Boonaerts Henki MaryEsther 1987 Belgium

MISSIONARIES

Ih-nki & Mary Kslher HuunaerlsWcg Naar Optn lcTen No. H

UpKlablxii'k, Bi'ltjium

Volume XVII, Number I

Please notify Forwarding Agent if.

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• this mailinti is /idI dvsirrd.

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST

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

January

He finished the race,he kept the faith.

Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, therighteous Judge, will award to him on that day—and not only to him, but also to all

Wr who have longed for his appearing. (Paraphrased, II Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)|̂̂ |̂||||Ljg^ MOST OF YOU WILL REMEMBER the following words that were part of the

|M||fl||B ' slide report of the work inBelgium, showed in so many churches this summer, and° the slides that accompanied them. Bear with us as we refresh your memories, for we

have some sad, yet victorious news to share with you concerning the two about• whom these words applied in that presentation.

' "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond ofpeace. There is

^ one body and one Spirit—oneGodand Father of all, who is over all and through all

Several of the Christians have had to move away from the fellowship with the. Christians in the Maas-area or their "home church " or were already living away.

A Time and again we've seen them become active and involved in the congregationM m near them, trying to keep the unity of the Spirit and encouraging Christians of

M different congregations to fellowship with each other.I Luc and Cathy, while living in Germany, fellowshipped with the non-

T ^ instrumental group inKoln, Germany and theMaasmcchelen Christians shared inL,uc Verstappen ^ there to help develop friendships and spiritual growth. Since they havemoved back to Belgium they worship once again with folks in Rekem, but continue to keep contacts with their brothers andsisters from Gerjnany, inviting them into their home and to share with us as well.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor ofGod so that you can take your stand againstthe devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against thepowers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor ofGod, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand"(Eph. 6:1-13).

Luc is a member of the Rijkswacht, or Belgium's "kingdom watchers," the non-police force responsible for keepingpeace andorder in the country. He tells of experiences in the line of duty that are unbelievable how powerful the evils of wickedness arewith murders, rapings, child abuse and the like. During a coalmine strike he feared for his life, realizing even more theimportance of physical weapons and protection against stones and projected, burning missiles.

Early in the morning of January 16, 1987 this same LUC VERSTAPPEN made his last night-watch patrol as he and hiscolleague intercepted a vehicle near Lanaken. Luc was shot in the head and his companion in the stomach by Hungariangangsters. When they were caught a few days later, they had a house full of ammunition, so who knows how many more mayhave suffered at the hands of these escaped prisoners, had not Luc and Paul faithfully done their duty that cold wintermorning?

BELdlUM FOR (.'HRIST is written by Mary Esther Bvonaerts, 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.

Christians gathered that evening to pray that God spare Luc's Hfe,and many Christians in other areas were also informed ofthe crisis. But on Sunday morning, January 18, he lost his struggle against death, having never regained consciousness.Paul is still in critical condition, so prayers on his behalfare in order. He is also not yet a Christian. Luc's funeral was held thefollowing Thursday. Literally thousands attended so through his death, as well as during his life, he was a vivid witness toChrist.

Luc and his wife have been especially close friends of our family since their conversion, and the loss of this dear brother, andsorrow of his wife has been especially hard for us. They have two girls, Natalie (5) and Sara (3). We can but rejoice though,through it all, because we see it has been good for Christians in so many congregations. We hope the planned "Family Day"mentioned in the last news report will also benefit from all this happening. That even through his death the bond of peace maybring about unity, and we may be even more conscious of arming ourselves for the struggle against the spiritual forces of evil isour ever increasing prayer. Already we've been convinced his death was not in vain, but HOW WENEED STRENGTHANDWISDOM to face the days ahead of us as we adjust to emptiness and sorrow, and seek wisdom in understanding and sharingGod's will.

Pray for us and the Christians!

Love from the Boonaerts

DAnkbaar aandenken aon hei ievcn>

De Hm Luc VERSTAPPEN

Cunisl vaR d« sein«entesdioc»t voorplss(l»che kuosien ic MaasmecbeJen.

Hij werd pboren te Leui op 15 maart19S7 eft it ovcrleden ontier be^^ateodienst in het SL^Iansxiekeohuii vanGenk op 1$ januan 1987.

ftagr. • Fun. I Konii.

he;

Zie. de lnRdman wacht of ile kcelilijkevruchi des Idndsen heefi fediildide vro<ge <n Lie legen crop i\Ckfeni ook ^u^d. vierkt up httf*ten, want de koms^ de^ Keien ti nabif.Broeder$» zuehi n>ei (egtn clkJi^der.op<lM flj n(ei onder hti «ali ;zie. de Rechier staal '•oot de dcur.8roeders. ncernt lo: «cn >oo<b<cld >anfeiaTenheiil en gedjld Ue profeien, dtein de naam des Heren hcnbcn Ecsproken. Zie. wij phjzen heit /alig,hitril hebben: gij ftcN xun de VcHhar-ding van iob gehoor4 tn gij hiM iiitbe( einde. dal 4e Here deed Vojgen.feiien. de Here rijk &an (Mm-hortighciJ en onifetminj

De familiet Versuppen. bemon|,|ameen Neliuen dankea IJ oprechi vM uwbeluigd meeleven, I

Dnitt»rk| SmM. MManwWan -

Inside of "death picture" traditionally handed out at aBelgian funeral, the picture ofwhich appears on the firstpage of this news report

i

(L to R) Luc's mother, Mia Verstappen; his wife, Cathy Verstappen; his dad, Roger Verstappen; and Henki next to Roger.

"WHATSOEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY... TO THE GLORY OF GOD..." (I Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:23)

On a Thrusday in December 1979 Luc Verstappen and hise wife Cathy were immersed inthe church building in Genk. This occasion provided us with much happiness, since thework of evangeliz-ing and church planting had been slow in previous years. Just daysbefore his parents and most of his brothers and sisters with their spouses had alreadyaccepted Christ. What rejoicing the harvesting of these many souls for His kingdomhad caused.

