Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FOR
BELGIUM
CHRIST
FORWARDING ADDRESS
FIELD ADDRESS
Henki Boonaerts
John McDonald
2213
Maas mechelen
3630
U.S.A.
Belgium
62040
Mary Esther
Henki
John Mark
Vol.
IN THE
Dawn Ave.
and James
Matthew
1975
Jan.
Mar.
MAKING
Among "Some Recent Developements", mentioned in our last newletter was the
fact that Henki began work in the coal mine.
This is the second time in our
five years in Belgium for the situation to arise forcing Henki to suppliment our
States-side income.
We praise God Henki has still been able to continue leader
ship with the congregation.
Michael Hermans(pictured below with his Toyota) is one of our young people.
He is one we can say is leadership "in the making." Before he became a Chris
tian he was a leader for a Catholic working-youth group. He continued in this
position for some time afterwards, thus being able to keep contacts for Christ.
Since our return from the U.
S.
country; again "in the making" for the air force police unit.
His duties and
training have kept him from
many services of the church
yet when home he has used his
leadership abilities for
Christ.
In order to "relieve
Henki occasionally from
preaching so he could have
more time for his family,"
as he put it, Michael offered
to preach some.
His first
sermon was nothing glamorous,
but he did his best, and
above all he brought us the
ful
Word of
We
to Christ. Yes,
God,
are
thank-
he s t i l l
aren't we all??
hadn't heard.
with
someone who
Talk
is
or another. Fortunately
be corrected by an op-
Henk's
made
to take sick
condition couid
eration.
leave
Plans were
ad-
hang-up... Henki forgot and signed himself up to be in the hospital for his birth
day, March 9th.
The Saturday before his birthday ^he had quite an operation; a synthetic
ear drum installed (his had a hole in itv'so needed replacing), plus several
synthetic ear-bones, as these were missing from birth eyifi^tally. He was out
of the hospital the following Monday, but was given a month"ome for sufficient
recovery.
It was a slow,
prohibited for four full weeks.We are now enjoying several repairs, and changes
in our home,
ing, paneling, installing a roof T.V.antennea, making a bed frame, and a dozen
other jobs were finally realized.
We rejoice not only for the extra tive Henki had, but that extra funds from
the U.S. supporters and Henki's job made these renovations possible.Included in
the hospital scene are Henki, James Matthew, Henkife father and mother, and Natalie
ond of our nieces, all present for Henki's birthday celebration.
then Feb.
8th is James
NEW BRAND
For the last four years we had been a Fiat family, but several major repairs
needed to be done on our Fiat mini-bus. We had driven it second hand, for 2 yrs.
and Messimers had used it while we were in the U.S.
It had fulfilled its duty
as our means of transportation.
We were able to get a good trade in for our Fiat bus ,
for taking a car in stock. The week the Roland's were here on their way to
India, we began driving our brand new ('.74) SIMCA station wagon.
We really broke a record,
that is) have never been able to attend any of the American, Christian, mission
ary get-togethers since being in Belgium. This year everything;time, funds,
preaching replacement, suitable transportationeverything "worked out" so we
could attend the Mid-winter rally. It was held this year near Basil,Switzerland.
It was a long trip, but even John Mark didn't mind, being able to share three
days where "all the Americans were" was so
great.
Over 150 persons shared for a new-years-watch, _classes,---feJ.lowshipthe works.
Bro.
Bob Lindeman,
an American Christian
(where we moved just before going to the U.S. after being in Boorsem 3 years).
The
automobile
is
Belgium for Christ is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts: edited, printed, and
mailed by John and Eileen McDonald.
It is distributed to inform and encourage
support of the work being done in Belgium for Christ by the Henki Boonaerts
family.
All funds payable to Pontoon Beach Church of Christ and designated to
Boonaerts work are tax deductable.
Non-Profit Org
4039
U.S. Postage
1.8<: Paid
Pontoon
Granite City,
Road
Illinois 62040
Permit No.
CORRECTED ADDRESS
REQUESTED
237
FOR
BELGIUM
CHRIST.
Forwarding Address
FIELD ADDRESS;:
John McDonald
Henki Boonaerts"\.
Lo u i s
Maas
3630
2213
135
Dawn Pi.
Granite City,
mechelen
Belgium
62040
111.
U.S.A.
#
O
Henki
Mary Esther
Vol^ V No. 2
Apr.
