A Christmas Reflection: Windmills, Faith, and the Power of Passing It On

Johann and Louise: Training Disciples to Make Disciples in the Netherlands

As Christmas approaches, Louise and I want to pause and say thank you. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity have made it possible for us to continue the work God has entrusted to us here. We truly could not do this without you. This year, instead of only writing, we wanted to share a bit of our hearts with you through two short videos. In the first video, I reflect on something that has deeply shaped the place where we serve: Schermer Lake. Centuries ago, the lake was not drained all at once. Instead, it was drained incrementally, by 52 windmills, each doing its part, steadily and faithfully, until the land was transformed. That image has become a powerful picture for how we understand disciple-making. Louise and I are simply the first windmill, passing on the Gospel to others, who then pass it on again and again. Real change doesn’t usually happen through one dramatic moment, but through faithful people, empowered by God, multiplying what they have received. We are seeing this take place, one life at a time, and it is deeply encouraging. https://youtu.be/6GBGBeW9JAQ?si=dyPjv_tOXvZdx6GG In the second video, Louise shares her personal testimony, how she came to faith, and how that faith has sustained her through some of the hardest seasons of our lives. Her story is one of God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances were overwhelming. We pray that her testimony will encourage you, especially if you are walking through uncertainty or hardship yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDxigN-cKJg As we look ahead to 2026, we sense God calling us to continue and to deepen this work. If you feel led to partner with us more intentionally through increased or new financial support, we would be profoundly grateful. Every gift, large or small, is another “windmill” helping the Gospel move forward in ways that only God can fully measure. We know these are uncertain times. With so much talk of war and division in the world, the message of Christ’s peace, grace, and reconciling love feels more urgent than ever. Thank you for standing with us as we seek to live and share that message faithfully. From our hearts to yours, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s grace, love, and peace. With gratitude and hope, Johann & Louise   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

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