Wild Wonderful Wednesday

Today is a 5th Wednesday, a special Wednesday in our rotation. So we are going to take a quick trip along some wild and wonderful places near where we live. 

As we walk out our backyard and through the gate at the end of the yard, we come to the road running along the canal behind our house. Turning left we can enjoy the canal, watching the rowing club training: men’s and women’s, 2-man, 4-man and 8-man boats. A few hundred yards down the road we take a curvy left which then curves back right and passes by a WWII bunker where American and Belgian soldiers fought, very briefly. 

Past the bunker we cross the canal on a bridge leading us to the river, the Meuse. To the right is a nature park where we can see beavers, swine, deer, Scottish cows (put there to keep things maintained) and all sorts of waterfowl, including blue heron high up in the trees. But today we will turn right and head along the river. 

This past summer the river flooded to the levels from back in 1995 - even though the river has been broadened to make flooding less likely. Now the river is well returned to her banks and we pass a whole colony of swans. Down along the water we can see some Polish Konik horses grazing and drinking. 

As we turn back from the river we cross another bridge over the canal and watch a boat ply its way north to the Netherlands, maybe even going as far as Rotterdam harbor. Looking ahead from the bridge we see the towers of the castle in Rekem (previously called Rekheim). This castle first served as home to a baron. The barony, established in the 14th century, had its own coinage, toll rights, army and court of justice. In 1778 the family left the barony and castle and it became a house of “care” for beggars and those without work - a work house. 

After Belgium gained its independence (1830), the castle remained a beggars house until in 1920 it was turned into a psychiatric hospital. The local people for decennia would call it the crazy house. In 1970 the psychiatric hospital moved to a new location in the woods where it can be found today. 

The castle was sold in 2003 to a company which renovated it all and is making residential units. So if one desires, one can live in a castle in this “Most picturesque village in Flanders” (a prize the village won in 2008). 

If we were to take a longer walk, we could cross the major street and head towards Pietersheim, a castle ruin from the 12th century with moat and all. Next to the ruin is a hotel “castle” (more a big, fancy house). The park is a wonderful walk with the dog or children or just to take a run. But today we will just head on home for a good cup of coffee. 

If you would like to see more, check out some of the pictures of where we live. 

Travel in uncertain times

These days people are traveling for all sorts of reasons. Many are thankful that they can finally travel after corona rules shut down travel for so long. Some are happy to be able to see children or grandchildren. On the other hand, many are traveling because they feel they must - to escape poverty or war or danger. 

We usually plan to travel every three years. We plan a “Home Assignment” where we travel for about two months in the US to all of our supporting congregations and our family in the various States we find them. Our family members are not in the States where our supporting congregations are. This means a lot of traveling. 

Our last time making this trip was in 2019, a year before corona rules reared their ugly head. That would normally mean that we would travel again in 2022, this year. Considering that many of the rules are only now being changed or dropped, we have been waiting to see what might be possible before planning anything. And then gas prices started going up. 

At this point, we know that we will not be able to come when we might first have planned - from mid-May to begin July as we have in years past. It is simply too close now to try to plan and get everything ready. So we had started looking at coming in the Fall instead. It is a lot easier for us to travel from an empty nest. But as we look at the options, we are still very uncertain. 

So we just want to let you know that we MIGHT see you in August, September or October if things work out well. We would travel from mid-August through the first week of October. Nothing is set. 

We are looking at different ways of traveling as well. Usually our trip included 8-10 flights. As anyone who has flown can tell you, it is not necessarily the flight that is tiring or time-consuming, but getting to and from the plane. So we have considered making a driving loop along many of our midwest stops. This would mean some extra costs for a rental car. And of course, with gas prices, this might end up being worse than flying. 

We understand that we are very blessed to even consider traveling for these reasons and we are thankful that it might be possible. Please do keep us in your prayers as we try to figure out if this would be wise and how then to plan it. We would love to see you in person again. 

Where, Oh Where Wednesday - A city unto itself

Brussels is like any other larger city. Brussels is like no other city. Crazy traffic circles remind you of Paris. Multicultural streets and shops make you feel as if you are in any of many European cities. The architecture is at once thrilling to discover in certain areas as it is boring and typical in other neighborhoods. And yet, Brussels is something few cities are. 

