Sing to the Lord

One o the most frustrating things for Christians during the lockdowns has been the restrictions to our being able to meet together. Not only have there been restrictions on how many can meet, where and how, but what we can do if and when we meet. Singing was one of the first things that was canceled in these situations. 

And as congregations went online we realized that we could not sing together. Anyone who has tried to sing with others via Zoom or Skype has learned very quickly that it is simply frustrating. And within a very short time it felt like we had been cut off from our lifeline, our heart moved from our lives in the Lord. Does that sound too dramatic? 

Perhaps for some. Sermons were still available. As a matter of fact, it has become even simpler to access sermons from all over the world. Thankfully, this crisis is being used mightily to reach people with the word of the Lord. But the elements that hold us together, that are the very heart of fellowship - and fellowship is the very heart of our faith, for we are a body - all of these elements were crippled. 

Even before corona times we had been working on strengthening singing in our congregations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Song Workshops were held to help members learn how to sing and become comfortable with singing. Members were encouraged to learn new songs and even write songs themselves. As corona time hit, these efforts became even more important. 

So now we have been doing our utmost to make songs available. Scott and Luk Brazle have been making lyric video's and placing them online. These video's not only help members learn the songs, they can be used during digital worship times as singing. Sitting at home and singing with one of these videos is like singing with your congregation, though not nearly as good. No matter how poorly your congregation sings, being able to be in the same room together singing is immensely better than sitting behind a computer screen singing with a video. 

Now, in several places on Youtube and on a dedicated website, members can find these songs. 

There are songs that members themselves have written during one of the singing workshops. These are most often scriptures put to melody. Ik ben verzekerd

There are songs written more than 30 years ago by evangelists and used for camp which are still sung every year during Bible camp. Elk van God

There are songs translated into Dutch which are better known by all members. 

Mijn Jezus, mijn Redder

There are children's songs so that the kids are not left out. Eens was er een jongen David

These are tools which will be used outside of corona times, when we are able to join together again. That is why we will keep working on getting even more done. It has been good to experience the working together to make these songs and this effort available. We are so thankful for the song that Jesus has put in our hearts for Him and for each other in this life. 

Would you like to hear these songs and sing along? Visit the Youtube site. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

A different perspective

M.C. Escher, Belvedere, 1958

The last two days I have had a few conversations that have struck a chord. I have to admit that I have been struggling to see how to plan my days and activities because it has become very hard to plan anything. Every week there is a possibility of new rules and changing realities. 

Don’t get me wrong, in some ways things are busier than ever. We are meeting with more members than before corona in our mid-week study and are enjoying the studies together immensely. We have been looking at “Is Genesis History” and talking about the beauty and truth that we see in God’s amazing creation. As mentioned last time, the study on Thursday mornings in Luke has been exciting. It is always a thrill to see someone discover who Jesus is - even if we are only seeing it through a screen on the computer. And there have been many more conversations. 

I have also been recording songs with others so that these songs are available to more members of the church. I have even had the chance to sing with some folks elsewhere in Europe and with video's with people from around the world. (see our songs at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl3c31jfr3xUjLulb9OCHgg/playlists)

But when it comes to planning, I just get bogged down in my mind, basically thinking: “What does it matter. We can’t plan anything anyway.” But yesterday my best friend mentioned in his prayer (it is so good to be able to pray together even though we are thousands of miles and times zones apart) that these trying times are exactly the times God uses to do amazing new things. So I should be looking for, awaiting the amazing that always comes from God’s hand. 

And today someone else in a different conversation shared the same type of thought. Even though we cannot plan, we must look ahead and be prepared for the new realities. We need to look at these new challenges as new opportunities. People are still in need. Truth still needs to be told, The love and grace of God are still what the world needs - every day. 

So I will continue to struggle to look for how to use these weird, strange, frustrating amazing times. Pray for us. We are praying for you. We know that we are not alone - ever. Not only are we in this together as the body of Christ, it is almighty God, our King of kings who is leading us through each day. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.   1 Peter 5:6-11

Conversations II

Everyone in the world its experiencing Corona and the consequences that it brings. This should be something that binds us together, a common experience. But as with many things, it also has the possibility to divide us. It amazes me how often a conversation devolves into another complaining session or argument about corona rules and Covid-19 news. But more often this year we have also experienced conversations about the things that really matter. 

You see, there are always challenges, things happening in our lives that push us to the extreme or color the future dark gray. We can always find something to complain about, whether it is the latest political policy or election, the most recent natural disaster or the newest war-torn area of the world. I don’t mean to sound flippant or make light of these things. I am simply stating that we can always see gray, because there are always bad or difficult things happening in our lives. 