In the weeks, months, even years that followed, the growing congregation keptpetitioning God to allow this small group of His followers to be a shinning, dynamicwitness in the Maas river valley area around their homes. Little did we realize justhow or when God would answer these prayers, but did He ever! The answer didn't excludemuch suffering, pain, even sacrifice on the part of the Christians, but His name wasindeed made great—as far as France, Germany, Holland as well as all around Belgium,as a result. So it is that we report something very sad, but that has the powerfultone of VICTORY!

Luc had served several years in Germany with the provost district of the Rijks-wacht (a non-police force of the national military defence of Belgium, doing about theequilivant of the state troopers in the U.S.). It was during this time that Luc becamea Christian, and began worshiping with the non-instrumental congregation in Koln, Germany,as^ell as in Maasmechelen whenevisr he was "home." He grew in spiritual maturity andgood works during these years. Then he had the opportunity to move back to the areaof his birth to live in Rekem then Opgrimbie serving with the Rijkswacht division inLanaken.

Not only active in serving his king and country, Luc was also active in the localcongregation's progress. For the Christmas gathering (Dec. 26, J987) he sang with agroup of the Rekem congregation and helped with a puppet presentation especially forthe children. Many congregations were represented, and several^non-Christians werealso present. Planfi were being made for an inter-church gathering to be held Feb. 8,1987, for which Luc was already using his talents and making preperations. Decorationsof a rainbow and crown to be used at this feig get-together that Luc so looked foward to,promised to help advance unity among the Dutch speaking Christians of Belgium andHolland. He used his time and energy continually to witness at work and everywhereto non Christians, and encourage Christians in many ways.

Then early in the morning of Jan. 16, 1987 29 year old Luc made his last identitycontrol as he and his colleague intercepted a sospecious looking vehicle during theirnight-watch patorl. Luc was shot in the head and his companion in the stomach byHungarian gangsters, escaped prisoners from Sweden that were later caught in Holland.Christians gathered.to pray that evening, then formed a prayer chain petitioning God tospare Luc's life, but on Sunday the 18th he lost in his struggle against death. Luc'sfuneral was held the followign Thrusday. Thousands attended, including governmentdignitaries from Brussels, local officials, Rijkswachters from all over Belgium aswell as his division in Germany; and Christians from Germany, France, Holland, and manycongregations in Belgium. The national T.V. made a report that appeared on the newsthat evening, and the newspapers carried several articles of Luc's tragic death. Thworld, of course used it to pressure the government into bettering the communicationssystems, facilities and compensations for the Rijkswachters and their families.

In Luc's life and death, definately ,far more important, the mighty deeds of Godhave been made known. The Scripture, James 5:7-11, that appeared on the "death picture"received by hundreds present for the funeral, is indeed appropriate and true ofthis dear brother in the Lord. Watching his young wife and parents, just to mentionthree, as they bore up strengthened by God's Spirit, was in itself a fantastictestimony. Henki was able to lead the combined military/Christian service, and used

words Luc himself had written warning that death comes unexpected and changes plans.Others were able to participate from the churches of Christ, and the witness ofChristians present was also evident. Something that was mentioned in several of themessages by Christians and non-Christians alike was Luc's readiness to serve beyondthe call of duty..."going the second mile^" His genuine concern for people lead himto follow up service for those he was assigned to at work, far more than expected of

It IS our hope that this can but be a beginning of the "follow-up" to witnessand contact the lost souls that have already been touched by the gospel throughulhl death. He was ready to meet His master and was a bright and shiningght. Many Christians have already been awakened to repentance for their laxnessan non Christians made to think about things more important than life on earth.Pray with and for the Christians in Belgium in this time of sorrow and adjustment tocominrof°thP T HK brother in the Lord; and preperation for the gloriousreaching out to lost souls in darkness around us. Days lay

streL^h'' r" I be used to further glorify our God and Father but we need Histasr cabined efforts from brethern the world over in order to accomplish the

Opglabbeek, Belgi-umJan. 30, 1987

Hello "Horizons" folks,Greetings to you once again, after, such, a long time of silence. Guesssince my trip to the states, I've just had a terrible time to get allthe things done that need doing. Had hoped to get the slide presentation back to you that we usedthat hasn*t ^een possible either.

.this summer, with a few changes, but:It has also been my intention to get

Luc maybe it has worked out better_lJ do something, with what we seni you

another News fVT>m off to you, but how that we've had this crisis withto have waited,

now.

Hopefully you can

Since the article is probably to I'ong to be one of the regular "Mfe-ionary news from around the world": items, inaybe you can just run it as

(a special up-aat© on the work here in Belgiijun. I'm also including our"news report" for Jan. so you know what we'v® intended to be mailed onthis to our regular supporterp? etc. I'm including a map with some ofthe places mentioned in the report, where iv.essim.ers and we live andwork hi-lighted that you may also want to use, We didn't take picturesat the funeral, but I'm also including the picture from the newspaperif you can possibly use that. ((Vould appreciate it, not the copiesto be returned if possible.) Also the "death picture" of Luc is enclosed, so you can maybe use it of\ him in the article.Pictures mentioned in the news report are being made from the slidesthat 5''ou could possibly also use, |but that will take a bit longer. Ithought to get this on to you so you can start with the preperations,and as soon as the pictures are reHopefully that won't cause to muchdelays.In the fimeral picture, from right to left is luc's mother, Mia Ver-stappen, his wife, Cathy Verstappen, his dad, Roger Verstappen, andHenki next to Hoger. It was taken at the ^rave sight in 0-Dgrimbie,but the fimeral was held in Lanaken.

On the m,ap are marked Brussels, Antwerp, and Maastricht (Holland) asorientation points . Then Beringen v/here I't'essimers live; Genk whereHenki's home church is'^where ivessimers serve along with folks inAntwer-o and aroimd their home; Biechelen aan de Maas fHaasmechelen) areawhere we began the work in 1970 and Rekem and Eisden where the twoKa,as area groups are now meeting, as well as Rekem and Opgrimbiementioned as where Luc lived and Lanaken where he worked and the funeralwas ^ We are now starting a new work in Opglabbeek also marked.