Most would say that the city houses about 1 million people, but this is probably being generous. IN that sense, Brussels is quite small. Some inhabitants of major cities would call it a village, using a derisive tone. And yet it is here that much of Europe calls home. The headquarters of NATO are here. The European Union has its offices and buildings here. Brussels is, truly, the capitol of Europe. 

But of course, Brussels is also the capitol of Belgium. In essence the city is to be a coming together of two peoples, forcing the country to be a whole. The Flemish-speaking Flemings in the north of the country and the French-speaking Walloon in the south meet up in Brussels. In theory, one should be able to speak both languages in the capitol freely, find influences from both cultures abundantly. 

In practice, Brussels is as it has been of old - a French-speaking Paris wanna-be with most of the disadvantages of big-city life and a few of the benefits. This doesn’t mean that it is not visiting in any sense. There is plenty for tourists to see. The king and queen even live here. Brussels is, after all, the hub of Belgium and Europe together. The 7(!) layers of government that are Belgium are joined here in this cacophony of color, culture and sound. Brussels is a separate entity in the country (next to the areas of Flanders and Wallonia). It demands its place of honor - or attention - at all levels.

And this city has left its mark in our lives as well. This is where we regularly would travel for the American consulate. Here is where our youngest son, Sean, studied and graduated from university. We have in the past spent one Sunday a month singing with the congregation. The city has welcomed youth from the churches all over Belgium and the Netherlands for church activities. And it is a nice place to go out for a meal or enjoy a day as a tourist with friends who visit. 

Once upon a time Wednesday - Carnaval

Belgium is considered a Catholic country as is the southern area of the Netherlands.  Many of its practices and traditions come from Catholic culture. Some of these traditions are interwoven with other cultural traditions. 

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, many will celebrate some form of Lent, although it is not nearly as stringent as in past generations. This is a time of fasting. Many more, especially in the area where we live, will celebrate the days before Ash Wednesday. The Tuesday before is called Shrove Tuesday in English. In French it is known as Fat Tuesday - or better known as "Mardi Gras". 

In the Belgian province of Limburg, and the corresponding province of Limburg in the Netherlands where Maastricht is located, Carnaval is celebrated extensively. In Maastricht it officially begins on the 11th of the 11th - November 11 - at 11:11. It ends on Shrove Tuesday late with some sort of closing ceremony. In Maastricht a copy of a statue on the central market is hoisted in the air. 

The biggest part of Carnaval is the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday. People wear amazing costumes - in the past handmade, but more and more likely store-bought these days. There is lots of music and a specific type of song making fun of all sorts of things. And there is a good bit of drinking - although the real celebrators of Carnaval would say that they do not overly consume, that would be the people from the north who only come to get drunk. 

Carnaval moves with the lunar calendar and is connected to Easter, so it can be early in the year and face extremely frigid temperatures, or later and enjoy some sun. Not everyone from the two Limburgs like the celebration, but everyone knows that they have to take in into account. Stores close and businesses have to deal with employees being gone. And then 40 days of fasting come and people look forward to Easter. 

In 2020 Carnaval coincided with the arrival of a novel virus and everything shut down. in 2022, after 2 years of lockdowns and a year of no celebration, Carnaval announced the return to "normal". 

Whatsit Wednesday - the KWAK glass

Belgium has a rich culinary history. Most people know about cheese, Brussels sprouts and Belgian endive. In more recent history people in the US became aware of the varied history and beauty of Belgian beer. Local breweries sprang up in places all over the US. 

Beer in Belgium is a delicacy and a commonality. While many people might simply drink a “pils” which is actually a beer based on a brewery the Czech Republic (in Pilsen), there are many who drink all sorts of specialty beers. Beers are brewed in Abbies by monks. Beers have cherries or other fruits in them. And they can be “double” or “triple”, “blonde” or dark. 

Although Belgium has over 1000 beers, many of them these days are part of the AB Inbev company which owns beers all over the world (including Budweiser, Busch and Corona). The brewery for Stella Artois is still sat on the canal in the Belgian city of Leuven. 

But “Kwak” beer is especially noteworthy because of the type of glass in which it is served. According to the story Pauwel Kwak had a tavern which was located where coaches would stop. In that time the coachmen were not allowed to leave their coach and horses. So Kwak designed a glass that could be used by the coachmen while sitting atop their coaches. 

