The beginnings of Life

Where does life begin? That is a big question discussed by all sorts of people at various times. As Christians we know that life comes from God. We are the created, He is the Creator. But not everyone accepts this view of life and the world. 

This past week we were able to take a few days off and visit a young couple who have moved down to the south of France. Pamella is our sister in Christ from Brazil. She is married to Tim, who is a wonderful young man who does not want to believe in God just yet. But he was always willing to attend Sunday services with Pamella when they lived in Maasmechelen. 

Shirley and I seldom get to celebrate our anniversary on the day itself, but knew that we wanted to visit this couple to encourage them. Since it is a 13 hour drive down, we decided to make the drive a two day journey and stop over in Dijon on the way down and on the way back. This would leave us about two and a half days oil the south with Tim and Pamella. 

We had a wonderful time in sunny but cooler climes and spent a morning in Dijon on the way back home. More importantly we were able to have some good conversations and moments together. When we got back home we had just enough time to get a little rest before the next event on the next day. 

Mike Houts is a NASA scientist who came to talk about Science and Worldview. He spoke to a full room in the church building in Antwerp about the questions we can and should have about what science really shows us and where life comes from. It reminded me of the questions Tim sometimes had. Mike asked, “Did someone choose to be an atheist? Then people must be more than simple chemical reactions. A person must have a soul if he/she can make a choice.” Intriguing questions. 

While we were down in France, we got news that a dear sister of ours was sick and at the end of her life. Leonie and George are members of the congregation in Liege and came regularly to our monthly singing or to church outings down at camp. But she has also struggled with her health as of late. By the end of the week we had heard that she had gone Home to her reward. We look forward to seeing her soon, when we also can go Home. 

It was a challenging week with reminders of what really matters and where life really is. Life begins with God and can only continue with God. Jesus Christ makes real life possible. This is something that Leonie not only knew, it was something she regularly shared with those around her and showed in her daily life. Mike Houts presented good information that showed the truth that what we see is clearly come from God. And we continue to know how important it is to pass all of this information on to everyone who is willing to question and listen. 

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!   2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Where oh where Wednesday: Emmen

Where will Kings Day be held this year? In Emmen. Every year the king of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, and his wife Maxima choose a city in the Netherlands to celebrate the king’s birthday. This year they will celebrate in Emmen. This means that this city will ben looking forward to the arrival of the king and will plan all sorts of local activities to celebrate his birthday. The day itself is a holiday across the Netherlands and cities everywhere will hold markets where anyone can come and sell things. In Maastricht it will be in the city park. The cities will also be decorated in orange.

Emmen is a town in the province of Drenthe. It was a city that was formed by combining several villages and only had any real growth after the 2nd World War. It went from 3,000 inhabitants in the 19th century to the 56,000 living there now. Most people in the country know Emmen because of its zoo which welcomes some 1.5 million visitors a year. 

Emmen is the most populous city of the province of Drenthe, but that is not saying much since the whole province only has a population of roughly 500,000. Drenthe is the 3rd least populated province and is mostly known for its agriculture. Ir borders Germany in the east. The whole province, due to its sparse population and rural nature, is known as a cycling destination. 

So this year Emmen will color orange as it welcomes the king for his birthday. It will show off all its treasures and history and will enjoy a day in the spotlight that is different from the spotlight that has recently shown o the Dutch farmers who have been protesting EU regulations causing their farms to be shut down. 

Mighty is our God

This past weekend several members of the church in Maastricht organized a Youth Day. We do this for our own kids, but also so that our kids can see their friends from around the country - many they have met during a Bible camp week or other youth activity. We planned our youth day in the middle of the country so that more kids could come (Maastricht is in the fa South-West corner of the region). And we prayed for good weather so that we could have the kids outside as well. 

As the day approached, the weather was looking horrid. We had some summer days the week before which got everyone’s spirits and hopes high. But then the real April weather returned. We do, after all, live in Belgium where rain is quite normal. The weather report on the day didn’t look great. 

