Sing and be Happy

You have heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again – I am so thankful for what God has given us in song! Singing brings heart and mind together. When we sing together, we bring our hearts and minds together. What a blessing and encouragement!

In March we organised the second Song Workshop in Antwerp – time to learn new songs for any congregation, to learn how to read music, to learn the bass line or other part from a specific song. It was a great day of encouraging singing and hopefully preparation for more in many local congregations.

On some Monday’s Shirley and I get to visit with Mario and Tonia in Aarschot for a study. Often we will finish the evening in song – no matter how late it has gotten. And on the first Wednesday of every month we welcome some members from the church in Liege for an evening of singing (often in three languages). This month Mavis Antwi was able to come as well. She is from Scotland, but is doing an internship in Heerlen (outside Maastricht) and made sure to be active with us for the three months she is in the Netherlands.

In May we are organising a concert with Harding University Chorus. Harding will sing with two local choirs and Laus (a group of Dutch-speaking church members) for a varied group in a church building that has been turned into a home and laboratory for blood studies (wonderful symbolism there!). Be praying for the singers, the listeners and all hearts involved, that they will be touched with the words and heart of God.

Whatever your heart is – lift it up with God in song. Are you alone? Sing it out (even if it is only in your heart). Better yet – get together with others and share those hearts and minds in glorifying and extolling our gracious Father.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13

Check out a few pictures here.

Out of the dark

How do you deal with forgiveness? What do we do with the struggle against sin in our lives? Who do you think you are – are you holier than I?

These and many other questions are part and parcel of our conversations and interactions – not only in our work, but in our daily lives with one another as well. Paul struggled with his past, knowing that he had condoned murder – even though he had not considered it such at the time. Peter knew what he had done there by the fire, cursing his accent from Galilee. We all know the feeling: we were in a dark place, a very dark place.

But that is the operative word – if we are now in Christ. We WERE in a very dark place. A place of shame. And when satan reminds us of it – either in temptation or in accusing us through the mouth of someone who has come to know of our past – we can only admit that it is true. We were truly like that. We really did do that. And yet, that is not the end of the story.

It is truly true that Jesus’ death on a cross, in shame and pain, paid my debt to righteousness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin so that we might become his righteousness” (a favorite song and of course also 2 Corinthians 5:21). You may have lived in the darkest depths of slavery (yes, that is really what it is), but He brought you out and placed you in His glorious kingdom of light.

Imagine what the Israelites felt when they came through the Red Sea on dry land and saw the waters crash back down on the army that had been breathing with heated breath down their necks. They had almost been caught again, captured and carried back to the darkness. But now, now they look back over the waves at that far away place, that place of darkness – as they stand in the light, as they stand in freedom.

I am NOT in darkness. I am NEW. And I will live as this risen creation, awoken to new possibilities and new strengths in the might of the Almighty God, my loving Father. You, too, can walk away from darkness. Don’t listen to the repeating refrain of shame that satan shouts into your ear. Simply admit the truth: Yes, I WAS in darkness. And admit the Truth: but ‘I have been crucified in Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me!’ (another song – and Galatians 2:20).

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

Consistency

When Shirley and I were just married, we moved to Abilene, Texas (the day after our wedding), where I would finish my degree. Our first Sunday was with the family at South 11th and Willis. It was, and is still, a very mission-minded congregation. This family has worked all over the world, including the Eastern US, Kenya, France, and Belgium and the Netherlands. They also continue to have an outreach in the deaf community, both locally and internationally. It was at this congregation that we were also encouraged and challenged in our desire to serve. They are consistent in their focus on what is most important - spreading the news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
One of the couples we met and worked with there was Larry and Hollye Conway who went on to work in Nairobi, Kenya. Today I got a copy of a newsletter text about their work. It applies to so many things that I wanted to share it with you.

