Breathing New Life Into Brussels
OM Belgium hosted its second “Hope Brussels” outreach from 27 June to 11 July. It was just what the doctor—our Great Physician—ordered. Although the city can lay claim to the European Union headquarters and NATO, owning a proud history and affluent culture, many of its people are now suffering the affects of discarding their personal faith. Brussels urgently needs a life-saving injection of hope in Christ.
One unique aspect of Hope Brussels was OM’s close collaboration with Mission to the World (MTW). OM has linked with MTW in Belgium for a number of years, and this year they recruited 24 of the total 41 participants. Two American women also came as part of an OM exposure program in Egypt. The group divided into three teams and worked alongside Arabic, Spanish and Flemish churches.
At the request of the Spanish church, the Mexicans brought along a suitcase full of materials which they used to train Sunday school teachers. The pastor of the tiny Flemish church was greatly encouraged to have a large team stuffing a few thousand letter boxes with French and Flemish Christian literature, work in the coffee bar and hold open airs in the park. And those who helped the Arabic church were astonished to find parts of the city that looked more like the Middle East than Europe, with tens of thousands of Moroccan, Turkish and Algerian immigrants.
20-year-old Joseph from Egypt enthuses, “When I was asked by our OM leader if I wanted to go to Europe and share the gospel with Muslims, I was on fire! It’s much easier to share here than in my country. People accepted literature willingly. In forty minutes we handed out 500 Arabic CDs, DVDs and Gospels.”
While waiting in a supermarket checkout line, Joseph struck up a conversation with a Moroccan man. From limited French the pair switched to Arabic, asking about each others’ countries. A friendship developed. Now Joseph is excited about the possibility of Zacharia visiting Egypt with his family. “I pray that I can travel with them and share more about Christ.”
Cat MacLeod from Scotland’s Isle of Lewis was one of several who came back after experiencing the first “Hope Brussels” in 2007. “I walked out a totally different person than I came,” she testifies. Jedidja Meijvogel, another second-timer and the only born-in-Belgium participant, agrees. “But this year is even better! I was actually planning to leave the team a few days early, but I just couldn’t! The love of God is so much here. It’s just awesome to have so many countries represented!”
Sampling new friendships with international teammates was a first-time thrill for many. Self-employed musician Nate who led team worship each morning, admits he was saved about five years ago out of a life of drugs, depression and darkness. He joined Hope Brussels to stretch himself and his faith--and it did. “My personal highlight was when two little boys in the park came and asked me how to become a Christian.”
For another newcomer to Belgium the greatest challenge was facing an indifferent culture and “really trying to love someone that hates God.” Others hit a communication barrier, but learned how to show God’s love, not just talk about it. As Megan Roth of the USA put it, “Love doesn’t need a language.”
But perhaps French teacher Hannah Garrison summed up everyone’s feelings the best. “I am just a small part of a small group doing small things for a big God—who turns our small things into big things in His own time, in His own way!”
Wish you could have been there? We haven’t even mentioned the Belgian waffles, the French fries and chocolate! Start planning now for the “Hope Brussels 2009” experience, July 3 to 17. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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· © 2008
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