But we are used to being flexible as well and our theme was how mighty God is. So we trusted that we would be able to do whatever we were planning - in one way or another. And that was how things worked out. The kids arrived, all of us wearing jackets because of the cold, but it stayed dry while we worked through the first part of the day. And what amazing views we had of God’s might and beauty. The trees and flowers were in bloom, the rain clouds waiting in the distance were imposing and we could hear the birds all around us. 

The lessons on the day came from Isaiah 40 which begins with a comforting of Israel, letting them know that He, their God will save. Our God is mighty to save and knows what we experience. It was fun to be able to do plenty of object lessons with the kids, helping to show the truths that we were learning. I had them as teams make a goalie. But of course the goalie couldn’t keep the simplest ball from going in the goal. Most of them could not even get to the goal (one was helped by the team). Why do we think that we can make God, but forget that He made us? 

Later in the second lesson (inside), an object lesson showed that although some things can keep us stable, only God can keep us stable all the way. A bottle of water on a string, a toothpick and two matches proved this point. A very clear lesson for everyone there. In the meantime the teens were upstairs talking about God’s might that can be seen in creation. The example was the most recent eclipse (which we didn’t really hear that much about over here, but the kids knew about). 

The questions in Isaiah resounded throughout the day: Haven’t you heard? Didn’t you know? He is God eternal! We are thankful for our wonderful God, our Saviour and for these kids who want to know about Him. Pray for them and their hearts that they will remember the things they are learning not only from these sort of youth activities, but also from their parents and those around them in the church. We were thankful that we could host two young men whose parents are not members of the church, who do not come from a believing home. 

Next weekend we are looking forward to going to a day with Mike Houts, a NASA scientist, who will talk about science and God. We are thankful for people who are willing to speak truth in a world where truth is hard to find. And we are thankful for people who are looking to hear truth and willing to hear that truth in God. And for our brothers and sisters willing to organize activities like this and the youth days we are able to use to encourage our young people. 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Isaiah 40:28-29

Whensday: 1637 - The Statenvertaling

We of course use our Bible every day. We are extremely thankful not only that there are Bibles readily available (thanks to the invention of a printing press), but that we can read God’s word in so many languages. Just as in English, the Dutch language has many different translations. As a language changes, so the translation needs to keep step in order to be understandable by its readers. 

I remember coming to faith using an NIV English Bible. I am an English teacher by training, so reading the KJV (King James Version) later was not only possible, I enjoyed it and still do enjoy it. But I understand that many people would have a difficult time reading something from the 17th century - just as they might struggle with Shakespeare. The same is true for the Dutch translations. 

When I first came to the Netherlands, I learned my Dutch by reading a Gideon New Testament which had English on one side and Dutch on the other. This way I could figure out what I was reading, seeing and knowing it already in English. This translation was a fairly old version, as was the one I came to use the most - translated in 1951. But it was the version that has become my heart version. All of the texts I know from heart come from this version. 

But the original translation, the first official translation of the Bible from the original languages into Dutch, was completed in 1637 and so is very like the KJV. It was commissioned by the Staten Generaal - the States General of the Netherlands, which is the governing body (Senate and House of Representatives) of the Netherlands. The abbreviation used is SV. 

The NBG-1951 is the translation that I came to know the most. It is an official translation from the Dutch Bible Society (NBG), presented in 1951. In the 1970’s there was a modern language version presented called “Good News” and most recently there has been a NBV (New Bible Version). But those who loved the SV also wanted a linguistically updated version and brought the HSV or Revised Statenvertaling. 

As at all times I find it most important that people read their Bible. The words need to get into their hearts and minds. If someone has a different version (there are also two Catholic versions that many people would have if they have a Bible in house), then I am more than willing to help them read it. The most important thing is that they are reading and applying what they read in their lives. 

We also have various foreign language Bibles in our building, including one in Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and even in English. We have a regular visitor who is a Syrian refugee. She has her Bible on her phone (as so many do these days - and what a blessing that is), but we have a version for her if she needs it. 

What is your favorite translation of the Bible? When did you first start reading your Bible? 

The tax man cometh

The tax man cometh. April 15 is an important day in the US. In the Netherlands it is also in the Spring. In Belgium tax day is in June. Taxes are a certainty in any country or culture and it is no different here. In the Netherlands you even know when your post is from the tax office - it is a blue envelope.  

