, a parent, teacher, a friend, or someone else who has broken trust and lost credibility. In order for us to share Christ and the gospel with street children, trust and credibility have to be present. Therefore, the team makes visits to the street kids out on the street, garbage pile, under the bridge, under the tree, or wherever they may be. Very few people actually go to visit street children where they live. Many people are afraid to go to where the kids are because they have heard that they are all dangerous, or criminals who will rob you or harm you if you get close to them. The Great Commission is a mission to go fishing. Therefore, my co-workers and I do our best to consistently go where others are and share the good news. A part of consistency that helps to get results with street children is to consistently do what you say you will do. We, in order to build trust and credibility, make extra effort to consistently do what we say we will do. For example, if we say we will bring medicine to help someone who is sick, that is what we will do. If we say we will buy their lunch next week then, we buy their lunch.
We consistently share the good news in a language street kids understand. Street kids use a language called ‘sheng’. Sheng is a mixture of Swahili, and some local languages called Kikuyu and Luo (and sometime other local languages). The ‘sheng’ language changes often, they keep introducing new words in order to keep authority figures like the police from understanding what they are speaking about. I consistently write down new words in the ‘sheng’ language to help me to remember because if I don’t write them down I can easily forget the new word.
 Kenyans love to tell and hear stories. Therefore, we don’t read the Bible often with street kids but we tell Bible stories. The stories are kept short and to the point. Short stores are easily remembered. Recently on a visit to street kids living under a bridge near a huge shopping mall, I shared the story of Joseph from Genesis 39. Street kids love the story of Joseph because it is similar to their story. I emphasized that Joseph didn’t actually do anything wrong but he endured mistreatment from others. The story resonated with the street boys because it is common for them to be mistreated by the police, or people who are just passing by. Sometimes, people call them awful names or people mistreat them by being violent towards them. Another point emphasized from the story was that Joseph loved and trusted God throughout his ordeal of suffering. Before finishing the story of Joseph I have as many street kids as possible tell the story again or repeat some of the main points of the story. We do this consistently in order to increase understanding and to emphasize that anyone can tell the story.
Good things are happening with street boys in Nairobi. Recently, Alex graduated from vocational training in carpentry. He is working as an apprentice in Nairobi. The former street boys John, Franco, and Kamweru are in vocational training. John and Franco are studying automotive mechanics and Kamweru is studying sheet metal fabrication. Brian, a young boy (aged 9 or 10) who lives on the streets, has suffered a hand injury. The team helped him get medical treatment and we have located a children’s home for him to go to beginning on Monday. He can be safe, loved, educated, and cared for while at the home.
We are very thankful for the consistent financial and spiritual support we have received over the past thirty years. Thank you. There is a lot of work to be done in Africa. The Great Commission is clear. There is still a lot of fishing to be done. Our Lord still wants to fill the nets with new souls. We will continue to consistently tell the message because it is the greatest message ever told.
Until next time, The Conways

So very true. God is consistent with us, loving us and challenging us each day with His grace. Our work here is very different than what Larry and Hollye are doing, but consistency is still paramount. Paul said it like this: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Tim. 4:2)

Rain or shine, whether we feel like it or not, whether we think our efforts will make a difference or not - we go out and fish. In our area the analogies to sowing make more sense, but the truth is the same. The farmer goes out in wind, rain or shine. God grants the increase. 

Thank you for being consistent in praying for God's kingdom - around the world - and for living in His grace each and every day! 

You can find Larry and Hollye on Facebook if you would like to follow more of what God is doing through them in Nairobi. 

That's a keeper

I like learning. Although school was not always ‘fun’, it was usually exciting to be learning new things. And that learning doesn’t start or stop with school. A simple walk with the dog in the morning can bring new insights and challenges. Learning means having an open enough mind to see new things and consider them, and a critical enough mind to question what is true or right or worthwhile.

It is possible to learn from all sorts of situations and all sorts of people. One of my favorite texts is in 1 Thessalonians where we are encouraged to test teaching and hold on to the good. I haven’t yet met a teacher with whom I agree on everything or whom I believe has everything right. But I am willing to listen, to sift through the information, and to hold on to what is good.

This month I had the opportunity once again to attend ABSS – the Advanced Bible Study Series. This week of study is organized by my colleague Paul Brazle in Germany and is attended by brothers and sisters from all over Europe. I enjoy the challenging lessons as well as the good conversations (during and after playing basketball) and singing. And I was able to hold on to some good lessons.

The other side of the learning coin is also found in scripture – and it is also one of my favorite thoughts: remember to share with the teacher what you have learned (Galatians 6:6). I remember a young boy showing me very earnestly how to tie my shoe – he had recently learned and wanted to make sure I knew how to achieve this very important task.

That is the beauty of learning – it is exciting. We can’t hold it in. We want to share it with everyone. Sometimes we hear to an inner voice saying, “This is nothing special. Everyone already knows this.” Don’t listen to that voice. Share what you have learned. Be excited. And for those who are listening – just as I was with the young boy teaching me to tie my shoe – listen attentively and learn. Be excited with the learner.

In the Dutch version of the song ‘Freely, freely give” we sing: “Pass it on, pass it on – whatever you now have. Pass on whatever you now know.” Whatever it is you know now (you will learn more as you go), pass it on. Whatever you have now (of course you are not a millionaire and cannot help many), pass it on. God wants to use us now, wherever we are.

