We are grateful and happy to be able to once again report of the work that we have been doing over the past few months. The mere fact that the Lord is willing to use weak people in His divine hands is astonishing to us. I’m reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:21 “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
Our family stayed in Israel during the first two weeks of May. Along with an older brother, I had the privilege of leading a tour group of about 60 Dutch brothers and sisters. Several people from our congregation traveled with us. During the Israel trip we toured the country and learned much of its history, while I also was able to teach Bible studies in many places. That was really a great privilege.
Personally, I had already been to Israel, but for Annette and our three boys it was the 1st time, plus they had also never flown. All in all it was quite the experience for our children. We as a family had a very precious time for which we are very grateful to the Lord.
After we came back from Israel, there was a lot of work waiting for us. During various meetings (tour) in the Netherlands I shared what the Lord had shown me from His Word concerning Israel, its history, but above all with regard to the Messiah who came forth from the Jewish people (Rom. 9:5) . It was a precious time.
I was able to help during several evangelistic campaigns this summer. Amongst other things I spoke at a tent meeting in Oldebroek. During this meeting I preached from John 5 about the healing of the paralytic at Bethesda.
This message was used by the Lord to convert a woman who approached me in the days following the meeting. It was so encouraging to hear this. We serve a living God who calls people, even today, out of darkness into His marvelous light!
The work within our own little community here in Alblasserdam is also progressing, and we are very grateful. In June we had a baptism service during which I talked about the spiritual legacy of Paul (from 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Then we went to the river with our congregation, and together with a brother I was able to baptize two sisters after they had given their testimony. It was an encouraging day, not only for them but also for the community as a whole. The Lord builds His church and it is wonderful to witness it.
In June, two young couples were married in our church. I had the privilege of officiating at both weddings. One couple was married using the words from 1 John 4:16. During the other wedding service 1 John 1:5-7 was central. Just like prior to the weddings, we as a church now guide and support these newly married young couples. These were precious wedding days and meetings.
In The Netherlands there are some deaconess houses. These deaconesses form a community and put their lives in the service of God. Under the motto “Receive and pass on to others heart and hands” they offer hospitality to people who need peace and rest. They carry out their work from biblical principles. Various activities are generated from such deaconess houses. They also hold annual meetings on Sunday evenings several times a year. Usually I speak at 2 to 3 of such meetings. It is always very impressive to see and taste how these sisters give their lives for the cause of the Lord and His service to poor and needy people. It was a privilege to serve alongside with them in June through the sharing of the Word of God.
On July 3rd, the Lord gave a wonderful opportunity to share the Word in Ridderkerk, a nearby town in our region. The special thing about this meeting is that it took place outdoors in the village center. This meeting is an initiative of several different churches. There was a lot of interest. I spoke on the theme “I’ll be there,” from Exodus 3:14 and Hebrews 13:8. The afternoon on which I wrote this report, I was privileged to share something about the character of God, which ultimately is the foundation of our faith.
Recently, I completed several Bible Series. In September we will pick up again with Bible studies in different parts of our country. Meanwhile, summer vacation has started in the Netherlands. That also means that campsite evangelism work has started. Numerous campsites will be evangelized in the Netherlands, and Bible Weeks are organized at different campgrounds. It is a great blessing for us to be able to contribute to this. Our family has been invited to two different campgrounds this summer.
The one campsite is in the northern part of Holland in the province of Groningen, and the other campground is more toward the south-west of Holland, in the province of Zeeland. The intention is that I teach from the book of Nehemia at both campgrounds this summer. The special feature of these meetings is that they are visited by people from all different denominations. It is a blessing to study the Word with such mixed company and to listen to what the Lord has to say to us. In recent years we have witnessed God’s work through these gatherings and meetings there. Our prayer is for this year is, “Lord, show us your glory” (Exodus 33:18). We left for the first campsite late last week and will stay a total of three weeks on both campgrounds.
During the summer period I have fewer speaking engagements and we will enjoy our vacation time with the children. We are grateful to the Lord that we were able to do a lot of work recently. We are grateful that God has been faithful to give us strength and health for our work each day.
Our prayer is with Moses in Psalm 90:17:“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;And confirm for us the work of our hands;Yes, confirm the work of our hands”.