Family time

You have heard me talk many times about family. It is still amazing to me how God created family and uses it so wonderfully. Family is God’s design for how we work best. We need each other. We grow by struggling with relationships together. We learn from one another. We practice love and hope and courage when we care for one another. We see what is real by seeing it in the examples of those around us. Family is simply amazing. 

And that is true whether we are talking about blood family or God’s family. Not every family works as it should do. But it is family that shows us how things can and should be. So I keep my eyes open for family moments and I relish every moment that teaches me another truth through family. 

This month we have several church family moments coming up. This Saturday we will be down at camp with members of the church from around the Netherlands and Belgium. The church in Ghent is planning the Family Day. We are looking forward to seeing some of the teens we had at camp, some of their parents, and many others from various congregations. It is always a great day - and we should even be getting some sunshine to go with it (a real blessing in Belgium)!

We already had our singing evening this past Friday in Maastricht. The last Saturday we are planning a youth day. This week Shirley and I will be dropping in on our young Ukrainian couple for a study and some games. We were planned to see them last week, but the car broke down. We are thankful for good garages and the funds to take care of things so that we are now able to visit them. 

In the Fall we are looking at starting up some Saturday walks in the neighborhood to encourage the church and also share the gospel. In November we look forward to the COPA Benelux - an indoor soccer tournament with teams from the various congregations. The last one was held in 2019. (The picture is from 2015!) We may not be playing this time (although we might), but we will definitely be there to encourage all who attend. Family time is always good. 

On the other side, we are also thankful for family in difficult times. This past week Shirley heard that her youngest brother unexpectedly passed away. It hurts to know that we cannot be there, although we know this is simply reality. But it is good to know that there is family there to care for one another. Roger - Shirley’s brother - had a whole family of co-workers who cared about him and cared for him. His children, whether they were from his loins or not, feel the loss and are there for each other. Please keep them and Shirley in your prayers. 

Take time to look around and see how God is using family in your life. Be thankful for the connections that are there. And know that God’s design for family, the church, is just what we all need - at all times.