Boonaerts Henki MaryEsther 1985 Belgium

f

Medaryville Christian ChurchBox 140, South Jefferson StreetMedaryville, IndianaU.S.A. 47957

Please noiify Forwardinfi Affent if.. .

• this address is incifrri-cl.

• this mailinfi is mil dcsin-d.

Non-Profli Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Medaryville, Ind.

PERMIT #4

Tcl/ocoS - r? e Sp. o.

^ ^ 37?^/

MISSIONARIESHenki & Mary Esther BoonaertsVennestraat No. 11 Apt. # 3Genk 3600, Belgium

BELGIUM FOR CHRISTFORWARDING AGENTMelvin & Louella RollerRoute I, Box 92Burnettsville, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

Volume XV, Number 1 January - June

ON TARGET — but not yet f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d!As is so often the case after a tremendous mountain top experience one goes through a gloomy, dark valley of depression anddiscouragement. It seems this can be said of our last two years here in Genk since our return from India. We have sufferedmental and emotional anguish, psychological and social hardships, and health upheavals, uncertainties, adjustments,separations, and disappointments more numerous than in previous years, been caught between division and bitterness in andout of the body ofChrist, and suffered the damage, heart-rending compassion and shame of misunderstanding, exclusions andthose who "give the impression of failing to attain" as the Dutch translation of Hebrews 4:1 expresses it.

Maybe Antoinette* was right when she encouraged us several times by saying Satan was trying to discourage and destroyus because we were trying to help so many "to find the good way." Yet there remained the haunting uncertainty: are thesehardships at the hand of Satan to cause stumbling and disbelief; or are they from a loving Father chastening and correctingHis erring children? All too often self-centeredness and selfishness can be discovered to be behind disappointments anddiscouragements in one way or another. Yet, the words of Peter seem to be heard loud and clear: "Dear friends, do not besurprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But REJOICE that youparticipate in the sufferings of Christ, so thatyoumay be overjoyed when His glory is revealed..." (I Peter 4:12-13 Caps, mine)

So, when we sum up the advances of God's kingdom and look at His blessings we are also overcome with joy and contentment.The following are some of the things we have seen realized in the last two years:

1) LADIES' MEETING - a time every two weeksfor ladies from Genk and Maasmechelen to get

together for a short time of praise and study and - ^^mainly prayer. Though the group has not grown ^ |lil' j||i|||||||^^ - T".very large, even when Mary Esther was sick, ' - - ^ - j-which was quite often, they continued on their ~-Wown. Also, the bond of sistership thathas grown |||||||H ^while we've learned from the Scriptures and eachother's experiences, and shared each other's andother's burdens, and watched God answer prayersin many often miraculous ways, has beenencouraging and uplifting.

in our home every two weeks has been a similarsituation. The fact that no more realize theimportance of believing in and relying on the i Hpower of God to answer prayer may bediscouraging, but the small group that has beenvery faithful has been blessed. We've come torealize God answers prayers and strengthens us ' ''''and His kingdom as a result of prayer and praise. -

3) LEARNING MANY NEW SONGS -- with theleadership of a Maasmechelen Christian and

career musician, Eddy Verstappen and hissaxaphone, we've learned many new songs withthe Maasmechelen congregation. Many are onesalready well known to American Christians butrecently were translated into Dutch of the various"Praise" Albums of the Maranatha Music group.The revival and encouragement in being able topraise God in a new way has overflowed fromMaasmechelen to Genk as they are also learningwith Dennis and his guitar!

HEADQUARTERS FOR MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT - apartmenton Vennestraat with from left to right: John Mark in window of Henki's shopand storage area; cousin Daniel in attic bedroom window of the boys; cousinPetra in the master bedroom window; the kitchen with no one; James sitting inthe living room window; and cousin Bart in the bathroom window. There arejust two other families, one upstairs and one downstairs in our building, butthere always seem to be bicycles or cars parked in front. There are several otherapartments in the building adjoining ours, a garage and Greek restaurant in thesame block. The Genk church of Christ gathers in a building behind theapartment, up the hill a few hundred feet away.

4) YOUTH WEEKENDS-- organized by the non-instrumentals in Belgiumand Holland have been a sourceofencouragementand enlightenment for many of our young peopleas we help encourage them to attend and arrange transportation to these

gatherings. This is a continuation of the summer camp time in Solwaster,Ardenne hills and providesa time for these youngpeople to continue their fellowship with each other during the year after the camp, as well as grow in the nurture andadmonition of the Lord. They seemto be getting better all the time,as the youth comebackexcitedand growingin spiritualityand Godly perception. We hope they may also be led to make the right choicesand best decisionsin lifepnd beprepared to dothe works of a re-created person.

5) SEEING RECOMMITMENT OF BELIEVERS -• as many who just "sat on the chair" are becoming more active inScripture reading, warning and encouraging, praying and general activity as they feast more on God's word and allow

themselves to be used of God to witness and open their eyes to God's wisdom. This has Ijeen true in both the Genk andMaasmechelen congregations.

6) EXPERIENCING MORE OPENNESS AND COOPERATION with other "groups" as we visit members of othercongregations and their gatherings. Morefellowship with these brings about a realization that we'renot present to "spy

out" their group or be "sheep stealing" but to strengthen the bond within the family of God in general.

7) IMMERSIONS OF SEVERAL NEW CONVERTS - through our own efforts of teaching and nurturing, but alsoencouragingly as a result of the Christians as well. There have been 20 new brothers and sisters in Genk and

Maasmechelen reborn the past two years. Not all are growing as well or rapidly as hoped or expected but we continue to entrustthem into the keeping of God,encourage them as opportunities arise, and hope you'll uphold them in your prayers also; alongwith the older Christians as well.

8) DIRECTING AND ENCOURAGING THE OLDER MEN -• in the congregations to assume the responsibility ofleadership and shepherding the flock of God. Four men in Maasmechelen have emerged into this task quite well, though

there have been times of friction as well. God's spirit is guiding this development and we can see advance and maturing. Theprocess is much slower in Genk, but here too, definite signs of revival and accepting responsibility are being realized.