Hello everyone, the last few days I have had the opportunity to watch Kenyan fishermen go out with their nets and gear to catch fish. These men are professionals. This isn’t a rare occasion for them. They do this daily. While there are many things they do that I can apply to my life, one trait they possess is consistency. It doesn’t matter if the weather is favorable or not, they consistently go out and work. If it is hot, they go out. If it is raining, they still go to the water and cast their nets in order to bring home results. Consistency is a good thing.
Sometimes, people ask me what exactly do you do in Kenya? When working with street children one needs to be consistent! There’s that word again. Consistency is important to street kids because they have lost trust in others. Somewhere along the way there has been an authority figure, a parent, teacher, a friend, or someone else who has broken trust and lost credibility. In order for us to share Christ and the gospel with street children, trust and credibility have to be present. Therefore, the team makes visits to the street kids out on the street, garbage pile, under the bridge, under the tree, or wherever they may be. Very few people actually go to visit street children where they live. Many people are afraid to go to where the kids are because they have heard that they are all dangerous, or criminals who will rob you or harm you if you get close to them. The Great Commission is a mission to go fishing. Therefore, my co-workers and I do our best to consistently go where others are and share the good news. A part of consistency that helps to get results with street children is to consistently do what you say you will do. We, in order to build trust and credibility, make extra effort to consistently do what we say we will do. For example, if we say we will bring medicine to help someone who is sick, that is what we will do. If we say we will buy their lunch next week then, we buy their lunch.
We consistently share the good news in a language street kids understand. Street kids use a language called ‘sheng’. Sheng is a mixture of Swahili, and some local languages called Kikuyu and Luo (and sometime other local languages). The ‘sheng’ language changes often, they keep introducing new words in order to keep authority figures like the police from understanding what they are speaking about. I consistently write down new words in the ‘sheng’ language to help me to remember because if I don’t write them down I can easily forget the new word.
 Kenyans love to tell and hear stories. Therefore, we don’t read the Bible often with street kids but we tell Bible stories. The stories are kept short and to the point. Short stores are easily remembered. Recently on a visit to street kids living under a bridge near a huge shopping mall, I shared the story of Joseph from Genesis 39. Street kids love the story of Joseph because it is similar to their story. I emphasized that Joseph didn’t actually do anything wrong but he endured mistreatment from others. The story resonated with the street boys because it is common for them to be mistreated by the police, or people who are just passing by. Sometimes, people call them awful names or people mistreat them by being violent towards them. Another point emphasized from the story was that Joseph loved and trusted God throughout his ordeal of suffering. Before finishing the story of Joseph I have as many street kids as possible tell the story again or repeat some of the main points of the story. We do this consistently in order to increase understanding and to emphasize that anyone can tell the story.
Good things are happening with street boys in Nairobi. Recently, Alex graduated from vocational training in carpentry. He is working as an apprentice in Nairobi. The former street boys John, Franco, and Kamweru are in vocational training. John and Franco are studying automotive mechanics and Kamweru is studying sheet metal fabrication. Brian, a young boy (aged 9 or 10) who lives on the streets, has suffered a hand injury. The team helped him get medical treatment and we have located a children’s home for him to go to beginning on Monday. He can be safe, loved, educated, and cared for while at the home.
We are very thankful for the consistent financial and spiritual support we have received over the past thirty years. Thank you. There is a lot of work to be done in Africa. The Great Commission is clear. There is still a lot of fishing to be done. Our Lord still wants to fill the nets with new souls. We will continue to consistently tell the message because it is the greatest message ever told.
Until next time, The Conways

So very true. God is consistent with us, loving us and challenging us each day with His grace. Our work here is very different than what Larry and Hollye are doing, but consistency is still paramount. Paul said it like this: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Tim. 4:2)

Rain or shine, whether we feel like it or not, whether we think our efforts will make a difference or not - we go out and fish. In our area the analogies to sowing make more sense, but the truth is the same. The farmer goes out in wind, rain or shine. God grants the increase. 

Thank you for being consistent in praying for God's kingdom - around the world - and for living in His grace each and every day! 

You can find Larry and Hollye on Facebook if you would like to follow more of what God is doing through them in Nairobi. 

