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