The KWAK glass looks like a teardrop suspended in a wooden holder. The whole thing is necessary as a glass. The glass itself would fall over if placed on a table. But with the wooden stand, everything is ready for consumption. 

This is family

As all of us know, the situation in Ukraine is not good. People all over the world, but especially all over Europe, are asking how they can help. What has so encouraged me is to see how churches all over Europe are quickly looking at how they can help. 

From the beginning the churches in Poland and Ukraine itself were working together to help make sure that the first refugees were cared for. Take a minute to look at a map. Ukraine is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldavia. I have seen messages from churches in almost all of these countries offering help in many different ways. 

Of course the countries themselves are doing their part. Europe has made it easier for Ukrainians to stay. Previously they could enter the EU and stay as tourists for 90 days. This was first extended to 180 days. Now it has been opened to a special status whereby these refugees will be able to stay for 1-2 years, receive financial help and be able to work. 

But they still need places to go and ways to get there. Free flights and trains have been offered. People have traveled with their own cars for hundreds of kilometers. Some are even renting buses to go pick people up. Many of this is being organized and coordinated by the churches in the surrounding countries. Among churches all over Europe members are offering ways to help. 

Belgium and The Netherlands is a long way away from Ukraine, but we know that there are lots of people needing help. Ardennen Bijbelkamp - our Bible camp - has offered to put up some families for at least 90 days. We are not sure how this will work yet, but we are prepared to help. One of the members in Maastricht is a Ukrainian preacher from Kiev who will stay at camp to help the refugees who come there. 

It is so good to see God working in all these people, in this whole situation. Our God is mighty. We continue to try to keep our focus on Him and the true eternal good news of eternal life in Christ as we also do our best to help with current needs of the here and now. Please join us in prayer for this situation. 

Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Ephesians 6:23-24

Whodunit Wednesday - Look familiar?

Although both The Netherlands and Belgium are quite small countries, they have and continue to contribute to the ranks fo famous people in the world. Of course, within the countries there are far more Belgiands and Dutch actors and musicians who are famous or recognized. But even in the wider world many of these names will be known. 

In Music

Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone around 1840. Anyone who loves sax music can thank this Belgian for his contribution (which carries his name). A well-known jazz sax player is Candy Dulfer, a Dutch woman. And staying in the jazz and blues tones, anyone who has ever heard a harmonica knows the name of legendary Belgian Toots Thielemans. 

But there are all types of music in the world. DJ Tiësto was one of the first and most well-known dj’s. He is a Dutchman. These days, you might listen to the Belgian Charlotte de Witte when listening to a dj set. Some other well-known Belgian artists are Angele and Stromae. 

Even when we move to different genres and times, we find Belgians and Dutchmen. Goerge Baker (Una Paloma Blanca) was from The Netherlands, as is country singer Ilse de Lange. For those who like classical music, Andre Rieu tours the world with his  orchestra getting people from Australia to Switzerland to sing along and start a waltz. He is from right here in Maastricht. 

In Film

For those watching the screen (or the small screen) there are also plenty of Dutch and Belgians actors. Some are more recognizable than others. Most people know that Jean-Claude van Damme is Belgian. He is called “the muscles from Brussels”. But perhaps people didn’t know that Veerle Baetens and her co-star in Broken Circle Breakdown are Belgian. Matthias Schoenaerts from “Rust and Bone” and “The Danish Girl” is also Belgian. 

Most people will definitely know Famke Janssen, either from the X-men or as a James Bond badgirl. She is a more recent Dutch actress. Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) and Jeroen Krabbé (Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Bond baddie, The Fugitive) have been representing The Netherlands on the silver screen for quite some time. Most recently perhaps has been Carine Van Houten in Game of Thrones. 

Back to "normal"

In the Netherlands, the corona rules have been dropped and all sorts of activities can go back to “normal”. In the congregation in Maastricht we have decided as  congregation to set up our seating differently. 

The last two years we have been seated in a circle around the walls of our meeting room. This gave us the ability to keep some distance from one another and still meet together. In addition to the seating change, we changed how we do the Lord’s Supper and what our worship time together looks like. We even instituted some traditions around how we interact after our worship time. 