The question is not whether these things exist or will continue. The question is: how are we going to meet them? These are the conversations we have been hearing and sharing in these months of 2020. Of course a conversation often begins with the weather; we do after all live in Belgium and the Netherlands. There is a lot of weather to talk about. Then the discussion often moves to the gray matter - how difficult this year is, what is happening to me or my family, how can people cope. It is then that I try to remember the hope that I have and release that into the words circling between us. We have a real hope. We KNOW what is going to happen, how things are going to finish and who the winner is. And that knowledge and certainty gives us stability and peace. And people need peace; we all need peace in turbulent times. It is then that I am so thankful to know the Prince of peace. 

Our conversations through the summer were more often in person, but have now moved back partially online. But they continue. Every month H. and I discuss politics and peace. He has often mentioned that he envies that very peace that Christian can have. He wishes that he could have the same. “I would love to believe in God,” he says, “but God doesn’t exist.” I reminded him this month that this peace is indeed also for him. More recently I have had similar conversations with J. 

In other conversations we are looking at the word of God and what that means for our lives. We have been getting to know Jesus in the book of Luke with E. every Thursday. Why would Simon Peter fall at Jesus knees and say, “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5)? Who are we and how does God see us? Does that matter? J wonders what her identity is. If it is her work, then how does she deal with intrigue, lying and cheating, and general unethical behavior by others - often towards her? What if people do not see you as you think you should be seen? 

I am so very thankful for peace and hope that only come in Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers for us as we share conversations with the people around us. Sometimes it starts by talking about the walnuts that have fallen from the tree in our yard. Where will it go? We want to continue seeing the beauty and hope in each and every day. We want to keep seeing people as God sees them. 

What kinds of conversations have you been having lately? Let us know what has been going on in your life, how God has been using you in His kingdom and blessing you. 

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.   1 Peter 3:14-16

Summer blessings and challenges

See what great love the Father has lavished on use, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason that the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made know. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.  1 John 3:1-3

As with most of you, we have met the summer with various feelings. After an early very warm spell in May, followed by quite a cool and wet season, the weather finally turned more summer-like and with it came thoughts of laughter and fun and all the things that come with summer. But these have of course been tempered by corona realities. 

We were so very thankful that our summer camp weeks, starting halfway through July, would be able to continue. The Belgian government considered groups of 50 a doable scenario when it came to keeping an eye on who might get sick among young people. This meant that our three weeks of camp - for 15+, Benjamins (8-11 years-old) and Teens (12-14 years-old) would still take place, albeit with some changes. 

Looking back on those weeks, we are so thankful for what God is able to do in whatever circumstances. Our youth week was a very valuable time for the older youth who seldom see each other (certainly now) and have little opportunity to discuss the burning questions they are struggling with in their faith. Camp has provided a well-needed oasis where they could broach topics in an atmosphere of understanding and real conversation. 

The following week saw more than 25 young campers make good use of our camp facilities. Many are new families sending their kids for the first time to camp. Imagine the trust that this shows in these covid times! I was impressed with the parents and so thankful for the people working to have a great week of learning and growing in faith with these kids. It is exciting to see how God touches so many lives through so many people. 

The first week of August was Teen week. By then the Belgian government had pulled back on some of the rules that had earlier been loosened, but they still allowed the youth camps. Our camp commission met and decided to cancel our Family Week at camp, which would follow the teen week. This is the first time we have ever had to make such a decision, but we felt it was the best decision for our families. 

Teen camp this year saw 15 campers show up to camp to learn about Joshua and Judges and to grow in faith while having a great time with friends they may only see once a year. Actually this year saw several new friendships made as well. I was cam-leader in name, but was also training two assistent camp leaders. In addition I was the teacher for the week, guiding discussions on the challenging lessons from Joshua’s life and from the ups-and-downs of Judges. 

It was interesting to hear some of the conversations and see the struggles with some of the topics. We had two muslim boys (of the 12 boys and 3 girls) which made for even more interesting conversation. The main point of choosing to be real with following God, being courageous and staying true to God as He desires is something that we all need to hear each and every day. God’s message to Joshua is no different than Jesus’ message to us as His followers: Be strong and courageous, for I am with you. Go into all the world and make disciples and see, I am with you. 

You can see some of our pictures from Teen Camp here. 

That courage and strength is something we all need, every day, even in the very little things. The Sunday after camp we met as a congregation online once again because we had a few members who at that moment were uncertain. Tests returned negative and we are able to meet in person again this Sunday. But each day reminds us of the realities of the world in which we live and how we always need the strength and grace of our loving Father to make it through each day. 

