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Dear friends and supporters,
Grace and peace to you.
There are moments in ministry—and in life—when words feel both necessary and insufficient. This is one of those moments.
Remembering Padre – “The Adventure Begins”
Many of you will have heard by now of the passing of our dear friend and mentor, the Rev Dr Richard (“Padre”) Copeland. His absence is deeply felt, yet his legacy continues to shape us.
Above Padre’s door were the words: “The Adventure Begins.” This was no mere decoration—it was a way of life. Padre lived with a quiet courage that invited others to step beyond fear and into the unknown, trusting that God meets us there.
He had a remarkable gift: he created space. Space where people could be known, heard, and loved. What began as a simple gathering in South Africa grew into a global fellowship—“Padre’s Peeps”—a community bound not by structure, but by authentic relationships. In that space, missionaries and friends found refuge: a place of honesty, laughter, prayer, and deep belonging.
Padre walked with many through isolation, illness, anxiety, and grief. He listened deeply, encouraged gently, and reminded each person of their worth and their nearness to the heart of God. Though he is no longer with us, the community he nurtured endures—held together by love, strengthened by prayer, and marked by his faithful influence.
The adventure he began in so many lives continues.
Men’s Day & A Weekend of Honesty and Hope
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting the Rev Philip Sowerbutts from Castle Rock Church in Stafford for a Men’s Day and the following Sunday.
The theme—Navigating Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health—struck a deep chord. In a relaxed and supportive setting, men were invited to be honest about the pressures they carry. Philip grounded everything in Scripture, showing how figures like Job, David, Elijah, Paul—even Jesus himself—experienced profound emotional struggle.
Through Elijah’s story, we were reminded that the journey out of darkness is often slow and tender: shaped by honest prayer, grace-paced living, and renewed trust in a faithful God.
On Sunday, Philip led us into the language of lament through Psalm 42, helping us see that expressing sorrow is not a failure of faith, but an act of faith. See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB2BdHusAUA&t=1197s
He also set to music a poem I had written based on that Psalm and sang it during the service. Hearing those words carried in song for the first time was deeply moving—a moment I will not soon forget. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZguIWkIVPA&t=29s
Life and Ministry at Christ Church Heiloo
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the many ways God has been at work.
We began the year with our now-traditional “firework escape” in Wesel, Germany—restful days made all the better by the enthusiastic approval of Mr Pips.
Our "tuinhuisje" continues to serve as a place of rest and hospitality for ministers, missionaries, and visitors—a quiet but meaningful extension of our ministry here.
Please pray for our services and outreach events this Easter. Many visitors tend to come to these services and the children's Egg Hunt followed by a talk and a light lunch is always well attended. Pray for those who do not yet know Jesus who attend these events.
Our annual Women's Day is scheduled to take place on the 30th of May. The Theme is Restore, Refresh, Rest. Please do pray for this event as it is one of our larger outreaches.
On a personal note, my narrative commentary on 1 Corinthians is now complete and entering the final stages before publication, prayerfully in time for Christmas. I also continue to write poetry and song, and was grateful to see my first collection published this past year. My next project is the Prison Letters: Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians.
With Grateful Hearts
None of this would be possible without you.
To those who support us through prayer, encouragement, and practical help—often unseen and unheralded—please know how deeply grateful we are. You share in this ministry in ways that truly matter.
As we move forward, we do so with a sense of quiet confidence: that the God who has led us thus far will continue to guide us, even through uncertain paths.
The adventure, it seems, is never over.
With our love and gratitude,
Johan & Louise |
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