Our New Mission Field

Since we have returned from Belgium in December, we have been trying to discern Gods plan for us. We have been walking through the extended term missions process with FMWM and we have also been dreaming, praying, talking, and laying the ground work for launching a new church in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. During this time we have been amazed at how God has superintended this whole process. So many things have happened that it is clear to us that it is more than just coincidence. So we have decided to partner with the Aldersgate Free Methodist church to plant a new church targeting young urban professionals. We are excited about our new mission field. We feel like our time and experience in Belgium has helped to prepare us for this next big step of faith. We consider it a privilege to have been able to serve the Free Methodist Church in Belgium and we would value your continued prayers as we seek to build the kingdom of God in this new area.




Seth, Deann, Hannah and Todd Miller Christmas 2008

New York City, Christmas 2008

Operation Christmas Child

A few weeks ago Martine came to church and quietly asked me if I thought we could do this, she handed me a brochure about Operation Christmas Child. She heard about it and liked the idea but didn't know if our church could do it. I got so excited for two reasons 1. Martine came up with the idea herself and 2. It was something that our little church could handle. I told her it was a great idea and she should lead it. With a mix of fear and excitement she told the church about it. She challenged them to do 3 boxes, but they said they thought they could do 5! The next week we put one small table in the front of the church for people to put their items on. You should have seen the excitement as everyone put their items on the table, that quickly was too full. We had to add another table. Anne, who lives in a nursing home and has nothing extra to give, came in with a HUGE smile and handed us TWO bags of toys! She told the nurses about what we were doing and they gave her things to bring in. Martine was overwhelmed. We didn't have enough boxes to hold all the items! That Sunday we put together 6 boxes. At Friday night bible study we put together 10 more boxes! That's a total of 16! This has been such a good project for us and it gave Martine a chance to lead us. God is at work in Martine's life and we see an emerging leader in her. Would you pray that God will continue to give her confidence to step out in faith and lead.

Deann

Moving Weekend

The Garstang Free Methodist church sent a team of 7 to help us move all the belongings from the ministry center into storage. It was quite a job and we could not have done it without help. Many of our people lent a hand moving boxes, carrying furniture, loading vehicles, and cleaning the apartment. It was a team effort!
The ministry center is 3 stories with some large pieces of furniture that needed to come down 2 flights of winding, narrow stairs. It took 8 hours, we made the 5p.m. deadline to turn the keys in and have the landlord inspect everything. We were glad when the landlord said that everything looked good to him.
During the weekend not only did the team get everything moved but they also spent Saturday with our teens. We took them to Brugge during the day and then gathered Saturday evening for a cookout and youth meeting. They did a wonderful job connecting with our teens and leading the youth meeting and Sunday worship.
Moving out of the ministry center at 487 Torhoutsesteenweg was a little bittersweet. That location has been the place of our ministry identity for about 6 years. Now we are turning the page and writing a new chapter in the unfolding story of God's work through the Free Methodist Church in Belgium.

What a week it was

Wednesday, September 24th
My father was told he needed open heart surgery

Thursday, September 25th
Dad had a triple bypass. All went well
2:00 a.m. my brother got a call from the hospital saying that dad was not doing well and the family should come to the hospital right away.

Friday, September 26th
Dad went back into surgery because of internal bleeding. Todd and I didn't know just how bad dad was until later when we were told he was 'out of the woods.' The surgeon didn't understand where he was bleeding and why it had stopped. But we know! People all around the world were praying!

Saturday, September 27th
Hannah was up all night with our sick dog. Hannah needed help and we couldn't give her the help she needed. So I called my brother and sister-in-law to ask them to help Hannah. They were there for her when mom and dad couldn't. McKenzie died later that afternoon. We were feeling the weight of dad recovering from open heart surgery and a emotional daughter as well as a mixture of emotions of being so far away and not being able to help.

Tuesday, September 30th
Thoughtful and sensitive friends called early with a very unexpected gift-a plane ticket home to see my father, help my mother and spend some much needed time with Hannah. This was such a blessing to me and a wonderful reminder of how the family of God, the body of Christ, cares for each other in times of need. I am grateful that the Richardson's were sensitive to the Spirit and did for me what I could not do for myself.

