Camp conversations and challenges

We are in the middle of Bible camp season. Shirley and I started at Jongerenkamp (the 15-20 year-olds) and took the following week to recover at home. In that week the Benjamins (8-11 year-olds) were down at camp, enjoying a lot more rain that we had had. This week the teens (12-14 year-olds) are down at camp and next week the Families will arrive. IN that week I will go down each day and help with the teen lessons. We enjoy the various weeks that we get to help with these times of growth. 

Each week is different and unique every year. This year was the first time since before corona time that Shirley and I did the older young people. We had 24 campers and it was an amazing week. The questions that come from this group are very different than those which come from a Benjamin. And the conversations during the day are much deeper (and last much longer. It is always exciting to see how everyone at any of these camp weeks has multiple amazing opportunities to grow spiritually. 

During our week there were lots of conversations going on about the week’s theme (our identity in Christ) as well as challenges in daily life. We had all sorts of singing time with this group that loved singing and wanted to learn more. And our counselors - who were barely older than the campers themselves - could easily get a group together for an activity. The group mixed well and the young people even ran out for a game of soccer in the rain. 

We were thankful to have good friends from the past working with us that week as well. Rudy and Pam Schellekens joined us from Muscatine, Iowa after already having done good work at Midwest Bible Camp. Rudy taught the lessons and Pam helped in the kitchen. The kitchen team was a bundle of laughing, giggling girls at times and an efficient team for the group of hungry teens sat at every meal. Rudy sat patiently and fielded questions about the lessons and life all through the week, discussing patiently Greek words and their meanings as well as implications for our daily lives. 

Next week I look forward to dropping down to camp to help out and experience the group during Family Camp. We are blessed to live fairly close (an hour’s drive) and I can just drive down for the lessons and a bit of the afternoon. I will help out with the teens during the second lesson as we look at the Minor Prophets. I am also looking forward to the conversations I will be able to have with people I only see during this week of the year. 

In the meantime we are praying for the young people that were at our camp week, the young ones who attended the week after and for the teens experiencing camp this week. We are especially praying for the counselors - several of whom were campers at our week and counselors at the Benjamin week as well. Thank you for your prayers for these moments and for so many of you who also take part in camps and activities in your area. 

The youth these days

This past Sunday we were blessed to visit the congregation in Rotselaar where I preached. I the past we would visit this congregation regularly on a Sunday afternoon to practice singing. We have always had a good working relationship with the congregation and have a good relationship with many of the members in other capacities. This includes Bible camp. 

Many of the kids we have had come through Bible camp are now young people or even grandmothers. One of the sisters on Sunday was showing off her granddaughter. She mentioned that she herself was only small when she first went to camp with us as directors. And now she herself is a grandmother. It is amazing how quickly the time flies. 

But this of course also means that her kids are old enough to have kids of their own. Her son was also at our camps through the years. He was first a camper, then a counselor and then an assistant director and planner for the youth. Now he is also a father. His little sister has also been helping as a counselor in the last few years. It is exciting to see how people grow up. 

And yet, not everyone who came through camp has remained faithful or followed the Lord. There were a few people at the meal after services yesterday who came through camp, but are no longer attending or doing anything with their faith. This is hard to see and we continue to pray for all of the kids we work with every year. 

We pray that as they grow up into young adults, fathers and mothers, even grandmothers, that they hold onto what they have learned from the people around them. We pray that we, and all the people we have in a team for a week of camp, are good examples for all of the campers who attend. We know that a week of camp is only a week, but can mean so much more. We also know that our example needs to continue far past that week of camp. 

Bible camp was immensely important in my spiritual growth, but it was not the only influence. We hope and pray that we can continue to be a good influence not only for the kids at camp, but the kids in our congregation in Maastricht and the adults we have contact with every week. This past week we celebrated the graduation of one of our kids from the kid’s class to the adult’s class. He received a Bible and we all prayed over him. He joins two other young men in the congregation. Later this year we will graduate a young lady.  

We all were kids once. People were an influence on us as well. Now we want to be those people who are a good influence for the kids around us. Do you remember who was an influence in your spiritual life? How can you be that person to the young people around you now (no matter how old you are)? 