Hopefully this is sufficient! God bless you all

ady, we'll mail them seperately.trouble, and there won't be any

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

Please notify Farwardinfi Afient \f.

• (his address is inenrrect.

Non-profit Organization

U.S. Pottage

PAID

Medaryville, Ind.

PERMIT 04• this mailing is mil ilrsired.

11^.MISSIONARIES.liilin. Mark, .fami's. Hi'iiki and Mary Kslher

Wcg Naur Opoeterun No. H3HB() Opiilabbcck. Belgium I J(Taken the summer of 198(> beside ^^their home in Opiflubbeck.)

BELGIUM FOR CHRISTFORWARDING AGENTMelvin & Louella RollerRoute 1, Box 92Burnettsville, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

Volume XVII, Number 2

WELCOMENEW READERS

Since Melvin and Louella have recently updated ourmailing list, we have several new readers. We want to welcomeyou all and hope the news that reaches you by way ofthese newsletterswillbean encouragementin yourlivesasChristians. We also hope you'll become more concernedand involved in the work in Belgium as you read about thespreading of the gospel in this small, yet strategic European country. Workers are needed here, also, so we hopesome may even be led to serve by reading of the work andneeds here.

We hope you'll contact us in Belgium or Rollers at theirIndiana home if you have comments, questions, suggestions or misunderstandings about this work for Christ. Wehope to become true, even intimate partners in God'skingdom and interacting members ofHis family. Ofcoursewe solicit your prayers on our behalf as we need strengthand guidance from God to evangelize and nurture, as wellas live the life pleasing to God ourselves.

S-o-o o o-o a great big, warm, friendly, Christianwelcome to you and you and you!!!

LIVES

AND WORK AS

MISSIONARIESHenki got his physical and spiritual beginnings in

Belgium, as he was born and reared in the town of Genk inthe province of Limburg of this country. His father was aconverted Catholic and he grew up with his parents beingactive, first in a Baptist congregation, then as chartermembers of a Church of Christ under the leading of DonCastelein. Henki has had four years of training at St. LouisChristian College that helped tremendously in his servicein God's kingdom here.

Mary Esther was born in Cincinnati, Ohio but wasreared in India as her parents are missionaries there. Sheattended Lincoln Christian College then transferred toSLCC where she and Henki met. We were married in July1968 and came to Belgium in 1970 with our year old son,John Mark. Our second son, James Matthew was born in1974 while on "furlough" in the States.

The first year in Belgium together was spent in Henki's

Feb. - June

home town helping with the Genk Church of Christ. Thendoors were opened for us to begin another congregation inBoorsem, about 25 miles away, with one of the families ofthe Genk church and several denominationally mindedChristians. A home was rented with a store-front largeenough for gatherings and evangelizing in the area beganin 1971.Progress was slow in those early years and thoughthere were 13 immersions from 1971-79 several also fellaway.

Roger Verstappen, a 1979 convert, immersing a youngsister in the Lord in the Genk building. He, along with PaulSkottke of the "nucleus family" we began with in Boorsem,have begun the second group in Eisden. Alba Rosa (beingimmersed) and her husband, OttoRino, are originally fromItaly, and many other nationalities are represented in theGenk and Maas area congregations.

Since the group outgrew the home-church facilities a hallwas rented in Maasmechelen, to which Boorsem was consolidated, and we moved to a home in nearby Eisden, alsopart of the newly formed Maasmechelen township. Due tothe group once again outgrowing the facilities and a threatto sell the rented property another move was made. Thistime the Christians rented temporary facilities in theCultural Center (similiar to a Community center) close to

our home, but not most ideal for all the needs of the growing congregation.

In about a year's time (1979-80) there had been 42 soulswon for the kingdom. The Christians pursued thepossibility of building or purchasing more suitable andpermanent facilities but it took several years before theLord opened doors for that. Then in 1984 a hall with a basement that could be converted for use for classrooms and afellowship hall was purchased in an apartment building/commercial complex in Rekem. This is located almostcentrally for the converts and on a main road runningnorth and south in the Maas river valley area.

After 1980 the group grew to include yet another 40persons. They divided a few years later to help startanother small group that once again meets in the CulturalCenter in Eisden. This group is also growing and is in theprocess of purchasing its own facilities.

Our move to Opglabbeek was made after being in Genkfor a couple of years in a transition ministry of encouraging various congregations to work and fellowship togethermore. It was also in an effort to get the Christians in theMaas area to become a more autonomous congregationwithoutj;he_continual outside help of "imported leadership" as Hen"ki likes to refer to a preacher or missionary.The Lord then opened the doors for us to move to this brand

new area of evangelizing as there was no nucleus ofChristians living here to begin with as when we moved toBoorsem. Several of the converts of the Maas area did helpdistribute tracts and get the ground work done, and somenow meet with us as well. We gather on Sunday eveningsin our home to break bread and remember Christ's death,and try to rotate among the other congregations Sundaymornings and the weekly gatherings.

Just months after our move, the Lord led us to Mieke whowas searching for the truth, and she was immersed shortlythereafter. Our gatherings include Mieke and variousChristians who come from the surrounding area, as well asone family that comes occasionally from Tienen, not farfrom Leuven and Brussels. Most happily we also announcethat Natasha (Mieke's 13 year old daughter) and our ownson, John Mark (almost 18) decided to follow Jesus andhave Him as Lord of their young lives. They were immersed the evening of May 4th in the Genk baptistry. Thisis most encouraging as times are uncertain as to the futureof the church in this area. We don't know if we'll still beable to rent this home that we use for gatherings, or ifwe'llhave to move when our contract expires in September. Thisis a matter we hope you'll keep in your prayers so we'll notbe unfruitful in our service to our King aiid'win know Hisleading for our lives in the Opglabbeek area.