That's a keeper

I like learning. Although school was not always ‘fun’, it was usually exciting to be learning new things. And that learning doesn’t start or stop with school. A simple walk with the dog in the morning can bring new insights and challenges. Learning means having an open enough mind to see new things and consider them, and a critical enough mind to question what is true or right or worthwhile.

It is possible to learn from all sorts of situations and all sorts of people. One of my favorite texts is in 1 Thessalonians where we are encouraged to test teaching and hold on to the good. I haven’t yet met a teacher with whom I agree on everything or whom I believe has everything right. But I am willing to listen, to sift through the information, and to hold on to what is good.

This month I had the opportunity once again to attend ABSS – the Advanced Bible Study Series. This week of study is organized by my colleague Paul Brazle in Germany and is attended by brothers and sisters from all over Europe. I enjoy the challenging lessons as well as the good conversations (during and after playing basketball) and singing. And I was able to hold on to some good lessons.

The other side of the learning coin is also found in scripture – and it is also one of my favorite thoughts: remember to share with the teacher what you have learned (Galatians 6:6). I remember a young boy showing me very earnestly how to tie my shoe – he had recently learned and wanted to make sure I knew how to achieve this very important task.

That is the beauty of learning – it is exciting. We can’t hold it in. We want to share it with everyone. Sometimes we hear to an inner voice saying, “This is nothing special. Everyone already knows this.” Don’t listen to that voice. Share what you have learned. Be excited. And for those who are listening – just as I was with the young boy teaching me to tie my shoe – listen attentively and learn. Be excited with the learner.

In the Dutch version of the song ‘Freely, freely give” we sing: “Pass it on, pass it on – whatever you now have. Pass on whatever you now know.” Whatever it is you know now (you will learn more as you go), pass it on. Whatever you have now (of course you are not a millionaire and cannot help many), pass it on. God wants to use us now, wherever we are.

In this coming year I am looking forward to mentoring a brother in Haarlem. I pray that God will use me to help him learn, and I know that I too will learn as we struggle together through the things God wants to teach us.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Just for the day

Every day is a gift. Some days we get to work hard, meet lots of people, get a ton of things done and feel content at the end of the day. Some days we work hard and feel like nothing gets done - and we put that day to bed and look forward to the next day to finish things. Some days are just to enjoy with family or friends, or to take time to rest. But each day is a gift.
We try to take advantage regularly of day trips to get away together. It is amazing what you can see within a day's travel - no matter where you live. We have spent time simply biking in our area, or walking not far from our house. But sometimes we take the opportunity to travel a bit farther.
In January we had just a few days that Sean was free and we could get away together as a family easily. So we checked online, made plans and jumped on a plane to Budapest, Hungary. It was a quick two and a half day visit, but a great time together. Check out the pictures here. The history of this city and country, the beauty - in the cold of winter - and the time to share this together was a real blessing.
At the end of the month Shirley and Scott got to take a day together traveling with the train. The camera did not go along - just time together and memories. We had a special train card to travel the whole day, so we stopped in at several different Dutch cities: Den Bosch, Gouda and Utrecht. But the train was as interesting as the stops.
On one of the legs we sat next to a mother and daughter. Somehow we had sat ourselves in a 'Silence' car, meaning that we were to be silent (not quiet, but silent). I can imagine this is nice for those who want to get some work done on the commute. The girl tried, but being silent is not that easy for young children. At one point she was more or less singing: 'Soup, soup, soup, soup.' "Mama, what if you could only eat soup - for every meal. Would that be healthy?" Mother replied wisely, "Well, that depends on what kind of soup you are eating."
Later that day in Gouda we stopped for a bowl of soup. One was spicy parsnip soup (made spicy with a good bit of ginger!). The other was a tomato and bell pepper soup. Both were welcome after a winter walk through the old town of Gouda. Near the end of the day, after walking around Utrecht's lighted canals in the evening, we sat in the cold rail station eating a salad - which was delicious, but not as warm as the soup.
We enjoyed sunshine the whole day, took plenty of time to stop and read about the history, and even spent time speaking with an artist who shared with us about his work. People watching, imagining what the cities were like in the past, listening to all the different languages and dialects - simply enjoying the day together. A full day - a blessing and a gift.
Enjoy your day today. Know that God is able to use you in so many ways, bless you in so many way,  if you will simply accept His gift - today.