All in all we can definitely see our ministry of encouragement IS on target in the four areas that we'd hoped would beaccomplished soon after we moved here to Genk. Through the guidance and strength of God

we have PREACHED TO THE LOST-- evangelizing and encouraging contacts to accept Christ and follow His way;

we have TAUGHT THE SAVED- nurturing and encouraging Christians to remain faithful to Christ;

we have EXHORTED ONES FALLEN BY THE WAYSIDE•• warning and encouraging converts to return to faithfulness in Christ; and

we have INTRODUCED N.T. PRINCIPLES TO DENOMINATIONAL GROUPS-- redirecting and encouraging the restoration of obedience to Christ.

Wehave been able to reach our goals and accomplish our mission in the ministry of encouragement, because of, not in spite of,our hardships. We are overjoyed and hope you join us in praising His most Holy name as you've shared in making therealization of this ministry possible. Continue to stand behind us as there's still so much MORE to be done for Him.

*lf you've not read of Antumeilv yet, our forwarding agents, whose, address appears elsewhere on this letter, may be contacted for aninformative and exciting article telling about this young Christian lady who lived over a month in our home with us.

A MANSION FOR HIS MINISTRY

MINISTERING FROM HIS MANSIONAs much as possible we've always tried to be good stewards, being thrifty and getting the most and wisest use out ofourselves,our home, automobile, time, money, etc., so as not to be wasteful in any way of what God and Christian brethren haveentrusted us with.

occasions when guests are fed. PRAYER MEETING in ourliving room ofmanyfaces. Here canonly be seen

4) CORRESPONDENCE CUBICLE -- withone ^herey-haired lady and our son' i. -j. John Mark with his back to the camera. Clautil s husband Robert was besidecorner devoted to a typewriter and storage ^ regularly.

space for typing mail and preparingcorrespondence that originates at our home. (Part

she^was with us for over amonth the spring of ^1985, and where extra sleeping was set up when

1>"°st (notice, not ALL) of our books are stored BEDROOM SUITE •• cfter the solfa had beer, slept on. This is wherehereand the deskand counterarea were available Antionelte slept most ofthe time while she was living with us, none too comfyforfor the boys to do their homework, and Henki and ^ ^^11 girl, butall we had to offer her! Notice thequilt, handiwork of theMary Esther to prepare studies and lessons, and ladies uf the Rosedale Community Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan thatdo personal studies and devotions. has been so useful and lasting.

AS BEDROOM SUITE after the solfa had been slept on. This is whereAntionelte slept most of the time while she was living with us, none too comfy forsuch a tall girl, but all we had to offer her! Notice the quilt, handiwork of theladies uf the Rosedale Community Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan thathas been so useful and lasting.

iXiM

THE DESK USED AS STUDY ALCOVE - while Henki prepared a studylesson. Here's where he also draws up plans for kitchens and makes estimatesfor prospects; and it's the desk used for dining guests as well.

mmm

AS RECORDING STUDIO •• John Mark is helping with some of the recordingto help lighten Henki's load, and he can and enjoys doing this service.

9) PLAY PLACE -- especially in the wintersince the boys' attic bedroom right under the

uninsulated roof is much too cold being unheated,for them and their friends and guests' playingtime.

10) RECORDING STUDIO--for preparing Biblestudy lessons on tape for evangelism and

nurture of ourselves and the Belgian Christians.

11) RECREATION AND RELAXATION DEN -for family fun 'n games, working on hobbies

and favorite pastimes, watching T.V., etc.

12) WITNESS AND EVANGELISM SANCTUM " where God's holy and powerful word is

brought to those without Christ in an effort tobring peace and changed lives.

13) TRAINING AND CORRECTION CENTER -- where Christians are taught and

nurtured and we bring up our boys in the trainingand instruction of the Lord.

14) INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL -- as aplace where folks, passing through Belgium

on their way from other countries, stop for a visitand rest from jet lag, etc. Among others there havebeen Americans on their way to the Holy Land orGermany or other countries, or back; Iraniansfrom India and Iran hoping to go to Sweden foreducation then settling in Belgium; and Indiansand Americans on their way to the U.S. or otherEuropean countries.

15) ENTERTAINMENT PARLOR -- where weserve refreshments to invited and unexpected

guests alike -- so it is even our "drawing room!"

When I finished making the list I realizedsomething else. I had been "counting myblessings" being reassured of what God has done.We can THANK GOD for our M-A-N-S-I-O-N for ifwe were to have separate rooms for each of theseactivities, that is what we would have. These andother uses (sometimes overlapping, of course) hadbeen made of our living room during the two yearsthat we have lived here in GenlT" at theVennestraat address. In this way we can also seethat God has surely opened many doors ofopportunity in this MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT that He's led us into.

On the other hand, you can surely understand thatso many uses of one room causes hardships inmany ways, not only to us as a family, but also tothose visiting our home. As you may thereforeappreciate, we are searching for facilities a bitbetter suited to the many-sided needs we have forour home in general and our living room inparticular. In order to continue our headquartersin Genk in this ministry, we need, building-wise, imore suitable facilities to include the following:

1) A recording room with study ••for cassettes, narrations, sermons, reel to reel study tapes; storage and easy use access used inevangelism, study preparation, and reporting of our work; and for our library books, commentaries, etc. used mainly in

Henki's study preparations.

2) An office, correspondence and records room - separate where Mary Esther can type, keep reports, financial records, etc.used in keeping supporters thanked and informed of work here, and helping Belgian Christians to be aware and informed of

mission news the world 'round.

3) A shop and display room •• for making, storing and displaying cabinets and other items for sale used to supplement our U.S.income and provide possible work for oUr boys, and our retirement needs.

4) A living-dining room -- for visiting with people, holding informal Bible studies, prayer meetings, and witnessing,counseling as well as use for family life activities.

5) A kitchen-dining area -- with sufficient place to eat and prepare meals with the family and small groups ofguests. This hasalmost been impossible with our present "dinky" kitchen and only a "living room" but no dining room and table. We've

missed entertaining and showing hospitality in this way while in Genk.

6) Bedrooms -- not only for ourselves but to use for visitors as well as sufficient storage space for clothing, etc. and play/recreation for the boys and friends or visitors. With long winters and much rain in Belgium this is especially necessary.