For us the whole situation is rather complicated. We file income tax in the United States and in Belgium since we come from the US but live in Belgium. In both countries we are considered self-employed for the tax law. We are required to pay social security in both countries as well. Thankfully we have help for our US taxes from brothers and sisters who have always been willing to help missionaries. 

I remember when E.B. Dotson was working for brother McCready. Brother McCready did the taxes of missionaries for free, taking away any worries and in this way supporting and encouraging them. E.B. and Jean were our good friends in church (as they are still) and it has been a true blessing to have this weight taken from our shoulders all these years. Tax law is difficult enough as it goes, but it gets even more complicated when someone lives overseas. 

In Belgium we do not have anyone doing our taxes for us, but things are fairly straight forward. We do not have to itemize. We list the value of our house, its measurements and such. For some years we get a digital printout of what the tax office already figured for us. Then we do even less. But the cares of wondering if everything is done correctly remain a concern. 

We always want to make sure that we are doing things as they should be done. As Christians we have a responsibility to make sure that we are an example to those around us. Jesus also told Peter (and Paul told the Christians in Rome) that taxes are not something to escape. So whether they are fun or not, we want to do what is right. 

As we now also are reaching a certain age, we have thought about what we would need to do for retirement. In Belgium retirement age is 67 - and moving higher each year, it seems. We have social security in both countries, but we are not quite sure how the two countries will work with one another. When one looks for answers, the “normal” answers on a FAQ never quite fit our situation. So we will start looking deeper at what needs to be done. 

In the meantime, and as always, we will trust that God is taking care of things. And we will thank our loving Father for brothers and sisters who are willing and able to help us with this kind of information. 

Whatsit Wednesday: Garden machines

Although we had to wait until the end of March to usher in summer time and the official time-keeping of Spring, Spring itself came a bit early this year. We always know that Spring is on its way when we see the crocuses at the bottom of our yard poke their heads above the ground. Beautiful little purple or whitish flowers with a yellow touch to them show up in clumps around our walnut tree. 

Of course the flowers are not the only things that start waking up. The cherry tree waits for some time to start blooming, but it is well on its way now in April. The weeds on the other hand have shown up with a vengeance. “Weeds”? I hear some of you saying: “There are no such things as weeds. Everything is useful.” Which may be true, but I have to admit that there are plenty of plants that I do not really want to see in my yard - and certainly not growing in the stones of my driveway. 

So I try to find time to do some weeding at times throughout the year. It isn’t nearly as often as Shirley or my neighbors might want, but it is what I can find. And I mow the grass. In May they have come up with a new thing: Don’t Mow in May. This is supposed to help the butterflies and bees and all sorts of other insects. It helps me because I do not have to feel guilty when I do not mow - a whole month long. 

Of course, but the time May is done, the grass is knee high and the moss is taking over the lower part of the yard. This is where the “scarifier” might come in. Although, to be correct, a scarifier is supposed to be used in the Fall, not in the Spring. But you may not even know what a scarifier is. 

I looked up the English translation. This is what I got. In Dutch it is a “verticuteerder”. Try saying that quickly three times. This machine is meant to loosen up and aerate the soil so that it doesn’t become mossy. It helps everything to grow better. I have to admit that I do not own a scarifier. I barely get around to using the mower. I would be adding guilt feelings to guilt feelings if I had a scarifier. Maybe that is why it has gotten that name. 

But as I said, one should not use a scarifier in the Spring. It would be like pruning your fruit trees in the Spring. This is what I did when we first moved here. I knew that I was to prune the cherry tree at some time, and it had been so cold in the Winter. So I waited for a nice day and pruned it then. Two older men walking by along the canal could be heard exclaiming at my ignorance for pruning in the Spring. 

The trees have continued blossoming (as they are now) and the grass keeps growing, no matter what I do to it. I use the weed pulling in the driveway as therapy. It feels good to be able to get a job done and see order.  And most Dutch or Belgian fathers, although they may look down on me, will not say anything. The Dutch will simply preen about their wel- manicured postage-stamp size front gardens. And the Belgians will simply brag about their newest tools. I can truly praise and be pleased with both efforts. 