La La La and Who’s who?

One year ends, another begins, and life keeps moving on. We might have to learn how to make our fingers write (or type) that new number, but a lot of what we do remains the same. Our desire and task is to live daily in the will of God – especially in the little things.

A lot of what we are doing has to do with language, singing and relationships. At the end of 2016 we were invited by the congregation in Eindhoven to come for their monthly singing and help out with learning new songs. So now we get to meet with Christians from Liége, Maastricht and (soon) Hasselt on the first Wednesday of each month and then again with the members from Eindhoven on the third Wednesday. Learning new songs, enjoying singing together and encouraging one another is an amazing blessing for which we are so thankful.

We are also looking forward to Harding Chorus travelling in Europe. Besides hitting Germany France and the UK they will stop by Maastricht for two days and a concert. We have put together a program with local choirs as well as with the group Scott leads, called LAUS. We hope to not only touch hearts with the songs we sing and through the hearts of the singers, but also to let the neighborhood better know who we are as followers of Jesus. Think about us in your prayer time working up to May 16 and thereafter as well.

Multiple languages is simply a reality in Europe, and as more people arrive from various areas of the world looking for a safe place to live, we want to make the most of this opportunity to let people know who Jesus is. Last year we helped translate a basic book from Let’s Start Talking designed for beginning speakers. The plan was to use these with refugees.

Although we have not been able to begin this yet in Maastricht, in Eindhoven they have a group of refugees as well as a group of internationals looking to learn Dutch better. This means that we are looking at how best to get the normal FriendSpeak materials in Dutch as well. In Maastricht we are watching closely and praying about how best we can do this here. Would you pray with and for us?

Prayer is such a strength. It is in prayer that our relationships become clear. Every Wednsday morning at 7am Jan C. and Scott are together to pray for one another, fo r families, the church, the world and so much more. Brothers and sisters in Long Beach and Woodbury continue to encourage us as well as we take time together praying. What a blessing to know that we are a family and that God is in control. God’s design is glorious!

So we continue with our weekly activities. We meet five times a week with various groups to see what God is telling us in His word. Some of these are Christians and we are encouraging one another to live for Him. Others are those who are seeking God, but don’t always know where to look for what He really desires. Still others are simply trying to figure out how to get along in the relationships they have. We want to keep trying to be an example and a guide in these relationships.

As we look forward to the rest of 2017, we are excited about how God will use us. We just finished looking at 2016 at Ardennen Bible Camp and were excited by how much camp is being used not only for our summer activities, but also throughout the year by various congregations. We were thrilled recently by the news from our brothers and sisters in Long Beach who shared a gracious gift of $6000 to help make a needed renovation of our kitchen possible! This year we are planned to help out with at least two weeks of camp in the summer.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

The second day of Christmas

In Belgium and the Netherlands (and many other places) we celebrate two days of Christmas. Both the 25th and the 26th are holidays (in the Netherlands the stores are closed, in both countries the banks are closed). But of course the ‘second day of Christmas’ gets me thinking in musical terms and I end up with two turtle doves. And that is what is so intriguing.

Turtle doves are symbolic for romantic love. You will see them in logo’s for weddings. We say things like, “Oh, look at the turtle doves.” And this time of year is a time of love. Shirley and I were married on the 21st. Stephan and Natalie on the 22nd. Although I imagine few get married on the 26th, this period is one of sharing and remembering the love we have for each other.

Two turtle doves were also the offer that Joseph and Mary brought to the temple when Jesus was born to redeem him as the first born male. They were faithful in worshipping God with their lives. So this is a time of family, of loving one another as we love God. The doves even show up in films like Home Alone 2, testifying to this element. We enjoy being together with heavenly-made family at this time as well as sharing via technology with family around the world. 