7) Toilet, bathroom, utility room - for cleaning facilities and laundry for ourselves and any visitors we need to accommodate.

8) Storage and transportation garage •• for storing and repairing bikes, motorcycle, auto and storing items not neededconstantly.

Genk is a rather expensive area for purchasing homes but is well located to be headquarters, so we continue to look to God tolead us to the right place for this ministry He's guided us into; or the wisdom and facilities to follow His prompting if He hasother things in mind for us. Already the waiting has been long; having inadequate facilities and having to search for betterand a more permanent place surely hinders efficiency and stewardship. Petition God especially that we may find what issuitable to meet these needs and so we can be moved and settled before our "furlough tour" to the States, planned for the 1986summer, as well as being more effective in our ministry of encouragement.

Pag^ 4—'n—

FACING THE VENNESTRAAT and THE SUNSET!

15 ft

Bathroom-

Living room

71/2 ft

Kitchen

14 1/2 ft

Bedroom

Hallway

A r^tPublic Hall (to boy'sbedroom and Henki*s

shop and storage) Neighbor's apartment

The boys' attic bedroom straddles the living room and kitchon, and Henki's shop straddles our bedroom and part of theneighbor's apartment. He also uses the top landing and hallway for storage of materials, as well as the basement veranda andcoal cellar. The electrical outlets are very insufficient, with only one per room except two in the bathroom originally, plusothercomplications with faulty electrical wiringin the IsuildinilTherehave alsobeenmanyproblemsjwith the drainage,plusthe building is badly insulated so heating costs are unbelievable. These add to our reasons for needing to move as soon aspossible. (Measurements are given in approximate ft. measuietment after translating from meter measurement.)

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is writtenbyMaryEsther Boonaerts, edite^and mailedby theMelvin Rollers, and printed byMission ServicesAssociation, Knoxuille, Tennessee. It isdistributed to inform and encouragesupport of the work being done in Belgiumfor Christ by the HenkiBoonaerts family. Allfunds madepayable toMedaryville Christian Chinch, designated toBooanerts' work, aretaxdeductible. Please sendfunds to our forwarding agents.

rough spots. I've,come to realize it is God who needs to discipline and file away thesejagged edges and we need to listen, encourage, and build up our brothers and sisters inChrist in gentleness, patience and few words.

Antionette was facing another momentary set-back at the time of preparingthis news, so we trust you'll especially keep her in your prayers. Of course we alsoneed to be upheld so we'll know how best to continue guiding and helping her in her newlife in Christ so she'll be a gleaming jewel for His crown when the time comes for herto be added to the others who've gone.on before!

An^.'CAp -u TKE WoAJbVi loAgz^t cen-teAcatting and potcifUng cU.(woncU (^olZow^d by

hciii be,e,n thz jmzt btiXine44 d^cado^ 4o -buAttytkty 6kouZd be able, to pA.oducz a ^GiO qaatity .iptcAjnan^ ioK

uj CA-Oun.

A6 om jzwoZ to otkeAA>,

y Vennestraat 11 Apt. 3^ —GeiikT-^Be^lpimn

20, 198^'Dear Carmen, ' }Greetings once again in the precious name of our Savior," Jesus^'^It v;as good to get your Jan. letter answering my queries about the -printingof fotos. Am a^fraid the oate slipped up on me .for f^jotting the report oS"30 hope it wasn't to much trouble to have to .sen^ the nev/slettcr alongto be preparec^ into necessary info., Dennis r.essimer' spoko^^vith me afterI*"d already send off mjr iriaterials and realized we probably should haverotten_ together . J^hink ha waa._.p.lanrin£_. on pending;_sxime .polr.lod fotoswhich should help the general presentation—if it .all got to you on tiins,G^iess we'll see when the Horizons arrives!

Here's another question for you after all!! Do you know if it is possiblefor us to -f;ranslate ^articles or news reports appearing; in Horizons foruse in the church papei'* prepared by MaasrnecKelen Christiaj:is for-Dutchspeaking folks in Belgium? 3ometiriies I think soyqethin^: may be especiallyappropriate for folks here to laiow a,bout but I want to be sur-e of thecopy-ri£-hts before I use anything. Plea.se let. me '-mow about this if g.tall possible. Think it's especially gooc', to have mission news,- since30 few U'Ssslon^.vie's are in this part of the world for, reports and visits

^vith congregations like in the States.•

It's been soiiie time since-I prepared an article for use'in .the Horizons,and. maybe this enclosed letter can be used for that. It has been sent

"only to about 30 supporters that help uphold oujt work. If yoxi prefers.omethin;:,' "fresher" let me Icnow, and I'll try to comply with yourpreferences and include a foto or two.

Enclosed is also a check for a cop,7 of t.<\at mission recepie book you •mentioned .that is now ready. Since I don't know how much the postage maybe, I've just va^itten it for ^ 10,C0, If there's any left over, just haveit used wherever it can"best be used!

Thanks again for all your helpfulness, and rejoice continually that somanj^ are still dedicated to serving and following the Lord Jesus Christ,i'.lodern times and the tricky wiles of the Devil make it har^ j^t times,we ]c3iow. All the more reason to stand firm, and encoura^.e one a?.iother!-Greetings to all there and we'll look foward to continued correspondance♦

Lovingly in Him,

JEdUELS ^OA. tka CROWW

B^ZgyCum {ofi ChvUitKpfUl WetUA R^po^

^ you reading this report, but since I'Ift.-.lember the words or title- in English to

Probably thfe song is known by many oused to singing it in Dutch, I can't seem to r _see if it's in our hymnbook. It talks about tjne searching of crown jewels for .ourMaster's kingdom and how so often the best jewels and pearls are found in slime and mud.These souls need to be searched out, often stidered far from God still hurting with pain andderness diamonds need to be brought to God, whlQpurified and made to shine. Some already adornin His splendor, shining in God's sunshine. j

mind

l|l covered in dust and filth, having wan-sighing or crying for help. These wil-

through the blood of Jesus have beenJesus' crown where later we'll all gleam

Back in 1980, just after Pa Boonaertjsthough I don't know if it was a favorite pJ

death this song kept going through my>f his or not. I had to think how he was

so busy trying to help in th^ purifying porcese of Christians, getting them ready forthe timewe'll be gathered around His throne. But I also had to think about how Pa toohad gone through the refining process as through the years of his Christian life he'dfaced and overcome many trials and temptatlonsU It seemed to me he must have been readyto adorn Jesus' crown so he had been called hojnie.