In this coming year I am looking forward to mentoring a brother in Haarlem. I pray that God will use me to help him learn, and I know that I too will learn as we struggle together through the things God wants to teach us.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Just for the day

Every day is a gift. Some days we get to work hard, meet lots of people, get a ton of things done and feel content at the end of the day. Some days we work hard and feel like nothing gets done - and we put that day to bed and look forward to the next day to finish things. Some days are just to enjoy with family or friends, or to take time to rest. But each day is a gift.
We try to take advantage regularly of day trips to get away together. It is amazing what you can see within a day's travel - no matter where you live. We have spent time simply biking in our area, or walking not far from our house. But sometimes we take the opportunity to travel a bit farther.
In January we had just a few days that Sean was free and we could get away together as a family easily. So we checked online, made plans and jumped on a plane to Budapest, Hungary. It was a quick two and a half day visit, but a great time together. Check out the pictures here. The history of this city and country, the beauty - in the cold of winter - and the time to share this together was a real blessing.
At the end of the month Shirley and Scott got to take a day together traveling with the train. The camera did not go along - just time together and memories. We had a special train card to travel the whole day, so we stopped in at several different Dutch cities: Den Bosch, Gouda and Utrecht. But the train was as interesting as the stops.
On one of the legs we sat next to a mother and daughter. Somehow we had sat ourselves in a 'Silence' car, meaning that we were to be silent (not quiet, but silent). I can imagine this is nice for those who want to get some work done on the commute. The girl tried, but being silent is not that easy for young children. At one point she was more or less singing: 'Soup, soup, soup, soup.' "Mama, what if you could only eat soup - for every meal. Would that be healthy?" Mother replied wisely, "Well, that depends on what kind of soup you are eating."
Later that day in Gouda we stopped for a bowl of soup. One was spicy parsnip soup (made spicy with a good bit of ginger!). The other was a tomato and bell pepper soup. Both were welcome after a winter walk through the old town of Gouda. Near the end of the day, after walking around Utrecht's lighted canals in the evening, we sat in the cold rail station eating a salad - which was delicious, but not as warm as the soup.
We enjoyed sunshine the whole day, took plenty of time to stop and read about the history, and even spent time speaking with an artist who shared with us about his work. People watching, imagining what the cities were like in the past, listening to all the different languages and dialects - simply enjoying the day together. A full day - a blessing and a gift.
Enjoy your day today. Know that God is able to use you in so many ways, bless you in so many way,  if you will simply accept His gift - today.

La La La and Who’s who?

One year ends, another begins, and life keeps moving on. We might have to learn how to make our fingers write (or type) that new number, but a lot of what we do remains the same. Our desire and task is to live daily in the will of God – especially in the little things.

A lot of what we are doing has to do with language, singing and relationships. At the end of 2016 we were invited by the congregation in Eindhoven to come for their monthly singing and help out with learning new songs. So now we get to meet with Christians from Liége, Maastricht and (soon) Hasselt on the first Wednesday of each month and then again with the members from Eindhoven on the third Wednesday. Learning new songs, enjoying singing together and encouraging one another is an amazing blessing for which we are so thankful.

We are also looking forward to Harding Chorus travelling in Europe. Besides hitting Germany France and the UK they will stop by Maastricht for two days and a concert. We have put together a program with local choirs as well as with the group Scott leads, called LAUS. We hope to not only touch hearts with the songs we sing and through the hearts of the singers, but also to let the neighborhood better know who we are as followers of Jesus. Think about us in your prayer time working up to May 16 and thereafter as well.

Multiple languages is simply a reality in Europe, and as more people arrive from various areas of the world looking for a safe place to live, we want to make the most of this opportunity to let people know who Jesus is. Last year we helped translate a basic book from Let’s Start Talking designed for beginning speakers. The plan was to use these with refugees.

Although we have not been able to begin this yet in Maastricht, in Eindhoven they have a group of refugees as well as a group of internationals looking to learn Dutch better. This means that we are looking at how best to get the normal FriendSpeak materials in Dutch as well. In Maastricht we are watching closely and praying about how best we can do this here. Would you pray with and for us?

Prayer is such a strength. It is in prayer that our relationships become clear. Every Wednsday morning at 7am Jan C. and Scott are together to pray for one another, fo r families, the church, the world and so much more. Brothers and sisters in Long Beach and Woodbury continue to encourage us as well as we take time together praying. What a blessing to know that we are a family and that God is in control. God’s design is glorious!

So we continue with our weekly activities. We meet five times a week with various groups to see what God is telling us in His word. Some of these are Christians and we are encouraging one another to live for Him. Others are those who are seeking God, but don’t always know where to look for what He really desires. Still others are simply trying to figure out how to get along in the relationships they have. We want to keep trying to be an example and a guide in these relationships.

As we look forward to the rest of 2017, we are excited about how God will use us. We just finished looking at 2016 at Ardennen Bible Camp and were excited by how much camp is being used not only for our summer activities, but also throughout the year by various congregations. We were thrilled recently by the news from our brothers and sisters in Long Beach who shared a gracious gift of $6000 to help make a needed renovation of our kitchen possible! This year we are planned to help out with at least two weeks of camp in the summer.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24