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

On the road again (again)

The last 5 days of our time in the United States was spent on a road trip in California. Back in 2010 we took a road trip with Stephan – the last time he was able to travel with us. This time we traveled with Sean (perhaps the last time he will be traveling with us), two of his friends and the father of his best friend. It was a furious few days of fun with 5 guys and a gal in a van.

We drove up along the Pacific Coast Highway until we could marvel at the beauty of Big Sur (arriving almost at sunset). Elephant seals, coastal views, Carmel-by-the-Sea and laughter in the van got us to Monterey for the night.

The next day we drove on to San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge. Having been warned, we all had a sweater or jacket – and it was necessary. But what a view! Mind you, some people enjoy heights and others do not. Still, we got plenty of pictures of the fog rolling in. We heard later that an hour after we left on that day a whole pod of whales was seen feeding not far from the bridge. We didn’t see them, but we did enjoy the Warming Hut (actually very necessary) and headed on to our hostel in the city.

Our evening in San Francisco allowed us to drink in the excitement and life. From our busy hostel downtown, to Union Square with live music, the Apple store, trolley rides down to the wharf where we watched the sunset and had an In-n-out burger (finally) and then back to the hostel via a mega-climb up Lombard street to the trolley.

The next day took us to Yosemite valley with its majestic beauty. Breathtaking scenery, cool clear water, and tons of tourists (of whom we were 6). Climbing the slippery rocks by the falls, gawking at yet another amazing view as we wound our way with the days’ traffic out of the park. Fresno put us up for the night after we finally were able to find a gas station (just in time).

Another day, another amazing park – Sequoia/King’s Canyon this time. One hears about these trees, one sees pictures of others standing next to them, but until you are there, it simply doesn’t sink in. These things are real, not something out of a Tolkien story! Massive, stretching into the heavens, these gentle giants grow on the shoulders of mountains with just as massive and amazing valleys and vistas. Our eyes were not enough – our hearts had to open to God’s beauty and glory!

And then – as quickly as it had begun – it was done. We were able to visit the beach again, peacefully, and Shirley went shopping in Beverly Hills for the day. We were able to share and worship with the church again before getting packed and ready to return to reality. Because that is often what it feels like – like we have been in a dream. We have been so blessed by the beautiful things we have seen – in nature and in people.

As we return, we are just as excited, because we are coming home. We have missed everyone here and there is so much to do. First, of course, are the ‘necessaries’ – the lawn has grown to my knees, the weeds on the driveway are swallowing the stones and the emails and appointments are knocking at the door. So we are thankful for the encouragement we have had with God’s family in the US, breathing in God’s wonder in His nature, and sharing all that we have with those around us. Now it is time to do the same here.

And there is a lot to do: we have already started some of our studies and visits, lessons are being written for Family Camp, invitations for a song workshop in October, plans for reaching out to refugees in our area need to be made and much more. It is exciting that, no matter where we are (no matter where you are), God has so much for us to do, so many ways that He would like to use us. Look what he does with wind and water and rock and wood and dirt (all that natural beauty) and then thrill at what He will be able to do with us when we allow Him full rein in our lives. Let’s get on the road again!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

Check out our pictures from the road trip here.

Home away from home

About 30 years ago we were considering how we could best serve the Lord, wherever He would take us. We travelled to Belgium and the Netherlands – having had experience there – and made plans for a team to go to Belgium. This didn’t materialize, but we then had a request from two Dutch couples to join them in establishing the church in Maastricht, the Netherlands, just over the border with Belgium.

In 1991 we moved to Belgium to join our colleagues, Ruud and Karla Verheijen, and begin working with the church. From the beginning the church in Long Beach, California, has been our supporting church and family. Since 1995 we have returned on Home Assignment every three years to report to our congregations, visit family, and recharge our batteries. And every time we have found a refreshing welcome and welcoming family with the church in Long Beach.