\imn

QQUOD^Tbou

/ cuanaaso

'wdljTKttmcaciiTBina

'BcacLi

1) Henki's home town, Genk; 2) Boorsem where we began the Maas-area congregation; 3) Rekem where the hall waspurchased in '84; 4) Eisden and mine area where our home, the hall and rooms in the Cultural Center were rented and the newgroup now meets; 5)Opglabeek where we now liveand evangelize.

The hall that was purchased in Rekem for church facilitiesof the Maas area Christians. The rooms have been redecorated and are used for many activities of the Christians.Most of the slides of the 1980-86 report were taken in thesefacilities. (That is the report used in the U.S. churches thesummer of1986 and a revised edition will be available fromMission Services or the Rollers soon, Lord willing.)

Our present home in Opglabbeek where a small group ofChristians gather, and from where we reach out into thearea for Christ. As the group grows, if we are able to stay,we can use other rooms of this large home for gatheringsand classes for the children.

SUPPORT OF THE WORK

IN BELGIUM

Financing

When Henki and Mary Esther first came to Belgium,they mainly lived on funds they received from the sale oftheir mobile home in the U.S. There were a few congregations that sent (occasional) gifts that also helped sustainus financially.

When we realized the Lord intended for us to remain inBelgium in 1971, instead ofVeturning for further studies atSLCC as we'd thought, churches in the U.S. were ap-

A group of the Christians in front of the Rekem hall. Someof these gather now with the group in Eisden and somewith us in Opglabbeek. There have also been severalimmersions since last summer when this picture wastaken.

Some of the Christians that meet in our living room for theLord's supper. The group has grown considerably sincethose first weeks, hut attendance fluctuates considerably.One had day in the winter no one could come, but thelargest group was in the 20's, quite a crowd for our smallliuiiig-motn. John Marhoftcn takes the children to his bed-—room for a short lesson and handwork.

proached to provide funds for this new-church-plantingeffort. We have been dependent on the free-will gifts ofvarious congregations and individuals that knew us fromCollege days, through Rolands' work in India, or as newsof the work became known and Christians became awareof our needs and were sympathetic to the work here.

With neither of us having grown up in the U.S. we've hada great disadvantage in this aspect of the mission effort.Even for "full-fledged" American missionaries the task offund-raising can be a hectic process, we understand, so it ismagnified in our situation. The ranks of "our-kind" aregrowing as more and more missionary children are becoming missionaries themselves! There have been timesthat our funds were insufficient, due to crisis in the U.S. aswell as the devaluation ofthe exchange rate of the dollar inforeign countries. Henki has on occasion been forced totake secular jobs including work in coal mines in Genk andEisden. Those times (in the early 70's & 8()'s) provedextremely hard on the on going of full-time leadership,evangelizing, nurturing and all that is involved in churchwork.

Unfortunately a similiar financial shortage has arisen.We are facing a terrible crisis, the worstin all ouryearsin Belgium. We plead with you please help us financially sothis work of beginning another congregation in a new areawon't suffer. Not only have gifts been down noticeably, butthe value of the dollar has dropped, and continues to drop,drastically. With this is the added burden of the growingneeds of our teenage boys and their education.

We have always looked to God through His people tosustain us and now we look to Him to lead churches and

individuals to help us with regular monthly supportand/or one-time offerings. We know of other missionariesfacing similiar pressures and some consider returning tothe States. This is hardly an option for us, nor do we feelthis a solution for our situation. Drastic action is pending ifwe cannot receive necessary added help soon, if we are tocontinue in full-time Christian service.

Seldom do we make mention of our financial needs ormake appeals. For the sake of our new readers we felt itnecessary to clarify our situation and let you all know ofthe extreme need we are facing at this time. We also areopen to suggestions as to how we can cut expenses and bebetter stewards, if you have some to share with us.

WONT YOU PLEASE HELP US MEET THEFINANCIAL BURDEN OF BUILDING HIS KINGDOMIN BELGIUM?

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reapsparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reapgenerously. Each man should give what he has decided inhis heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, forGod loves a cheerful giver.

(NIV 2 Corinthians 9: 6,7)

Forwarding

Closely related to this aspect of the work is the role ourforwarding agents play. Melvin and Louella Roller aresemi-retired farmer folks who have offered their servicesfree of charge. They care for the receiving, banking and receipting of funds from folks in the States (and other partsof the world, come to think of it)! They have monthly newsreports copied to send out to regular supporters with thefinancial statement they prepare. They address and mailnewsletters that are published twice yearly (usually) andcorrespond with us and those asking for information,display materials, etc.

We hope you'll call on them to help explain our situationor answer questions, supply back issues of the newsletterand in any other way help better acquaint yourselves withthe Kingdom here. (If you desire more information thanthese semi-annual published newsletters, contact themabout the monthly news reports.) We also hope you'llencourage them whenever you call or write them, as theirsis often a very hard and thankless job though such a vitaltask of love and service in this mission in Belgium forChrist. They've been great helpers and we're sure you'lllove them and enjoy their company if you ever get to meetthem.

We salute and praise God for our supporters andMelvin and Louella as we all together help bring theLight to those in darkness.

Melvin and Louella

BELdlUM FOR ('HRIST is wnlten by Mary Esther Boonaerts. edited and mailed by the Melvin Rollers, and printed by Mission ServicesAssociation. Knoxville, Tennessee. It isdistributed lo inform and encourage support of the work beingdone in Belgium for Christ by the HenkiBoonaerts family. All funds made payable to Medaryville Christian Church, designated to Boonaerts work, are tax deductible.

^ ^ Iiitt - ' n^ 0 spir- -report^ itual lives, ^987

^ emotional re- WegnaarOpoetewnS^ ^ ^ 1 actions, styles 36«pOPQLABBEEKBeig.\ -r^.*s-fefou, writing, prayer\ •••'''• . ftooACL®^ ^ ' hatits and almost every aspect of\ ToKn.ii «\ life here on earth is influenced somehow by\\ • c mi those arotind us and with whom we come in contact.\\\ ( Traveling, receiving mail, reading magazines,\ \ and much more are some of the circumstances thatt\\\ especially big impressions on us all whether\\\\ UaU while having our character formed as youngsters\ \ • Hff)} when we're older and beginning to become

\ ^ -mature and satisfied with life. Trips to the' • States to share with the Christian brethernfalls into this category.