Now we as a congregation have decided to “return” to the old way the meeting hall was set up. But almost half of our members actually came to be part of this family during the corona years. This means that - to them - the corona set up was “normal”. And it brings up the question: what is essential and what is normal? 

For the Lord's Supper during corona, each member (or family member) approached the central table where the bread and cup were, took bred and cup and returned to sit and wait until all members had done the same. Then we prayed for the bread and partook together after which we prayed for the cup and partook together. 

Now the table will no longer be central and we will no longer be seated in a a circle facing one another. Now the table will be in the front and we will be seated in a semi-circle. The brother leading the supper will pass the plate and the cup. For many this is a well understood and familiar thing. For many in our congregation, this is new. 

It has always intrigued me to think about and study the bits of our communal worship time that are traditional. What is essential? And how can we do that? During corona years we dropped the sermon and increased the time for the word during the Lord’s Supper. And yet, Jesus remains central to it all. During corona we made a conscious decision to make this time central to our time together. It remains so.

Now things are changing again and we can look at and wonder how to do things together. We are thankful for the changes that have come. We are most thankful that we are a family which can work through these things together with the grace of God. In other parts of the world - Ukraine - other changes are having to be made. We pray for the church there that they, too, can continue to rely on the strength and peace of the Father as they continue to live out and show the love and grace of God, even during very difficult times. 

 

Where, Oh Where Wednesday - The International Triangle

We live in Belgium, just across the border from Maastricht, the Netherlands. This area is very international. The cities of Maastricht (Dutch), Liege (Belgian) and Aachen (German) are all within about 30 minutes drive of each other where this little boot heel of the Netherlands extends between Belgium and Germany. 

Maastricht is where the agreement was signed to make the Euro. This city was chosen because of the very international character of the region (it is called a Euregion). There are four or five different cultures combining in a very small area. Next to the Dutch area of Maastricht is the Flemish-speaking area of Belgium where we live. The Belgian city of Liege is in the French-speaking area of Belgium. Just south of Liege is the German-speaking area of Belgium, which borders Germany and the city of Aachen.

Aachen, or as some know it Aix-la-Chapelle, was the capitol of the Franks under Charlemagne. From 936-1531 it was where the kings of the Germans of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned. Tourists today visit the baths (from Roman times) and the cathedral where a holy relic exists of Charlemagne.

Liege, in French-speaking Belgium, was ruled by prince-bishops. Maastricht was jointly ruled by the prince-bishops of Liege and the dukes of Brabant. The city hall in Maastricht even has two stairways - one for each leader - and is built symmetrically so as not to bother either leader unduly. 

When we first arrived and went to market in Maastricht, we could pay with German marks, Belgian francs or Dutch guilders. Since 2000 the whole region uses the euro of course. The region is full of culture, history and natural beauty. Today it is in many ways joined, not only in history, but also in policy. 

Once upon a time Wednesday - When Romans walked

Maastricht has been around for quite some time. The name of the city is originally “Trajectum ad Mosum” - Latin for “trajectory over the Maas”. The Romans built a fortification at the point where the river could be traversed. There are still remnants of the old Roman civilization downtown. 

Our house in Belgium, just across the border, is in Neerharen, which was another spot where the Roman army could ford the river. The main road running not far from our house was a Roman highway (and is still called the “heirbaan” which means the road of the army). 

In the next village, archeologists found parts of an old Roman villa. Some well-to-do Roman citizen established his home out in the fields not far from the river. So the Roman army and plenty of Roman citizens were well established here in this area around the time that Jesus was walking on the earth in Jerusalem. 

I love making that point with people as we read the gospel of Luke, that great historian and gospel writer. Everyone here understand perfectly that the Romans were here. It brings things home when you can point out that Jesus was actually here on earth as well. 

Whatsit Wednesday - Fietsen

Most people are aware that people in Belgium and the Netherlands ride bicycles. Most recently the Dutchwoman Marianne Vos won the world championship cyclocross which was held in Fayetteville, Arkansas (NOT North Carolina - I knew that!). You will often hear either a Belgian or Dutch name when it comes to competitive cycling. 