ON THE FAMILY SIDE…

We were also blessed in these months with a visit from Sean and Jill. They were able to send a month in Belgium, seeing friends and family and especially getting time to say goodbye to Jill’s grandmother who passed away while they were here. To say that being able to hold a funeral is a blessing seems strange, but in these times it is true. We had prayed that Jill would be able to have time to see her grandma and truly say goodbye. 

We were so thankful that we also had time to sit and talk, to walk together (even to go on a bike ride once) with Sean. The day Scott returned from camp we also got to see Sean and Jill in Brussels for a last visit before they headed back to New York the following day. We are always so thankful for every little moment that we get to see our kids in person, to hold them. We are also thankful for the digital blessing of talking over long distances (we come from the generation of airmail letters to one another). We get to talk to Stephan almost every week as well. But it is always good to be able to see one another and hold tight for just a little bit. 

It is amazing to me how much this hit me this summer. We are separated, unable to meet as we would wish - even in the same city. And to be honest, this is our reality in this world as well. As children of God, followers of Christ, we know that this world is not our home. We know that there are those who have gone before us who we cannot at this time hold on to. But we WILL see one another - as we are. And we look forward to that time. And in the meantime, we make the most of every moment together, thankful for the hope and promise in God who is always with us. 

We are in this together

As the corona lockdowns loosen around the world we have been making plans for how to go forward in the coming months. Our enthusiasm for the possibility of seeing one another again and being able to do many things that have been restricted for so long has to be tempered by the laws of the land (two countries in our case) and our desire to do what is best for all concerned. We want to untangle this mess in the best possible way and turn it into something very useful.

In The Netherlands - where we meet as a church - congregations are allowed to meet together again from today, meaning that Sunday, June 14 would be the first Sunday. I already saw some Catholic churches in the city holding mass today. Only 30 can gather, and the normal restrictions must be followed: 1.5 meter distance, hand-washing, no greeting by handshaking or kissing, etc. 

In Belgium churches are also allowed to meet again, with up to 100 people. But only if they can do this while keeping the minimum distance and refraining from any kind of touching. And in both countries there is to be no singing! So, while we have had a challenge to sing together in our skype/zoom gatherings, we are now going to have to figure something else entirely for the coming weeks. 

For our congregation in Maastricht we will have to wait until the 21st of June because the border between Belgium and The Netherlands doesn’t open until June 15. About a third of our members live on the Dutch side while the other two thirds live just across the border in Belgium. So when the border officially opens, we will finally be able to gather together - even if it does mean all sorts of special rules and changes. 

As with so many of you who have already started through this process, we have discussed with one another if we will wear masks or not (we will in the beginning), how we will partake of the Lord’s supper (we figured this one out) and how we will sit while keeping enough distance from one another. We have also had to think about a protocol for hand-washing, toilet usage, and how we can share a time of coffee afterwards. But we will finally be able to be together and that is the most important thing at this time. 

One of the biggest struggles I think we as congregation will face is the injunction against singing. We are a singing church. Every service ends with a prayer after which we all head over to the coffee table and during which at least one brother our sister usually continues singing one of the songs sung during the service. A small group often forms of others who - coffee cup in hand - stand around and sing some more. This is not yet allowed, since the thought is that singing too easily spreads the virus. Still, we will find a way to keep the words of the Lord in our hearts and heads - together. 

And while we deal with these realities we are also making our plans for our summer Bible camp weeks. We had heard a few weeks ago that these would be allowed to continue. Now we are trying to make sure our teams will be able to attend and getting everything ready. Until this last week and news of the borders, we were not sure if kids and team members from The Netherlands would be able to attend. Now that that hurdle has been taken, we can move on to the normal tasks of getting lessons and activities ready. 

And all the while we are aware that we continue to be vigilant in trying to be safe. We know that there are some who have greater fears for the virus - correctly since they are part of a high risk group. There are others who have greatly missed being with others and will need to let the floodgates loose as they get the chance to talk to others. We want to look to one another and see how we can serve each other, care for one another.