And God, who knows us all and wants all to be able to come to Him, was gracious in the sacrifices required of the Israelites. The doves were so that everyone, even those who were less well off, could offer and be in good standing with God. How ironic – or simply prophetic – that this simple offer is all that was required while it was Jesus who actually brought the ultimate offer and redeemed Joseph and Mary – and all of us. Those simple doves remind me of the beautiful, gracious love that Jesus Christ showed and shows to us all, even today.

So I really like the second day of Christmas. Don’t quite know what to make of all those leaping, milking folks later on, but those two turtle doves are quite a picture!

Enjoy this day, knowing that God loves you and wants you to be with Him, every day. He has done everything necessary to make this possible – now all that is needed is your (and my) willingness to accept Him.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christʼs physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. Colossians 1:21-23

Going for a walk

Just before Thanksgiving (which we are actaully celebrating this weekend as ‘Thanksmas’ with other Americans and such) we were once again blessed to attend the Euro American Retreat in Rothenburg op der Tauber, Germany. This retreat has been going for more than 50 years and was originally attended mostly by military members in Europe. From the beginning they wanted to make it also a time of refreshing for and learning from missionaries in Europe. We have been able to attend because of gracious gifts from church members in the US and in Europe.

This weekend is a great time to meet up with others who are working in the kingdom around Europe, to share ideas and struggles, to be fed with challenging lessons from the Word. It is also a time to sing and share. I am always amazed and blessed by the giving, sharing spirit of those who come to this retreat. The intimate, quaint walled city and inevitable beautiful weather (whether it be snow or Autumn sunshine) are all simply settings for the conversations and thoughts which take place here.

The weekend of Thanksgiving, we were in Antwerp to share once again with some of the same people about missional outreach. How can we, where we are, be more intentional in how we are reaching people? Are there things we need to be doing differently? These were some of the same questions we had struggled with in Germany. 

One of the things which has remained with me was the realization presented by an illustration: we cannot keep pouring the goodness of God out of our cup into that of others. We must ourselves be filled to overflowing, thus allowing God’s blessings to overflow to others. If I am not myself being filled with the Spirit, how will He be able to use me to bless others?

Another moment of clarity came with the discussion about how religious language often is already too foreign for modern ears. That doesn’t mean we do not present the truths of Jesus Christ in our daily language. It means that we may first speak about ‘the teacher’ or ‘our support group’ or how ‘I read...’.

Each week I go walking. I walk with a man who needs to talk and wants to get healthier. I walk and listen and sometimes say a bit. This is what I observed was being done with me these last weeks as well. Isn’t it beautiful to know that God – from the beginning – talks of walking with us. He walked in the garden. And we can walk in the light, as He is in the light.

But if we walk 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

A part of the whole

Kinetic sculpture from Carl Zachmann

Last weekend was spent running around and sitting. The Copa Benelux, an indoor soccer tournament organized by the church in Ghent, brings members of the church and friends together to enjoy a day of sport in a christian atmosphere. It is a time to reconnect with members from congregations across Belgium and the Netherlands; there were players from Haarlem, The Hague, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels, Rotselaar and more.

This past week we visited Eindhoven for their monthly singing evening. This was a time to encourage one another, but also to talk about how best to use our time singing together. How do we help one another? How can we be better song leaders and singers? It was a challenging evening. We hope to share some more of these in the coming months. 

Both of these activities reminded me of how important the individual and the whole is. A soccer team doesn’t work when there is only one person playing. It has to be a team effort – each member of the team doing his or her part. Some are better at shooting a goal, but sometimes the defender pushes through to make or receive a pass and score. And sometimes the striker has to return to defend against an attack. It is a team effort. Those who do not play as a team, do not make it further.

Singing, as God has designed it for us in the church, is also a group effort. The whole point of our singing is only accomplished as a group. We are speaking to one another of the glory of God, encouraging one another to remain true and strong in the faith, sharing our feelings of struggle or joy or comfort. If we do not sing together, we do not accomplish what is possible through the Holy Spirit. And yet we each take part, individually, in this communal song.