You only have to walk the dog along our canal every morning and evening to see how many people bike. But also to see the difference between the Dutch and the Belgians. Every weekend, especially if the weather is nicer, Chester and Scott have to make sure to keep their ears peeled. Regularly a large group of men (and women) dressed in the same outfits and bunched together will come flying by on their bicycles. Thankfully, you can hear them coming from far off, gabbing with one another as they ride along. 

Although this will also be the case in some areas of the Netherlands, the bikes there are much more practical. It is in the Netherlands that you will see mothers or fathers biking with two children in a box connected to the front forks, with a third child in a seat behind her and groceries in bags straddling the rear wheel. Bankers, mechanics, students, professors - anybody can be found riding a bike to work or the store or the cafe. 

Whether it is for sport or daily use, the “fiets” (bicycle) is clearly a part of life in both the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Go with the flow

January ended with several members picking up the virus and needing to quarantine. This meant not meeting in person, moving our services back online. It has been a while since we met online. We are thankful that it is possible. Most of the members were able to be present. We even have members who have not been able to be present in person who were now as present as a computer screen allows. 

In the meantime at least 8 members worked their way through the various amounts of sick that the virus caused. For Scott that was what he recognizes as a typical week of flu: some high temperatures, plenty of sleeping during the day, sweating at night and basically working it out in about 4 days. Others had a bit less, some had a bit more, but it seems like we are through it all together. 

And that means that we can get back together again in person very soon. We are looking forward to meeting again in person and welcoming our new family from the north. We are thankful for the desire we all have to care fro one another, for the health God continues to give us, and for the possibilities we have and use to gather in praise of God who gives us daily and eternal life. 

As we move further into the new year, we as a congregation are looking at new things. When will we move back to sitting in rows as we did before corona? This allows for more people to be together. What will we be learning together as we head into a new year of studying the word of God? Our theme this year will explore how we can impact this world that we live in, since we do not truly belong to this world. We look forward to a summer of camp weeks and how to implement those. And we look at youth weekends down south. It has been a while since we had youth of this age in the congregation. 

The days are getting longer. It is not yet warm, but we can imagine the warmer days coming. And we know that we are able to do mighty things with God’s help, no matter what comes. So bring it on. We will continue to do our best to go with the flow and allow God to use us as He sees fit.  

The photo is of our creek at camp, when it is peaceful. This is the same creek that became a raging river this past year and swept some of camp away. Each season brings different challenges. God is there through every season. 

Whodunit Wednesday - From detectives to forensics to physics

Shirley and I like detective series and enjoy Sherlock Holmes (and its newer versions), Wallander (from Sweden) and of course most Agatha Christie detectives. Anyone who has read about Hercule Poirot will know that, no, he is not a Frenchman, even though he speaks French. He is a Belgian and served in the Belgian police before moving to England because of the war and setting up as the best detective in the world. 

Much of what we enjoy about detectives also has to do with forensics. It is amazing what can be done these days with technology. “Fingermarks” were first used to identify criminals around the time that Poirot was supposed to have lived and worked. But it was much later that Ingrid Daubechies came up with a mathematical model which is used in many ways today, including by the FBI in stocking fingerprints. She developed wavelets which are the basis of computers and processors and digital processes. As a 6 year-old Ingrid would go to sleep multiplying numbers by two from memory. She was the first woman to become a full professor of mathematics at Princeton University. But she was born and raised in Houthalen, Belgium, not far from where we live. 

And speaking of physics, Belgian priest and scientist George Lemaître was the first to present the idea of the Big Bang theory of physics in 1927. At the time, most scientists were working with an idea of an eternal universe - one that had always been the same and would always remain the same. This fit with the newer ideas of the evolution theory and offered the millions of years necessary to believe that all of this could happen by chance. Lemaître posited the Big Bang theory because of increasing evidence that there must be a beginning to creation. 

Where oh where Wednesday - Spa

Around the world people who speak English will talk about going to the spa. This could mean a day at a place where you can luxuriate in pools and hot waters and in, well, spa’s, while also getting a massage and/or beauty treatments of all kinds. But that word comes from a real place, a city called Spa. 

In Roman times the area of the town of Spa was known as ‘Aquae spadanae’. In medieval times drinking from a spring with iron-bearing water was thought to help some illnesses. The Walloon-French word for fountain was ‘espa’. But this Roman custom became popular everywhere and the word 'spa' took on a general meaning. 