This is a daily desire, a daily struggle. There are all sorts of struggles we must face - how to do what is right and good. And often it is not the big things, but the little things that will make a difference - even on the world stage. We continue to try to keep our focus on what is eternally fundamental: our salvation and that of those around us.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11

Salted

I have to admit that this corona thing hit me a bit unexpectedly. I was just planning on starting several different opportunities to reach out in the city when we all had to go home, stay home and only meet digitally. For the church I feel we were ready and moved quickly and fairly seamlessly into not only meeting together but greatly encouraging one another. But looking at the opportunities to reach out with the gospel, I was at a loss for a while. The thing is, I have always believed that we should always be speaking of our King and Saviour - whenever we are talking. So when we talk to people on a walk, God enters our conversation there. When we go to the store, God is in our conversation as well, if in no other way than to thank and bless the cashier. 

But suddenly, people seemed to be wary about speaking. People even seemed wary to look you in the eye. And our digital contacts were minimal. It has been exciting to hear how some people have even increased there conversations, have come across people who are seeking Christ in these uncertain times. And this is great, because Jesus is indeed the only way to find peace and certainty. And a few of our conversations have indeed increased - opportunities to look at who Jesus is and consider how He desires to walk with us in giving real life. 

Am I making good use of my time and conversations? Maybe. Maybe not.  I AM thankful for all of the opportunities we are afforded. I have had much more time to record songs for use in the church - which means that God’s word will speak to those who listen. I have had the chance to write - as a matter of fact, it feels like I am doing more writing now than ever before. But perhaps that is good use of the time. I am writing and translating articles for a new website for those who are seeking God. Or writing lessons for summer camp - which may or may not be possible. So there is plenty to do. And perhaps some of the newer digital methods of reaching people will also light up as people become aware. 

In any case, I need to keep asking myself the question: am I using my time wisely. And I need to keep speaking of my Lord wherever I am. Be salty. 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6

Disrupted

It is probably nothing new to you. You probably already know. I did, but I had forgotten. When things just go along as they should, or as I think they should, when everything is normal, we tend to fall asleep. I remember traveling with a recruiting group from York College called “Friends”. We would often travel from a summer camp in Wisconsin or Minnesota to a camp in Kansas or Texas, driving through the night to get there on time. We all shared the driving duties, but the night shift was for our manager, Scott Lambert and Brett Osborne, who was reliable. We didn’t want anyone falling asleep at the wheel. 

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14)

It is interesting to see that when God is saving His people, He never does it the way that they anticipated. As a matter of fact, it is almost always in a way that no one expected and most have difficulty accepting. The people fleeing Egypt ask Mozes why he brought them to this sea where they are caught between a watery death and death by Pharaoh. But Mozes hadn’t brought them there, God had. 

When the disciples finally come to Jesus and ask/plead to send the crowd away to get something to eat, Jesus has other plans. He is the one who talked so long and knew that it would come to this. He knows what He can do with a young boy’s lunch. And when the disciples tell Jesus about his friend Lazarus who is sick, Jesus decides to wait a bit longer because he knows what he is going to do. God likes to surprise us. Or is it that we simply have a hard time expecting what God can do and are thus always surprised?

It is not God’s purpose that we all have a nice quiet life together. That is not why we are here. We have come to Jesus to join his kingdom and fight to free ever more people from the slavery of sin and death. Paul tells Timothy, “No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” (2 Tim. 2:4). So I shouldn’t be surprised when my life gets turned upside down. I should hunker down and move the direction God is taking me. After all, that is why Paul mentions the footwear of the Roman soldier in Ephesians 6 - the gospel of peace. 

God is the Master of using disruption for good. Satan likes to disturb and destroy. There are all sorts of ways that Satan keeps us busy. And sometimes he just wants us to fall asleep. But that is not why we are here - and God makes sure that we know that. So I am trying to see best how God can use me in this time. Wait a minute - let me rephrase that. I don’t need to see how He is going to do it. I don’t need to understand. I simply need to keep doing what I know He desires and trust in His strength and might. Then He can use me mightily - however He wishes. 

We still cannot get across the border, where most of our work was going on. We are trying to keep in touch with seekers in other ways - using computers, phones or good old snail mail. The church has jumped into the silence, stirring up the ‘everyday’ with all sorts of ‘unique’. We are talking to each other more now than before, concerned with each others spiritual health and growth. We are praying not only for the good health of those around us, but are more than ever aware of the need to pray for spiritual salvation. 

The sun is shining outside and has been for the last several weeks. We have started to get used to the way we do things in these corona days. Each day often looks like every other - so much so that we sometimes have a hard time remembering which day of the week it is. Time for this to be disrupted. The government here has communicated their plans to move out of isolation. I am excited and wondering what God will do next. No matter what, I am trying to remain faithful and ready to follow wherever He will lead in the coming days. 