1975
June
DARE~TO"BE"A"DANiEL??
You probably remember the first one won to Christ in the Boorsem
(now Maas mechelen) work, was Adri Kuypers.
He is from Holland background,
and had worked' in Holland just across the border from his home in Rekem.
Often at work he had and took the opportunity to witness to other workers
about Christ.
One became so angered, partly through jealousy that Adri
was asked to leave his job.
Then, after momentary discouragement, one of
his friends from work came several miles by bike wondering if Adri was
sick, or why he hadn't been at work for so long.
Since then Henki and
Adri have been able to visit this boy and his brother.
In Holland, Adri had seen the "bill boards" on top of cars.
What
disturbed him was the contents of the advertisements: for sex magazines,
"Dare
to be a
Dare
to
Daniel?
stand
Dare to have a
Dare
alone?
purpose firm?
to make
i t known?"
***************************************************************************
The work on remodeling our home has been going quite well.
Our
home has perked up.
From looking like ruins to restore, to a half-way
decent home.
You realize i t is still far from being completed, and we
just got the city okay to add the kitchen and garage, so there are still
many months of work ahead.
Yet it had reached the stage we felt we could
stick our necks out and invite some over-night guests.
(continued
Page 2
Sometime after Henki returned from his ear operation, we invited
the Richard Amssons family from Antwerp for a visit.
The Maas mechelen
church had received a plea from him for support so that he could turn to
full time evangelistic work.
They wanted him to come and praach, and
learn of his need and position concerning Christianity.
He had recently
been converted from being a "missionary" in the Jehovah's Witness sect,
to N.T. Christianity, and was holding services in his home Sunday evenings.
We were glad to meet this family, and the congregation plans to support
them with monthly funds. We have had other visits with them, and are
glad we did "stick out our necks" to invite themi'
Later for what is generally called the Easter holidays, the Dean
Hickerson and Richard Kirklands were in Belgium. We had the first family
in our home, and the Messimers had Kirklands stay with them.
Special
memories are attached to Hickersons,
Mo.
The following evening about the same program was presented in the
Maas mechelen church.
but many visiting from the Genk congregation also. To add to the inter
national atmosphere that evening, John Castelein of the Genk church brought
a devotional.
and the
-T ft-K
E-A-B R-B- A
i,
-DO-SOMETHING
DIFFERENT
THE
ATTEND
2 8 th'
THIS
NATIONAL
YEAR
MISSIONARY
CONVENTION
to be held in
St. Louis,
November 25-28,
Missouri
1975
SiywL;,, ..
Non-Profit Org,
U.S Postage
l.Brf pa la
Mission Services
Box 177
1 ASC*
FIELD
FORWARDING ADDRESS
John McDonald
APJRES
Henkl/B oonaerts'
LouisSteretferlcian 135
(Eisden) Maas mechelen
3630
Belgium
Mary Esther
Henki
John Mark
and
Jaraes Matthew
J uly-December
1975
REFLECTIONS
HajiaaiioMS
We moved to Boorsem, Belgium after our planned "one Year Internship" with
for us, but we felt God was definately leading us to launch out by beginning a new
work instead of returning then to the U.S. for further Bible College training. The
Lord has certainly blessed us since that time and we still feel it was His leading.
Since that first service the first Sunday in June we have seen many ccraie
and go, many be added to the fold, and many hindered by the teachings of Christ.
To repeat some facts and figures we rejoice to list those who did accept teachings of
Boorsem from the Genk church) Aug. 15, 1971; Adri Kuypers, On Jan. 9 1972; along with
Michael Hermans on May 28i then Jozef Kuypers (Adri's brother) July I61 then Medi
Dolega on Sept. 24; and Maria Gearing (then 82) on Oct. 4; all in 1972; and finally
Lucienne (Luc) Reynaers on Dec. 3, ending that year! It was not until mid-August
that there was again an addition when Hedvika Kottas was immersed in 1973,
Then Leo
Hermans (Michael's brother) and Tony Olivetti on Oct. l4j and Tony's older brother
Pino on Feb. 24, 1974 all three while we were in the States,
Among the 13-34 who attended those first few months for services, and a
wedding, there was a nuculeus of Christians, visiting Christians from Genk (to help
encourage the work), and others from the area who had been contacted through efforts of
visitation. Many of those first attending, including seme of the Christians who no
longer attend. That is probably normal for congregations anywhere in the world not
only are some offended at the whole counsel of God, but scwie move after mairiage, etc.