The town itself has hosted noblemen in the 16th century who opposed King Philip II as well as the exiled pretender to the English throne, Prince Charles in the 17th century. There has been a casino there since the 18th century. In 1918 the German army established its headquarters there from where they finally signed the armistice ending World War I. 

It is still a town full of tourists coming to take the waters or play at the casino, and is Now it is also known for the formula 1 race at Spa-Francorchamps. For us Spa is the nearest town to our Bible camp. This is where we go for a day outing with the kids, where the swimming pool is and where we do our grocery shopping. There is a factory where the mineral water is bottled and a putt-putt golf course to take the kids to. The floods in the summer of 2021 raced straight through the downtown of Spa, but things have since been restored to their normal situation. 

Once upon a time Wednesday - The older country

When you walk the streets of Belgium or the Netherlands, you are struck with the age of the place. Most tourists who stop in Belgium want to visit Brughe and walk along the medieval streets. In Amsterdam, one can enjoy the 16th, 17th and 18th century buildings along the canals. Americans will often comment that there is nothing of this age back in the US. 

And yet, both of these countries are younger than the United States of America. Although the Dutch formed a republic in the 16th century, they were not free from Spain until the 17th century. The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed first in 1815. A short 15 years later the southern section of this kingdom rebelled and became the Kingdom of Belgium (recognized in 1839). 

So while Belgium and the Netherlands have a very rich history, as separate countries they are quite a bit younger than the United States of America which was formed in 1776. Even the republic of France (which is what now exists) was only established in 1792. Germany was first a republic in 1918 after having gotten rid of the monarchy. Which isn’t to take away from all of the beautiful places steeped in history and amazing stories, architecture and culture in each of these countries. 

The village down the street from where we live has a neanderthal site. Maastricht, where we meet with the church, is an old Roman city. I like mentioning to visitors and locals alike that, when Jesus was walking the streets of Jerusalem, the Romans were living in Maastricht. (That's a picture of Maastricht with three of its church buildings)

History is the story of where you have been and how you have been shaped by those places and events. We are thankful to have so much history in so many different places. 

Whatsit Wednesday - Cheese plane

No, we are not talking about some weird flying contraption made of cheese. Although this might certainly be a thing and might even be something you could find in Belgium or the Netherlands. Both countries are, after all, known for their cheeses. If you have eaten ‘gouda’, then you have eaten Dutch cheese, originally made in and according to a process from the city of Gouda. The cheese and city are pronounced “gow-da” (using the guttural Dutch-language “g”). But if you are in the UK or US you will more likely ask for “goo-da”. 

But back to that strange plane. Could a plane really be made of cheese? I immediately have a song from My Fair Lady in my head. This reminds me that this word has a synonym. Even better, there are at least two completely different items spelled the same way. An airplane (or aeroplane) is a contraption used to transport people and things through the air. But a plane can also be used to shave wood. 

And that’s where we’re going when we talk about a cheese plane. Of course in English we might talk more often of a cheese slicer. But let’s be clear here, the object the Dutch and Flemish use for their cheese is not a slicer. Those exist as well, most often as a thin wire attached to an arm on a hinge. You might also have a cheese knife. But these are not a cheese plane. 

A cheese plane shaves off a thin bit of cheese from a block of Gouda or Edam cheese (or any other type of block cheese). So the next time you are eating Dutch cheese, consider using your plane, just like the Flemish and Dutch do. 

Changing faces

In the past two years of corona the face of the congregation in Maastricht has changed. We have always had four families or couples who have been the constant presence. These faces have remained the same, although they of course have gotten two years older. But there have been several new faces and this has changed the dynamic in the congregation as well. 

We mentioned back a while ago that a young American family had returned. The Haak’s had been with us four years ago, stationed in Germany just across the border. Now they have returned and have even been able to rent the same house they stayed in before. The kids have grown up (the youngest was only a baby when they left last). With covid restrictions we don’t get to see them as often as we would like, but it has been good to have them back with us again. 

Most recently we told you about new life here as well. Kitty’s husband, Freddy, put on Christ in baptism and died to his old life to become a new creation. We are all watching how God can make someone new and restore a broken relationship. This also means that we have a new couple in the family where we previously had a single. 

