A special Wednesday

So, things got a bit busy with family - as well they should around these days and I did not get the planned post out on "Whensday". So today you will get two posts: last week's "Whensday" and this week's "Where oh Where Wednesday". 

Whensday: Weddings, Anniversaries and concerts

December is always a very busy month. Besides the holidays (Sinterklaas, Christmas, New Years) we also celebrate Shirley’s birthday and our anniversary. In years past this was not always very easy. For years, up until about 10 years ago, this month was full of Christmas concerts, so anniversaries took a back seat. 

Listen Up! was the a capella group that I sang with for years. The members were all members of the church from various locations in The Netherlands and Belgium. We brought the gospel in our songs and always made sure that our audience could understand what we were saying in our songs. This meant that we projected the words of the songs in the language of the audience, whether we were in Croatia, Germany, France or the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Our Christmas concert was called “Always CHRISTmas” and used songs that told the whole story of Jesus. We even ended the concert with Easter songs, telling of the resurrection. We had several times that guests approached us afterwards and remarked that they had never really known that the baby Jesus and the Jesus who died on the cross were the same person. We were always thrilled to be able to t present at least 4 of these concerts in December. 

Listen Up! stopped in 2012 as all of our families were getting bigger and it was becoming more difficult to get together as often as we needed. You can still hear some of our songs here. 

This December we have already been able to celebrate Shirley and we will tried to be together for at least part of the day on our anniversary. We will probably plan to celebrate in January when there are fewer activities. This will also be the 11th year that we can celebrate our son Stephan and daughter-in-love Natalie with their anniversary (which is the day after ours). And this will be the first year they celebrate as parents, having welcomed Sophia in the summer. 

All of this means that December is a great month to talk of how wonderful it is to be blessed by a wonderful and loving God and Father. We can talk about Jesus. We can talk of love. And we can share family time as God has taught us. The day before Christmas was our 'Love meal' with the church, made more festive (see photo). For Christmas we visited our sister from the church and were able to talk online to our kids. We missed seeing one daughter-in-love, but got to see our new grand baby. We pray that you too enjoy the wonderful moments that come with this busy month. Enjoy each moment fully. 

Where oh Where Wednesday: Suriname

Back in 1982, in the year I came to spend two years in the Netherlands working as an evangelist apprentice, things were not very peaceful in Suriname. Many of you might wonder: What is Suriname? Or Where is Suriname? Many people have the same question. But almost every Dutchman, even today, will know about the country and what happened in December of 1982. 

Surinam is a small country in the northern part of South America, just east of Venezuela, sandwiched between Guyana and French Guiana. Suriname was first colonized by the English in the 17th century. When they couldn’t use the local population as slaves because of sickness and revolt, they transported African slaves to the plantations. 

As a result of the English-Dutch wars at the time the Dutch took Suriname from the English. In subsequent wars between the two European powers other areas in the world were traded back and forth. In the end, the Dutch released what had been New Netherlands (which is now New York) and the English relinquished Suriname. The neighboring country of Guyana was also Dutch but ended up under British rule by the beginning of the 19th century. 

Slavery was abolished in Suriname in 1863 which left a lack of workers for the plantations. At this time immigrants were brought into the country from India, China and what would become Indonesia. So the population of Suriname is very diverse: African slaves, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian workers, original inhabitants and western colonizers have mixed through the years. When I was singing with Listen Up!, we always enjoyed visiting Vero’s parents in the middle of the Netherlands. Her mother is from Suriname but is of Chinese descent.

The country became independent in 1975. A coup was led five years later by Desi Bouterse. In December of 1982 several political opponents of Bouterse were murdered. Since Bouterse led the government, nothing was done - until this year. Bouterse was recently convicted of the murders and received a sentence of 20 years. It is not yet known if he will ever spend any time in prison, since the current prime minister can pardon him. 

The church in the Netherlands has a good connection with the church in Suriname - in the one city of Paramaribo. Most of the country is still quite wild. There is a congregation which is English-speaking and consists of English and Indian members. The other congregation is Dutch-speaking. The church in the Netherlands has helped them in purchasing and building a meeting place. 

Thanksmas

It is always good to be with family. As we have explained here before, it is difficult for many Americans here to celebrate Thanksgiving on the day itself. It falls om a Thursday, in the middle of the week. No one gets free from work here on a Thursday. So those of us here in the Netherlands and Belgium plan a day after Thanksgiving and before Christmas to get together and share our favorite holiday foods, see each other again and maybe even play some games or watch an American football game. We call it Thanksmas. 

Two years ago we organized it in Maastricht because of some covid restrictions. Last year Shirley and I organized it, but we both got sick on the day itself and had top bow out. But most years Carol and Paul Brazle in Antwerp organize the day. This year we were more or less back to normal and it was good to see everyone again. 

This is a day when young and old can gather (we had 5 year-olds and 90 year-olds). We have couples who are half American, but they bring their spouses as well. We have some who are connected tangentially with the US. We come from around Belgium and throughout the Netherlands. I think we had a good 40 or more sitting at table. 

Shirley and I enjoyed some conversations with Henk and Celia Rog who we have known for quite some time. We also got to see Jim and Ruth Krumrei with whom Scott worked 40 years ago. We hope to get back up to Haarlem soon to spend some more time with them (they are our 90 year-olds). But I also got to play a game of “war” with the 5 year-old before we left. 

That is the beauty of this day. It is a time for family, no matter how the family is formed. This was a meeting of God’s family. Most of us are children of God (although some are still considering that step). We love being able to share that love and life with one another. And of course most of us are missing seeing our natural family and broader Christian family. But this day reminds us of how blessed we are to have family. 

We pray that you too were able to enjoy your family time together (we enjoyed seeing lots of pictures, wondering at how everyone is growing up so quickly). And we, together with you, want to remember that we do not have to wait for special days to spend time together, although meeting in a larger group may have to indeed wait for such a day. We look forward to the day we can all be Home for a thanksgiving time and home-coming. 