I want to be more like that too...listening and responding to the voice of God prompting me to care for others and share with others as God directs me. We are blessed to be a blessing to others!

Thursday October 2nd
Off to the United States for a much needed visit.

We are glad to report that dad is getting stronger every day. Thank you for praying for our family during this time.
I am back in Belgium anticipating the arrival of a team of 7 from the Garstang Free Methodist Church in the United Kingdom coming to help us move, hosting the European Leadership Team Meetings followed by the Western European Regional Training Conference. We will tell you more about this in the next blog.

Deann

Back in Belgium

We are so glad to be back in Belgium. When we arrived, we hit the ground running! We had a wonderful reunion with our dear friends in the church in Oostende. We are so grateful for Jackie Barbier and Lawrence Abagnaba who lead prayer meetings and bible studies, and preached in our absence. God is raising up quality and competent leaders that I believe God is using to move our church forward. Jackie also began studies at a Nazarene Bible College in the Netherlands preparing for pastoral ministry.

Last weekend we enjoyed hosting Marvin and Lisa Klein, Free Methodist missionaries in France, and Julie Yerger, a Free Methodist missionary in Rwanda. Marvin is planning the Western European Area Regional Training Conference and we are hosting this conference right here in Middlekerke, Belgium. We toured the facility for the conference and finalized some logistical details. We are thrilled to be helping with this conference as well as hosting the European Leadership Team from November 4-9.

Below are a few things that will be keeping us busy in the next couple of months:
We are moving out of our current apartment at the end of October. We will be packing and moving the mission furniture and equipment into storage for Dick and Sheila Dickinson when they arrive.
We are hosting a ministry team of young people from the Garstang Free Methodist Church in the UK from October 30-November 2. They will be helping us move and will be serving in ministry and worship during their time with us.
We are hosting the European Leadership Team (November 4-6) and the Western European Regional Training Conference (November 6-9). We expect to serve 70-100 participants from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.

We are grateful for your prayers and words of support and encouragement during Dad's surgery. This had been a difficult week being so far away from home and these circumstances being so unexpected.

Pray with us for God's ongoing strength and direction,
Todd and Deann

Home in the U.S.A.

We enjoyed our 4 weeks at home in the states. Where did the time go? The following is a quick tour of our time...
We put in the miles! What a joy to connect with our friends and partners in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We are so grateful for your ongoing encouragement and support. We consider it a privilege to be a small part of your global vision to build the kingdom of God around the world.
We put on the pounds! Visiting with family and friends in Indianapolis included catching up with what God is doing in our lives and lots of good food...family pitch-ins, cook-outs, dinner at Aldersgate FMC, and a trip (or two) to the Indiana State Fair which means Indiana sweet corn, fried cheese, french fries, pork chops, ice cream, cotton candy, etc. We are now on the South Beach Diet!
A surprise visit! Dan, Martha and Eli Hummer showed up at our front door in Indianapolis the morning after we arrived in the states. It was a quick few days and we were a bit jet-lagged, but we thoroughly enjoyed catching up and seeing how big Eli is getting.
A new apartment! Hannah is now in her own apartment. She is living in the apartment complex where I had my first apartment in Indianapolis almost 30 years ago. She is excited about having her own place that she is sharing with McKenzie (our yellow lab). We feel good about where she is living.
10 days with our favorite New Yorker! Seth flew in to Indiana for 10 days and we were so glad to have this time when our whole family could be together. He is really loving NYC and is continuing to pursue his artistic endeavors.