Planning ahead for Camp

Every January we are required to hold a meeting of the commission that runs Ardennen Bijbelkamp - our Bible Camp. Our club is officially known as “Shield bearers of the Faith”, but in short we always use “ABK” which is an abbreviation of Ardennes Bible Camp. This official meeting is necessary to do all of our official stuff, but we also use it as a time to encourage one another. 

This year we are looking ahead to some bigger changes. As always we encourage everyone in the church in Belgium and The Netherlands to remember that camp belongs to all of us. Until recently, everything that was done at camp was done by members. Even the renovation in 2012 was financed by gifts from the various churches. So we want to continue encouraging one another to take part in this mission and opportunity. 

In 2024 we expanded the number of camp events held at the camp and made some of the camp moments formally a part of camp. We have 4 weeks in the summer (3 youth weeks and a family week) and two weekends - one in the Fall and one Winter camp. But we have added two weeks of VBK (Vacation Bible Camp) and a week for young adults. It is exciting to see how camp can be used. 

Some quick stats on 2024: camp was used 30 times with 463 campers and 1372 overnights. There were 39 volunteers helping with the various activities. Although the number of campers and times camp was used ar not records, everything has been steadily increasing throughout the years (even the years of corona rules). 

One of the challenges continues to be how we can encourage use of camp while keeping it accessible for all those who want to come and still cover the costs for running camp. Last year, with high energy costs, we were quite a bit behind covering costs. This year we have gotten closer after raising our prices (which had not been raised in more than 10 years). In the coming year we will continue to see how we can best serve the churches and Christians in Belgium and the Netherlands. 

One of the biggest bits of news this year concerned our plans for further renovation. We plan to tear down and rebuild anew the kitchen and bathroom section, bringing everything up to modern standards. This section of camp was the first section to be an actual building. Since ABK started in 1965 - his building has been serving quite some time. 

But the city had at first blocked our plans. They do not want tourism growing any bigger than it already is and feared that we might be growing too large. After first finding a good translator from the church in Verviers who could help with the meeting being held in French, we were able to explain things and move forward with our plans. It may be this year that we finally get to get going on this renovation (which has been in the planning for 3 years). But we may wait until 2026. We would love your prayers for these plans. 

Camp remains an amazing way to help our young people, reach out to families, train members of the church, and offer opportunities to encourage one another and serve. Many of you have helped in various ways throughout the years with this wonderful place. Thank you for your prayers, your financial and physical help and your participation in so many ways. 

You can always find lots of pictures of previous years at our site. 

And you can see even more at the camp website (in Dutch, but you can figure it out): www.bijbelkamp.eu

Another great youth day

The past two years the congregation in Maastricht has decided to expand our focus on our youth. Youth activities in the church are organized generally by the various congregations in Belgium and the Netherlands and spread throughout the year. But all of these weekends begin at qo years old. Our young people were younger. 

In the past we have also organized “Dieno”days (servant days with a play on words to include it sounding like dinosaurus). These were even for kids as young as 4 years old. So we decided as a congregation that we wanted to have a day for our kids, knowing that there were also other kids in the congregations of this age who would also be interested. 

Our age spread was actually from 7-13 at the time. So we planned a youth day utilizing our members who were very interested in the task and in the spiritual welfare of the kids. One of our members brought her grandkids to the first one, which was held in our backyard. But we realized from the beginning that doing the day in Maastricht (in our backyard in Lanaken) meant that parents had to travel quite far, since we are on the edge of both Belgium and the Netherlands. 

So in 2023 we moved the day to a community center in the village of one of our members - in Herselt, in the middle of Belgium. This meant that parents even from theWest could get to the day, spend some time in the area, and head home with their kids at a reasonable time. And more parents lived closer to this central area. The community center was well-suited to our needs for the day as well. 

The day in the Fall of 2023 went well, so we planned two for 2024 - again in Herselt - one in the Spring and one in the Fall. We have a great team working together from the congregation and the parents of the kids are quite happy that there are activities for their kids (even the younger ones). We focus the lessons on the younger and older ages, splitting the ages up for the 2nd lesson. 

