As we enter the summer months, we wanted to write with an update regarding our ministry here in the Netherlands and to thank you all for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support. We are continually reminded that the work of the gospel is never carried by one person alone, but by a fellowship of believers who share in the ministry through prayer, generosity, and friendship. Every one of you is indispensable to us.
We recently said farewell to a dear friend whose faithful encouragement and partnership over many years left a lasting mark on our lives and ministry. We are deeply grateful for the legacy of faith he leaves behind and for the many ways he served the Lord even when health issues made it more and more difficult to do so. He was an amazing man, and we miss him so much.
Life at Christ Church has been busy, though perhaps not always in dramatic ways. Much of pastoral ministry consists of faithfully walking with people through the ordinary joys and sorrows of life. Our Annual General Meeting was both positive and encouraging. There were no major surprises or controversies, for which we are grateful, and we now move forward with a strong and capable church council. Please pray for wisdom, unity, and perseverance as they help guide the congregation in the months ahead.
As always, ministry has involved sharing in both celebration and grief. We recently lost a member of our parish, and his widow is carrying the deep burden of bereavement. Please pray that the Lord would surround her and her son with comfort, strength, and the tangible presence of His people.
One of our missionaries, serving in the highlands of Lesotho, recently visited us while on furlough. She shared moving accounts of her ministry among shepherd boys living in remote mountain communities. The poverty in these areas is difficult to comprehend, yet the opportunities for gospel witness and practical education are remarkable. Through patient teaching and discipleship, children who might otherwise receive little or no education are being equipped with both literacy and hope. Her visit was a powerful reminder of the global reach of Christ's kingdom.
Closer to home, one of our members is facing a particularly difficult season. Having lived for several years with a Parkinson's-type diagnosis, she must now make the painful decision of whether to remain in her home with full-time care or move into a care facility. Several serious falls have highlighted the urgency of the situation. Please pray for wisdom for her, her family, and all those involved in making these decisions.
One of the great joys of recent months was our All-Age Service. It was wonderful to see children actively participating in worship and in the life of the congregation. Their enthusiasm and engagement were a blessing to everyone present.
Another source of encouragement has been the arrival of a young man who has begun attending services, participating in a home group, and joining our men's Bible study. He is genuinely seeking answers and is reading Scripture with remarkable eagerness. He is now the second young man to come through our doors searching for truth. The first has since become a mature and committed believer. Please pray that God would continue his work in both these young men.
We are increasingly aware that many young people throughout the Netherlands are searching for meaning, purpose, and certainty in an increasingly unsettled world. Questions about identity, purpose, and the future seem especially pressing as international tensions continue to rise. Please pray that many would encounter Christ, the One who alone gives lasting hope.
In many ways, Christ Church has often served as a conduit. People come, grow in faith, and are equipped before eventually moving on to Dutch-speaking churches where they can continue their discipleship journey. While every congregation naturally hopes to grow numerically, our deepest desire is to see people mature into faithful followers of Jesus. If that means helping prepare believers for fruitful service elsewhere, we rejoice in that calling.
On a more personal note, Louise recently travelled to South Africa to spend time with her mother, who is now 100½ years old. The visit was emotionally demanding but deeply precious, providing opportunities to build memories and cherished time together. We are thankful for that gift.
There have also been encouraging developments in my writing ministry. My narrative commentary on 1 Corinthians has now been accepted for publication and is scheduled for release in October, Lord willing. In addition, Langham UK and Ireland recently interviewed me on two separate occasions as part of the launch of a book club featuring my first book, Breakfast on the Beach. Later in July, Langham Australia will be conducting an interview focused on my second book, For the Life of the World for their own book club. Please pray that these opportunities would serve the wider church and encourage believers around the world.
Finally, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who prayed for our annual Women's Retreat, contributed financially, or donated items for the gift bags (it was so exciting receiving a package in the mail from one of our supporting churches!) Your generosity helped make the day possible.
Louise writes:
"Once again we enjoyed a truly blessed Women's Retreat. Our theme this year was Restore, Refresh, Rest. Sarah Dawkins was an excellent speaker. Through her warmth, honesty, and personal testimony, she encouraged us to remain connected to Christ, the source of living water. Her challenge was to cultivate the garden of our spiritual lives carefully, to remain rooted in Jesus, and to find true rest through repentance and fellowship with Him.
The worship was beautiful and God-honouring. Around seventy women attended, many of whom were not believers. Together they represented many different nations and backgrounds. Several shared remarkable stories of how God had led them to the retreat, and one woman from Christ Church Amsterdam told me that our Women's Day is the highlight of her year.
The food was abundant and delicious, the workshops were led by skilled and knowledgeable presenters, and our prayer room provided a quiet place for reflection, prayer, journaling, and personal ministry. Several women made use of this space throughout the day.
I would especially like to thank the planning team, the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and all those who donated food, funds, and practical help. We are deeply grateful."
As we reflect on the past months, we are conscious of both the challenges and opportunities the Lord continues to place before us. We remain thankful for the many ways God is at work through Christ Church Heiloo and through the wider ministries with which we are involved.
Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership continue to strengthen us and make this work possible. Please continue to pray that we would have wisdom, endurance, and faithfulness for the tasks God has entrusted to us. As ministry opportunities continue to expand, we remain deeply grateful for those who partner with us through prayer, encouragement, and practical support.
With gratitude in Jesus,
Johann and Louise |
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