Todd and Deann

Chest pains in the night

Deann woke up the other night with chest pain. Before you jump to conclusions, it was pain that is caused by an ongoing problem with acid reflux, not a heart attack! The doctor explains that these types of conditions can be exaggerated by prolonged periods of stress. But it did occur to me in that moment, I don’t know how to call an ambulance nor do I know where the emergency room of the hospital is. Now I’m thankful for acid reflux though I still don’t think Deann is.
So this got me thinking…what is this additional stress we are experiencing? For one, we are dealing with a very sensitive issue in our church right now and the timing couldn’t be worse since we are coming home in less than two weeks. The lease for our flat expires at the end of October. We have to give notice to the landlord what our plans are before we return home. So, we have the added pressure of locating a new apartment before we return to the U.S. And we are feeling more pressure now than we did a year ago at this time. At this time last year we were packing up our home, completing our fundraising, moving our kids to different parts of the country and moving ourselves to Belgium. With all those changes, at least we knew where we were heading and for how long. Now, we are in a place of uncertainty as we seek God’s direction. We want to return to Belgium at least until January, when the Dickenson’s arrive, but that depends on whether we can raise the needed funds to do that. We are about ¼ of the way towards our goal. We will continue our ministry in Belgium as long as we can pay our bills. But after January we will be unemployed and homeless…how’s that for stress! We are surrendered to God, seeking His will, exploring ministry possibilities, and waiting for God to make it all clear to us. We count on your prayers as we travel home, spend time with our family, visit supporting churches and seeing as many of you as possible.
The peace of God to you – Todd and Deann

Mid-Summer Weekend

July 18-20 was a busy and productive time of ministry for the Oostende congregation. Marcie Huson traveled to Belgium from England and brought Hannah, a 16 year old member of the youth group at the Garstang Free Methodist Church. Marcie is no stranger to the church in Oostende since she provided wise and capable leadership during the time when there was no missionary presence here. Everyone loves Marcie here, so we decided to capitalize on her visit by building a whole weekend around her time with us. (I took advantage of her willingness to teach and preach) An added bonus to the weekend was a visit from David, Suzanne and Lydia Betz, friends from our church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. They managed to squeeze a visit to Belgium in-between vacationing in London and Paris.

The weekend included a larger than usual crowd at our Diksmuide Bible Study on Friday night, a youth gathering on Saturday night including games, tacos, and Hannah sharing a personal testimony, our Sunday worship service complete with a large spread of international dishes, and the grand finale was “ Pannenkoeken Night.” Yes, we ate………….a lot!............and……….. the diet begins…………………………….soon! We even managed to squeeze a little sightseeing in as well! (refer to the pictures of the weekend)

We think that God may be up to something! There is a growing friendship and partnership between the Garstang Free Methodist Church in England and De Poort Free Methodist Church in Oostende, Belgium. We hope to continue to strengthen this partnership through shared ministry opportunities on both sides of “the pond.” We are already looking at some possible dates in October for a ministry team from the Garstang youth group. This could be the start of something really good! Healthy Churches with resources coming along side and working together with new church plants around the world. Churches living in relationship with other churches, wow, that sounds biblical. (refer to the book of Acts)

Todd and Deann Miller

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Our year of living dangerously...

About this time last year, I was preparing to speak to our congregation in Ypsilanti, Michigan from Matthew 4:21-22. It’s the story of Jesus calling James and John to follow him; “Jesus saw two brothers with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” It was during this time that we were sensing God stirring our hearts for a change of direction in our ministry. I realized that I could not speak with authenticity unless I was prepared to boldly step out of the boat to follow the call of Jesus. Was I prepared to leave that which is familiar, comfortable, secure, and stable to follow Jesus in a new direction? I did not want to be like Zebedee, who heard the same invitation as James and John, but decided to stay in the boat. This began what I now call “our year of living dangerously!”
In the course of 4 short months we accepted an invitation to work with Free Methodist World Missions in Belgium, raised prayer and financial support for a 9 month assignment of providing transitional leadership to our young churches in Belgium, moved our son Seth to New York City and our daughter Hannah to Indianapolis, packed up our home, said goodbye to family and a wonderful church and moved to a new country, a new culture, a new language, a new life. In all of this I am convinced that following Jesus, even when it involves risk and uncertainty, is the only way to live!