So> far we*ve had both Sonia and Vivian, whoaccompanied Mary Esther on last summer's trip, to share

Bome of their impressions and thoughts of their experiences. WeWe decided it was time to have John Mark share something with you at thistime.

As most of you*ll remember, John Mark is in technical school, studyingin the woodworking branch. This choice was made partly because he hasalways been more talented with his hands and not particularly an outstanding student scholastically, Th&t branch has been updated in his schooland he has been applying himself so that he *s-been first in his class •several times assuring us the choice was good:..

When he was asked to prepare something for the monthly news report,he was a little like Moses and responded: "But I*ve never done somethinglike that. Sonia already said .everything I can think about. I can't express ?iyself very well."

When I suggestftd he just talk into a-cassett, and I'd compile something from it, he came up with the brilliant idea of having an interview!Then it was my turn to complain, "But I've never done anything like thatbefore. How do you go about interviewing someone?" No sooner had mythoughts been expressed, when some questions came to mind that could lendthemselves to an interview, so in the next few days the following is whatwe were able to produce together.

A iJcwj weefiA ago yoa cU)ke.d iJo/l Vaddy to ^hou) yoa tht Jule. hiittoA hVA<iM on the.plan 0^ 6CLtvaXlon. Have yoa neueA ieen bt^oAe. ok why did yoa mnt to4ee thm?

y Yeah, I've seen the slides before, but I thought maybe Daddy wouldn't have time to talkwith me about the Bible and the plan of salvation. I was thinking about becoming aChristian and thought maybe to look at them again before becoming a Christian. I thoughtit would halp me in making the decision.

^haX weAe 6ome, thz tkLng6 yoa mnte.d to talk uilth Vaddy aboat b^^oKe. yoa feneto^OA. 4uA£ that yoa ioante,d to make, tkU dzoAMtonl

^ That the Bible isn't just all myths, and that God inspired it. That there is a God.

LX^Sotni

, M

Belgium for ChristNews -ReportJune 1987

c

fMhi

What about the people in the jungle that never heard about anything? How canthey know that there is a God? Did Jesus really come to the earth? Theseare some of the questions I was uncertain of and battling with at the time.

Some, may ilnd it itAanQO, that yoa u)eAn't im^A^^d yot. Soon a^toJiyouA AjmvUiion yoa tafintd IB. Vo yoa tike, yoa've, miXed a long/Umz to make. thl6 dzcyUion?

No I don t think so because I think it ^

S ^ you now 40 iuddmh/ ^ tfunk aboutand °"l «al '̂d^h "«=

^ and things like that. So many thin»= wouldn't be any warreally know just when I began tSLriL '̂'-®"f"® ^thinking about things that people said ^wade, me think. Also, my girlfriend Son^^" and then too. That allwhy I wasn't baptised, and she heln»f questions abouttalked with me about it. ®ake the decision too and

Theyj w u«iB.e a Dig deal out of it- T (^no^e^. "AeZZdln^7>>

so.etL\H?L«T^rf^r ^ariything^like '̂ch'̂ -CalKed '̂about^there^ ""y cousin

don't k^w X% hi. not much more has been said f j"st beenKnow what he swaiting on now except that h^^ted ^o^?" ""'ing, but I^nte you havt a kouit-chuAak miJ-h n^-tu • • " ®™eone also.

- .siTrsr,:SCSFit:

""r:Z:ZI thouS ifwas"^ '̂ 0'̂ ihat nem wh^ pt^ ^leAe.

the churches here knew that 1wasn'frchrH""" ^^^^^ody inthat anybody ever asked me if T^s il^^ f""'• ^ rememberXSuess they didn't notice that ^d^dTrt^ '̂'c"^"„L^^One of'̂ the'̂ efders^f ^bout U?Rekem congregation did ask me. but at that

Cii^e I just said I didn't really know why. After church once, I don't remember just whenit was, the same man's son-in-law also asked me about it and said I should be thinkingabout it.

WeAe thoAt any tkinqii in the. U.S. that kad an on youA ^pVuJuaZon. tfU4 decision?

Several times I mentioned that there wasn't much Christian-pop music and pat least three places folks gave cassettes to me to take along. Some j-—.« .. .said they'd pray that I would be able to use them to evangelize with.Maybe they've been a means of influencing me to be won to Christ, notdirectly, but without me really thinking about it. I really do thinkit is nice to listen to the music I got, because the music and the lyricsare good. Sometimes they use some Bible text and I use it to read in 'the gathering, like last Sunday I read from Isa« 53. That was from the cover of a recordcalled "Striper" that had something about it on that so I looked to see what it said.Another group kept singing I Thess. 4:16-17 so I thought, go ahead and see what's writtenin it, so it makes you curious and that's good too.

The trip to the States was a good influence on Sonia also because she was becoming weakerin her faith and things happened to encourage her to stay a Christian and not give up,and how it should really be to be a Christian. She saw the example of how being aChristian should be as folks worked together and so forth. Like in some churches, not allbut lots of them, they had stuff for the children, meals afterwards, and let us stay intheir homes. This really made an impression on her. She had lots of people talk to herabout her problems and the Bible. This was an encouragement and helped me to want to bea Christian too and to believe.

Family Night DinnerCARRY-IN DINNER

Wfien you began daZing Sonia, did hvi bei.ng a CkUstian Ajiliaznae. you to c^ioo^eneA 06 a giAZ^AA,e,nd?

At that time I wasn't really seriouj about being a Christian and it didn't make muchdifference to me. I was just happy that I found a girl! Now I'm very glad that she'sa Christian and if it would be now I wouldn't take a non-Christian girl. I think...you

now, but still I think if I didn't have Sonia now I would try looking for aChristian girl not take a worldly girl.