(Many thanks to Carol Brazle for the picture. This is one of two tables)

Whatsit Wednesday - Skates

Every year the Dutch wonder if it will be this year. Of course the temperature needs to be just right. It needs to freeze for quite a while to make it possible. The “11 City Race” is a skating race along canals between 11 cities in The Netherlands. It is what every skater wants to be able to say they have experienced, even if they never win it. Simply being able to take part is enough. 

The last race was held in 1997 (the 15th since the beginning in 1909) and most people do not expect this year to be the year that the next one will be able to be held. But you never know. I remember when I first lived in The Netherlands and spent the Christmas break with a wonderful family, they took me skating. Everyone seemed to have skates. It wasn’t a question of “if” you had skates, it was what kind of skates you might have. 

Ice skates come in all different kinds. I remember as a child that we had some metal contraptions that we attached and tied to our snow boots or shoes. In the summer we had roller skates that also attached to our sneakers. There are skates for figure skating, for ice hockey or for racing. These days there are also various forms of racing: short track, track and long distances outside. 

The Dutch have always been contenders in the skating sports. When you come to The Netherlands and want to watch sports in the winter, be prepared to hear plenty of skating news. It was the Dutch who invented the ‘clap skate’ which is a skate with a hinge, making it possible to put more power into the skating movement. The Dutch used this skate from the 1980’s but it was not allowed in international competition until 1997. 

Skating in Belgium is not as popular as in The Netherlands, but recently there have been several Belgians making news in the sport. Brother and sister Stijn and Hanne Desmet have made their name in short track skating and the European top female figure skaters include Belgian Loena Hendrickx. But the Dutch continue to dominate the sport, including names like: Irene Schouten, Marijke Groenewoud, Jutte Leerdam, Sven Kramer, Patrick Roest and Kjeld Nuis. 

Although skating races are very Dutch, the other forms haven’t really caught on. Ice hockey teams are not very common here, whereas they are everywhere in the US and Canada. Still, if the weather allows, one day it will be cold enough to finally hold the next 11-city-race and all of The Netherlands will put on their skates to take part if possible. 

And then there are the other skates and skeelers. But that is a story for another time. 

Shirley

It comes around every year. Some years we don’t really get an opportunity to celebrate on the day itself. This year was different. Dutch custom says that you wait at home and accept guests. I told people they could have the morning (if Shirley wanted) because I had plans for the rest of the day. 

We spent the day walking around the stores of Maastricht. Shirley hasn’t been in a while and she enjoys her window shopping. It is always nice to look and see what is being sold. And the Christmas lights were all out! Afterwards we stopped for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants - a fusion place with steak, fish, chicken and veggie variations. 

Later this evening we are going to cuddle down and watch some Pride and Prejudice (the series, not the movie) after we light all the candles in the house and get some good snacks ready. We are blessed to be able to celebrate, to have time to do this together, and to be able to get around with our car. But mostly I am blessed with this wonderful woman who has been with me more than half her life. 

Thank you for so many who have already wished her a happy birthday. And happy birthday to all of those who share this day with Shirley - there are a lot of you in our lives as well! 

Whodunit - Sinterklaas

Today is “Sinterklaas” in Belgium. The Dutch, in the Netherlands, celebrated Sinterklaas with a “packages evening” last night. I have understood that Sinterklaas is also celebrated in parts of Germany and I know that it is celebrated in Luxembourg as well. This is also the origin of the American “Santa Claus”, even if that jolly man doesn’t show up until December 25. 

Sinterklaas is a shortening of “Sint Nicolaas” or Saint Nicholas. If you know the song, you might recognize “jolly ol’ Saint Nick”. In the Dutch-speaking world a whole story has grown up around this actual historical figure. Although the holiday that is celebrated is said to be his birthday, it is actually the day Saint Nicholas of Myra died: December 6, 343. This Bishop Nicholas was of Greek descent from the city of Myra which is present-day Turkey. All of these elements come together in the tradition. 

Historically, Nicholas was known as a well-doer who often gave secret gifts to those who really needed it. These include him dropping sacks of gold coins through the window of a house three days in a row so that a father could pay for a dowry for his three daughters, thereby saving them from forced prostitution. Another story tells of him saving three innocent soldiers from execution. And so the idea of giving goods things at this time was born. 

These days Sinterklaas arrives on a steamboat (often coming from Turkey) and rides on a horse. He wears his clerical robes - it is clear that he is a bishop. And he has several helpers. These helpers have changed throughout the years and depending on the country. We remember seeing Sinterklaas in Echternach (Luxembourg) with two executioners at his side! In The Netherlands and Belgium his helpers are called “zwarte Piet” or black Pete. They are often in black face and are meant to be helpers from Morocco. In more recent years, the black face has changed to some swipes of black on their faces because they came down the chimney. 

On this day, children put their shoes out and they leave a carrot and some goodies for the horse and the saint. They receive sweets and gifts in or near their shoes. Americans can immediately see how this corresponds to Santa Claus coming down the chimney bringing gifts. I remember leaving cookies and milk for him and the reindeer. He even wears a red suit, although the religious costume has changed to a winter suit. More than likely, the resourceful Dutch merchants of early America were the ones who introduced Santa to the public (he showed up in a big way in the middle of the 19th century). 

In the last 30 or 40 years, commerce in Belgium and The Netherlands has figured out that you can sell more goods if you include Sinterklaas but add Christmas. Christmas used to be more of a religious holiday, without gifts. Now people can buy gifts the whole month of December. One is not supposed to start with Christmas until after December 6, when Sinterklaas has been and gone. 

We remember adding Sinterklaas to our traditions for the boys as they grew up. It was nice that we could let them know that he was an actual historical figure. What traditions do you have around the Christmas holiday? What do you remember as a child growing up? What do you do with your children? 

Why?

As a parent, I am quite familiar with this question. At a certain age, all children will ask this question. And that is good. It is a question we all should continue asking throughout our lives. I also recognize this question from may time as a teacher. A good student will ask this question regularly. A good teacher, or parent, will be willing to answer the question to the best of their ability. 