We have always been amazed at the open-heartedness of God’s family in so many places. In California we have always stayed with brothers and sisters who say – and mean, “Make yourself at home. Our home is your home.” Because this is California, these have been homes with swimming pools, parks in the area, and plenty of sun. But they have also been homes with kids for our boys to make friends with, couples who encourage us, and a great atmosphere of rest and peace.

California is the land of the automobile, and yet people are willing to lend us their cars for our time here. We are showered with opportunities to have fun (Disneyland in the past, beaches or shopping these days) interspersed with times of spiritual refreshment with brothers and sisters. Not to mention that we get to see and feel the sun (or did I mention that already?).

It is the people, our family of Christ here, that makes this place our home away from home. People who continue to welcome us in, to ask about how God has been working in our lives and to share how God is challenging them as well. They are also trying to see how God can use them to spread good news in their neighborhoods, no matter where they are.

This stay, we also got to introduce Marc and Wouter to our family and home in California. It has been wonderful to share the loving hearts that have so long blessed us. One of the things we continue to hear is that the people they (Marc and Wouter) meet are so welcoming and hospitable. And this is so true – not only in California, but everywhere we have been.

Our last week on this two month journey of visits was a roadtrip with Sean and his friends – a quick 5 day jaunt up the coast to San Francisco and back down along Yosemite and Sequoia parks. But more on that next time. For now, in the last two days we are here, we will enjoy time with our brothers and sisters in our home away from home.

Check out some of our pictures of the California leg of our trip here. I will be updating this set and adding a set from the roadtrip soon.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Philemon 4-7

Indy-pendence, In dependents, (In) dependence

We are not made to be alone. We start out life dependent on our parents but trying to do everything on our own as quickly as possible. We learn to walk, to eat, to tie our shoes – so much that we can do “all on our own.” But we are not on our own. We are part of a family. And further along, that family only gets bigger. We are made to be together, to be with “one another”.

One of the first things we did in Indianapolis was to get together downtown with family – Scott’s brother and his family. The ‘Indy” sign makes it possible for you to be the “I” in “Indy”. But we enjoyed being a whole group strolling along the canal, escaping the heat under the bridge, sharing conversations as we got to know each other well. We don’t see each other very often.

The airport was the scene for the first of our family moments as Natalie came to pick us up with her mom, Pauline, and sister, Hailey. Later we would also all go to pick up Sean, Wouter and Marc. And all of us invaded Jay and Pauline’s and Stephan and Natalie’s homes, but it is family.

It was such a blessing to be able to use a car, as Scott and Shirley visited other family before Sean arrived. A day to South Bend meant a great visit with Stef Bardoel at Notre Dame university. Another evening meant a visit to Mark and Beth Chenowith who have been such an encouragement to us in previous visits, sharing their home. Now we were able to share our hearts again in challenging conversations about the future and how we can be used for God. We are made to be together – we need times like these.

Before Sean and the guys arrived, we enjoyed being able to just be part of anything and everything that was happening. Scott was happy to get al sweaty helping build the new deck, Shirley spent a morning with the ladies getting nails done, we watched a bit of football along the way and we enjoyed snacks or food whenever we even thought about it, thanks to Pauline’s good care.

When “the guys” arrived (Sean, Wouter and Marc), it was just in time to watch Belgium play. Together-time is also important in moments of commiseration. And then we were able to connect again with Scott’s brother, Michael and family, for a day of fun, food and music. Although the weather had by this time turned greyer and colder (though never really cold), getting to talk and sing together always warms things up.

It is here in Indianapolis that two families meet. Scott’s brother lives here as do Stephan and Natalie and her parents. It was especially nice to see how Wouter and Marc have been taken up into this whole group of two families. This is what family means, and it will always be a time and place of beauty for those who have experienced it.

We enjoyed our dependence on one another – driving to and fro, building things together, playing games, putting more places out as Natalie’s sister and fiancé also joined us, finding fun things to do together – everything is a bit more complicated with more, but also exciting and fun. Together we filled up the days around Independence Day in Indy. The guys enjoyed playing ping-pong and Axis & Allies. We watched a few movies together, watched fireworks, tried to make s’mores on the stove (since it was now raining outside) and got a free concert from Sean.