Now that more recently our brother T^n Rothiers from the Genk church has alsobeen called home, I've had to think about the yords of this song again in about the sameconnection. Especially during the last 10 years or so that we've gotten to know andwork with Twan more, we've seen his exertion ti) guide the Christians aright and bring inthe. lost.

These are two examples of"jewels" tlikt have already fought the fight and beengood witnesses for all. Diligently and zealouisly they worked, though not always beingunderstood or encouraged and having great planjjj to serve their Lord but have now goneinto their peace with God. Now the words of this song have also come alive for me at theothief end of this struggle. Through a series of unusual circumstances that were surelyused if not lead of God, we "found" one of these iewels still covered with slime andfilth. I •

The evening of Feb. 13, 23 year old iUitionette Lowie came into our lives notknowing where to go or what to do since' she was "at the end of her ropey" so to speak.Even the police at the station wern't able to i^Wide a solution so we offered for her toStay overnight with us a few days that endedjip being until April 2nd!!

. Antionette had many problems of almost every kind, so began the refining pro-rcess, almost 24 hours a day for either Henki or fne if not both! She is an M.S. patient,fortunately still in the early stages, but therefore needing extra care and patiencephysically. She is also emotionally unstable and mentally immature which only added tothe complications of "getting to know" her and jhow to handle situtations that arose wi.th.her being in our hoir-. We are in fact almost certain she had been demon posessed as thechange in her has been radical, and many things! indicate that.

Through hetralSQ we made other cont^<|ts that sometimes opened new doors ofhelped understand her situtation better—or confuse us even

urthe S«eneth^"rf® trying time, yet also rewaUding, especially as we know God gave

Vious beliefs a;d actioironly davraftf^^!"-^" P""chastisement and direction from Our Father. sKrhave a^lo eT® T"as she now lives alone (in another drive^frombut we pray the more fervently for her. for «e IcLow Goris with w -i"

"»an we could while she livfed with us. This explrieiSI hSs IsplSfaliyhelped me realize so much more to rely in the power of prayer (while she's out of ourcare; and that it s not our job with good advice and correction to cut and polish the

MISSIONARIKSHenki & Mary Ksther BoonaertsWeg Naar Opoetercn No. 63660 Opglabbeck, Belgium

Volume XV, Number 2

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST

Non-profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Medaryvllle, Ind.

PERMIT #4

FORWARDING AGENTMelvin & Louella RollerRoute 1. Box 92Burnettsville, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

July - December

— The months of August, September, and October were especially busy ones/ for us last year. About the time you were receiving our first newsletter for

/ 1985, and reading about our needofa "mansion for Hisministry" that's just/yaboutwhat we found! Many of you must have been praying for us and our

3^ 0 /9 needs and our ministry, because God rewarded us for all our hours of^ searching and opened doors showing us a home large enough to meet all

) eight needs we had outlined. Work was being done on the church roof inJ Genk so we were also involved with that. Then schoolbegan for the boys

and the process of packing also began. We were able to move to our newhome September 19-21 and we've been renovating and settling since.

Several young men of the Rekem (Maasmechelen) Congregation were excited to help us begin evangelizing the new area, socame every Thursday for several weeks to distribute tracts in our new town.

The town the Lord has now moved us to is about equidistant from Genk and Maasmechelen; situated about 14 milesnortheast of Genk. To our knowledge there is only a Catholic church on the hill in the center of town, but no other religiousinfluence ofany kind: Protestant, Evangelical, Jehovah's Witness, or otherwise. Some years ago an evangelist trying to bringthe Gospel and hand out copies of the Bible was shown the attitude of folks of this area. We've been told they gathered theBibles he distributed and burned them by his car. How long ago that was, or if folks are still that antagonistic we don't know,but we are convinced God has brought us here for His purpose.

You can imagine our surprise when after we had decided to rent this house and signed the contract the landlord showed us a"secret room!" We had found there was space enough to provide for all the things needed for our ministry, with some rearranging and adjusting of various rooms in the house. Then wonder of wonders there was even a bonus that helped us reallyunderstand-GOD IS behind the move and directing the area of service we should be involved in here-in Opglabbeck. Theprevious renter had a fish store and needed refrigeration so had made an insulated room out of part of the porch. What a perfectroom to use for a sound-free recording studio!!! There is still some work to be done to get it converted for that use, and the rest ofthe house to be livable since it had not been lived in for several years. Yet we could confidently conclude that God wants us towork more on recording narrations, etc., for slide Bible studies and evangelism, so trust Him to provide the strength andopportunities necessary for all the work that's ahead of us. That's why we say, "E B E N E Z A R - Thus far has the Lordhelped us!" (I Samuel 7:12) And we'll trust Him to keep on helping us as we continue ministering in our new home inOpglabbeek, Belgium.

In our new home we have a large office and study room; a medium living room adjoining the kitchen; three bedrooms so wecan comfortably put up visitors overnight; a bathroom with toilet (American style) anda W.C. European style with just toiletand sink; shop and storage roomS for Henki's supplimentary work with utility area for washing the laundry; a tumble down,yet usable garage for the car and bikes; a huge yard and even orchard out back; a furnace in the basement with coal storagearea; A-N-D the recording room that's already insulated! All that for just 7,000 Belgian franks - that's only $134.61 monthlyrent -- or $11.54more than the apartment in Genk (though with the devaluation of the dollar since our move that means we need$20.94 to pay this difference). Weare happy and excitedabout this "mansion for His ministry" and lookforward to ministeringfrom His mansion. Our new address is Weg Naar Opoeteren No. 6; 3660 Opglabbeek, Belgium and we even anticipate atelephone being installed real soon with the already assigned number 011-85 56 53.