Of course it is important that such a question be genuine. How often might a child start on a series of “why’s” just to make sure that bedtime is slightly delayed? The question can be repeated after every answer or explanation. It becomes a time of game. Students can do the same thing. But then we are not really looking for an answer or to grow. We are simply playing a game. 

It isn’t uncommon for us to run into people who ask “why” as a game. But more than not we have people asking some really good questions and looking for answers. Most recently the question was asked: “Why did Jesus have to die just a cruel death?” This was asked by a woman I visit with every two weeks. Since she is Catholic and knows that I am not she usually asks something like - “Do you have John the Baptist as well?” My response is most often to point to what we can read in the Bible. “If it is in the Bible, we have it.”

So also with the question she asked most recently. God’s word shows us from the beginning how loving God is to have come up with a way for us to be saved - in spite of ourselves. That is often the other question I hear: “Why didn’t God just take our sin away if He is almighty?” As a matter of fact, that is one of the questions one of our young people has asked recently as he is considering giving his life to Jesus. 

We can see throughout the Bible that God loves us and created a way for us to be with Him throughout eternity. But did it have to be so gruesome? That was a good question. Was it possible for Jesus to have died for us, innocent as He was and therefore paying righteously for what we deserved and clearing the path for us to be with God, but in a less gruesome manner? The question made for some good conversation (and I would love talking with you about it if you would like - just send me an email). 

Other questions have popped up throughout our conversations in the last weeks. We talk about Jesus, His life and what it means for us several times a week. We have at least one study on Monday, three studies on Tuesday, two on Wednesday and at least one on Thursday and Friday. “Why do we have to suffer as we are trying to follow God?” “Why am I even here on earth?” 

It is exciting to be able to share how amazing God is. It is also a good challenge regularly. Along the way we are also able to confront some of our own “why” questions that come up in our conversations with others. We are so thankful for so many who have made it possible for us to be here sharing God’s love and grace. We are thankful for those who have been an example in the past as we questioned. And thank you so much for praying for us as we try to answer questions.

Wild wonderful Wednesday

This is the first 5th Wednesday this year that I have been able to write. So we are going to do things a little bit differently. I won’t be taking you to any spots near our house. Instead I will take you far away.

When Shirley and I started our life together we had no idea of what was to be in our future, but we wanted to face it with a smile and courage. So we made even our difficult times an “adventure”. If something was an adventure, then we could handle it and enjoy it. We did not have the possibility to travel much in the beginning, so even our walks out and around became adventures. We named our feet (mine were Ralph and Fred) and asked how they had enjoyed the adventure to the muddy swamp at the edge of the field, for example. 

And through the years we have had some amazing adventures. When we had our first car, we went to help pick someone up in Forth Worth, Texas. Unfortunately, our car broke down somewhere on the highway in Fort Worth before we could get to the young man we were to pick up. We spent the next few days walking from the cheapest hotel we found near a garage we found willing to tow our car. We had just enough money. We got coffee at the McDonald’s, purchased some cheese and bananas at a little supermarket and prayed that the garage would work out a deal with us. For two days we walked back and forth between the cheap hotel, the supermarket and the garage. I can still remember the smell of the asphalt of Forth Worth. 

Then there was the visit to the hotel in San Antonio, Texas a few years later. We wanted to visit San Antonio because that is where Scott was born. As we arrived downtown in our brand new second hand little station wagon, baby Stephan in the baby seat in the back, a pick-up truck turned left through our green light and smashed our cute little car to bits. 

Everyone seemed fine. Somehow (we still do not remember how) we got to the hotel we had planned to stay at and we made an adventure of the next few days wondering how we would get back to Abilene. That was solved by a brother (Bob Gorsline) who was traveling through and was able to take us with him. We never did see the Alamo, although we were able to purchase a sombrero. Ralph and Fred had a good time. 

But our adventures were not restricted to Texas, nor were they all difficult times. Between the two Texas adventures we traveled to Europe on a survey trip to see if we would be able to do missions there. This was before Stephan arrived and we had a Eurail ticket which meant we could travel all over Europe with the train. Ralph and Fred were excited. We would often plan our trip so that we could sleep in the train, saving costs. 

We walked up the hill to the castle in Salzburg, Austria. At least, we walked a good part of the way. Shirley did not do well with the altitude, so it was slow going. But we made it. In Greece we walked through the market and up to Mars Hill, imagining what the apostle Paul saw when he had been in the same places. We ran through the narrow streets of Venice as we hurried to get back to the train station after a day visiting the canals and bridges and glassblowers. And in Bremen we walked calmly through a park, finally sitting on a bench as we waited and prayed for a lost passport and Eurail pass which finally showed up when we returned to the train station. 

This past weekend we met up with our Chinese professor friend who is hosting her mother in the coming weeks. They told of the trips they will take to Paris, Rome, Venice and Munich. It reminded us of the journeys and adventures we have had. Life is exciting if you can make it an adventure. And oh the stories you have when all is said and done!

Where have you been? Where are you going? What adventures have you experienced? What adventures await you? Ralph and Fred still enjoy everything I throw at them. Walk with joy and courage. Walk with God and it will be great.  

Thanks

You now it’s not about the Friday and how black it is, what deals you can get. And you’re not waiting for today and all the cyber deals you can find. It has been great to see all the people we know getting together with other people we know, sharing time together. That is what it is about. 

Thanksgiving, as we have mentioned before, is not a holiday here. It is a uniquely American thing. And I am thankful that it is part of our DNA. As I jumped onto social media shortly, I was able to see so many of you all up to date and with family. It is fun to try to figure out who is who now, as kids grow up. It is good to see families together who very often cannot be together. 

We were thankful to be able to get online with Sean and Jill (and Pierre) to share some time and get caught up on what is happening in our lives. They were off to celebrate the day later with friends. We are glad that they have people to share this day with. Earlier in the week we had been able to see Stephan and grandbaby Sophia. We were thankful that Stephan, Natalie and Sophia were able to spend the day with Natalie’s family and the baby cousins were together. 

Although we do not celebrate Thanksgiving on the day (some years we have invited our neighbors), we do get together with others in Belgium and the Netherlands somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We call it Thanksmas. This year it will be on December 16 and we are looking forward to the good food and the wonderful fellowship that we are able to enjoy at the time. 

