What is God doing?

As we returned from the US to Europe, we were greeted with some of the troubles taking place around us. The war in Ukraine continues, as our brothers and sisters continue to move back and forth from ‘home’ to new ‘home’. So many have now made their home here in Belgium, but still long to be home in Ukraine. 

In the meantime, France seems to have exploded in anger, with cities igniting under the frustration of the youth (and many others) who are striking out blindly. Riots around France come just as many are getting ready to go on vacation. And it seems, if one watches the nightly news, as if the world is on fire. Has God completely forgotten about it all?

Last week we were blessed to be together with the congregation from Maastricht down at camp for a day. We met several members of the church from Liége, our French-speaking brothers and sisters from the sister-city just 30 minutes from us. They were together with a group of students from Harding University who had come with Robert McCready, their French teacher. 

The day was an amazing time of fellowship as the Maastricht congregation spent the morning learning from the Old Testament before sharing lunch. Song and conversation with the French-speaking brothers and sisters afterwards. This was the reality. There was peace and joy and comfort here together as children of God - even if it was just for that afternoon. 

This past weekend, we knew that that group of students was going to be in Lille, France for a concert with the local singing group Atout Choeur. We have enjoyed Atout Choeur for many years, but getting across to Lille (a 2.5 hour drive) is not always that easy. But we were planning on being there. 

The news said that there were riots in Lille. The news said that the buses and trams were not running. We sent a message asking if the concert was going to be held and received a clear message: Yes, of course. Please come! So we did, arriving in time to meet and greet as well as we can in our very broken French. 

Somewhere in the city there may have been some unrest. I do not want to make light of any of that. But in this neighborhood (a very ‘common’ area of the city, tucked up against a bit of highway and railway) everything was quiet and calm. Even better, there was singing! Members of the family in Lille were present as were several visitors and the gospel tones spilled out into the street. 

Afterwards we spent a very little time sharing encouragement with those we could speak with (those who spoke more English) before heading back to our car for the drive home. We would not get back until 1 am, but it had been a good visit. God is busy wherever His children are. He is busy in all sorts of places and situations. Even when we may think the world is burning and God is absent, He is there, in the middle of it all. 

We are so thankful for our brothers and sisters in so many different places who are faithful in singing of Him, speaking of Him and living for Him every day and in all circumstances. In Lille they are singing. In Marseilles a special week of missions is continuing. In Ukraine people are coming to Christ in the middle of a war. In Russia brothers and sisters are speaking of the true peace that comes only with Jesus Christ. God is working in His world. Is He working in your life?