This past weekend was the Fall Youth Day. Being in Belgium we always having to hope and pray that we can work well with whatever weather we get. This time the weather was not great, but it was also not terrible. We were thankful to have Rudy and Pam Schellekens visiting who could also help out. Some of the kids got sick at the last minute and could not come, but that is the reality of working with kids. 

The theme of this day was the elements which help us to grow in faith - based on 2 Peter 1:3-11. It always amazes me, although it should not anymore, how well children can learn and remember. Even the boys who have trouble sitting still are actually listening! We are so thankful for being able to work together with such a great group of brothers and sisters from the church in Maastricht for these days. We already have the next ones on the schedule for 2025. 

Thank you for your prayers for these activities, for the team and for the kids. You can find some pictures on our picture site. 

Planning ahead

As the summer comes to an end and our Bible Camp weeks finish, we look ahead to the coming months and the activities planned for various groups. In September we as a congregation will be quite busy. Each weekend has an activity planned which we hope to use to encourage and challenge in our faith. 

In the first weekend of September we are inviting the congregations from Germany (Cologne and any in Aachen) as well as the French-speaking members in Belgium (from Liege and Verviers) to join us in Maastricht for an afternoon of singing. We are also inviting all of the Dutch-speaking congregations, but especially Eindhoven, who is only an hour away and is in the Euregion. 

It has been a few years since we have been able to hold this day of singing. We look forward to singing in German, French, Dutch, English and maybe even in Russian or Ukrainian. We have also advertised the day in the neighborhood of our building, so we may get some visitors from the neighborhood who enjoy singing and meeting new cultures. It is always a nice time to see old friends and make new ones while singing for the Lord. 

The weekend after the singing, the congregation from Maastricht is organizing the Family Day down at camp. This is a yearly event bringing the various congregations from Belgium and Netherlands together for a day of encouragement. We take care of a meal for all who come, present a lesson and do plenty of singing. It is also a time for the congregations to share any news they have. This year we will also plan a quiz with information from the camp weeks this summer. 

The following weekend is the European Singles Retreat in Germany. Although we do not have any singles attending, this is an event we encourage among those we know in the Dutch work. It is a good time for single Christians to gather and encourage one another in their walk with the Lord. Attendees come from all over Europe for an encouraging and challenging weekend. 

The last weekend we as a congregation will plan our second youth day this year. We have a good team and have found a good location the last three times we have hosted the youth from the churches. This is a chance to help our youth get to know and see youth from other congregations. This will be a reunion for many who saw each other during one of the camp weeks in the summer. We are looking forward to welcoming them for a day focused on what we can learn from the Bible for our daily lives. 

The day after the youth day I will also be attending an evaluation meeting for the camp weeks. This meeting is held every year in September and serves as an evaluation and planning session at the same time. We will decide who will lead the camp weeks in 2025 and will talk about changes that are happening or need to happen. The meeting this year will include news about coming plans for renovations and will be the first with our new board. 

So September will be a busy month for us, simply in the weekends. This doesn’t count all of the normal activities that begin again after the summer camp weeks. And suddenly it will be October and heading into the end of the year. Sometimes it seems days move very quickly. We are thankful for the many ways that we can be utilized for the church here and that we can work with a congregation that is so willing to be active in this many ways. Keep these events in your prayers. 

Getting ready for the summer

As we return from a wonderful visit getting to know our granddaughter, we are turning our sights to the various activities planned for the summer. Mostly this means our summer Bible camp weeks. I will be directing the Benjamin week (8-11 year-olds) and will be teaching at the Family Camp week. 

We are excited to be working with a team for Benjamin camp that is mostly made up of members from Maastricht. We will welcome our young Ukrainian couple as counselors for the first tie. Our colleague, Karla will be teaching, together with a sister from the church in Eindhoven. They make a great team and have worked together before. We will have Karla’s daughters in the kitchen together with a sister from Maastricht who will help out. Shirley will be there as acting nurse and help as well. 