This is what it is about. That is why I am also so thankful that we can truly share this kind of fellowship throughout the year. Yes, that one time in the year is special. But yesterday we met with our spiritual family again - as we do every week. Our 4th Sunday’s are potluck, so we also got to eat. Spending time together, remembering that the people in our lives are the most important things - that is what it is about. Thank you for sharing your time and lives with us. 

Where oh where Wednesday: Waterloo

"Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war. Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore. Waterloo, couldn’t escape if I wanted to. Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you. Woah, woah, woah, woah, Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo."

We can all hear the music as we read the words. It was the song that won ABAA the Eurovision Song Festival and catapulted them into international attention. Interesting that a song about an epic defeat became their victory. It was definitely not their “Waterloo”. 

We still use this term for all sorts of situations. As in the song, if you have to face your Waterloo, you must face the fact that you are finally and ultimately going to be defeated (ro you will finally give in). This one battle, and one could make the argument that it is because of the song, has entered our collective vocabulary. Many will understand immediately what you mean if you talk about your Waterloo. 

But do people know anything about Waterloo? It is after all a real place. It was a real historical event. As the new film on Napoleon comes out, perhaps the interest for this place will peak once again. But it has been here all the time. 

Waterloo was, at the time of the battle for which anyone remembers the place, a town in the United Kingdom of The Netherlands. It is actually in Belgium - now. Remember, Belgium did not become a recognized country until 1839 and the battle of Waterloo took place in 1815. This was a battle of coalition forces where the armies of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, together with three others clashed with Napoleon until the Prussian forces, who were allied with the others against Napoleon, also arrived and put an end to Napoleon. 

The battlefield was at the crossing of two major roads. It is less than 10 kilometers from Brussels and just outside of the village of Waterloo. Tourism began the day after the battle, it seems. Bodies and remains were found for years afterwards. Today there is a great mound with a statue of a lion at the top and groups stage a re-enactment of the battle regularly. 

The town of Waterloo itself has a population of less than 30,000. It is just south of the language border, lying in the French-speaking area of Wallonia. The name of the town is, however, from the Dutch language and is a combination of “water” and “loo” (which means clearing in a forest). 

In the nearby town of Braine-l’Alleud is the only major disc golf course, where the Belgian Open is played and anyone can meet their own personal Waterloo. I learned disc golf years ago (before the millennium) from good friends in the church in Minnesota and have continued to play whenever I can. I have set up a small course at our Bible camp. But I have yet to visit the course near Waterloo. 

Little Words

The last weeks have seen me trying to help someone who I have known for more than 20 years. We started reading the Bible together and I helped him out with moving, small things around the house, parenting tips (he is a single father) and more. 

Recently he was operated on a perforated intestine and almost died. His son - who is now a 26 year-old lawyer - reminded him after the operation that he had been given a second chance. You see, he has never been an easy person to live with. I have tried to remind him of an amazing truth I learned many years ago (as I mentioned a few weeks ago about pizza evenings with the youth group). The simple words “please” and “thank you” make the world a completely different place. 

While he was in the hospital a nurse came to assist him. She mentioned her name when he wanted to call her “miss”. Later, when I went looking for coffee, because we needed to wait for quite some time, she showed me the way. I thanked her and mentioned her name. A smile lit her face. It was nothing more than a simple “thank you”, but it meant a lot to her. Nurses have long days. 

So, we (his son and me) have given this man a challenge to learn these two simple sayings. He started his chemo this past Friday and immediately had some opportunities to practice. It is NOT something that comes naturally, although Ince you learn it, it can become normal. I saw this reality this past weekend in another way that we might not expect. 

This weekend was the COPA Benelux. The last COPA (the cup) was in 2019. Covid rules killed this indoor soccer tournament for the churches in Belgium and the Netherlands in the years between. We had people from 7 or 8 different congregations. We had 5 Fun teams and 5 Pro teams (each team being at least 5 people). We came with a Fun team from Maastricht. The Fun teams aren’t that serious and are often comprised of younger players. 

The COPA is also a time for members from the various congregations to see and talk to one another. It is a time to invite people we know who may or may not know Jesus to an event where we talk about and show what fun is like when Jesus is in our lives. 

During the play I remember hearing Luk Brazle, who played for Ghent Fun, calling out to the goalkeeper of Rotselaar Fun, “Good stop, Eva!” His teammate had just tried to score and the goalkeeper had kept the ball out. It was a great stop. It deserved the attention. So Luk made sure that the encouragement was there. 

Throughout the day you could hear and see these kinds of things happening. People thanking one another, enocuraging one another. During the Pro games I saw players admit when they had kicked it out, rather than wait on the ref. In fact, once their was a bit of a dispute about whose ball it was. The ref said one thing, a player said something else. Finally the opposite player simply said, “No problem. Their ball.” And the game continued. 

This is what people who know Jesus have discovered. Complaining may have its place in life, but it can only get so much done. And it seldom changes people. Gratitude changes hearts and situations the it is real. It doesn’t have to be big or flashy. It doesn’t really have to be noticed by anyone, except the person to whom it is addressed. Gratitude admits that YOU are not the most important at that moment, that someone else was needed. Gratitude allows humility to be present and grow. The same thing happens when we use “please”. 

Amazing that these are things we could learn early on in our lives. But we can still learn them later in life as well. Please keep A in your prayers as he tried to put his second chance to good use and learns to change his world. 

Thank you so very much for your encouragement of us in our lives and for how you show the love of God where you are. Enjoy your day of Thanksgiving this week, and remember that it is possible to practice this every day, in any month of the year. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Whensday - King's Day in Belgium

It isn’t really celebrated here, but today, November 15, is King’s Day in Belgium. In the Netherlands King’s Day is celebrated across the country. There are orange flags everywhere and people set up spontaneous street markets to sell all sorts of second-hand goods and self-made food. Of course King’s Day in the Netherlands is at the end of April and often has beautiful weather. 