And speaking of singles, in the last two years we have gained 4 wonderful sisters to join the other 3. These ladies are serious about their faith, encouragers of each member and helpful in so many ways. Some are younger, some are older. Some are new Christians, some have joined us from other congregations because of a move to our area. All are a wonderful addition to this family. 

And then we have those who are most recently come to the family, including a brother from Ukraine and a young family from up north who have moved to the sunny south. In addition we have some regular visitors who may end up being a part of the family here. 

Corona has thrown plenty of curveballs for two straight years, but God knows how to handle those. Homeruns all around. We are so thankful for His might and wisdom in dealing with everything that comes our way. We pray that you, too, are experiencing all the good that God is bringing in these difficult times. 

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.   Ephesians 2:19-22

Whodunit Wednesday - Olympic medals

Do you know which country in continental Europe had the best medal count in the summer olympics this past year in Tokyo? Of course we have to remember that the United Kingdom has been busy with Brexit for some time and was still never considered part of continental Europe (being an island and part of and island). The UK finished in 4th place when counting behind the US, China and Japan itself (who played a great home game). 

Of course, one also has to agree how the count should be made. Do you count who has the most gold medals? Or who has the most medals in total? For example, Great Britain had a total of 65 medals, compared to Japan’s 58. But Japan had 5 more gold medals than Great Britain. Many would like to look at only the total medal count, but this might skew the advantage to countries with larger populations who can field more teams. Others \prefer to look at the amount of gold and silver medals, basically weighting them differently. 

Perhaps surprisingly for many, but not for members of the country itself, the Netherlands was the country in continental Europe with the best medal count. They finished ahead of France, Germany and Italy when counting gold, silver and bronze medals, although they had fewer total medals than Italy or Germany had. 

Yes, the Netherlands, with its population of just under 18 million, outsmarted countries like Germany (83 million), France (67,5 million) and Italy (60+ million). What medals did the Dutch take you might wonder. Were they all cycling medals (something the Dutch have historically been quite good in)? Or were there “real’ sports in there? 

In athletics, Sifan Hassan won the gold medal in the women’s 10,000 and 5,000 meter race as well as the bronze in the 1,500 meters. Also in athletics, the men’s 4x400 meter team took home the silver as did the marathon runner Abdi Nageeye. The women’s hockey team also took home the gold. The Dutch women took the silver and bronze medals in the heptathlon.

Yes, most of the medals came from cycling (12) with swimming and rowing filling up the ranks. But when you look at the breadth of sports that the country performed well in, it is quite amazing for its size. Neighboring Belgium, with its 11,5 million population took home what one might consider a ‘normal’ medal count of 7 including 3 gold medals. The Netherlands seems to be hitting well above their weight. 

Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love

This past year was the second corona year and brought its share of challenges and blessings. Although we certainly were not always happy with how things progressed throughout the year, we were aware - and are even more aware now as we look back - that God is always busy as only He can be, with wonderful, matchless love. 

Time and opportunities

The lockdown provided more time for other activities. Scott and members of the congregation recorded Dutch-language songs and versions of songs so that others in the church could be surrounded by singing. Scott’s colleague, Luk Brazle, was doing the same thing across the country in Ghent. This continues today as well, when we have the time. You can find those songs on Youtube

But now in Christ Jesus 

you who once were far away 

have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 

Ephesians 2:13

When we were stuck in the second lockdown, we were amazed and thankful at how beautiful it was to be able to get together from so many places. That is the beauty of online. While meeting online for weekly worship, we got to know members from the church all over Belgium and the Netherlands. Quite literally, those who were far off were being brought near to one another. 

Scott even had the opportunity to teach and take part in opportunities across the globe. A youth gathering online brought young people from all over Europe together. A (very) early morning in Belgium was an evening sermon during a lesson series on Colossians in a congregation in Colorado. And early Friday mornings in Minnesota translated to Friday afternoon men’s meetings for Scott in Belgium. 

In Maastricht we began meeting in person again and have not looked back. We care for one another and any who come our way. And there have been quite a few visitors - either from other congregations as they traveled or from people in the area looking to be able to meet once again in person. 

The congregation itself has expanded with new members from all ages and locations. There are 4 new women, a family from the past who has again been posted in our area, and a husband who found peace in God and returned to his wife. There are members and visitors from Brazil, Belgium, Ukraine, Poland and even the Netherlands. 