Vo you. think tkzn.2, iM a po^^ibatUy oi you zvqa going to the States anytzngth 0|S time., mo/ie. than jLUt \jiMiXlng like. loMt 6ujmeA?

Maybe, for Bible College or something. I'll just see how it works out herewith my schooling. I feel more like a Belgian and would go if I had to go,

Y if the Lord leads me but I wouldn't go on my own to live there. I havn'tY / \ ]% really been much in the States and feel like I'm a Belgian so this is\ / \ Jj home where I'll probably stay.

The. youXh have, been a good opponXanlty to get togeXheAivith the otheA BeZgian, Dutch and American young people inten.-^ted in the Bible* i^hoX oJie 6ome the things you think havebeen e^peclMy good about the topics ducii66ed and havingtheie gatheAing4?

I think the gatherings and lessons about music and how it can influence you when peoplegave their opinions...there were so many different ones, was good. Some said youshouldn t listen to worldly music at all and some say you have to choose. It all makesyou think. And_about dating and premarital sex, and how it is to date a non-Christian,also about non-instrumental and use of instruments in the churches, and just studying

^ood topics I think, andhelpful to me. I was always spiritually uplifted after one of theseweekends. It makes you feel good especially siLe we don't have anything

things iL tha't!" " -Churches in this area and you get disapointed a^d^"'Sifaie camp in SoiwaitcA, and theAt havn't been

^chotLf?' 't"® set all excited when we see

^ ChUitUm OK come Uom ChUitianweefeendi may be. httpiul In Uading otheAiI surelv tht^f do you iUnk you con he.tp In ikii p/ioceM?

i..r.n.-chiid ,.uti.„.

to^lead '"® P^rt any more but I tryto lead and help whenever they ask me, like to pray and all. ^

In Gink that ajit itaUonzd In E/tuope'M-cDctoAf/. I appKt(u.(LtQ,d tkz (Jac^t that you lOoAn't alKold to tc>?I Jlom

good to know that people are caring for us and help us. It makes itsp-aliig tL'gosJ:""' " - 'he earth

As also mentioned in theDobson tapes, the spiritual burden^oDson -capes the spiritual burdenfor our own children is always ^great as long as their lives ^ \still hang in the balance, wt+>. +1,and answers we hope you've em'ovpfl +v.o questionsresulting from Joto CJs Sstion Hriovi? approachhe and Natasha have be^ tffi ?ive^wi?h^Oh^Lr^V® luinto life in Belgium af aervn^+P • ^ay the insights

Medaryville Christian ChurchBox 140, South Jefferson StreetMedaryville, IndianaU.SA. 47957

Please notify Forwarding Agent if.

O this address is incorrect.

O this mailinu is mil di-sirvd.

Non-ProfIt Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Medaryville, Ind.

PERMIT #4

(Lto R) front row: Robert, Andrews,and Kakari. (L to R) back row: JohnMark, Henki, Mary Esther andJames

Volume XVII, Number 3

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST FORWARDING AGENTMelvin & Louella RollerRoute 1, Box 92Burnettsvilie, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

MESSIMERS TOSOUTH AFRICA

A rather sad thing happened this summer, yet we couldsee the leading of God in it "to work all things together forgood!" You will remember the Messimer family (picturedbelow) whom we introduced with the accompanying photoduring our travels last summer as being folks who hadcome to Belgium with us in 1970. Because of continuingproblems with asthma, Dennis decided they would have tolook for another place to live. That was sometime in April.He read of the need of leadership for the Kimberly RoadChurch of Christ in Johannesburg, South Africa. Thinking the need had probably already been met, the issue ofHorizons in which he read the article being outdated, hedidn't really expect a favorable answer. A PHONE CALLfrom the congregation was the first step in their move tothat place of service.

(Back row) Dennis, Linda and Heidi. (Front row) Brent,Sharon and Allen.

Things moved so swiftly after that: a visit from a member of the congregation on business in Europe in Messi-

July - December

mer's home, a two week trip by Dennis to South Africa tomeet the elders and congregation, the decision to leaveBelgium to serve in Johannesburg, the packing and sellingof their home, and a trip to the States to be with family andraise assured support for the venture followed in the nextsix months. Messimers left Belgium the end of July andabout the time you read this should be headed for warmerclimates in South Africa!

The business man, Cacho of the Kimberly Road church,assured Dennis with a testimony of not having but a fewasthma attacks in his some 14 years there so the climateshould be suitable for Dennis' health. The Messimers willbe serving with a congregation of about 60% Chinese,native whites, and whites of Zimbabwe, as well as colour-eds and a few Americans. The language medium willmainly be in English. The African language spoken inSouth Africa is very similiar to the Dutch spoken in Belgium so they will also be able to work with this languagegroup as the Lord opens doors. There seem to be plenty ofopportunities to evangelize and since the congregation hasbeen without a missionary since the death of Ron Whis-man, a need is also there.

Unfortunately, Messimers aren't the only missionariesthat have had to or will be leaving Belgium.-Several fromthe non-instrumental missionaries in both the Dutch andFrench speaking area are having to leave due to insufficient or discontinued support. The church in Belguim justseems to be getting a good stronghold and fellowship between congregations is growing. Though it has been exciting to see how God has directed Messimers in this moveand we wish them Godspeed in their new place of service,we also desire earnest prayers on behalf of the church inBelgium. Faithfulness and growth are needed but moreworkers to help work and reap the fields here are alsonecessary in order to bring forth fruit for His kingdom.

BEING USEDWhile living in the Maas river valley area helping plant

and bring the church there to maturity, we were able topurchase a coalmine home. When we went to India werented it out since we were unable to sell it. Last summerone reason Henki wasn't able to make the trip to the States

to help report to the supporting churches was because wegot a good offer and decided to sell that house. From thetime we'd gone to India until the final sale of the home wehad given it to different companies to try and sell for us, allwithout success. The following episode happened inconnection with one of the companies:

Papers were signed to sell our home but nothing evercame ofit to our knowledge. At one time Henki even returned to the office inquiring about another home theyhad for sale, so checked to see ifthey had buyers for ourhome. There was no one we were informed. When wehad the personal offer to sell our home last summer weinquired to be sure we weren't still bound by thecontract of this last company. It had expired and allthings were clear. The house was sold and after thefolks got their loan, we were paid and they moved in.