What is really heartbreaking is that several of those who did give themselves to "the
Way", have fallen into luke-warmness or even coldness towards Christ. We have lost
contacts with Lucienne, Tony, and Pino; and are making efforts to "revive" Jozef and
Medi.
We mention these by name, so you will also bring them to God in prayer, thus
FFFFForward -
Things were going about as usual when one Sunday last summer a young lady
joined us from a nearby town. An Aprankenis had seen the''Church of Christ" sign.
Since she had recently been converted she was looking for a "church hone."
She had
been converted through corresponding with a friend in Holland who had accepted Christ.
We later came to realize she was with the 'Jesus People' movement, and spent much
time with her during the weeks when she was at the University in Leuven. We were
blessed by her faith and witness for the few months she was with us. Unfortunately she
was recently offended with some severe teachings in being able to recognize true froR
false doctrines. We hope that you will especially pray for this young college student,
that the Spirit may lead her, and by reading the Bible she may be able to join us in
worship and learning once again.
Also this summer a middle aged German couple csuae to us asking help find
ing a home in the area. They wanted to move fran their home in Germany to Belgium, but
only found Catholic ccaamunities. Since they saw from the 'Church of Christ' sign that
ours was not, they chose this area in which to settle.
They graciously
accepted not being able to be part of all the activities which were for "Christians
only", Henki explained that as soon as they moved, and he had an opportunity he would
teach them concerning the New Testament church. We were quite surprised that there
was no offense taken--they just waited patiently until the right time came:
(Most of
otar other experiences have been that in such a situation the ones involved just quit
coBiingJ We could only praise the Lord for another strengthening on our own faith in
His power!)
-2-
Now that they have moved, and Henki is out of the coalmine they wouldn't
let Henki forget his promise to teach than. They invited him to their hone specifically
for the Bible studies, and persisted until everything could be worked out to begin
learningi The studies have begun, and they continue attending Sunday services, they
seem to be receptive, and they have had other Germans join the studies as well. Since
this is not only a new work, but in German (athird language for Henki) we don't expect
anything overnightjust miracles according to God's time clock!
gine, we ask you again to please pray, for uis and with us.
Another note of thanksgiving m^t be added here. One of the first bpys
Henki helped lead to Christ, even before going to the States had had several spiritual
problems about two years ago. We were disappointed when he left the church in Genk,
and drifted from one denomintionaa church t^ another, finally stopping church attendance
altogether for awhile, Henki, but mostly Atoi keptvisiting, encouraging, and patiently
trying to teach him aright. Wadek now seem^ to realize many things he before doubted*
and is again ta^aining himself in teachings from the New Testament, The same message
on false teachings that was a stumbling blo<$k to An was in fact a partial turning point
for VadekM He has begun attending here in -pe Haas mechelen church, playing the
accordian and thus helping in the service ai^ worship, We thank God for not letting us
become too discouraged concerning this brother, allowing the way of escape to come!
tfe hope he may continue to be a blessing asjhe grows in love and faith in Christ,
Maybe at this point it shoiad be explained ?tt^t was mean't by this phrase. It
wasn't a good situation, but it was what we were facing at the time, so we cannot hide
the truth,
While Henki was working fulltime in the mine there wasn't much time for
Sunday, plus a study for the Bible study on 'Wednesday with the church prayer meeting.
Then he also had a Bible study with Maria Ge^ing(since she cannot read, and is unable
to attend the regular study,) While Messim^rs were in the States (for an unexpected
'furlough' in Sept,-Dec.), Henki filled in i^aching at the American Air Force Base
Sunday afternoons. That was a service in Ei^lish, and about an hour's drive each way
to Kleine Broggel, so it also took extra tj
It was a terrible situation, fc
and that when we are here 'as missionaries!'! There just hadn't been enough support to
live on, and accompli"sh our work SO Hej?M-hafVs gone to
ww full
^ time work in
the mine.
^
(Part-time jobs are almost unheard of here, for men,) While at work Henki had any
number of opportunities to witnessthat wa^ii't the trouble. But the church efforts
weren't and couldn't be what they should hayi been. Which was worse: not enough
for the church and His Kingd<ffl, OR insufficient money for living and doing that church
work??