In Belgium most people may not even know that it is a special day. November 1 was All Saints day and everyone visited the graves of the loved ones who passed away. November 11 was just several days ago when the veterans were honored, mostly by those who have military family and know what it means. The same day is also the beginning of Carnaval for those who celebrate. Sinter Klaas (Saint Nicholas) is on his way to the country, arriving by boat and riding a horse. That happens on December 5 and 6. The children are especially waiting for that moment. So King’s Day in Belgium passes by without a sound. It is not even in the news. 

Mind you, King Philip of Belgium is a pretty quiet king. He takes his job seriously and is never boisterous, as the Dutch king sometimes has been. Many are waiting for the day that his eldest daughter will take the throne as the first queen of the country. Then Elizabeth will be able to celebrate “Queen’s Day”. In The Netherlands it went the other way around. Since the beginning of the 20th century there had only been queens. King Willem-Alexander brought the change from Queen’s Day to King’s Day in 2014. 

Around this day in 1946 the Dutch government was fighting with a fledgling Indonesia which was forming a new independent country. It would take several years before this fighting ended. The consequences of this struggle, with some Indonesians siding with the Dutch and others fighting deadly battles, have continued to this day. The Netherlands has a strong population of Indonesians who were evacuated from Indonesia to The Netherlands when the Dutch finally recognized Indonesia as a country. 

On November 15, 1948 the weather service recorded the warmest day of 17.3 degrees Celsius (63.1 F) in Maastricht. Today the temperature is not expected to rise above 10 degrees Celsius (49 F). 

Women’s day

This weekend our ladies in Maastricht organized a study and fellowship day for the ladies of the churches in Belgium and the Netherlands. It was great to see so many from the various congregations and cities. There were ladies present from 6 different congregations, from the northern part of the Netherlands to the western side of Belgium - all coming to the far south of the Netherlands, just past the eastern side of Belgium. 

Our little room did a great job accommodating the ladies for the day and our ladies did a great job presenting God’s word and time to share with one another about that word in their lives. The them was “Waiting for God”. The lessons were brought by four of our ladies, including one of our younger sisters in the faith. Shirley took care of setting up the room and making sure the lunch and coffee, tea and cookies were ready. 

It was great to see such a range of ages all encouraging one another. The youngest lady present was 11 and the oldest was 90 with all ages in between. It is exciting to think how beautiful God’s plan is of bringing family together. The lessons came from ladies who told about how they came to faith because of the faithfulness of others waiting on the Lord, about how God works through all sorts of situations to shape us into what He sees in us, about expecting and trusting the grace and strength of a mighty God and Father. 

Thank you for your prayers for this day! We were thankful to be able to organize this day, being able to see so many sisters that we do not see very often. 

Whatsit Wednesday - Mega Corporations

These days we all understand that we have to deal with mega corporations. Many of us use social media. We keep connected with family and friends through all types of channels. I can still remember MySpace and the Dutch version of social media in the beginning, Hyves. These days one has to be connected to several different social media channels in order to be in contact with the various groups. Young people won’t be found dead on some, and older people (Boomers) are not as savvy on others. 

Most of us use the internet to an immense degree. I remember thrilling in the chance to read an encyclopedia. I don’t know how many people still know what an encyclopedia is. But almost everyone knows what Wikipedia is. And if we have a question, the first thing we do is “Google it”. While these are all very recent innovations, the idea of mega corporations is not a modern thing (depending on how far back you want to go to define “modern”). 

The VOC was the “Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie” or the United East India Company, more often known in English as the Dutch East India Company. This company, established in 1602, became much more than a company. It was the first company in which you could be a shareholder, you could buy stock in the company (which could be bought and sold in what would become the Amsterdam Stock Exchange - but that is a different story). 

This company became a megalith with powers to wage war, sign treaties, establish colonies and even strike its own coins. It influenced all of Asia at the time and established markets and cultures that still resonate throughout the world today. Its atrocities resound throughout history as well and should sound a warning. But many are not willing to listen to history, often thinking it only a telling of old tales instead of a warning for future behavior. 

In more modern times we see a few other mega corporations under the Dutch flag. Unilever makes food under many different brands and is partially Dutch. ASML is a Dutch company that has been in the news most recently because of international tensions. They make machines that make chips - computer chips. Much of what they need for their machines is made in Taiwan. If Taiwan were to be taken over by China, the supply of computer chips (which are now used in almost everything) would cease to be as free as it is now. 

So while we are enjoying eating a bag of chips, googling something on our computer or phone or sharing some little tidbit on our social media, we might want to remember what such a corporation can do across the globe. 

Being taken care of

Giving to others is great. Jesus spoke truth when he said it is more blessed to give than to receive. And yet there are many times that we need to learn to accept help. How else will we be able to accept the amazing grace that God offers us. If we are always trying to pay things back, or feeling ashamed of receiving help because we feel we should do it on our own, then we cannot experience forgiveness or grace or how good it is to be part of a loving, helpful family. 

This is something that I remember learning long ago from the first Christians I came to know - my best friend and his family and friends. Pizza every week or so with the youth group sounded great, but I didn’t want to be beholden. My best friend’s father let me know: “This is what we are doing now for you. Later you will do this for others. We do it because God has done it for us. We just want to be like Him.” 

This past month our car needed plenty of TLC (and then some!). And we all know that car care come at a price. Thankfully, we are well cared for because of so many of you who support us, making it possible for us to be sharing God’s good news here. And we use our car an awful lot. This was something that our church family here also understood. They have either been a recipient of us traveling to them, or have seen how we use what God has blessed us with. 

Every 5th Sunday the congregation in Maastricht holds a special contribution. This is in addition to our regular giving. The members can share a need that we can all decide to contribute to, according to our own desire and ability to help, One of the members put us own the list. We were surprised by this attention and even more by how much was given to help us out. It is amazing to be a part the body of Christ! These brothers and sisters give from the heart. 

Those many years ago I learned that the best thing about walking with God is how thankful we can be. He blesses so immensely. He does that through what He has given - true grace and forgiveness and love and peace - as well as through His body, our brothers and sisters. We are indeed so thankful for all of you who continue to support us in prayer and encouragement and financially, making it possible for us to be here. Our trip to the US this past month was also an example of this giving love. And we are so thankful for the group of people we are working with here who also know this wonderful truth of the joy of giving. 