Just this fall we received what we thought was asummons to court, something to do with the sale ofourhome in Fisden! We didn't appear in court but at thepolice station we were questioned concerning someonewho had allegedly bought ourhome through that "lastcompany." They had seen our home, liked it, and thecompany made a price attractive enough for theseprospective buyers. They paid a handsome downpay-ment for the house, which of course we never saw acent of, and those poor "buyers" never got to move into"their home."

WE HAD BEEN USED, and so had that poor couple!The police showed us a stack about two inches high ofother cases they had to investigate with similiar circumstances. Tlie company had swindled untold"buyers" then even ended up bankrupt.

The Scriptural teaching ofsin catching up with one andthat God knows all things was brought home. It's not soimportant, though it was certainly a shame to have beenused in such a dishonest way. May we be found doing goodand shunning evil so we will be acceptable in His sightwhile warning others of the horror and danger of their sin.Sometimes we are used innocently and unawares by Godin accomplishing His purposes. We hope we will be willingto be used of God in every way. When we feel we are beinginsulted or mistreated, can we humbly leave it in Hishands to work out according to His will? Even ifwe cannotunderstand how it could ever be for good, or if we don't seeany immediate results, can we be willing to BE USED byHIM?? We hope this can be answered in the affirmative byyou and that you are assured that we too have been used tofurther His kingdom in Belgium, yea throughout the wholeworld.

AFRICA CAME TO US

You don't have to know the Boonaerts-Roland familyvery long to realize we are a traveling family. When searching into his heritage, Henki discovered his ancestors probably came from Spain. His parents had both migrated withtheir parents at early ages from Holland to Belgium. Henkiand his sister traveled to the States for Bible Collegeeducation, found their spouses, and have both served inBelgium as leaders in the local churches.

Similarly in Mary Esther's case, ancestors on one sideare known to have come from Germany, and probablyfrom England orFrance on the other side, before settling inAmerica. At an early age she accompanied her parents tolive in India, since they were (and are presently) serving asmissionaries there. During her years in India she often

traveled back and forth between boarding school andRolands' "field of service." Trips to the States saw themtraveling to visit family, friends and supporters.

It shouldn't be surprising to know that during ourmarriage we too have put several thousands of miles behind us. Travels in the States to report to supporters as wellas on the field to evangelize and nurture have seen usputting kilometers on our cars! We've also Jbeen to India,and the countries between to get there, and were used tospread the gospel in unique and exciting (situations.

Through visits offriends from various parts ofthe world,T.V. viewing, and other ways, we've been able to "travel"to even more parts of the world and enjoy it thoroughly!Recently God decided to BRING Africa and South Americato us, so we've traveled at home in yet another way. It allbegan with the unexpected coming of 19 year old MarcoLandazabal from Colombia, South America. He hoped toget university training in Belgium and needed a temporary home. He ended up being able to enroll in a school inGenk to learn Dutch in preparation for his universitystudies. His staying with us for a "few days" has stretchedinto almost half a year, and we've learned lots aboutColombia and the U.S. since his family has traveled thereoften.

Next Robert Kwabena-Anssah, a political refugee fromGhana, needed a home for legal residence to get his papersto stay in our country. He turned 26 since living with us.The local equivalent of Welfare provides for most of thecosts of the refugees, but recently Robert began workingfor a baker in town. With the coming of Robert we discovered there are hundreds of refugees from Ghana and twomore of them are also presently staying with us.

Andrews Gyamfi joined us next. He is a quietyoung man(22 years old) and really needs to find a home in the nearbytown ofAs. Andrews was a farmer back home so he's beenable to help some keeping the grounds at our home caredfor, trees pruned and fruit picked since his coming. Kingston Kakari (age 24) had already lived almost two years inGermany before coming to Belgium. He has cooked ussome Ghanaian meals and since he learned tailoring hasbeen a big help altering clothes for about everyone since hejoined us.

Instead of moving from our home in Opglabbeek as anticipated, Ebenezar has taken on a new and different ministry. It's a big change having our family grow from 4 to 8 ina few months' time. Not that it hasn't been exciting and interesting, but of course there have also been some problems, not just financial!! Yet we hope to be able to provide ahome for these young men and be of some help in guidingtTiem to khow'^r'Father arid His Son in a more perfect and"personal way for having traveled so far to live with us. Wewonder what kind of travels God plans ahead ofus still!?!?

MORE CHILDRENIN THE FAMILY

It seems the slide report (* see note) presented in thechurches last summer is a good way to orient ourselves andrefer to in helping report further news here in Belgium. Theaccompanying picture is taken from a slide that was usedwith that program before it got lost. It had been used intelling about Souw and his wife, Sonia, sitting foremost inthe picture. It was greatly through Souw being a Karateteacher that Marco (at the far end of the table with amustache) was converted. As you remember it had beenMarco's intent to fight and clean the taverns of raciststhrough whom he, as an Italian, felt discriminatedagainst. He witnessed to his mother (next to him in the

picture) and his wife Nella (between his mother and Sonia)and her family. Since then Nella has been immersed and itwas a source of great rejoicing.

\ .

r:L

While John Mark and Mary Esther were in the States,Henki had the opportunity to witness under ratherunusual circumstances to a Spanish lady inMaasmechelen. He encouraged her to read the Bible, especially after he realized she was occupied with spiritismand the like. Others who knew Incarne witnessed fartherand Roger Verstappen was also put in contact with her. Inthe end she and her sister, Loli, were to be immersed and aservice was planned to be held in the Genk building for thehappy occasion.

Upon arriving for the service it was discovered that aSpanish man, with whom Marco had worked in plantingthe gospel, was also there to be immersed. It wasn't untilduring the service that we realized that Nella had also decided to wait no longer in becoming a Christian. So you see,great was our rejoicing at that one service!