Indepenedence Day was a day of American activities. In the morning the guys went shooting at a range. In the afternoon we enjoyed a meal together. In the evening we went bowling and then walking along a trail with lots of other people on their way to a festival and firewroks (it wasn’t yet raining). But this day was also a day of saying goodbye. The following day we would move on to our next destination. You can see the pictures of our Indy stay here. 

It will not be easy for Shirley to leave one of her little boys behind after waiting so long to see him again. We know how independent our children must be, but it is not always easy to see. We are so thankful that we were able to spend this time together. We are thankful most of all for the realisation that we are dependent and can depend on the great might and grace of our Lord – always and everywhere.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.   1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Miles and miles

On December 21, 1984 Shirley walked down the aisle and I joined her halfway before we walked up to Ron Carter and said our vows, becoming husband and wife. Bret and Brett were there. Tonita was Shirley’s made of honor. Daniel sang (along with Mandy, Brian and Theresa).

That evening (Shirley’s graduation day) we drove on to Hot Springs and the next day drove all the way to Abilene, Texas – arriving on Saturday evening late, stinking of exhaust fumes from our car which would never drive another mile. Sunday morning we went with Eric and Pam Nyrose to their congregation: 11^th & Willis. That Sunday we met E.B. and Jean Dotson and so many others who have so changed our lives.

Texas is big. Miles separate the people that we want to see. Miles and miles that this place has brought to our lives. It was here, with this first congregation, that we started our miles of travel, our plans to bring the gospel to Belgium and the Netherlands. This congregation that already supported missions in Europe, Africa and the US. In the hearts of these people, miles were simply something to be bridged. And that is how it has continued through the years.

We drove from the airport (DFW) over to Abilene and settled in to our home away from home with E.B. and Jean. This is a place of peace and rest where we are always welcome and at home. We share our hearts and thoughts and usually take some time to watch an old movie together. This couple is one of the many here in Texas who have been instrumental and influential in our life of living Christ wherever we are.

We were able to meet with familiar faces at 11^th and Willis, although we will have to wait to see some again until we are all Home together. We were thrilled to be able to see Annick, who we met in 2001 as a single young lady from Burundi at E.B. and Jean’s. Now she is head of nursing, is married and has two kids of her own. We were also able to meet new faces and were reminded again of how living our faith is what we all want to be doing – every day and in every way.

We drove down to Temple to spend time (although it was too short) with Daniel and Tonita Stovall. Their children and our children have grown, we have all grown older, but we still can encourage one another. The Stovall’s were the link for us to the congregation in Minnesota, miles away. But miles are just meant to bring us all together.

The last part of our Texas jaunt brought a few more miles out to Bill and DeeDee Bundy in Graham. Of course we know them from Antwerp and Bern and Brussels. The Bundy’s, too, are an example and encouragement for us of how God travels with us over all the miles. Everywhere we go, He is our King and guides our steps – if we allow. A wonderful meal together in the beauty of Texas and a good night’s sleep sent us on our way for our last Texas miles.

Before sleepily climbing aboard our 7am flight to Indiana (leave the house at 3:30, get the rental car back, be on time for TSA), we had just a few days. We drove across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to Mesquite for a quick visit with Brad and Lena Cawyer who have made their own miles and are touching lives for Christ all over the world together with Konstantin and Lina Zighulin with Psalom.

We then spent the evening and  a peaceful day with Tim and Debbie McNeill outside of Haslet in one of the other homes where we are always welcome and at home. Tim and Debbie lived for a year in Antwerp, but are kindred spirits. We even got to watch the Belgium game together, as it should be. 

As we drove back across I-30 from Mesquite toward our last stop in Haslet, we were retracing the steps we had made almost 32 years earlier driving our leaky car on our way to our new life together. We have crossed so many miles with these precious people and look forward to many more miles as God directs us.

Check out the pictures from Texas.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.  Hebrews 11:13-16