Several folks in Genk and Maas jmechelen asked about learning to preach,
but who was there to teach them on a regular basis? Henki tried to enlist other miss
ionaries in Holland for Saturday classes, but nothing could be worked out. After much
prayer, thinking and discussing, it was finally decided that Dennis and Henki would
try to begin sraiething together. Again we :^^lt it was God's leadings we must take the
opportunity to teach when it came, not wait juntil we thought it was the right time.
So needless to say, Henki is out of the mine again.
begun to bless us in our venture in faith# we have had word of more support from
Christians in the States! We continue to loik to Him to completely supply our needs,
as there is more support needed, since the dollar has stayed devalued, and the prices
are really sky-rocketing again in Europe. N<|>w that Messimers are back, and Henki has
discontinued work in the mine our schedule n^ changed s(Mewhati
Monday is the only day we have to catch our jl^reath, and try to get ready for all "the
other activities. We are kept busy, but pr^e the Lord it is in His service!
VB AIOB ONS
N
TKB 8PXI17
-3-
'VACATION TIME
The coal mine closed down a week in the suBuner and since Henki had i t
paidy we decided to splurge and go on our first vacation since we've been mainried!
We made arrsingements to have a rocm at the Blankenberg sea resort along the coast of
Belgium, tfe also had tickets for free train travel from the mine, so really were to
enjoy a worry free trip. It started out with us running from our hoae to the train
station (ahout three blocks away) in the rain, almost missed our ride!
Then we for
got the umbrellat and missed a connection giving us an hour layover in Leuven. We
arrived in good time anyhow, walked the seven blocks to our rocm, then back to walk
along the seashore before calling it a day!
the day in England. The boat looked huge to him, but didn't seem so stable and big
on the rough waters that night! He got seasick pills for the return trip, which he
enjoyed seme better!! His trip wetted his appetite, so we hope some day to return
for a week or so to visit museums, some friends, and to do some other things of
interest.
While walking along the beaches, seeing so many swarms of people I could
not help but think of what it must be like to God seeing all these people. And through
all the years, the world over so maJiy millions, billions of peopleand so few of them
know Him or accept His way of life. It was surely the coldest week in our lovely,
long, hot summer; but it gave me a wonderfully warm feeling to know Him myself, and
know we are trying to bring others to know him also. It gave added incentive to
return home after that refresher week, to dig in again, and get caught up in our
activities "as missionaries" or maybe better "ambassadors for Christ" here in Belgium.
THE WALKING DEAD MAN
"...but if someone goes to them fr<M the dead, they will repent!"
This is nothing new as it is recorded in the pages of the New Testament, Luke 1700,
but men are still using it as a flimsy excuse for imbelief and disobedience. Last
spring we had an interesting experience that made us think of this verse.
to relate i t here.
A man across the street had a sudden encounte): with death.
We'd like
It was a
blood clot in the brain. It just HAPPENED he had gone for his Christmas holiday to
be with his daughter and her family. It also HAPPENED when he had the crisis he was at
the h(ie of his daughter irtio was a nurse and who's husband was a doctor. The hospital
trtiere the son-in-law worked HAPPENED to be close in the neighborhood. And as it was
this hospital just HAPPENED to be one of the three in all Europe that have the equipmen-b needed to nurse him back to health.
and forth frm a sli^tly conscious to an unconscious state for several more.
That
he had no brain damage was a wonder. Before, he had had no time to think about, not
to mention sit and talk about MIRACLES. "Now I have time enough. I cannot think
about anything else! I am weak and sick," he admitted.
I^as not God trying maybe to bring this one back to Himself?
Jon is not
a Christian, but does realize these things were a miracle. He is a walking dead man,
for in his unconsciousness, he was not much more than dead. Will he accept the
resurrected dead-ONE so he may witness more completely to this miracle in his life?
Since this happened, Jon and Elizabeth have been married. (They had
been living together, but decided that was wrong, so obeyed the laws of the land;
We continue to be in
contact with them hoping to bring them to the one who is "the way, the truth, and
the LIFE." Pray that another even greater miracle may happen in his life, and
Elizabeth'swith the spiritual death, burial, and resurrection of the old self,
to rise living anew for Christ.
^
PONTOON BEACH CHURCH OP CHRIST
Non-profit Org,
U.S. Postage
1.80 Paid
Permit No. 237
Bo:: IV?
I'lc-'upton, Indc