“For such a time as this…”

Since we have been in Belgium, we have experienced God’s strength and power, His presence and grace in many ways. We are thankful that God has chosen to use us “for such a time as this.” People are being discipled, leaders are being equipped, and our churches are growing healthy and strong. The best days are ahead for the Free Methodist Church in Belgium.
Our ministry here in Belgium has also been graciously affirmed by our European leaders, all of whom have visited us throughout the past year.
They have invited us to stay longer as the Lord leads in one of three capacities; 1) stay through the beginning of 2009 to insure a smooth transition of leadership, when career missionaries will arrive, 2) consider another short term VISA assignment (1-2 years) in Belgium, 3) join the European missionary team with a long term assignment.

Trusting God for the future

We are praying for God’s clear direction for our future in ministry, whether it is serving here in Belgium or serving in the United States. BUT, we do want to complete the job that was asked of us from the beginning- to see a smooth transition of leadership. Our European leaders want this, our local church leaders in Belgium deserve this and our churches need this. Dick and Sheila Dickinson are planning to arrive in January 2009 to begin their long term assignment in Belgium.
So, for us to stay until they arrive, we need to raise an additional $50,000. We told our European leaders that we would be willing to stay as long as the Lord provided the resources. We are asking you again to prayerfully consider another one time gift or to continue your monthly giving commitment through January 2009. We will continue to run our funds through Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church under the guidance of David Betz, our church administrator.
Gifts can be sent to:
Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church, 1800 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Please mark your gift for Belgium Mission.

The kingdom of God is advancing in Belgium. It is not easy work, but it is God’s call to make disciples of all nations. Your prayers and financial gifts are making a difference!
We will be home for a few weeks in August and hope to connect with as many of you as we can.
God bless you as you follow Jesus,
Todd and Deann Miller

European Missionary Retreat 2008

It was a wonderful privilege to participate in the first European Missionary Retreat in Chamonix, France last month. 29 missionaries and their kids who are serving in 8 countries across Europe spent a week together.

Our friend Mark VanValin, the pastor of the Spring Arbor Free Methodist church lead us in rich and transforming times of prayer. It was great to laugh together, eat together, rest and share our common experiences as European missionaries. We enjoyed getting to know on a personal level the other missionaries.

Beyond prayer meetings, bible studies, and worship services

Jesus said, "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." Does that include taking one of our Russian women to buy a much needed pair of shoes? Does that include buying, delivering, and installing a washing machine? Larissa is a Russian refugee with no legal papers in Belgium and a death certificate in her homeland. She is literally a person with no country. So, yes it does include buying a pair of shoes and installing a washing machine. In a church with many immigrants from different cultures, we continue to try to minister as best we can to the very basic needs of the people God brings to us.

European Area Director, Jerry Coleman Visits Belgium

Our European Area Director, Jerry Coleman, spent a weekend with us a few weeks back.  Below are some of his thoughts about our time together.

 

Jerry writes:

I always enjoy going to Belgium!  I love connecting with our leaders and our churches!  (And eating all the good food!)  But it was especially fun to connect with some OLD friends - Todd and Deann.  We've known each other since the mid 1980s - way back in the Camp Wildwood, Indiana days!  Ever since, we've tried to keep up with each other and now, well, now we are working together in Europe!  Three things stand out about our visit.

 

1) I just had a blast being included with their family!  Todd's brother and family, Jeff, Mary and Mandy arrived at the Brussels airport just an hour after I did.  It was tough to get a word in edge-wise, but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and just hanging out with his family!  At lot of this visit was just that - hanging out with friends.

 

2) I really enjoyed seeing Todd and Deann in action.  I know it has not been so easy to pick up in another culture - or cultureS - and languages.  But they both seem to be naturals.  I know there have been several challenging situations, but they both seem to handle each one with wisdom and grace. I like it that Todd doesn't have to do all the ministry stuff, but he encourages others to do the ministry and he supports a lot of different people to be involved.  I like it how Deann brings joy and acceptance to EVERYONE.  Her home is a place where all are welcome.  Her spirit seems to be contagious!

 

3) I forgot, what was the third one?  Vision!  Yes, vision!  (We talked until 2 in the morning on this one)  I love Todd and Deann's vision for the future to see a bunch of house groups started.  They notice that it's difficult for some people to travel from place to place, so why not just start house groups right where they are?!  I see that they have hope for every person they come in contact with.  Todd and Deann see value in each person.  And they take people along toward Jesus, step by step, reducing fear and building trust.