^ Cutting teeth, taking first steps, the first day at school,((y y L graduation, getting married, holding that first job, getting araise,

U V i-'— having a baby, realizing the need for a Savior and deciding toJ U j follow Jesus are all important milestones in a person's life. The

/pHh tjy emphasis put on different accomplishments or points in one's lifedepends on the importance they take in our lives. That firstbirthday for instance. How many babies are really aware of theimportance of turning ONE YEAR OLD?? But the parents, grand

parents, other relatives and friends that surround us make a big thing out of this and other milestones in our early lives.

As time goes on we begin to realize that many of the more important milestones in our lives take concentration and effort,practicing and skills, even sacrifice and a myriad of other things, on our own part and that of others, to accomplish. Then werealize how important others are in accomplishing these steps in our lives, and it's nice to have others to share and celebratethese milestones with.

James just turned 12 and celebrated this birthday with 9 of his best friends with a "big birthday party." A few days laterHenki "just started life" by turning 40! That was remembered by eating some of his favorite food and being with some of hisfavorite people (his family, and Olick and Zonija from Brussels that happened in for a visit). Some other important things thatwe'll be remembering this year are that we've been serving in Belgium together for 16 years and been married for 18. It'salmost been three years since we had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Madras, India, filling in for Weesners. Just 10 yearsago we put out a plea for help with forwarding agents and correspondence began with Rollers who have been so helpful andefficient in their task since they began. Among the most exciting and important milestones that we have passed is that in

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts, edited and mailed by the Melvin Rollers, and printed by Mission ServicesAssociation, Knoxville, Tennessee. It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work being done in Belgium for Christ by the HenkiBoonaerts family. All funds made payable to Medaryville Christian Church, designated to Boonaerts work, are tax deductible.

Please check appropriate boxes below and detach, returning this slip to Melvin and Louella Roller, Rt. 1 Box 92,Burnettsville, Indiana, 47926. Thanks for your assistance in helping us be more efficient.

• -• The address on the other side is incorrect and should read as follows;

• -- The address on the other side is out-dated since we have moved to the following address:

• •• Please discontinue sending the newsletters to the address on the other side.

• -• Please send bulk mailings to the church address for distribution as follows:

• -• Please add the following address(es) to the mailing list:

(amount) -copies

• -- Please have Boonaerts correspond about a visit/report to the following address/area during their trip in the U.S.

cut here-'

January there were again three immersed, bringing the total that we've been able to see won to Christ in our work in the Maasvalley area to 90 souls!!

Many of the things that we consider milestones in our lives were also accomplished by our Savior Jesus Christ. In theScriptures we read "when he was twelve years old . . so he grew older year by year and celebrated these milestones in oneway or another. Also in Luke we read, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Theseindicate very important milestones in Jesus' life also. John realized the magnitude of all the milestones in Jesus' life and thatit would be impossible to record them all when he penned th(; words in John 20:30: "Jesus did many other miraculous signs inthe presence of his disciples, which were not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is theChrist, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Like in our lives, also in Jesus' the effects of those around Him also had to do with His accomplishments of importantmilestones. The greatest that comes to mind, especially at the Resurrection time of the year, is that mentioned in Ephesiana1:19: "That power is like the working of his (God's) mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from thedead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.'* Hallelujah! for that mighty power and milestones in Christ'slife. Because of His resurrection and ascension to heaven all other milestones in our lives really take on their rightfulimportance and give us the most important milestones yet to look forward to in accomplishment with His second coming.

Birthdays are always milestones to look forward to and look backat with happy memories. Maybe some will remember seeing Ihispicture ofJames' first birthday of several years ago, but the one ofJohn Mark's 9th appears now for the first time.

Double-headed Milestone Soon after services began in Boorsem(1971) Henki held his first wedding •• a significant milestone forHenki as well as Gerrard and Lydia. "Church weddings"are morea formality in Belgium and often on a different day (with differentdress) than the legal proceedings held in the City Hall

All over the world mankind remembers Christ's resurrection -HisTriumphant milestone. "Easter eggs ' and Spring flowerssymbolize life after death in Belgium and many other countries.

MEET THE CHRISTIANS

^-- V

Maria Bakac-Madi celebrates her birthday two days after Maria Gearing and MaryEsther, so we often used to celebrate together at Bible study when we still lived in Eisden.Here is a picture at one such occasion before Maria died and she was still living with us.Sister Bakac is in the middle of the picture.

For some time we've been wanting to share the stories behind some of the conversions ofdifferent Christians we've seen wonto Christ or been working with since serving in Belgium. We'd like to use this newsletter to begin this series hoping itwill helpedify brothers and sisters in the States, encouraging you to share in another way in the struggles and victories of Christ'skingdom here.

After the second world war, many people came and settled in Holland and Belgium from Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia,Russia and other countries. They usually kept contact with their fellow-countrymen, finding work and often helping eachother. Among them was young Maria Madi, known to us as sister Bakac. She shared her testimony at a ladies' meeting whenone of the Czechoslovakian sisters was able to translate her story into Dutch for us to understand. Here is her story aboutfinding Christ in her home away from home:

Maria and her husband had a tavern and several rooms for boarders. One day some Jehovah's Witnesses came intotheir tavern and talked with her husband. He was open to them, and took their advice to read the Bible. This he did everyevening, until he came to the passage that said something to the effect that whoever believes and is immersed will besaved.

Immediately he said they would have to leave the tavern because that wouldn't be good for them while trying to liveaccording to the Gospel. He added that they were going to Brussels where they could be immersed. But sister Bakac gotupset saying he had wandered from the true way and she was completely against her husband's decision. She took theirdaughter and left the tavern, but he was determined and went on to Brussels to be immersed. She just couldn't standaround at home waiting for her husband to return, so she went to a neighbors who spoke the same language as she. Shewas so upset that she was sure she'd do something drastic like jumping in the water to drown herself. She was so angrythat her husband had strayed so much!

Nearby was another tavern and people there were making fun of Maria, saying her husband had gotten himself intosome strange society or sect that kissed each other and who knows what other strange things. But someone came up toher and said, "It's not true, Maria, because my wife is also a Christian." When her husband returned from Brussels, shehadn't drowned herself after all and her husband assured her that he'd not pressure her but leave her in God's hands.