We are individuals, created as unique beings, meant to be only part of a whole. We are indeed simply cogs in a machine – or better, as Paul states it in 1 Corinthians – body parts. We must be active as individuals, but we must not forget that our purpose is in the whole. That is when we truly work as a team. That is when we truly make harmony. 

We are so thankful for the opportunities God gives us not only to take part in these activities, but to be reminded of this wonderful truth of His working through us for His purpose. 

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11

A reminder for my heart

Let's consider how to please the Spirit (v. 8)

Choosing to grow

We spent this past weekend down in the Ardennes at Fall Camp. About 20 years ago this was a weekend for families and the youth. Then we focused more on the youth. Now, the last two years, we have put the two back together again. It is a challenge to meld activities for parents with kids, little kids, young teens and older teens – but it is worth it.

For years we have been telling our young people the truth of what it means to follow Jesus. And they have been listening. They want to follow, they want to do what is right. When we all get together, it gives us all the opportunity to really put that into practice – and that is what we need! How can I follow if I don’t have any examples? How can I follow if I am not challenged with difficult options (for example: help someone, or go play)?

At our camps, we always have ‘corvee’ (pronounced: core-fay) or kp-duty (kitchen police – washing up after a meal). Everyone signs up for a turn at corvee and sometimes the camp director has to ‘volunteer’ folks for their chance. Not this group. The young people were some of the first ones signed up. They came to me throughout the week to ask: What can I do to help?

Of course it is also nice to be able to get away with your friends and talk about things that interest you. I enjoyed seeing this group encouraging one another. Besides the talk of music, movies, sports and school, there were discussions about struggles, about fasting and praying, about how better to encourage one another. Some of the young people were the example for me, rather than the other way around.

It was only last year that Gijs gave his life to Christ. In the meantime, he has looked at how better to focus his life on this Jesus whom he is following. What things are most important? How to combine work with faith? How to be more active in the local body of Christ? It is exciting to see!

One of the walks this week was to a rock. I tell people when we get there: That is where we are going (looking up to the top of this rock). Some groan. Some want to start clambering up the rock right away. But there is a path – a winding, climbing path. You have to keep climbing. Along the way, you can look down and see how far you have come so far. Once up top, you can gaze below and wonder at how high you have climbed! And then you can turn around and continue up the path – even higher and further.

Perseverance, continuing, looking ahead and up, staying focused, enjoying the journey along the way – this is what I see on weekends like these. It is so good to be part of the family of God and be able to share this, not only with mature brothers and sisters, but also with those who are becoming mature and those who are still looking for the Way. 

The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19 (remember to at least read the whole chapter)

Step by step

I remember being thrilled that I could go to school, the excitement by every move we made to a new home, the feeling of slight dread when I realized I would be low man on the totem pole next year in high school, the wonder at being chosen to travel with a great bunch of guys to sing for people all over the US, and on and on. There are so many moments of change in our lives. And each one may seem huge at the moment – or just the opposite – but each one is important.

God is there at every turn. He sees what is happening with us, to us, and remember what we felt all those times in the past. Better yet, He knows what is coming – and doesn’t let us know. Imagine if we didn’t get to experience those changes, those challenges! But He does let us know, again and again, that He will always be there, even when we do not allow Him in.

Recently we enjoyed being part of some of these important, exciting moments. Sean graduated cum laude with his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Erasmus in Brussels. It was a privilege to be able to be there and share this with him. We enjoyed seeing how he interacted with all of his teachers, seeing how the man he has become (is still becoming) cares about others.

This past Sunday the congregation in Maastricht celebrated our sister Willemien’s 95th birthday. She has not been able to attend worship for quite some time, so it was wonderful to have her there to sing with and to enjoy a meal with afterwards. She may not remember everyone, may not be able to see or hear everyone, but she knows that God is there with her as she continues to walk in the Light. Exciting!

Take the time today to think about how God is there with you, in your moments, guiding and helping whenever you allow Him to be the mighty God that He is.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Psalm 139:1-6

The song of God

It never gets old. Sometimes hearing the same song again and again, or singing the same song time after time, grinds on your nerves. But this never gets old. Some of our songs speak of what I mean: All creatures of our God and King, The spacious firmament on high, This is my Father’s world.