Maybe we will go back to some of the activities we had before. We are still hoping that our summer Bible camps will be allowed to continue. Maybe we will be forced into some completely new ways of doing things. But no disruption will be able to take me away from Him who has conquered and makes me a conqueror. 

It is time to wake up, O sleeper. Walk in the Light, every day. Here is one of my favorite songs (written by my colleague) expressing this mighty passage: Romans 8:31-39.  

A Robe and a Crown

It has been more than a month now since we started taking care to keep our distance in social situations. Belgium went into ‘lockdown-lite’ on March 12, but we were already looking and planning how we would meet digitally that coming Sunday. Now we are old hands at meeting together and have become a place where others in the country can also meet. We have members joining us from around Belgium and even from Prague. 

But corona (the crown) has definitely changed our work. When the borders closed, it severely hampered our ability to help our members in Maastricht (since we live in Belgium, just across the border) and meant that all of our planned activities in the Netherlands had to be cancelled. Of course most activities - including a concert at the end of May with Harding University and three other choral groups - were cancelled anyway because of the government rules. 

So, instead of meeting with people in the Netherlands, we have been spending more time encouraging members via internet and telephone. I have never been a big fan of phone calls - I tend to like email better - but we have several people who are non-digital, so telephone is the only way to really reach them. It is amazing to see (or hear) how much a voice can mean to people. Especially as this time of self-isolation grinds on. 

It strikes me that Jesus suffered for us - accepting the mocking robe and crown of thorns before dying on the cross. Peter says that we should follow his example (1 Peter 2:21). And Paul tells Timothy that we will receive a crown from the Lord if we are faithful (2 Timothy 4:8). But he also mentions that we will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). These are persecutions and suffering in connection with following Jesus. So in times of this crown that may feel at times to be so thorny, I am reminded that this is not really that hard. And we can endure, knowing that we have a future that is certain and confirmed. 

And since we have plenty of time on our hands, we are using other ways to reach out. I am writing some articles for a site that is being developed by two young evangelists in Eindhoven. The site is focused on those seeking God and presents answers to all sorts of questions. And we continue some of our Bible studies, but then digitally, of course.

For the church I have been working on getting more songs available for all members in various forms. There is a new app for the phone developed with a brother in Haarlem. I have added lyric video’s to the song website for the Dutch churches (geestelijkeliederen.nl) and we are working on putting more songs together with a virtual choir. Not a video choir, but one where we can all sing together and present the songs again to the churches for use. 

We are waiting, somewhat impatiently, to hear from the government this week if activities in the summer will be allowed to continue or not. This will impact our summer Bible camp. We pray that all will be allowed to go forward, but if it is not allowed, then we will start figuring out how to do things digitally. Nothing can stop the word of God and God has made us creative and given us all sorts of tools. We pray that we ill be able to use them well. 

Above all, we have been so very thankful for brothers and sisters who have clearly shown how important it is to join together and encourage one another. Some might have thought that members would slack off, since no one could really see if they were not attending or not. But we are seeing people wanting to gather even more - and using every opportunity to get together. It is exciting to see this spirit. 

How has God been blessing you in your faith during these times of thorny questions and blessings for the future? 

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

Conversations

1st Friday conversations

Isn’t it amazing how God loves to talk? Look at the Bible. It is full of amazing stories. God has been telling us His story for a long time. But He also loves to listen. He is constantly asking us to talk to Him (pray) and has promised us that He is listening - very closely. Listening and talking are part of being with God (goes along with that walking bit I talked about recently). 

Our lives have changed a bit in our most recent season of life. We (Shirley and I) have more possibilities to go together and listen to conversations, take part in conversations. I am so thankful that we have these chances. Sometimes we are meeting with members from the congregation in Maastricht - on Wednesday evenings, Thursday mornings with the men or Friday mornings with the women (or Monday evenings further away). Sometimes we are singing and speaking to one another in spiritual songs - on first Fridays or third Wednesdays. 

But more recently I had also added some other options. On Tuesday morning and evening I hold a consultation for those who have questions about God or the Bible. The Dutch allows me to make a play on words and offer a “Speaking hour” when they can come talk - about any question they might have. Mid-March I was going to start with a Bible study group in the city. That has been put on hold for a bit (corona), but we will see how that works out in the coming months. Modern technology and social media makes these kinds of meetings possible. 

But everyday we notice that there are opportunities to listen and speak - if we pay attention. And technology also makes this possible. And even necessary in ‘Corona” times. We call a member of the church who is housebound at the moment. We email or whatsapp other members who can use an encouraging word. We get a text message from people looking for help, or offering help. Everywhere, people are speaking. I hear the cashier repeating her litany and try to remember to look her in the eye and wish her a good day, thanking her for her work. I wave at the car behind me that just let me in, thanking them for their kindness. I listen to the young one tell all about the funny story (that he told me yesterday three times already). 