 

 

During our "2 in the morning" discussion, Jerry asked us to consider the following future possibilities. 

We would value your prayers as we consider the following possibilities for us.

1. Finish our 9 month commitment here in Belgium and seek another ministry in the states.

2. Extend our time through the end of 2008 or early 2009 when new career missionaries arrive.

3. Consider another 1 year visa term to serve in Belgium.

4. Consider an extended term commitment to serve in Belgium.

Obviously, these are BIG decisions for us and a lot has to happen in order for us to extend our time.  That is why we need you to pray for clear guidance and direction.  God has been so faithful and so good to us and  we want to be faithful to follow His will. 

 

Todd and Deann

 

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Pasen Week

We were thrilled to have family visiting the week before Easter. My brother Jeff, his wife Mary and their daughter Mandy were here for a week that flew by way to fast! They provided special music for Palm Sunday and played a big part in our first Good Friday Service. We planned a contemplative, quiet worship experience focusing on the last words of Jesus on the cross. By candle light, we served communion, sang together, extinguished a candle after we spent some time considering the last 7 words of Jesus, and ended our time in darkness and silence as Jeff sang the beautiful words of "Jesus Paid It All." There were 35 of us in our "upper room" apartment for that meaningful time of worship. We have posted some pictures of our time together. Below are a few thoughts from Jeff about their experience with our wonderful little group of Jesus followers.

Jeff wrote...
You asked for some thoughts and reflections on our experience for your blog. As we think back on our time there, we are impressed by the sense of community and welcome that we received from all the wonderful people of De Poort. I don't know that I've ever felt so warmly received from a group of folk I did not know. The earnestness with which they are seeking the Lord and the honesty in the sharing of their struggles is moving - this truly is bearing one another's burdens. Both Mary and I were delighted to offer some slight musical support for the services but the magnitude of the response was so embarrassingly beyond what our easy efforts merited; we were deeply humbled. It's so clear that you are having an impact and though the language and culture barriers are present, God is using you to encourage and strengthen this church body. And it was a great reminder to us how much greater is what we share with believers around the world than what separates us.
We were really blessed to be a part of your work, even for the short time we were there. Thank you so much for that opportunity!

Thought you might like to see some of Gods beauty in Belgium.

Oostende from the pier.






Station Oostende.












Brugge

We Are Family!

 

That was the theme of the past weekend of meetings in the Oostende Free Methodist Church.  Larry and Katie Winckles, missionaries in Budapest, Hungary, walked us through a series of sessions to explore our historical roots in the Christian family tree, discover our uniqueness as Free Methodists, and challenge us to a bright future of ministry and service in Belgium.  The call was clear to partner with God and to participate in the mission God has for us here.  We are thankful to God for the growing desire to become active participants in ministry and not just spectators watching the "professionals" do the work of the Church.  We are excited to see a growing passion in people like Elsie, Eli and Martin, Carman, and Lawrence and Perpetual to be involved in greater ways.  Please pray that God would fan into flame the gifts they have for the good of His kingdom.  And pray for us as we encourage and equip these emerging leaders and those already serving for the future God has for them. 

 

Todd and Deann

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A Russian Cure for a Chest Cold

I was visiting one of our Russian ladies today.  She told me to boil potatoes, drain them, put them in a plastic bag, mash them, wrap the plastic bag in a towel and put that on Todd's chest.  "He will be better in the morning" she said.  You can guess what reaction I got when I brought the potatoes to Todd and told him to put it on his chest!!  But he did it and said that it felt good -- he would have rather been eating mashed potatoes than wearing them!  We will see how he feels in the morning. 

Thought you might get a laugh out of that.