At the Men’s Retreat this month we went on a walk in the woods. I was walking with Jeremy, who is blind. I simply gave a running commentary on what we were walking by, what we were feeling. A cathedral of majestic trees looming over our heads, or a bustle of bright blowing birch dancing across the path, a babbling brook down in the valley or a crag of a rock jutting out as a sentinel over the trees below. And as we walked, we shared the beauty of how God cares for us, how mighty he is, the joy that he brings to our lives and how we can continue walking in the Light. 

God’s song is everywhere in His creation and it is thrilling to stop and listen and then to sing along. This month has also meant several times of singing together with God’s family, as I mentioned last time. The group from Liége that comes on the first Wednesday of the month thrills my heart. Although we still struggle to speak in words with one another in conversations, the words we use to speak to one another in song are so very clear. God is King, we are His and together we will continue in His love and grace.

That was the song this past weekend as well as we gathered with a group in a park in Aachen, Germany. Last year we met for the first time here, in a small museum in the park. When we asked again this year if it would be possible to use the facility, they told us it was not possible as they were preparing an exhibition – but we could use the gardens. So God provided beautiful weather, we all brought our voices and hearts, and we shared God’s words of love with one another – and anyone walking by in the park.

It is thriliing to be singing His song in our lives, singing in harmony or in unison, sometimes softly, sometimes in full voice. What God has created – and is creating – is simply wonderful!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.                     Colossians 3:1-4

Finding Family

Isn’t it amazing what God creates? Look at the things we see in nature, the wonders of His creation. But look, too, at what he has created for us! We are made to be in relationship. We are made to be together – and when that is done as He has designed, it is amazing! One of those ways of being in relationship is family.

Family is God’s design. And God’s has created His family – the church. Just like with any family – we have only one thing we can do: accept it or reject it. When we decide to put our lives in God’s hands through the blood of Christ in the waters of baptism – God adds us to His family. Then we are brother and sister, children of the Almighty One who is sanctifying us daily through His Holy Spirit in our lives.

In August we were able to spend several days down at Family Camp. The nice thing about this week of camp is that it fits everyone – just like God’s family should. From the letters of 1st and 2nd Peter we learned about suffering, being used for good, persevering and the love of Christ in all we do. We spent time singing together, laughing and playing, and enjoying God’s creation all around us.

You can see some of the pictures from camp here.

Back in Maastricht we were so thankful to be able to meet again with our Maastricht family (who are actually from many places around Maastricht). We are not homogenous; we are a varied and mixed group, put together by the wondrous view of our Father, God. And sometimes it is not easy, but we keep trying to love one another, because we are loved by the One and Only, who has shown us that this kind of love really is possible.

This past Wednesday we had our first ‘First Wednesday’ again since back in May. This is when some of us from Maastricht get together with some of our family from Liége and sing our hearts out to our wonderful Father. Sometimes we learn new songs. Sometimes we just enjoy singing the songs we know (Merveilleux Amour). But always – always – we are amazed and overcome by the beuaty of God’s love in His family.

At the end of September we will get together with the family from Cologne and sing our hearts out again. Isn’t it great that God has even given us this way to put our hearts into words – together! Last year we met for the first time in Aachen (in between Maastricht and Cologne). This year we are allowed to use the garden of the museum where we met last time. As long as we have a place to be, it will be good. Because the people meeting, this family moment, is the most important part of the day. We are looking forward to taking some other members from Maastricht along with us.

And in the meantime, there are those who are considering what this family means. There are those we have been talking to, with whom we have been looking at the gracious love of Jesus, who are considering this choice we have to make. It is the only thing we can do – accept or reject. God wants us in His family and He has done everything necessary in Jesus to make it possible. All that is needed is a new birth. How wonderful are God’s creations!

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13

Tripping on technology

It is amazing to me how interwoven our lives have become with technology. Even those who eschew the tech-tendrils of our current society are faced with a certain amount of inevitability. Although we are far from tech-wary or savvy, we try not to depend on our computers and such. But when my computer crashed this month (hard drive crash - no apparent reason) I realised how helpless I was. 