God wants to talk to me and you. He is always listening to me and you. And we are made in His image, made to be able to listen and speak. What conversations have you had recently? How has ‘social distancing’ affected your conversation?

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.                 Hebrews 1:1-2

Walking in the rain

Yesterday I took the dog out. I do that every day. Twice. In the morning it is usually a wonderful time to think, to pray, to be aware that it is a new day with God. In the evenings, especially now since the days are getting longer again, the sunset might remind me of the blessings that continue daily. Chester’s joy and simply running around, sniffing, putting his ‘signature’ everywhere he can, lifts my heart. 

But sometimes it is raining. We live in Belgium, after all. I almost always take the umbrella with me, whether I think it is raining or not - because it might start after I get going on the walk. And the wind might be blowing. Hard. Which doesn’t always go well with carrying an open umbrella (and why would I have the umbrella shut if it is raining?). Water streams across the path and my socks get wet. I pull down my cap over my ears on the mornings that it is still freezing (which are quickly passing away). 

But I am just thankful that I can be outside, walking. I know people who cannot go outside and they really miss it. People in these days are being asked (told) to stay inside. Don’t get together with others. Don’t meet. Don’t greet. Don’t touch. But I live in a place where there are not that many people. I can walk. I can put a coat on and go outside and walk. And I am with God, wherever I go. 

I am thankful for how blessed I am. And I am thankful that no matter where I go I can walk with the One who created me, who knows what is happening in my life, who guides me and gives me strength each morning as the sun rises (even when I do not see it) and calms my evenings with a beautiful sunset and a night of rest (if I am willing to accept it). Isn’t it amazing that the one thing God did with Adam and Eve in the garden was take a walk?

Take a walk today, even if you can’t. Spend time with Him and be thankful for all the good that He continues te provide. Some days are going to be harder than others. But He is walking with you. And that is what He has always wanted to do. 

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 of all sin.  1 John 1:7

Chewing on meat

How precious it is to sit and share together at the table! This past week I was blessed again to spend a few days at ABSS - Advanced Bible Study Series in Gemünden, Germany with people from all over Europe. The lessons are always challenging on various levels and there is time and opportunity for real conversation about spiritual topics. It is also a time to meet new people and where young and old gather to learn from each other. 

I usually also go hoping to see and experience some snow, but that was certainly not to be this year. Instead, I was able to play some good, energetic basketball with a good group from Marseille. In the past we have played in the snow, we have played when we only had three and we have played with anyone - even those who don’t really know anything about basketball. This time we had at least 4x4, but the challenge was to play with a ball that was almost flat. Lots of passing, very little dribbling. 

As mentioned, the lessons challenge. This year brought questions about what third-culture leadership looks like. It even reminded me that anyone who is in Christ is essentially third-culture, as is anyone who is married. Another series asked us to look at our bias and consider how we approach others with the word of God. For me it was nice to get some lessons on Judges, since I will be teaching this at our Teen Camp this summer. It is always nice to get some information and different viewpoints at a week like this. 

Shirley and I are always apart during this study week. We cannot easily find someone for Chester for those days. At the end of this week (Thursday), Shirley heads out to the Ladies Retreat in Germany, so it will be her turn then for the challenging lessons, conversations and good fellowship. We are thankful that we have these opportunities and that we are able to take advantage of them. 

How has God been challenging your heart and mind around the table with others recently? 

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Ephesians 2:14-18

Winter Light

As usual, time flies by when you are not looking. And suddenly we are in the second month of a new year, having rushed through the last days of a decade (or do we still have one more year?). Although, to be honest, we did not really rush through December. We especially did our best to enjoy the few days we had with a Christmas visit from Sean and Jill. They could only spend a few days with us, but it was so good to enjoy meals together, laugh at some game times and just be able to hug on them before they headed back to the Big Apple. 

The end of December was a beautiful segue into the new year with Winterkamp in the Ardennes. In a weekend of winter sun, a intimate group of young people examined the powerful reality of silence - being quiet so that we can hear God and being silent so that He can do His work. It was a needed reminder of how mighty God is and how wonderful it is that He wants us to walk with Him. 

And suddenly, we were walking into a new year, a new decade (unless we have another year). But as always, this means simply taking one day at a time and giving that day to our King of kings. After a month of special get-togethers and activities, we returned to our ‘normal’ schedule of studies and days of service. As we have mentioned before, our week is never really quite ‘normal’, but it is an exciting flexible challenge where we are confronted with questions: What do you believe? What keeps you going? How do you serve? Who is on your team? 