Then one night when she slept, Maria had a dream. A man appeared in her dream who said, "Child, child, your husbandis on the right road. You should also do the same as he." She never did tell her husband of this dream, but she began tofeel something happen inside her.

Then there was a gathering in town somewhere near Liege. There was a preacher present from the U.S. who spoke thatevening. At a certain moment he asked if there was anyone who wanted to give their heart to Jesus and Maria's hand wasthe first to go up! Her husband who had invited her to attend the service was so happy he cried tears of joy that she'dchanged. There were six who were immersed then in Chareloi in the Baptist group with whom they were now in contactnear where they lived.

Leaving the tavern, her husband now worked in the coal mine, digging coal. After several years he became very sickwith black-lung so he was often too ill to go anywhere. But, he wouldn't miss a church service. Once the bus even waited onhim while he had a coughing spasm, he was so determined to worship with the Christians. Then, when Maria was 52 herhusband died and Maria lived with her daughter and family about 5 years. Things became so unbearable there with heralcoholic son-in-law that she began desperately to look for some place else to live.

One day in a tavern a man came asking her hand in marriage but another man flew up to them and said, "No, she'smine!" No one can marry her or I'll kill him." So Maria married Michel Bakacfrom where she had her name that we knewher by, and they moved to Steenakkerstraat 45 in Leut near Maasmechelen where we met her in 1971. She spent 20 hardyears with Michel, and though he was witnessed to many times even before we met them, and he often attended serviceswith his bicycle, he never submitted to Jesus. He was killed in a bicycle/auto accident so again Maria was left alone.

What a witness Maria has been . . . openingherhomeforgatherings when we began with the church in Boorsem, and nowfor ladies' meetings, faithfully attending services whenever she could, with us in Maasmechelen area or when home with herdaughter and family, giving advice and encouragement to fellow Christians, and being a friend and good neighbor to allaround her. You would never believe she had once been so rebellious and stubborn. There's been a great change in our dearRussian sister, Maria Bakac-Madi, who is now a concerned, patient, hardworking lady with a gentle spirit at almost 80 yearsphysically. Don't you look forward to meeting her and her first husband some day??

UP-DATE

Learning to drive and owning one's first car are the kind of milestones that John Mark has been thinking about a lot lately. ,11 ij Txi 1 .• : c 4.^ j tiias a 16 going on 17 year old. It has been six years since we wen

are beginning to take shape to make a trip this summer so we cespecially in the work of evangelizing and nurturing Christia*all the driving to be with different churches and families. Tl:learn to drive and get in some hours of practicing. Wehope yogive a personal up-date of our work, the Lord willing.

n the U.S. to visit the churches and report to supporters. Plansshare some ofthe milestones in our lives ofthe past six years,Then there will be a lot of literal milestones passed as we do

should give enough opportunity for John Mark to be able towill do all you can to help us prepare to visit in the States and

Our forwarding agents, Melvin and Louella,been thinking about the newsletter mailing list. It has not beand the added names. . . . We send out around 1,000 throughthe post office sends them back to Medaryville because of adcooperate promptly and fill out the slip included and return itplanning our itinerary for this summer's visit in the U.S.

.'s necessary. They wrote: "I havean up-dated since 1973, only by the address changes we receivehe mailing permit at Medaryville. It costs 30 cents each when•ess change or no forwarding address." We hope you will alsoIRollers to help with up-dating the newsletter mailing list and

also have been thinking about an up-date that'

/

B6L0?UM FOR CHRIST

O^obe-'t 19SS

FAIL IS W T/^e AIR md tkt Um*itAcutmu cAt g^tjUrtQ &kllty>

h^AitnU^§ to co^oA am jthtKt oAtcthtA. UsM oi Corf itui Mm in taf^lOj' tkt univtMt, oMviiMne itht myo^ HHU ««cf C«A^S thuA

The J&^iOiaAtj to Jurtft ttei«6£fct<W ^oAtkU ytoA ih&uZd be M,AcMifi§ oj ouAAUfip0^itsA^/fitAdi/u» tn it m eut^taout neccf4 m la^ tkimt to IHGUA '̂ mUUtAy vi enftouAftgeweftt/' We v»e

0Ad9A to feHSty Vihu OodU tat6£ im loK tu in tkt nf.tt pheu& o, _ . >.0^ yoa 4UAUi/ have ^tiu^ ioA tu tiUo. StA&kA oi

tkt i^ct ti\^ we've looktd ^eveAOV^fiAt" jj^ee mj! JiW*tatU, and hoiM totaXt-d oi (itAV^K^ to look]iU po^64.b^litCUtthat dooK opeA6 Ujo" have accom^^etf ouA iWtLnt pfULtj^ a/ja pttLtLon& to Qoa iOKHiA tiUxdCng,

rtwueh JUt keti'btM ft dLUiAMt Und oi baMJ.c &i ihtUe#i«)9iteA^ 4f St,and 1 -te/^rtg oi UA&U*i MiAioAt agiUMt tU PhU^&tiniAj^dotktAenewie-ij jUUa hM aUo in nm\f tWii/4 been a wa^ifi '̂te it a been & s-ts^ogaiM^^: ^p&4ienaei amiMALn;tih pUceA, ojid tnt W(?W we..^ 8 E8 g 2 AR joA, iinaUtj «#a We louAd tkt pl&&^ and ^oniid^y"TKu4 idA Im tha. LCHV heZpzd u^l'-

Tkmt oAt ^imUtmJMu ta utfuti wte oMLUp^t aktixd oi tu a4we iiA^ weyed to Soo^ew to b^ia the, chuAiih'̂ woAli the. Ma<u A-cueA . we tcbe mov^*« to ft 4m£Z CAtko^A ^'ittAot, i^Uo a 4tP^€*(^Gnt komt uu-tn i>ouAUkt in hoA4Qjit, Only «ow in OPOLM^t^fi (0^^£A - b/io&k} wM^Aft m Hpm a tontAACt toliMt /twd ijttvu ilongcA dtptndin^ on ho^ wc. ^ee (uAtkt^ IfiAdin^ oj tht ioA.d, oit0itA6t] we Have NO poA4p(icX& o{ ChAiAtiA>M to btQin a congA.<>go>tUfn taitkf and HittlUii engaged in eab/tKe^t fnoMng to .tuppl^tnt doa Xrtcome. Hope^u/^t/ we een beg-tn4mU isAsfiteA in OUA Hating Aoon^ and ^e«Aci4 be move to tkt loAQtA At{3^t^iKOfiteu Ocd blu4u aittk ewoucf/i M '̂̂ AAionAi canh oi tht boiji lUtt #iave ft b&f^oo»whieM. aUo pAovidt& 4pftfie loK guw^; and mJUL have a 4p€cUotL& 4tad^/o({iii€ Xwthe. iouAth bedAoofn. OuA nu^ 4hotUd be abundantly 4uppli&d in thU hofnt inOpgtabei&kf but theAe. i^ lot4 to be doniL bejoAe we cdrt ^zt frtoverf.