(That is our car back in 2018 when Stephan and Natalie came to visit).

Whodunit Wednesday: Jan Pieter Minckelaers

On the market in Maastricht stands a statue of a man holding what looks like a stick. He is clearly not from our time. Most statues are of people from the past and this is no different. I remember when we first moved to Maastricht, this statue was quite different. A flame rose from the stick in his hand. That made sense once I knew that this was a statue of Jan Pieter Minckelaers. 

Who? Minckelaers was the inventor of gas lighting. No, not gaslighting. Gaslighting is when you trick someone into thinking something that you want them to think. Often it is used to make someone feel guilty for something you yourself have done. Think of the movie “Gaslight”. There are lots of examples of gaslighting that have happened throughout the ages. But that is not what Minckelaers discovered. 

He literally was the one who came up with the idea of making street lights (and lights in houses even) using gas. Imagine, if you can, a time before electricity, before led’s and lighting that is so simple you can put it anywhere. Instead of using candles or oil lamps with wicks, people used lit gas. That meant that gas lines ran all through the city, into homes, everywhere. 

These days we might be worried about leaving the gas stove on when we leave the house - it would cause an explosion. But in previous centuries this was an amazing discovery. Light could be had at any time. You could turn it up or down. And yes, although it might have been dangerous, it was amazing to be able to see when it got dark at night. People could work in the evening. Streets became safer. 

Minckelaers stood on the market as a reminder of this wonderful invention. The flame was always burning. That is, until it got too expensive for the city to keep it burning. Then they put in a coin machine so that tourists or citizens of the city could pay to make the lamp go on. In the end, the city even removed that possibility. 

We heat our house using gas. We also cook on gas. And of course we put gas (diesel in our case) into our car. Our society may have moved away from gas, but not completely. We are told that electricity is the best thing since sliced bread, even though most of it comes from gas. 

In a time when gas prices have risen immensely, sometimes at the drop of a hat and for any possible excuse, it is not hard to confuse the idea of gas lighting and gaslighting. Now Minckelaers stands with an iron staff sticking out of his hand into the empty air. 

Across the country

Both Belgium and the Netherlands are small countries. We live on the far East side of Belgium and the church meets in Maastricht, the far South of the Netherlands. It only takes about 3.5 hours to drive across Belgium from East to West. And from South to North in the Netherlands would take perhaps 5 hours. When we were living in Texas, those distances were fairly matter of fact for many people. The same went for our time in California where we even now drive down to San Diego from Long Beach to visit family. 

This small size (if it were a house, it might be described as being “bijou”) means that the congregations in both countries can get together for activities much more simply than in places where the distances stretch out across the plains and mountains. This also means that the congregations work together quite often in various activities. 

Last moth the church in Maastricht organized a Youth Day. In order to make it easier for kids from further away - remember that we are at the ends of the two countries - we held there day in a town more in the center of Belgium. This meant that we were able to welcome many more kids for the day. It is important that our young people can develop friendships with kids from other cities around the country. 

When I have planned a song workshop, helping members of the church learn to sing or learn to lead singing, we also encourage members from various congregations around the country to attend. Twice a year a Family Day is planned for the churches in the two countries as well. In the Spring the churches gather in The Hague - this is mostly the churches in the Netherlands. In the Fall it is held down at camp and serves more of the Belgian churches. 

I remember helping out at a VBS various times when we lived in the US or were traveling during one of our Home Assignments. These were week-long opportunities to reach out to children in the city or direct neighborhood. This week a “VBK” or Vacation Bible Kamp will be held down at camp in the Ardennes. Instead of hosting kids from one city or neighborhood, this is a week for kids from all across the country. In this case only Belgium, since it is a school holiday win Belgium, but not in the Netherlands. This past weekend camp also hosted Fall Camp, which is a weekend at camp for teens which hosts teens from both countries. 

Within the next few weeks the same thing will be happening for different groups. The ladies of Maastricht (including Shirley) will be hosting a Ladies Day in Maastricht, welcoming ladies from around Belgium and the Netherlands for the day. It is thrilling to see how these activities reach out to church family as well as seekers who are interested in the good news of Jesus. 

A week later the church in Ghent is organizing an indoor soccer tournament for the churches. There will be players, young and old, as well as supporters from both countries. They will come to enjoy a day of sport and to see brothers and sisters again. Some players and supporters will just be getting to know the church. We hope to go with a group from Maastricht, both players and supporters. 

It is exciting to see how life in Christ means life in the body of Christ. It is thrilling to be able to take part in activities with brothers and sisters from around the country (two countries even) because we live in such a nice, ‘bijou’ place. Pray for all of these opportunities and thank God for how He makes us a family.  

Where oh Where Wednesday: Huy

Not far from where we have our Bible camp in the Ardennes is the city of Huy. Mind you, calling this a city is a bit of a stretch. I remember one evening in Maastricht (a city of 120,000 inhabitants) that some Chinese students asked where the city was. They were quite sure that Maastricht was simply a village. And compared to Beijing that was certainly true. 

Huy, located in the French-speaking province of Liege, has a population of just over 20,000 - a town as we would call it. The town we live in (Lanaken, made up of 7 villages) is about the same size. And yet Huy is one of the oldest cities in Belgium to have the rights of a city. Situated oil the Meuse, as is Maastricht, it originated around a Roman ‘cat rum’, just as Maastricht. It was evangelized in the 6th century by Saint Domitian, the bishop of the city of Tongeren (which we looked at recently). 

In the Middle Ages Huy was extremely prosperous because it had an economy based on metallurgy, tanning, woodworking and wine. By the 10th century it was part of the larger Prince-Bishopric of Liege. But in 1066, the same year that the Normans conquered England at the battle of Hastings, Huy was the first city north of the Alps with a city charter. 