In March two more were immersed in the Genkbaptistry, results of work done through the Rekem congregation. Riet van Roy, a neighbor of Souw and Sonia thenrecently moved to Lanaken, was ready to accept Christ asher Savior. Gerard Salden was immersed at this time also.

Since he had gone bankrupt about the time of'his conversion, he stayed in different Christians' homes, including ours, until he could get himself an apartment. Henkihas been working a lot with him especially, as well as aformer friend-and business associate of Gerard's, JeanPaul, the husband of Doltje (who plays the guitar to helpaccompany the congregation's singing in Rekem,remember?)

Not too long after John Mark and Natasha were immersed in May, Daniel Boonaerts of the Gtak church, anephew of ours, was also immersed. Then at a farewell service for Messimers, Pachi, the sister of Incarne and Loli,was immersed. God's spirit has been working, don't youthink? Pachi lives in Antwerp and passed on the goodnews of salvation to a friend of hers so another immersionwas planned soon after Robert came to live with us. Assoon as Elly was immersed, her sister, Kiti, came in all theway from Ghent and before long she too was immersed. Noone seemed to mind waiting for the extended gathering toend!

The immersions in Antwerp were done in a portable baptistry in the missionary's apartment. Since then the congregation in Antwerp (non-instrumental) has begungathering in a Cultural Center in the area. That group hasbeen growing, not only with these converts "given them"from the fruits of work in the province of Limburg, butthrough other growth also.

Sonia (John Mark's girlfriend) Ammsoms' family has

also been going more to Antwerp for gatherings. They hadbeen coming almost every other week to break bread withus in Opglabbeek. Friends of theirs who recently lost ason to cancer attend gatherings there, so they probablyfeel encouraging them important. Amssoms had livedmany years in Antwerp and had services in their home soknow many of the Christians of that group, so it is anatural thing for them to go to Antwerp and is about equaldistance to Opglabbeek from their home in Tienen.

The congregation that was gathering in the CulturalCenter in Eisden has been able to purchase their ownfacilities in Maasmechelen. They also have had at leasttwo immersions in their own building since moving thisspring. The work of the church that we were able to helpplant so many years ago is spreading and growing inmany ways. We are hardly able to keep up with it in apersonal way, but just rejoice that God is using Hischildren to win others and that we can pass on the news ofvictories to you.

"Flown the Coop"

*P.S. When our family picture was taken Marco was awayat the time.

*NOTE: A slightly updated 30 minute copy of the ^1980-1986 slide report will be available from Rollers §or Misson Services. You can refresh your memories of &those mentioned in the newsletters, or use it for other spurposes in your church or home by contacting them ?for it. ?

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts. editAssociation, Knoxville, Tennessee. Itis distributed to inform and enccjuBoonaerts family. All funds made payable to Medaryville Christianfunds to their forwarding agents.

ed and mailed by the Melvin Rollers, and printed by Mission Servicesrage support ofthe work beingdone in Belgiumfor Christ by the Henkihurch, designated to Boonaerts' work, are tax deductible. Please send

'Boonacns Ramify'M'g Opoctcren 6

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'when he ascended onhigh, he gave giftsunto men."

(Ephesians 4:8)

J?d5-I

Dear ones in Christ/

It's always nice to knowthere's someone that cares

about you, loves you, andencourages you from timeto time. There are so manyways people let others knowof these feelings of concern:

a bouquet of flowers, acard, a special meal, oreven just a warm smile. Ofcourse God is the master

of expressing HIS concernand it doesn't take much

retrospection to realizethis fact. The most

obvious and thoughtabout at this time ofyear is the sent-comingof God's only begotten,

son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

-^2SsHealth tW°"9^V;

Goo ^ ^ .experiences »

"tSss55'soagW

'•\0CUr3^3'6

As missionaries we are sooften on the "receiving end" of physical

gifts and expressions of the care of others. At our suggestion so manyof oui" dear supporters and friends have sent extra gifts in the fromof packages this year. We are so grateful for the at least 13 packagesthat have really been a God-send with our house-guests and the gatheringsbeing held in our home. We hope this form of help will not be forgottenin the coming year as God provides the means andmoves hearts.

The problem for us missionaries is to find a freshand appropriate way to thank everyone for all their expressions of care and encouragement. Though we are onthe receiving end of all these earthly goods, there neverseems to be an overabundance. How we long to GIVE giftsin appreciation, not just try expressing our words of thankson paper. Sharing our lives and news of the advance of Hiskingdom through our joined efforts is just one way we try toshow and tell our gratitude.

At this time we also want to share something else with you thattook a long time to be able to send information about. It has beensuch a help in our lives to cure sickness and keep us from so manyailements that we couldn't keep from telling about it while travelinglast summer in the States. Throughout that" trip we not only shared

about the new-found book by Marie Treben but tried todiscover if the book we had in Dutch existed in Englishas well. Finally we had to contact the publisher inAustria and here's the good news: The book inEnglish and is aviable from the included addresses.

• %

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ALIVE BOOKS

4728 Byrne RoadBurnaby, B.C.Canada V5J 3H7

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PRO NATURA INC.

7616 Lindley, Suite 9Reseda, Ca.91 335

The book pictured on the other side is the mosthandy, helpful, and practical manuel on herbal healingsuggestions we've ever seen. We find it most invaluable since beginning it's use and keep referringto it regularly! Gladly we would give you a copy,while encouraging you to use it, but since that'simpossible we hasten to send this information to you

and hope you won't delay in getting and using HEALTH THROUGH GOD'SPHARMACY soon. May you have fun and better health as you discoverit's usefulness. We surely have 11

God's gifts to us have been so many and we're convinced moreand more, the least of them is surely not the plants He created andwith which He has beautified our world. Far better than physical,temporary healing is knowing...HE HAS GONE TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR US...He will come to take us to be with Him...and there He will wipe awayour tears! That's caring and we went to encourage you with thereinemberance of these facts.

God bless you for caring.