P'Xobabty cu iifut we*^ attind ^^cAu^cei htlp out in GAnk. MaA4-mee/te^eM/ and otkvi plat^ hoping to /wve 'die UAcfU 6upp9A in owi horns. Sundayeve»Ung^. Ad (ve /t&ve oppoAtunititi to eva>i^ei^ze and 4oul6 oaa won Qonctn-t/iott mo/te in Opgtabe.th ititl^* H&nfU. mUl havt to /wve kU eoA 0p&^dt€d on 044oon OA we can gzt 4eX>ttQ.dt 40 imut imUudt thot in oua 4ch&due.l at^i^4t* Ptta4t hup tkiJi maXtiA in youA pKaijzAi up^fUaltyt and hi4 h&^h in __g^ntAAt (U /te'4 4j6oU 6een knifing htadAth4 and ditsAnuA, Wt'li aUkO nave to ftepfKLpoAlng ouAieZve^ ^0^, o(/a t^p to th^, S-tatu Jiex^ ijttiAp 40 ir\u^t plan to 4ptnd4uiiitle,nt timti. ioJt ^hU* iflithout ei doubt thfiAt*4 p^^nty to ottupy iU*

ThsAt cM.e a ^ew we'tt 6e rteed^.M0 he-f.p to iuAiU4h oua horn, ft^enope tksAi. my be ioCu Mho Mtt tAy to taJit thus, up in p^At/eA and to Aolttt iund4ioK 04 4pzACal pKojtcX4 to hUp U4 out* l-Ut^d mciinlij atwding to -tmpoA^diiee tht^OAet

n WASW MACWTWe km ta ytim t!3n4t^.nJt. w^e, ifiom tht t^Lmt 2mz4 tm •a baby in dlapvu, ouA Baukntckt CxuhoA ha& ^inalZy ^.tvcrt out* We nttd animtdlatt Atptanijriiifit 4o hopt 4omon(i. v^l.tJt oHvi tomAd4 tkU nttd. Tht 4niatldAijtiA we had fJeu nt\ftA v^y miiltnt and JU not out oi htpaOu 4o mtd4 to beAtplattd U40,

2) EXPAmBLH TASLE Ah!V CWATI^S—hrr.cZt y.'C ^cZcf tc'ici^ teehad In E^cfe^ 4^nce ^/iG/ie woah'^ /^com ?ig/\g. {c>. ^tc- -'>. ou/'i ^.o/taoe,-. ac/ic.ye to gzt 'bcmzt'iiKC to accomodcitc g^c'J.p'i> (ok ccrr'yuyilcyi 6<iKv.LC2y^ I'LOJia

6tud^QA, ztc^. • O'jA n^: filtche.n I'-'-UZ pKcbabty be tc ^rroCZ (ok a tabZc, io we ZLhavz to havQ. mcct-Ci tn tho, JU.\.'Zng-Koom cu,

3] LAt?THS 3TKE--We'ue had -^^Aee b-cfeei itblzn &ln(LZ ZA.\)lng h^z In Gznk-'lodi<idJ^Yi -i/te 6t0K0.Q<L 6h<Ldl Vci-ty z&thoJi nec.^ a btka (ck &hopp-'.ng, ztc. and ^.n ca6eJohn h'.cLKk''6 wotcKC('ot<i -O) cn the. bZ^y.ii6,

4} ay:MG FLWimE—we've 'W/lOAcf oJidtKlij (ofJz^ to ^It tn ar.d

g-cuen 06 tfiKough the. ijtoMJi (Vie e.^pzcA.attykasje. been ^nacfequaXe oeKC/trJl. ('.'e /lOpe

to (-LKd 6ct^cX'i^ng second hand ti we have, ^ar.cii.Ke^p accomodate. vZ^ttoKiy toe ne.e.d anothcA5] DOUBLE Sc^ A\^ /MTT^E^S—7)1 oAcfe/t. .to

bc.d ^0 hope, tc have. rieciJT-fi to vxichcjic, tluJ) tn the. ne.aK (uXuAt cJl6c.6] vrc^C-WAl/E CVEW--?!ecevvte^ we've bzc.n advl&e.d cl tMe. \jMe.(i}ZneJ:>i> pi thzhz (oK

'j:aKmina ujo we.atii, Stnce. Kenfe^c'-A hcuj'j} okz toAy'-Xbtu tKKe.gnZcui tt'6 ofdCay6bc.c.^1. ho.((ey^^Mc to jjeec^ htm wcVlw mc,ci£/i. Am^cAo-t'.'ave wou/lo hc.tpcon6td2AabZ^

tn t'l^Ji Tr\cXteJi, and tn cooktng tn ge.ne/'-oJ.. W2. ev^t'ia (undl> dc.i^tgnoXcd (ok .tiilApuJipo^d,

A6 time, gce.6 on, and we lettiz ouA nQpj\korre., we ray dx^sc-oveji otheA. t!'Ung6nztddd tc hzZp (jl& rr.LnJ '̂jteA. be-tte-i tn Cpc-^ '̂̂ zzk, 1( you. oKt e.-!>pe.cJ,cJJiy tnXKtit<>.d ^

hzZptng I'^tth 4>orr.q.t'iu.na o.thcji thr.y mer^lo-'ec, wr. here. you'Zt contact tuo-C c':K y: r,rdi^.y:<..Sf c.ftej- Ze.ptejfbej'. T;': \^tg rxuV'. CpzteAcn; .V° 6; :66C CpgZabzz^-T'.cac'^ Zct^i, rcKe. to teXZ yo'j., cv?. Cod .o'̂ \v:oK'ziy'.r ty. ^-^c.ny othvi v:ay6, but we'XZkeep X:ia.t (ok ne.yX' monXh!