In this time we have all come to realize how important it is to care for one another, to be together and to encourage one another in God’s word. Our attendance at the Wednesday Bible study (online) has increased as we have seen the use of this tool to bring people from far away closer together. Our Sunday morning worship time is followed by hours of fellowship time where we also share insights from the Word with one another. 

This coming year will also bring its challenges. We pray that we, and you with us, will have learned that God can use all of these moments for His glory. He is able. He is shaping us into a temple where people can find His grace. We pray that we will continue to be focused on that grace in all of our actions with the people in our lives. 

Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.  Psalm 31:21-22

This is what God can do

I have talked here often about how God continually surprises. I don’t know why I am amazed every time that He does something that I did not expect. Why did I not expect it? Is my faith so small? I have to remember the disciples in the boat as the storm raged and Jesus slept. “Don’t you care that we are going to die” they asked Jesus. He woke up (I imagine him rubbing sleep from his eyes, calmly yawning and looking at them with amazement) and said, “Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith?” Then he told the storm to be quiet and it listened. It is THEN that the disciples really got frightened. “Who is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

I have told so many people about this truth. I have seen it in our lives time and again. And still God surprises me because I forget how mighty He truly is. These last months have been some of those times. Let me tell you about one of them. 

For years we have cared for our sister in Christ, K. We have counseled her and her husband, who is not a believer. She came to Christ years ago and has done her best to be faithful in spite of the many efforts of her husband, F.,  to thwart her. He has struggled with all sorts of things in his life as well. When we counseled them, he tried to understand how to change, but couldn’t really see anything that he was doing as wrong. 
Most recently F. has also struggled with the relationship with his sons. This frustration often led to explosiveness. He would mention to all who would listen: “I can’t be held responsible for what might happen if you don’t …” The threats were often not even veiled. So at a point, K. let him know that he was not welcome in the house when he came home on the weekend from his ship (he is a shipper on the canals). 
He could have fought this - even physically. He could have come home, his home, and smashed things up. He had done this in the past when he had been out to a cafe drinking. But he said that he didn’t want to do those things. He had often said that he wanted to change. Now, as he was confronted with the reality that he really wasn’t desired and that his behavior would no longer be accepted, he started to think. 
He still had regular phone contact with K. She let him know that he could talk to me if he needed. So F. called. We talked. Or he talked and I listened. But he became more and more aware that he needed to change. In the end he stated very clearly, “I know I need to change. I want to change, but I don’t know how. I need help.” And when I made it clear to him that we all need help and cannot change without the strength of God, he asked, “Do you really think God can accept me?” 
Yes. Yes I do. At least, that is what I have told people for so many years, including F. And so I stated it again - even though I was not at all sure that F could be changed. Was he too far gone? Had he damaged his life and relationships far too much to be able to change? God had shown me in His word that this was not so. Look at the apostle Paul. Look at each of the apostles. John says that the blood of Jesus can cleanse every sin (1 John 1:8-9). 
After several meetings over several weeks, trying to make sure that F. understood what God was saying to him and what was needed, we came to a decision point. F had already said that he wanted to be a new man. He understood that it would not be easy. But if it was possible, and I was telling him from the Bible that it was, then he wanted this newness of life. So on September 27, F was baptized into Christ, washing away his old life and putting on the new which is being transformed by the Spirit in Christ. 
He knows that he needs to show that he is changing, allowing God to change him. And he is trying. We don’t expect miracles, but we do expect change. And as I have mentioned, God always surprises me with what HE is able to do. We are thankful for our new brother in Christ. K is especially thankful - although she also wants to see for sure that her husband truly does want to change. 
This is just one of the amazing things going on in the congregation in Maastricht. God is putting people together here to care for one another and to help people grow in faith. And as this happens, more are being touched - and this in a time that it looks like (seems like) fewer and fewer are finding the beauty of God. 
The storm may be raging and it may seem that Jesus is sleeping. But that doesn’t mean that he is not in control. I am so thankful that God amazes. Let Him amaze you in your life. Expect the unexpected - even though you really can’t. He always does more. 

Thank you for your encouragement of us and for your prayers for what is going on here. We pray that God is continuing to bless you too ij all you do as you walk with Him, the almighty, loving Father.