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We would like to give you a report about our work and developments that have taken place in our family and our ministry over the past few months. In the Netherlands, summer vacation is now over. As a family we had a very good and relaxing time. Right before vacation started, however, we had a setback. We (Jacques and our 3 boys) often wrestle one another and romp around in our living room. We really get into it and most of the time all ends well. However, right before our summer vacation that wasn’t the case. Our youngest son Jesse fell pretty badly and broke his elbow. It was very painful. After having X-rays in the hospital, the doctor decided that his elbow needed a cast. The fracture healed quickly and he was soon able to move around easily.
Since about a year I have been involved with the planting/growth of the Reformed Baptist Church in Urk. In June we had our first baptismal service. I was able to share God’s Word from Acts 11:23, and afterwards a brother and I had the privilege of baptizing 20 people. It was a very encouraging and unforgettable day. Through the many testimonies we heard of God’s great works in people’s lives. We’re so thankful for them.
During the summer vacation our family stayed at different camping sites in the Netherlands. Our children love these vacation weeks. They have lots of space to play and have adventures. As you can see in the picture below, they had a great time. During our time there I also taught Bible studies at the different camping sites. One week at one of the camp sites I taught on the subject of “Perseverance”, using this theme in the lives of Moses, Joseph, Hannah, and Paul. At another camping site I taught a Bible study on the “Spiritual Significance of the Tabernacle”, using a beautiful model. These studies were a blessing to me personally, as well. It is always special that we meet a lot of different people from many different churches and cities. One morning I gave a private lesson (see picture below) to a pastor of an African congregation, who then translated to a brother from the Congo. It was a beautiful thing to be involved with, and we thanked God for the wonderful time that we had together!
In Holland a Christian brother took the initiative to build a replica of Noah’s Ark, to then use it as a tool for evangelism. This Ark is actually located in a harbor near our town. Thus far, tens of thousands of people have visited the Ark and have been brought into contact with message of the Bible. See the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx4HGnCat5g. Recently I had the privilege of speaking on this Ark regarding Romans 8:29, among other topics (see picture below). Our children were also present, and thus the story of Noah and the flood spoke more vividly to them.
On September 17th I started a new Bible study series in the village of Wijk en Aalburg on the epistle to the Romans. It is great to see how several brothers have been giving publicity to this series. In the middle of the village they hung a huge announcement which encourages everyone to attend the Bible studies (see picture below). I also have gained a new entry into the city of Apeldoorn where I’ll be teaching a weeknight Bible study during the coming semester. These and other speaking engagements keep me quite busy with teaching Bible studies both during the week and weekend. It is a great blessing, and at the same time I must continue to devote myself to my marriage and family.
We’re very grateful that our website (www.jacquesbrunt.nl) has many visitors. Particularly the sermons and Biblestudies are being listened to and watched. Because the website is often visited, it is important to keep it current and contemporary in terms of content and appearance. That is why our website is currently undergoing an update. Soon the new website will be visible.
Recently the Lord has made it more and more clear that He has called us to what is written in Acts 6:4 ‘But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.’ I’m currently often approached for all kinds of functions and different activities. Many ask for my involvement. These are often good and wholesome initiatives, but they also detract from our core mission and calling. It thus requires a lot of wisdom from and dependence upon the Lord to do those works which He has prepared for us. This is an important prayer point.
“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you with every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