We have a full group of young kids coming for this week which will focus on the miracles of Jesus. We had to close registration for the boys because we were full. The girls side is also almost full. This means, for our camp, that we have 25 campers, but doesn’t not count a few more that we are getting who will be staying in tents for a few days. These kids will come from all around Belgium and the Netherlands. 

It is exciting to be able to take part in these camp weeks. One of the things that I do with camp director is give church members a chance to learn and grow as helpers and servers. Getting a good team together is always a challenge, but the week ends up being a wonderful time to grow together. It is also so exciting to see the campers discover God in new ways and have examples of people who know God and follow Him in our daily lives. 

For a lot of these children, camp is a time to see friends that they may not see at any other time in the year. It is also a time that they will be challenged to do things they might not do at home. So they will try new foods, clean up in the kitchen, make their own beds, keep the bathrooms clean, and learn how to work together with other kids. They will also be challenged by the lesson material about who God is and what He truly means in our lives. 

There will be 4 weeks of camp this summer. The older teens (15 years old and up) begin in the 3rd week of July, followed by the Benjamins. The Teens (12-14 year-olds) start in August followed by the family week. Keep each of these weeks in your prayers - the camp teams and the campers attending. 

We know that there are camp weeks all over taking place as well and have been praying for them. Our Ukrainian couple who will be counselors have returned from Cam Amerikraine (held in Poland this year). We know of groups meeting in Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. What a blessing these times can be. We pray that God uses each of these moments mightily to touch hearts for faith in Him. 

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

A time to…

As we get older I am struck (again) by how amazingly God works in our lives, without us knowing exactly how things are going to work out. I still feel like a young man - and think I am until I walk past a mirror or try to pick something up from the floor. But when I look at my life, I see how God continues to use us every day in all manner of ways. I am thankful that I have learned certain things from life that I can pass on to others, but I realize that I still have so much more to learn. 

I remember well so many people who influenced my life for Christ as I was growing in faith. I gave my life to Christ in my senior year of high school. My best friend was the one who brought me to faith, introducing me to Jesus through the Bible and through his own life. His father was the preacher at the congregation we attended and was also a mentor for me as a young man. And there were many along the way as I went to York College. 

As I grew, I realized that I wanted to help others grow in faith as well, but this is not something that one learns, like a job. It is simply sharing what you have already learned with those around you. And you may never really see the results of those moments of sharing. Just as with me, many people touched my life in moments and I never really got the opportunity to tell them how they had influenced me. 

This is something I learned along the way (from many people who influenced me): don’t worry about seeing how God uses you; just keep living for Him and He will be able to use you mightily as He sees fit. So we continue to do all that we can in reaching out to those around us. 

We have been working with Bible camp even longer than we have been here in Belgium. This is a place where we can be an influence on many young hearts and help train some older members of the church in being leaders. But we also realize that we are influenced by these young people as well. How many times have we learned a lesson of amazing faith from the young ones in our care? And so many of them and their desire to learn and put into practice what they are learning is also an example for all of us who are older. 

This past week we had the English-speaking Bible study at our place. Most of our English-speakers are young (under 25) and still learning so much - in faith and in life. It is fun to be able to share some of the basic truths and tips for life that we have learned. We sometimes have to remember that young people may have fewer people from whom they can learn these days. Everything can be found on the internet, but we learn from the people around us who show us how it really works. We want to be those people. 

And at the same time, we are encouraged and influenced by these same young people’s hunger and desire for the word of God and His life and leading. “Was I that eager when I was young?” I wonder. It encourages me in any case to be that eager for God now, today, no matter how old I am. Nothing, least of all age, can keep me from walking with Jesus in the light. 

How often have people said: I am too young (Gideon)? And yet is was the young people who have been an example (like Samuel, David, the boy sharing his lunch). How often have people said: I am too old (even when they were only middle-aged)? And yet it remains God who works even when we think it impossible (think of Sarah, the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth). And all of those who think they are not good enough or are too sinful (like Rahab, Simon Peter and others)? God can use all of us if we allow Him to work through us. 

We are so very thankful for all of the people God has used in our lives. And we pray that we will continue to be useful in helping others find and follow Him. Every day, in every way. 