I learned long ago to keep an agenda, but these days my agenda is only on my computer (compared to ‘then’ when it was in my back pocket in a little book). I am not tech enough to have a smart phone synced to my computer, so everything is only on the computer. I was thankful, then, that I had written a few of my appointments down on our house calendar and had the rest in my head - since I could not check anything. 

And if I had wanted to check addresses or phone numbers to call someone about an appointment - my address book is also on my computer! Some of the numbers are in my phone or in my head, but many are not. And what was I to do about my emails? Thankfully, Sean’s old computer allowed me access to my webmail, so I was able to keep in touch a little bit. 

In the end, all of my information was saved and restored, I have my agenda and address book back and can continue as if nothing happened. Although, of course I should learn from this and make some changes. But what changes? Back to the past and a paper agenda? Forward to more expense and a synced smart phone (which can also crash)? I am still struggling with that question. 

In the meantime, I have enjoyed getting back to reading - yes, real books. And walking. And talking. Because let’s admit it, much of the day had become pretty connected to the computer. There is something to be said for what needs to be done - and is done more easily and efficiently on the computer. But a balance must be found. I was reminded of Matthew 6:21 and 33 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. … Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Let's get started!

Although we were far from idle during our Home Assignment – we enjoyed visiting with life groups, taking part in prayer breakfast’s, preaching and reporting on our work, and doing what we could from a distance via email or phone – it is good to be back and able to get back to work. When people ask what I do, I tell them, “I tell people about Jesus.” And although we do that wherever we are, we are thankful to be able to do that in this area of the world.

So, in the last week since we have been home, we have jumped right back into the activities we left in May. We are starting up various studies with those who are getting to know Jesus and with the congregation. We were so thankful to be able to see our sister, Willemien, again. She even remarked, “Oh, are you home already? I thought you weren’t coming back ‘til next week.”

In addition to the studies we had before leaving, there were several projects taking shape when we left. Now we can give these our full attention. We want to see how we can best serve the refugee population, which is arriving everywhere in Europe. The books we helped translate into Dutch will be a help in letting them meet Jesus. Now we just need to start making contact in earnest. Your prayers for this effort would be greatly appreciated. There is a workshop planned in Athens in November which we are considering attending. The church there has already had quite a bit of experience, which they can pass on.

In October we are planning a singing workshop for the congregations in Belgium and the Netherlands. This will be a day (hopefully this will be a twice-yearly event) to learn how to read music, learn new songs, practice singing, and enjoy singing together. In September, we in Maastricht will get together again with the church from Cologne, Germany to sing together for an afternoon. We did this last year and not only enjoyed the fellowship, but were encouraged by the opportunity to share Christ’s love with visitors in this way.

At this moment our summer Bible camps have started. The older teens are just finishing up their week and the younger teens will be starting tomorrow. The Benjamins are the week after, and during Family camp I will be bringing two of the lessons from 1 & 2 Peter. In the meantime, we have also already gotten together to think about and plan the youth activities for the coming year.

Sometimes it is easy to fall back into old patterns after a break. That can be good – if they are good habits. But we were greatly encouraged by some good ideas during our travels as well. We want to implement some of these changes in our lives – so now is the time, before we get too settled in our old routines. Thank you for your ideas, encouragement and challenges! We appreciate your prayers for strength and perseverance in serving each day.

It has been especially good this week to see all the people we so missed while away. It is a real blessing to have so many ‘homes’ with people whom we love and who love us. We have already had a great afternoon visit with our colleagues, Ruud en Karla, who just returned from the wedding of their daughter in Korea. And we have been able to worship wholeheartedly, singing with loud voice, with the congregation in Maastricht – although not everyone is yet returned from vacation.

Although our travels sometimes seem a distant dream, we hold fast to the encouragement they brought us as we move forward today, and tomorrow. There is work to be done God is mighty working through His body, His children, everywhere we all are!

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.  1 Corinthians 16:13-14