Around this same time a man named Peter the Hermit convinced people to head out on what was to be known as the First Crusade. The city remained important throughout the ages, being fortified by Louis XIV as well as the Dutch. It only started its decline as heavy industry left in the 20th century. And yet it is known for some interesting spectacles and people throughout the ages. 

John Joseph Merlin supposedly invented the roller skate in the 18th century. He was from Huy (and might be an interesting story for another time). Le Pere Pire, a Dominican friar who helped refugees after WWII was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1958. And every year cyclists attack the ‘wall of Huy’ in the one-day cycling classic of the La Flèche Wallonne (The Walloon Arrow or Waalse Pijl). 

These days people know Huy for its beautiful attractions and for the nuclear power plant of Tihange. If anything goes wrong at Tihange, we are in the middle of what would be the affected area. Until then, we enjoy the beauty and the history that is this area of Belgium. 

Devo’s and Delays

The end of October, beginning of November is an active time for us. Although Halloween is not really a European thing, it is catching on here. People here like to dress up, although it is usually in February or March for Carnaval. We, of course, have different memories of Halloween, as Stephan was born on that day 34 years ago. 

But the end of October also (still) brings “Winter Time” as we set the clocks back and everything gets very dark in the morning. The latitude where we live already means that the winters are quite dark (as the summers are quite bright). But moving the clocks back only makes it more of a challenge. We will be waking up in the dark and kids will be coming home from school in the almost-dark of an early evening. 

The end of October is also when we hold our Fall Camp down at camp. Since all Belgian schools have a Fall Break in the week that includes November 1, we have the perfect opportunity to hold a weekend camp. The weekend means that the Dutch kids, who had their Fall Break two weeks earlier, can also come. And in the last few years, tow sisters in the congregation in Ghent have organized a VBK (Vacation Bible Kamp) for younger kids for the whole week of Belgian school vacation. 

Those of you who know Sue Foster will already know of this as she is one of the organizers of the week. Our colleague, Karla, is often also involved teaching the kids. Her oldest daughter, Shareya is the other organizer. This year Shareya contacted me and asked if I could help in teaching some of the young men (the week is for 8-14 year-olds) how to organize a devotional. So I will be going down on the Monday. After teaching the kids some discgolf, I will work with a group of young men teaching them about presenting God’s work in truth. 

This reminds me of long ago when I first presented a “lesson” on a Wednesday evening at Eastside church of Christ in Colorado Springs. I was amazed that I was trusted to present some thoughts as a young man. I was also touched by the responsibility and necessity to make sure that what I was saying truly came from God’s word. That feeling of responsibility and desire to present only God’s words has stayed with me all these years. 

Later in the month, the ladies of the congregation in Maastricht are organizing a Ladies Day for the ladies of Belgium and the Netherlands. They will be looking at waiting on the Lord. Are we willing to put up with the delays that the Lord puts in our lives? How do we deal with them? Some of our younger sisters will also be presenting their thoughts. It is exciting to see how God forms us, tests us and challenges us as we strive to follow Him in all of our days. 

We are thankful for all of the opportunities that God has given us and still gives us to grow in faith and help others in their walk in faith. 

Whensday: Revolt of Eburones

Not far from where we live is the oldest city in Belgium, Tongeren. On the market stands a statue of Ambiorix. Perhaps you have heard of Asterix and Obelisk - the cartoon heroes of France. These two comic heroes are Gauls and fight against the Romans. Ambiorix, of the statue in Tongeren, is the real thing. 

The Eburones were a Gallic tribe in what is now Belgium and parts of the Netherlands. They figure largely in Julius Caesar’s “Gallic Wars” around 54BC. They were also called “Belgae” or “Germani”. Ambiorix and the Eburones were the tribe which decided to finally kick back against the Romans. Ambiorix was able to kill a large contingent (about 6000) of Roman soldiers before trying to get other Gauls involved. In the end Caesar used competing tribes to try to wipe out the Eburones. His history says that he succeeded. 

The city of Tongeren, called Atuatuca Tongrorum by the Romans, was the capital of the Roman province in what became Belgian Limburg. Its importance for the region lay in its being a Roman capital for the province and being settled on a major highway (literally, the roads the Romans built which were higher than a simple road). The city came under Saint Servatius (who was buried in Maastricht) in the 4th century. In the 17th century the city was burnt to the ground by Luis XIV’s troops and was not really rebuilt until 1830. 

When the major roads also moved away from Tongeren, the city languished and died, in comparison to the cities of Maastricht and Liege. But it is still a major tourist destination and boasts a lively antiques market every Sunday. The most important part of the city for us is that several of the members of the congregation live there. Our young Ukrainian couple live right downtown. Another Belgian family live in a small village considered part of greater Tongeren. 

From the time of Julius Caesar (think of the opening scene of the movie “Gladiator”) to the present, Tongeren remains an intriguing city. 

(The picture is of the wedding at the beginning of this year of a young Ukrainian couple which took place in a restored old building in Tongeren).

Young and old

When I first came to the Netherlands I was a university student. It was a summer campaign in the summer after my first year. A whole group of us from York College went to the Netherlands and helped with an evangelism campaign in the various cities. It was this campaign that put the desire in my heart to serve God in these areas. 

When Shirley and I finally moved to Europe, 10 years after that first campaign (which was also when we started dating), we had both been on campaigns in the Netherlands in the years following. Shirley had been to Italy and the Netherlands. I had spent two years working with Jim Krumrei. In that time I also worked with evangelists down in Belgium. Mark and Jill Brazle, Larry and Gayle Good and Blair and Susan Roberts were a team. They also had apprentices working with them and I worked together with those apprentices. 

I remember the feeling of being able to depend on the wisdom of these older brothers and sisters. We were learning, being mentored. I felt so young and knew that they were much older. As it turns out, some of them are only 10-15 years older. Although this may seem a lot to some, as you get older, you realize that it isn’t that much. 

This past weekend I was honored to help with the wedding of Jan and Margriet. Mark Brazle was there to perform the service and Jill sang with me and her son, Luk (my colleague) in a small choir. Jim and Ruth were there (they are now in their 90’s) as well as other members I have worked with throughout the years. I almost felt young again. It was good to see and hear again from these various brothers and sisters who had so shaped my life in Christ. 