Deann

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Update

It has been a very busy start to the new year.  We had a great time visiting with Hannah over Christmas.  It was great to have her here, the time went to fast as we knew it would.  Check out her post and pictures.

www.belgianbeat.blogspot.com 

 

We completed our social orientation class last week!!  We learned a lot in a short amount of time.  We now can read the train and bus schedules, pay our electric bill at the post office.  We also learned about the social services that are available to help those in need. The class also gave us an opportunity to meet people outside of our church.  Emrach, a young man from Turkey asked Todd a lot of questions about our church.  After a few weeks of questions he showed up at church.  He said that he and his wife want to visit again.  Lien, a young Vietnamese woman sat next to me.  She told me that she was Buddhist but wanted to learn more about Jesus.  She wants to have me visit. Our teacher also asked many questions.  This class was not only a great way for us to learn about how to integrate in Belgium but gave us the opportunity to meet some new people and develop new friendships.

 

We attended a new missionary orientation at the Free Methodist European Office in Budapest, Hungary last month.  This gave us the opportunity to spend some time with others new to their countries and cultures.

 

We are training children's ministry workers.  Last week was our first week of Sunday School for children.  Thank you to Amy Wilhelm and the children's ministries department at the Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church for sending materials to get us started.  We have been unable to find ministry resources here in Oostende.

 

Please pray for...

• Our health.  Todd has been fighting off chest congestion that he can't seen to shake.  We are both very tired after a busy January.  
• Deann, as she tries to find a way to minister to a woman in the Oostende church who is going through a difficult time in her marriage.
• Our language studies.  

Thank you for teaming with us.  Your prayers and financial gifts enable us to minister here in Belgium.

Deann & Todd

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Hi everyone,

This is Hannah updating the blog again. I just thought you would want to see some pictures from when I went to Belgium for Christmas. I had a great visit with my parents, it went too fast! It was so great to actually experience the great things they are doing in Belgium. I dont know how they do it! Just to accomplish simple tasks-like grocery shopping-is stressful and confusing!

We spent Christmas day with the African church in Brussels. It was great to see how they worship and celebrate Christmas!

Here are a few of the highlights for me in random order:

*Spending time with my parents
*Meeting the people they have been building relationships with
*Eating Mussels for the first time!
*A quick trip to Paris
*Learing how to make Pannekoeken (pancakes)
*Shopping in Brugge
*Singing in church with my Dad for the first time
*Creating new Christmas traditions, and keeping old ones-making rollout cookies.

I hope you all are having a great new year. I still cant believe in Febuary already!
Thank you so much for all your prayers and support for our family. We are so blessed to have such great friends and family who care so much about us.

Love,

Hannah

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Christmas Craft Night

Our first ladies night was a hit. 16 ladies signed up to attend the December meeting. We started our evening off making manger scenes. Thank you to Al and Rosemary Michaels for sending all the supplies. When I showed the ladies what we were going to make most of them said " I can't make that!" The glue gun was a new adventure for them!
Viktoria came with her mother, she is a young girl who comes to church every Sunday with her parents. She is a shy girl who doesn't smile. We saw her smile for the first time that night, she had a great time!
Two of the mangers were left behind. When I took them to the ladies they were excited to be able to keep them. They thought they were making them for me! A lot gets lost in the translations.
We ended our evening with a time of sharing about what Christmas means to us and how we celebrated in the countries we grew up in. It was interesting to learn about all the family traditions. We learned that in the Philippines Christmas caroling is a favorite activity. We had to laugh when we found out that the reason that the ladies liked it so much was because they were given coins which they used to buy candy. In Belgium Christmas Eve is a time for families to be together and exchange gifts. New Years Eve is a time to give gifts to others.
They are asking when we can have another ladies night. It is quite a challenge to get everyone together. Tess is the only one who drives. Some of the ladies live 35 minutes away, but they enjoy being together. Pray that we can get another evening planned soon.

Here is a slide show of a few pictures from that night-Enjoy!

Deann

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What we've learned so far......

 

Hey Team,

I know this is a long time coming.  If you haven't been to our blog, you may want to go there http://belgianbeat.blogspot.com/.  Hannah added a new update with some slides.  

 What have we learned in the 65 days that we've lived in Belgium?  Glad you asked.  Here goes, in random order...

