HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Johann and Louise: Training Disciples to Make Disciples in the Netherlands What are you grateful for? As we are reminded of the importance of thanksgiving this season, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do here in Heiloo.  But we are also grateful for you because you play a very important role in this work. Your prayers, your encouragement, and your generosity…these are all vital to our ministry here in Heiloo, where Christians are a small but faithful minority.  One Dutch person recently told me that the Dutch had outgrown God.  So we are also grateful that this year, God has opened numerous doors for outreach. Through community events, Bible studies, and many meaningful conversations, we’ve witnessed hearts beginning to soften to the Gospel. One lady Louise has been speaking to for a while has recently started attending our services. A gentleman we chat with on our daily doggie walks is asking questions about my sermons and our events.  It is a joy and privilege to see His Church being built, even in a place where our faith can often feel overshadowed by the overwhelming darkness in North Holland Province. Having worked in other countries where needs are obvious and so physically evident, it is hard to imagine that there are needs in a country that is considered one of the wealthiest in the world.  But the needs here are hidden just below the surface. It is estimated that over half of the Dutch population struggle with anxiety and that general mental health and stability among young people has worsened alarmingly over the past few years.  One of our young men recently gave his testimony at our All Age Sunday service. He spoke openly about his struggle with loneliness and depression before encountering Jesus. Praise God that this young man is now a witness for the kingdom! But there are so many more we can reach! Yes, the going is slow, but the results are worth the time and energy. Precious souls are coming to know Jesus!  We’re eager to continue these efforts in the coming year with events designed to share the hope and love of Christ. However, these opportunities also come with financial challenges.  If you feel led, we would deeply appreciate your support to help cover the costs of upcoming outreach initiatives. Our special projects fund is very low in funds. We really do wish to keep these events free of charge so that there will be no hinderance for participation. If you would like to contribute to these outreach events, please do send your tax-deductible gifts to SAMS-USA earmarked for Vanderbijl Special Projects.  See here: https://give.samsusa.org/project/missionary-special-project-vanderbijl Please do check out our new website for all the events we have planned for next year: https://christchurchheiloo.nl/agenda Thank you for partnering with us in this mission. Your involvement reminds us of God’s faithfulness and provision, and we are so thankful to walk this journey with you. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving, Johann & Louise van der Bijl Support Us Johann and Louise spent two years helping to develop the St. Frumentius Seminary in Gambella, Ethiopia. They then worked in Southern Africa, serving in seven southern African countries, while continuing to work with the Diocese of Egypt, North Africa through engaging in a disciple making movement in order to grow the body of Christ. They are now serving in Heiloo, the Netherlands. We are sent  through the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders, a missionary sending community, engaging in building relationships with the worldwide church to experience the broken restored, the wounded healed, the hungry fed, and the lost found through the love and power of Jesus Christ.  Support SAMS Copyright © 2016 Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders, All rights reserved. www.sams-usa.org      Our mailing address is: PO Box 399 Ambridge PA 15003 Attention to: Johann and Louise van der Bijl Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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