I want to pay some attention to some of those questions in the coming days here as I find time. But for now, we are preparing for a Spring concert with Harding University chorus and looking at how we can help members from one of our supporting churches (Muscatine) serve while visiting us here and in Ghent. 

In the meantime, the crocuses have popped their heads out, down in the yard under the walnut tree. It froze this morning, after several weeks of warm weather, so we will hope they survive. Sunday is supposed to bring a storm (and many of you have already experienced challenging weather). But we walk in the light, as Jesus mentioned to His disciples. There is plenty to do. Thank you for your support and encouragement of us here, and thank you for your faithfulness in serving Him where you are. 
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

There are a few pictures up about our end-of-year activities (and some of Chester) if you are interested. 

Leave your jug behind

We have been reading through the gospel of John in our weekly study with the church here in Maastricht. This past Sunday the topic at the Lord's Supper mentioned the woman at the well (John 4). It was an interesting point I had not often stood still by: she left her jug. This woman who already had a difficult existence and was going to all this trouble to get what she needed that day (water) left her water there at the well after talking to Jesus.

This is the question for each of us as well. Is what we are running after, the ways we are trying to get what we think we want, really working for us? Are we willing, like the woman at the well, to give it up in favour of what Jesus is offering? Even more, do we truly understand, like that woman, that what he is offering IS much better? And that it is so important that we have to go tell others?

We have contact almost every day with people who are looking for love, looking for happiness, looking for fulfilment or acceptance. In their search, they end up in all sorts of places and positions in their lives that only make things worse. We know how it goes, because we have been there too. But we know better now. We know that what Jesus offers, really IS better, because He really is who He says He is. So we share this wonderful gift of grace - living water. A strength to be completely created anew - not into something we are not, but into that which we were meant to be.

Not everyone can see the reality of this gift. Some are too lost in what they have been doing all along for so long. "If I leave my jug, how will I get water again?" "If I leave this running-after-these-things that are supposed to make me happy, how will I be able to be happy ever again?" Some people have heard and go running, like the woman at the well, to proclaim to their neighbours: "Listen! This is important!" For us it is simply important to keep presenting what Jesus is offering: living water.

Jesus was simply himself, connecting with this woman. He offered her what is true, but unbelievable to her. We are offering what seems unbelievable, but is true. When she had questions, he answered honestly, without being politically correct. And he was clear without being judgemental when he let her know that he knew her real situation. He did not pretend it did not exist, he named it and left it with her. 

We are so very thankful for the people God brought into our lives to speak clarity and truth to us so that we could see the offer of Jesus. And we are so thankful that God wants to and is using us to do the same for others wherever we are. We keep praying for people to be willing to just leave the jugs behind.

Sweet Fellowship

We are so blessed to be in a place where so many countries come together. Geographically we are at the nexus of three countries and four language groups (the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium with Flemish and French speakers). We look forward to any time we get to gather with brothers and sisters from around the area. This builds us up and encourages the whole church. 

At the end of September we held our annual Family Day down at camp. Ardennen Bijbel Kamp is situated in the hills of the Ardennes where not too long ago soldiers died to defend democracy and justice. These days we gather as members of the church to encourage one another in living for truth and justice every day in the Lord. The congregation in Maastricht organized the day this year and it was great to be together with French-speakers as well as Dutch- and Flemish-speakers for the day. 

In October we spent time with our French-speaking brothers on our first Friday singing. Then, the very next day, we gathered in Cologne, Germany, with brothers and sisters from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany for a day of fellowship and singing. How good is it to get to know and be encouraged by the family of God from all around us. We love using every opportunity to get together. 

Later in the month we got together again, this time in a more sportive atmosphere. The COPA Benelux is organized every year by members from the church in Ghent and is for all church members in the Benelux. This year I got to play on a team with members of the church from The Hague, Haarlem, Sint Niklaas (Belgium) and Maastricht. But we were also a mixture of Russians, Ukrainians, Dutch and American-Belgians. 

God has an amazing view on who we are and what we should and can be. We are made in His image, made to give, to share, to be together because we are created by Him. People are people, no matter where we are from or live. We are all able to become children of the King, no matter what we have done in the past. And then, suddenly, we are family. That is exciting news! Look around at the family God has in your neighborhood, at the family He has placed you in where you are. Be encouraged and be an encouragement. 