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.    1 Timothy 4:12

Youth Activities

One of the things that has always thrilled me about the work in Dutch-speaking Europe (Belgium and the Netherlands) is two well the various churches work together top organize events for the youth. A congregation may only have a few young people, or they may only have a few of a certain age group. But when the congregations work together, the young people can know that they are not alone. And workers from the congregations can work together and get to know one another as well as the young people. 

This year we have already had three youth activities: a youth weekend in Ghent in January, a Console weekend in Antwerp in February and this weekend a Girl’s weekend held in Belgium. Next weekend the boys will be welcomed in The Hague to play some sports on the beach and get to know one another. 

In April there will be a sports day for young people of all ages, near the center of Belgium. This will be at the end of a Vacation Bible Kamp held down at our campground in the Ardennes for kids from 8-14 years old. Scott will be helping teach this group from 1 Timothy. Later in the month the congregation in Maastricht is organizing a youth day in Belgium for younger ages (7-15 years-old). This is because “our” kids (the kids from Maastricht) fall into this age group. But this is also a chance for younger kids to experience a youth activity and meet other kids from congregations around Belgium or the Netherlands. 

At the end of May a CYC (Challenge Youth Conference) is being organized for the 2nd time in Belgium. Last year there were about 70 participants. This is a place where the youth can gather internationally. It is always exciting to meet young people from different areas and countries. We are thankful for members who are willing to work with all of these efforts and are blessed in ways to be able to help. 

We will be working with the youth day organized by Maastricht, the VBK and then later in the summer the Benjamin Camp week of Bible Camp. In addition we will be organizing a day out for the congregation in Maastricht in May. In September we are planning as a congregation to organize a singing day for congregations in the REA (French-speaking and German-speaking as well as Dutch-speaking) and will organize the Family Day at camp on September 14. These are also all opportunities for young people to take part with their families. 

Keep all of these young people in your prayers and pray for all of those organizing and working with them as well. We are so thankful for so many who have a heart for those around them and know that God is working mightily in all of us in so many ways. 

Father's fun

Recently we have been having fun. This past Saturday we had a great day in the sun with our young people. We wanted to take the time to do several important things: show how important Jesus is for real life, connect with some other youth from around Belgium, show that having fun is something God has made possible. Christians know best how to have fun, since God is the creator of fun. 

On the second Sunday of the month we had a Games Day at the building after services. More than 20 members and kids stayed afterwards and had fun playing all sorts of board games and card games. Everyone is already looking forward to the e next second Sunday Games day. This was a time of bonding between young and old, Dutch-speaking or not. Fun can be had in every language and at every age. 

The youth day we organized this past Saturday was built around the theme of ‘Build your House”. We wanted to look at what Jesus says about the wise and foolish man as well as examine how we can be living stones to the cornerstone of Jesus. 

We moved the location to a community center close to Mario and Tonia, which meant that kids from other congregations could reach it more easily (Maastricht is a good way away from where most people live). Our age-group was fairly young: from 7 to 13 years-old, because that is the age of our kids in Maastricht. We were thrilled to welcome 8 kids from various other congregations for the day. 

The sun shone brightly, the rain stayed away and the kids enjoyed the time inside and out. Our two 13 year-olds prepared the first games outside. Scott brought the first lesson outside as well before we all headed inside for lunch. After some more play time outside the kids headed inside for some practical lessons focused on how we work together. Have you ever made a tower out of flat pieces of paper? These kids came up with some great ideas. 

By the end of the day we were thrilled with how God could touch so many hearts in such a short time. Several “shy” kids blossomed throughout the activities. All of the kids helped each other in the end. And the lesson points came through loud and clear. Fun was had by all in a way that God was glorified and amplified. We pray that a good bit of what was mentioned and done will stay with the kids in the coming days and weeks. 

In November we are looking forward to joining a football (soccer) tournament with a team from Maastricht. This is another time that we can experience having fun and getting to know others around us, sharing the joy that comes with being a child of God. Before that, several teens will be heading down to camp for Fall campo and the young kids will be able to experience a week at Vacation Bible Camp. Pray for our young people and for all of the team members making these sorts of activities possible. 