At the same wedding, I was able to be with Luk and his wife, Holly. I enjoy our opportunities to work together immensely. Luk and I first worked together long ago when he - as a 12-year-old - taught me how to work with some windows down at camp. He was a technical kid even then. Later, when he returned to Belgium as a young man, we sang together in Listen Up!, spreading the gospel through song. Now we encourage one another mostly at camp. 

We were also with another young couple, Jelmer and Rebekah, with whom we worked this past summer for Teen Bible Camp. And there were several others, young and older, who are all actively engaged in their local congregations spreading and living the good news of life in Jesus Christ. It was exciting to see and realize that God is able to use us all in various ways and times as He see best - as long as we are willing to allow Him to work in our lives. 

Age matters in what we can do. Age sometimes matters as far as how wise we might be or how much experience we might have. But in the end, age doesn’t matter as to if we can work together or not. Every time I get together with members of the church - like we did at this wedding - I am reminded of how beautiful God’s design is and how mighty He is. 

(Thanks to Luk for the picture of the singing group)

Whatsit Wednesday: Mennonites

We have often explained that ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’ isn’t Dutch at al. It is “Deutsch” which is German. It is the Amish in Pennsylvania who are most well-known for the clothing restrictions, horse-and-buggy, and family values. Interestingly, the Amish are a subset of a group known as Anabaptists. Mennonites come from the same theological and historical foundations. 

Whereas the Amish are named after the Swiss leader Jacob Amman, the Mennonites are named after Menno Simons. And all of it begins back in the 16th century at during the reformation. Menno Simons came from Friesland, an area in the Netherlands, and began as a Catholic priest. After his brother was killed for his religious beliefs, and after examining his own beliefs and coming to the conclusion that he could no longer be a Catholic, Menno joined the anabaptist movement. 

As the movement progressed, despite severe persecution, followers ended up taking Menno’s name. They became Mennonites. In the Netherlands these groups of believers were called “doopgezinden’ or baptist-minded. They were persecuted and even killed because they believed that people needed to be able to believe in Jesus Christ before they could be baptized. The anabaptists (which also included Zwingli, the Amish, the Mennonites and the Hutterites) believed similarly that one needed to be re-baptized as an adult, even if one was baptized as a baby (which was what was happening in the Catholic Church as well as the protesting Lutheran and Calvinist churches). 

I remember following a tourist tour in Haarlem and the tour guide pointing out the anabaptist church which was hidden behind other houses. The church members had to meet in secret or they could be caught and persecuted. Their property would be taken from them and they could be executed. This struck me at the time as quite strange, since this all took place in the religiously tolerant country of the Netherlands. But it has always been clear that all cultures can become quite intolerant at times. 

The main beliefs of the anabaptists and thus the Mennonites have remained the same throughout the centuries. They have been staunch pacifists, perhaps because of the very violence they experienced and were at first willing to use. Menno’s brother was killed for his beliefs, while the anabaptists in Münster (in Germany) were willing to force people to be re-baptized in order to establish the New Jerusalem. But the Mennonites have been known for their pacifistic views for quite some time. They did not fight in the First or Second World War (or in the American Civil War). They also are unwilling to accept oaths, since Jesus says: Let your yes be yes and your no no (Matthew 5:37). 

Because of these views and the persecution that came with their faith, Mennonites have often moved around the world, seeking more peaceful places. As they went, they took the gospel with them, often choosing to move somewhere in order to preach, knowing that they would never return. They have a strong mission emphasis in their teaching and lives. 

Besides these views, they also believe in simplicity of life and an emphasis on the family structure that God created - in the nuclear family as well as in society and the church. Although the Amish, which was a more conservative group of anabaptists, eschew technology, Mennonites do not. They do emphasize that things should not take our lives over, focusing on God and people rather than things. 

Most recently in my experience, I have noticed that Mennonites also emphasize and excel in a capella singing. This is interesting considering the history of singing in the Netherlands. But that is for another time, another topic. 

Talking Time

This summer at Teen Camp we added a new element called “Talkin’ Time” where the campers, split into guys and gals, could talk about some things that might be on their hearts. It is important to be able to talk. And everyone does this in a different way. I remember many conversations I have had with brothers in the church while taking a walk or fixing something in a house. As a matter of fact, time down at camp working on the facilities have been some of the most important conversations for many. 

Sometimes we never really know when an “important” conversation is going to take place or is taking place. That is why it is so important to be prepared at all times and to be ready to listen first. Colossians 4:6 encourages us to have salty talk and that we be ready to answer everyone. 1 Peter 3:15 says that we should always be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have. The most important element in these conversations is listening first. How can I say something that someone needs to hear if I do not even know what they are saying. 

Many of my conversations are not even face to face. Most recently I have had some conversations with our former neighbor who is now in prison in Antwerp. He can call me, but I cannot call back. So when I see his number, I pray for wisdom and prepare to listen first. I do not always have as much time to speak as I would like, but I try to make every moment count, to be an encouragement and pass the wisdom of God on in the situation. 

Some other conversations this past week have had to do with health. I am sort of a caregiver to a few seniors. One of them is our sister in Christ, Nel. The other two have come into my life through the years. One gentleman started reading the Bible with me years ago. It is only now, as he is facing some serious health questions, that he wants to really know more about prayer. The other conversation is with a 92 year-old woman who is thrilled that it is possible to talk directly to God. We pray together every time I visit her in the nursing home. 

It is often difficult to know how blunt one can be in a conversation. I usually ask if someone really wants to know an answer before I try to give one. This means, once again, that listening is the beginning of speaking. It also means that there has to be some sort of relationship. We know each other. That is why we can have a conversation. Although I might say that I am preaching, I am not simply proclaiming. We are talking together about what is important. And yes, if difficult things need to be said, then they must be said. This is where love and care is truly shown. 

Please continue to pray for the conversations we have with our neighbors, people we are studying with, church members, young people from camp and people we meet during the day. Every conversation can be an important moment - in our lives and theirs.