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.   Ephesians 3:14-21

A friend and brother

At Bret's wedding

Today is my brothers’ birthday. My older brother Chris and my brother from a different mother. Not that I have a half-brother. Bret is not really my brother. But he is truly my brother. He is the one who introduced me to Jesus and showed me what it means to do just that (introduce others to Jesus). 

Bret and I have been best friends since 9th grade. We have shared a love for science fiction and tastes in music. We have played in bands together, driven all over the country together and grown in faith together. He loved me enough as my best friend to tell me something that cut me to the core. And because of that I was able to go to God’s word and find out that I really did need forgiveness and salvation. 

We don’t see each other in person very often. Ever since meeting up again at our York College reunion in 2017, however, we DO see each other almost every week. We share a video call each week, touch base and pray for each other. I can talk about how God is using us and challenging us here, about our kid's lives, or about the newest story idea I have heard or book I have read. He can talk about his two little girls, his pregnant wife, his writing or his work with the congregation where he preaches. Across the miles (or kilometers) we remain not only best friends, but truly brothers. 

Cherish the people God has put in your life. Be for those around you the grace that God has brought into your life. I am so thankful for how God can change lives completely using such imperfect tools (us) in such amazing ways. Then again, this is God, who through Jesus calls us friends. He knows what it means. 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command.I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:12-15

A Campful Summer

Bible camp was a major influence in my path to faith in the Lord. That is why we are so thankful that we have the opportunity here to be involved in Bible camp with the youth of Belgium and the Netherlands as well as church members and families. As we returned to Europe we were just in time for several challenging and amazingly encouraging weeks of camp. 

Just two days after returning from our travels in the US, we were headed down to the hills and forests of the Ardennes for our first week: Jongerenkamp. This is the week for those 15 and older. Scott was to share camp director duties with two young men learning to be directors, but Ivo ended up welcoming his second child to this world – a much more important event compared to camp. 

That meant that Scott shared directing and teaching duties with Gijs Bardoel. On the mornings that Scott had the lessons, Gijs was director and vice-versa. Talking about the reliability of the scriptures led to wonderful and open conversations with the campers. It was so encouraging to see how everyone not only struggled honestly with the information presented, but that they were also willing to ask questions. 

Every evening we gathered around a fire outside and discussed difficult questions that came up during the day from the lessons, or just questions that popped up in normal life (like how to deal with a broken leg just before planning on helping with a week of camp). Everything was on the table. This was a group willing to consider and reconsider, willing to listen and willing to help one another. 

The end of the week was bittersweet as usual after such an encouraging time together. Shirley and Scott were thankful to have a week to recover from travels and a week of camp – even if the week at home meant temperatures well above 95 degrees inside the house. We just moved very slowly and tried to survive; not many have air conditioning here. Down at camp the Benjamins (8-11 year-olds), directed by Paul Brazle, also had to survive.  

The next week saw Scott at Teen camp (for 12-14 year-olds) teaching and sharing directing duties with Pieter Good from Ghent. As with the earlier week, a good team is invaluable. Although there were fewer campers at this week, the lesson material was challenging. We went on the travels of Paul through Acts to see what it should mean for us as followers of Jesus. Each day we actually traveled and discussed what we read in the text. 

The third week for us  (4th total week of camp) was Family camp, directed by Paul Brazle, and we were starting to feel the drain on our bodies. So we slept at home and drove down to camp in the morning (about 50 minutes away) to follow the lessons. Scott brought two days of lessons as well on the Gospel. This camp week is an amazing grouping of families, singles, young people, kids and even some dogs. Christians from various congregations and non-Christians were all there to hear what the good news really is. 

Although camp is open all year to all the congregations, the formal camp weeks are four weeks in July and August. But in September we also hold a special day: Family Day. This year it was organized by the congregation in Maastricht. Our colleague, Ruud, together with Gijs from Jongerenkamp, brought two lessons on Colossians 3. Scott led the children’s class and Shirley with the ladies from Maastricht took care of lunch, coffee and cookies. We welcomed people from all over Belgium and the Netherlands, including our French-speaking brothers and sisters for a truly family day. 

This coming weekend will see the end of the camp season: an evaluation and planning meeting. Here we evaluate the past weeks and look ahead to the coming season (starting with Fall camp at the end of October). Ardennes Bible Camp has been influencing people since 1965 and we are so thankful that we can be a part of this history. 

If you are interested in seeing pictures of the various camp weeks, check out our picture site, but you can also go to the official camp website (in Dutch) where we have tried to gather some of the pictures from various photographers through the years (including some really oldies but goodies).