Youth, camp, walking, studying

As this year continues to roll out, we are looking as a church in Maastricht at how best to serve one another, reach out to our community and be a family of God. There are all sorts of activities planned not only by the congregation here, but also others in Belgium and the Netherlands. 

This past weekend was a console weekend organized for teens from 12 years-old and up and held in Antwerp. One of our young people was able to attend, along with his father as a helper. These weekends get young people together to have good time gaming (within boundaries) and also consider some real themes in life. 

In Maastricht we are looking at when we can best plan another youth weekend for our own youth and their friends. Last year we planned a day around the armor of God. This year we hope to get the young people together again - probably in April, but maybe in September. We may even look at planning two events. 

We are also looking at getting together again for a day down at camp. This is a time of study together and fellowship. Last year we spent an encouraging day learning about the Bible before spending the rest of the afternoon in a walk through the nature that speaks so eloquently of God’s existence. We will probably plan this day in the weekend Shirley and Scott return from their trip to the US. 

One of the suggestions made by one of our members was to plan a weekly or monthly time to walk in the city (or areas around the city). This would be an activity to which members could invite friends and family and affords good time for good conversation and prayer. Many of our members live in wonderful areas for a good walk. We are blessed with living in one of the most beautiful areas of the Netherlands and Belgium. 

We have already started with a study group on Tuesday evenings for our English-speaking young people. We have several university students and young professionals in the congregation. We are currently looking at the wisdom that Paul passes on to Timothy in his letters and are blessed with a group that not only enjoys the time together but is serious about growing in faith. 

These are all activities that are planned for before the Summer. Of course Shirley and Scott will be off for two months in the US visiting family and church family, but activities continue. And in the Summer the Bible camp weeks are already planned. Scott and Shirley will help lead and teach at the Teen week in August. This year will also be the first time that a week is planned for young professionals. There may also be a special week planned for Ukrainians in the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Pray with us for these efforts. Thank you for working together with us in reaching these areas of the world with the good news of a life in Jesus Christ. 

Whensday: Ardennen Bijbelkamp (ABK)

I talk a lot about Ardennen Bijbelkamp. That’s because a lot of what we do has to do with this wonderful tool that has been given us. At the end of this month we will gather with members of the church from various congregations around the Netherlands and Belgium to talk about how camp has been used and how we can continue to use it wisely for the churches. 

This place was first conceived and purchased back in 1965 by various brothers in the French- and Dutch-speaking churches at the time as well as some brothers from the US. The desire was to have a place in God’s wonderful creation which could be used to help members grow in faith. This would be a place for youth and family camps, a place where congregations could go for a retreat together, a place where members or families together could simply get away and meditate on God’s Word together. 

From the very beginning it was a place that was for all of the congregations. The work that was done to clear the land was done by various churches. Later, as buildings were erected, this works was done again by members of the various congregations working together. In the first days, everything was done in tents. Later a simple shed-type ‘building’ was constructed. 

In the 1960’s many of the French-speaking churches made good use of the land. It is, after all, in French-speaking area in Belgium. Solwaster is only about 20 minutes from the resort town of Spa (you can read more about that in these articles). As the congregations grew, partially because of this tool, more possibilities were added to the camp terrain, including a kitchen and toilets. 

Mind you, in the beginning there was no running water and certainly no sewage system. That had to be taken care of by members as well. When a plumbing system came, the toilets were still flushed by buckets of water hauled from the creek which runs through the terrain. I even remember washing in the creek, and that was in the 1980’s. 

We didn’t have electricity at camp for quite some time. Lighting was done with gas lamps. Food was bought each day fresh or was planned to be food that would not spoil. In the 1990’s we were able to purchase a generator, the church members getting together for the funds and the installation. And for years the sound of the oil-spouting diesel generator was added to the sounds of camp - alongside the squeals of kids playing in the creek, the quiet of people reading their Bibles, the joyful singing together. 