VBK, sport and youth activities

This past week I was down at our Bible camp for VBK (Vacation Bible Kamp - we spell camp with a “k”). I was asked to teach the teen kids while my colleague, Karla Verheijen, taught the young kids. We both focused on teaching them some of the truths we find in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. 

This is the first time that this camp has been organized in the Spring. It has been organized twice already in the Fall during the Fall school break. That went well, so Shareya (Karla’s daughter) and Sue Foster, both from the church in Ghent, wanted to try it for the Spring break. These school breaks are only for the kids going to school in Belgium. The Netherlands has different holidays. 

Despite this being only for Belgian kids, we had 22 campers come down to camp. I had 9 teens (11-14 years old). The rest were all with Karla. Each day we focused on a different chapter of the letter and tried to help the young people see the beautiful truths Paul shared with this young man, Timothy, his son in the faith. 

I was once again impressed with how well young people can understand what is being presented, and how well they can remember and apply what they are learning. As is usual in Belgium, we put up with some grey weather, but it was mostly dry. I was able to teach a new song to the group, using one of the memory verses. Everyone learned it quite well. Hopefully it will show up on the YouTube channel soon. (There are already quite a few other songs there if you are interested in hearing them.)

The day after getting home from camp there was a sport day planned in the middle of Belgium. This came from a 9 year-old who thought it would be a good idea to invite his friends and others to come sport together. He said it, the adults made it happen and we all had a great day together (although my body is definitely telling me I did plenty this past week). 

It was fun to see how a neighbor of the 9 year-old’s sister wanted to visit for a play day. The mom mentioned that we were at a sport hall, but that they were welcome to come. So mother, daughter and father all came to sport with us all. And when we stopped to sing praises to God, they took part as well. Sharing how to have fun as Christians is a wonderful opportunity. 

In just 2 weeks the members of the church in Maastricht will also hold our Youth Day - about 10 minutes away from where we played sports this past Saturday. Some of the same kids will be there. We are looking forward to sharing some thoughts about our mighty God as well as give them time to have fun together. I will be able to teach yet another new song. 

This coming Thursday and Friday I will also spend time with some Catholic kids as they think about their choices in life. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to teach them how to read the Bible. The last 40 days a group of them have been meeting every Monday online to read through a bit of the gospels, getting to know who Jesus is. 

We are so thankful for these opportunities that God gives us to share how wonderful He is, the wonderful love and life that He offers to all who want to accept it. I am reminded of one of the memory verses fro VBK: 

This is a trustworthy saying and worth acceptance, that Jesus Christ is come into the world to save sinners of which I am the first. (1 Tim. 1:15)

Easter Monday

It’s no joke. Today we have a holiday. You see in Belgium and the Netherlands there are three holidays that get two days each. There is a 1st and 2nd day of Christmas, an Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, and a 1st and 2nd day of Pentecost. So today most people have free, in Belgium some of the stores are closed and in both countries the banks and such are closed. 

The Belgians have school vacation, which means that they are off looking for the sun somewhere or perhaps off getting the last of the good skiing. The Dutch do not get a school break until May when they will get a Spring Break. I will be heading down to camp for Vacation Bible Kamp (VBK instead of VBS). This will be the first time to organize a VBK in the Spring and I have been asked to teach the older kids. The age group is from 8-14 years old. 

Before I go to camp I will also drive over to Antwerp to visit and old neighbor who is now in prison (and get this posted online before I go). When I get back (VBK ends on Friday) there is a sport day planned and I may head over there. I may be an old guy, but it is always good to get together with the young people from the various congregations. And I have been trying to encourage some basketball playing for some time now. We finally have a hoop down at camp. 

All of this activity comes to the churches because we know that we have a new life in Jesus Christ. The beauty of Easter is the resurrection. Jesus rose and that means that we can become a new creation. This is so important that we want to make sure that everybody knows about it. So shout it from the mountaintops. Whisper it in the library and in the halls. Pass it on to the people around you. Jesus lives! And so can we.