VKay (cK lU,

Vq.ca cne^ cjt TKtaty CfvjUicJi, .cxumj^ a. Jcy to Ke.c.e^vz tratJl (ko'.i lovdd one^ -lh /':e Stttte.6, and ej>pe.(u.cMy good

tc re* ucih\ d'jjAch papoj'ji Ke.guZoKJiy hi the. rcJJi'. It'i kc.cJ'̂ 'J !<.ctpc.d ofi <e.eJi •tUic. I'.'e/:nc-'.' ^cvC'irX c( yea (cZ'z6 o.yid be, a poKt o( the. chuKcJi -f/ro-v.

wc'vc. oecKi Kc.ceA.vtnp the^c. po.peAS r^^JJ^s^tc cua. ci'd ac'd.'̂ .c^^ though, 6tXZZ, 6o icantThe. tn-

VQ.CQ '̂̂ ''e^ '! I'^S^ ''

•to bKiiiQ .to yoLUi aXXiL/iZicyi thcX we ^-cr.ce the '̂̂ tli Se.pteirhpK. Tc."uder^ Ze.tXcA gtve.'̂ i^om. ci the. deXoJJis 5.i^oiU that, 'ctFR^ lOc l-act tlioU&f^^feu'c( h/ ... I _' T - _ . j. I .' / /% ; n A ' I(c.^.')\'.d, Zn cctybe. not, now you have, that /lc

and ceJ^ting adja^ie.d heAt tn cllI fCh'Uyiit and 4^pKe.ad Htd ^ztnodc^^.

At t'.its t/jr:c. we.'d (T^ic Llkz to tho.n'i the ('.'06 tn Zndu.r. and actuaLiy tn 40»>'e dargcA^i.n(ite.d. Zt ti, c^:a.y6 a^h^uAtnp- to knov: ^^oil

e.e.n ^n'

k o.nd we -^^ukqI" '•'•':e. you'tt pKay about ouAifew home' c.y.d dcO'is "''Uct Qpe.n to w^tne,5i ^oK

1

iqu eJ>ptCA,rP.ty pf'.afu.ng loK Henh^ v:IUZeduAing t-H' t<>e thct \'K;i. Go.nd'iA. 'j.'a^ fVi-

aAe. ho!u'yid (m •'•//,'i !jcuK pKayeAA, ar^.d to•!>('(• 'fcu Ker-^en'bcA .io r-'ang tyi r.eerf and dangeA, F

-JX'' Kz iccndeAing /tew .tilings ho.ve. n'oKhzd ....'̂ Vr'-Ay'̂ AcX'.'JIA tn. Japan, and /:ow a/:e pKeytiQ.ntti' In T'-c.' tc.nd't'?

Zii India Z attended a bocAdtn.g 6c.hooZ and had a cta66rc'c Cc.th Ann ':JaAKe.n—tooA":cyjdcKi.nr U-' 6he. and '̂jXh Ann cou.td pcS^.ibZij be. Kc^r.,t'v(>s?? ':'.WZ be. good to pe-t to yf^eet'0:r.c. kTow a. -(pio d t:ae. nmrpxS WG've be.cn K^ndi.np aboi.it, !"/?pn "v net tc the. StctcJ* on

' " A/5 tt Z.Qo'''j^ y^ot:.", ''•'r'P" nof 'v r.bi*e to cc^e untJJ /j?"S have to

jrbr---^ •/•• •-0 yov. y.c.ce.Lve. Ke.guf.oK neW/ico/fC/ti t'-v -'a.-^ "'on'' .in ZndJ.a? ':!e.'d be. tn-

•Kom t'v\ TKa"Q'- ^ci^ae-S-tA c^- pKovtoubcut i':(.th Tcy^.'i'f Zti't^'^.a^teA '.-.'/.tncMtng to

car •f.-..s o^*'-v>!r yocA.,:•-: c' the. brit'& Q.duc.ajtion, 'j:k< z''

iLSc. Lt /ic .'ic-'^e 'Jcu'ZJl r-'-A"

tKc:>te.d gett./.itg that r.c.wi aZic, V youdone, •.•*•'"c'V>c// T^'i cocd to .'

y-v^tn.cJ. (athcK and JeMU,. //ca aZsc".'ontx'd Kcga^.\eAZ:/ by the. ccnpKtgcJ:LCi\?^c.'̂ hcAX.y.g. '̂ t-'.eAc, cj^.d -the. o.zt.'icJL "rK^^^boA^s'u•''-iid \ict-?-i> by CiiCyiZ'! dvjAch ''ocuU'.—I'̂ iopcod tc me.e.t the, new vKc.a'̂ 'ncA icAAy and 'v': si'CAc. '.':Ltl- .r'.z bcy^ z-i^pzctc^iy.

dopz you cay. gvt aJ!.t -t'^c-ie ouCyStic^'^ av^ '••••i/-.'.' -t-o '̂ !'>ay'Jz ttcu AoK eveA'if.thA

ccn'^r.ct -t-'' ^.irht peK^onii abcu.t having•iirAC. '.'.'(t'' you aZso, ^^c.s.f'd}- ouK''tt ''v-Tf-f '•'.-.f '^\iMi.cra''Ac.}, c..\e !>iip-

.'Ji -'re r-r:^"c.X'r.-^"''" at'f'crdznce. at vrA/cui

if" '.''e ('.v.^pc^X'"/'*/ apf.AccioJ'e. the. ncivs-Jf:he.*r tcpc-f-.'.'̂ K C;arl' tc'r? T/ (ciZZ. atio be

{CTi'iJ'" *of'. h'r V.i gc'd 'f'hcunhtii aJ!sc, thaJ"

\:\'

vw!