By the 2000’s we finally had real electricity, plumbing had been around for some time and we began dreaming about maybe finally putting the plumbing into the dormitory that had been built in the 1980’s. But it was the demolition of the main hall in 2012 that was first to come. This was to make way for the new hall and upper room. Many of you worked on this building or helped to finance it. 

After the main building was renovated, the use of camp was able to move further. From being usable for perhaps 10 times in the year (4 major weeks in the summer and various weekends through the year) we moved to using it almost 20 times a year. The last three years, after a renovation of the dormitory, we have used camp om average 30 times a year. 

And there are more plans coming. The next renovation will be to the kitchen and toilet/bathroom section, bringing everything into the new century. This has all only been possible because of an inheritance from a sister who had been there from the very beginning in 1965. When she passed away - to wait for us all at the Home prepared for us by Jesus - she left her funds to make sure that camp would be provided for. 

I am thankful that we (Shirley and I) have been able to experience quite a bit of this history. Another time I will talk about how much Bible Camp (this one, but more importantly a few others) have been in my faith wak and life. We pray that this place has been such an influence to the people who have come to Ardennen Bijbelkamp. Thank you for your prayers and your working together throughout the years. 

Go here to find all sorts of pictures from many years of camp. (choose a year, then click on the photo)

(By the way, find me and Shirley in this first photo. Our colleagues are in the second photo. Both of these taken before we were married couples)

Daily doin's

Sometimes it is hard to figure out what to put in this space. We want so much to keep you up to date on what we are doing, but so often it feels like we are simply doing the things we do every day. So let me take the time to just update you on what we are doing. 

Studies

This year we are working through the theme of “In the world but not of the world”. For our Wednesday evening study I have been working through the letters to the churches which give us some practical tips on living as children of God. We started with the letter to the Ephesians and will be looking at the armor of God next Wednesday. On Sunday mornings I have been looking at what the word “holy” means and how we can be holy. 

In addition to these studies with the church I have also been enjoying working through the Acts of the Apostles with a seeker on Thursday mornings with my colleague, Ruud. On about two Mondays a month Shirley and I are also at another couple from the church for a study in Ezechiel. It is exciting and challenging to see how God wants so much to work with us and how difficult we sometimes make it in our own lives. 

Activities

As we have emerged from corona restrictions we have been able to start planning some more activities again. As mentioned already, we are looking forward to planning a youth weekend soon with the youth from our congregation. This may end up being in June instead of May. 

We have already picked a day in May for the congregation to meet together down at camp. This will be a day of singing, teaching and good fellowship. We are hoping of course that it will also be blessed with some beautiful weather. Our congregation has significantly changed in the last years, so it will be good to spend time together, getting to know each other better and enjoying the beauty at camp. 

At the beginning of June we are looking to plan the annual Spring get-together of congregations in Belgium and the Netherlands. This had in the past been planned on rotation by the various Dutch congregations. More recently it was planned by a group of members from the various congregations. This year I will help getting this group together to plan an encouraging hybrid day (online and in-person) centered on Finding Peace in Turbulent Times. 

I also hope to be able to plan a new day of singing in June. It has been quite a while since the last Song Seminar. At this coming event I hope to be able to look at several of the new songs that were passed around and translated during the lockdowns. We now have recordings, but it would be even better if we can learn to sing them together. We will also continue our first Friday singing in Maastricht and our third Wednesday singing in Eindhoven. 

Camp

Working up to the summer we are also finishing plans for our summer Bible camp weeks. Scott and Shirley will both be directing and helping with the Benjamins (8-11 years-olds) at the end of July. Scott will take the week following as well, directing and teaching the Teens (12-14 year-olds). The teams have been formed and parents are already registering their children. 

This brings up an update concerning the Ukrainians and use of camp. We were willing to have camp used as a safe haven and staging area, but the way that things are set up in Belgium has made it less likely that any refugees will choose to spend time at camp. It is not impossible, but not probable at the moment. We had planned to have camp available until June 15. Most refugees are finding other avenues. We of course pray that they will soon be able to return to their country, although this will be a real challenge for many. 