1. Don't drive in Brussels, unless absolutely necessary.  Take the train, it's a lot less stress.   

2. We know how to get out of a parking garage without blocking traffic...that was a hard lesson to learn!

3. Some are genuinely open to the claims of Christ.  We've had good conversations with Brigitte, the owner of a restaurant.  She has been observing many of our church people as they interact in her restaurant and she is asking a lot of questions.  Gerard is another man who I sat with over coffee to discuss the biblical view of relationships and marriage. 

4. When you go to the grocery store in Belgium, make sure you bring your own shopping bags with you.

5. Recycling is mandatory in Belgium and you have to buy the right garbage bags for your community or risk a fine. 

6. Our digestive systems have finally adjusted to different cultural food.  Can you say "fried calamarie?"

7. It took us only one day to "fry" an American made electrical appliance.  Ask Hannah about that one!  She'll say her parents aren't very smart!

8. We are finally used to the roundabouts, can find our way around town without getting lost, and we can spell the name of the street we live on.  You try to spell Torhoutsesteenweg and then try to say it!

9. We have seen the value of the US dollar continue to drop, which means our funds may not stretch as far as we planned.

10. America has Starbuck's on every corner.  Belgium has bakeries with fresh bread on every corner.  You decide which is better.

11. I'm still trying to figure out the Belgian "right of way" law.  Everyone seems to have the right of way, except us. 

12. We can buy Heinz ketchup.  Yeah!

13. We think Deann fixed a pork roast a while back.  We hope it wasn't horse meat...which they do eat here.

14. The brokenness we see in people is a result of a culture without morals.  Whenever you take God out of the picture, what can you expect?  

15. You could not even own a bible before the 1960's in Belgium. 

16. A typical time of fellowship for us is hearing French in one ear, Flemish in the other,  Russian across the room, and Fillipino everywhere!  If they want us to know what they are saying...English!  We are scheduled to begin language classes in January. 

17. Most stores and businessess are closed from 12:00 - 14:00 PM (that's 2:00pm for you Americans).

18. U turns are legal wherever you want! 

19. The weather changes often and rapidly.

20. Serving tea and coffee is a custom with any visit or meeting.

21. Nobody likes getting bills, but at least you can read yours.

22. Belgium has the highest suicide rate in western Europe.  Depression is a serious problem and people need hope.

23. Dinner out is an all evening event, with several courses.  No such thing as a quick meal.  Even at McDonald's, you wait for your food and it is brought to your table.  No refills on drinks, no ice (Deann is bummed about this).  It's cheaper to buy a soft drink than it is a glass of water.  If you ask for water they will bring you a bottle of sparkling water. 

24. Our apartment also serves as our ministry center.  We have people in almost everyday of the week.  Deann is able to make good use of her hospitality gifts.  (But she still needs help with the gift of living uncluttered...but don't tell her I said that!)

25. The challenges of ministry are the same wherever you go.  People are busy, some lack commitment, some expect it to be all about them, some need to get involved and not just show up for meetings. 

26. I had my picture taken last month.  I received a bill for 50 Euro from the police department.  I've learned that there are speed traps with cameras all over town, but it's hard to know what the speed limit is when you can't read the signs! 

27.  We are official residents of Oostende, Belgium.  We received our ID cards today.  We went right to the library to get our library cards so we could check out some english books, music and cd's.  I was in heaven!

28. Deann has to learn to drive with a stick shift....SOON!

29. Our doctor makes house calls!  You can only buy over the counter medicine at the apothotek (pharmacy) and you must ask for the medicine. 

30. Belgians take the New Testament, 'greet each other with a kiss' to another level.  3 kisses on the cheek. Is it left-right-left, or is it right-left-right.  Get it wrong and it could be embarassing.   You greet everyone in the room as you enter and repeat this again when you leave. 

 

We are anxious for Hannah to be with us over Christmas.  Christmas day we will be with our African Church in Brussels.  They have a Christmas service and dinner.  It will be a privilege and new Christmas experience for us.  We are grateful for your love and support and prayers.  God continues to affirm our calling to serve at this time in Belgium.  Please continue to pray for the sale or rental of our house in Michigan. 

God bless you,

Todd and Deann

 

 

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