New relationships

We have been so very thankful for the new relationships we have been able to make with the refugees who have arrived in Belgium and the Netherlands. On our third Wednesday singing in Eindhoven and a second Friday devotional near Eindhoven we have been able to connect with the group in Eindhoven. Some of them are friends or family of the Ukrainians meeting with us in Maastricht. 

Adriana is staying with our colleagues, Ruud and Karla. She is the girlfriend of Andrey who is a brother in the congregation in Maastricht (formerly of Kiev). He is the son of Alexander. Both Alexander and Andrey moved to Belgium before the war. Alexander, Andrey and Adriana are a great contribution to the congregation. Last weekend Adriana helped Shirley and I with getting the children’s class cabinet at the building cleaned out and ready to go again. 

Soon I hope to sit down with these Ukrainian sisters (Alina is another sister here) and figure out which songs we know together. This past Sunday I noticed how much they all lit up when we sang a song in Dutch that they knew in Russian/Ukrainian. There are more like that and I want to be able to lift their hearts in that way more often. Song is such a beautiful gift from God for worship and healing. 

In the meantime we continue to keep an eye on changes for travelers because we hope to be able to start truly making our plans to see so many of you soon. Thank you for your prayers for all that God is doing here and for strength for daily walking in His grace. Keep walking in the light - every day!

If we are walking in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.     1 John 1:7

Life and death and Life

What does it mean to live? In this past year many questioned whether they were really living, whether it was worth it. In the church, where we know and can find true Life - in Christ - we had to struggle with how to retain life in the midst of what seemed like death. When people cannot sing together, when we cannot see one another, when we often cannot even be outside, then a cold, dark inside feels like death. 

So we struggled and we have seen life where we didn’t expect it. We are thankful for the way that Jesus Christ has arisen - out of the grave - in the lives and hearts of the members in Maastricht. Our Bible studies have blossomed and included more people than ever. Members have taken the opportunity to contact each other in other ways, knowing that meeting together was not possible. And when we could finally meet together mid-April, we thrilled at the time, spending Sunday mornings together well past the midday hour. 

In addition we have seen new life growing. Our weekly study with G has been an amazing journey. She grew up in a culturally Christian home, but never made any kind of choice for Jesus as Lord. It was her Iranian friend who awakened her to the death she was walking in. They were both baptized and G looked for a family, finding us in Maastricht. Now each week we spend time together getting to know Jesus. Shirley and Scott are thrilled to see her grow in faith. 

Sometimes death gives opportunities. Scott began reading the Bible years ago with R. This turned into a relationship where Scott cares for R, even now as R has gone to a nursing home to wait out his days on earth. R. Has asked Scott to be the one to celebrate R’s life when he passes. IN the meantime, Scott has gotten to know R’s family and M’s family. M is his girlfriend who has also asked Scott to care for her end of life. So, in looking to what death brings, Scott has made new relationships and been given opportunities to speak of real life. 

That is what it is really about - real life. We spend time in the Bible each week with members - encouraging faith and growth - and with seekers, people who don’t yet know Jesus. We spend time mentoring members once a month to develop leaders. We allow God to use us in any way to reach young people, including helping with a new initiative for international youth. The last gathering of the CIA (Christians in Action) had more than 60 young people (12-17 year-olds) from all over Europe. In June, the group from the Netherlands is organizing the evening. 

We are thankful that our plans for summer Bible camp weeks are able to go forward. The group of Benjamins (8-11 year-olds) is shaping up to be one of the biggest groups we have had for a week of camp. Scott will also help lead the teens (12-14 year-olds) the week after. These are opportunities to train up new leaders as well as help young people to learn about new life in Jesus Christ. What a thrill it is to know that God gives real life. 

Which is why even death cannot overcome the love we have in Jesus Christ. This past month we said goodbye to one of our dear sisters in Christ in Eindhoven. Nita Blaakmeer touched many lives in many ways with the love that Christ brought into her life. We were blessed to be able to gather to celebrate her life and say goodbye - for now. 

Death is not the end. If we are willing to die in Christ, then death can only bring true life. That is the amazing truth and reality we have been working with these past months. That is the truth we will proclaim each week and in each month that God gives us to live with Him on this earth - wherever we are. 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39