Assignment: Belgium

After 27 years of doing youth ministry in the United States, God is moving us in a new ministry direction. We have accepted an invitation to serve the Free Methodist Church on a 9 month assignment in Belgium. The mission for all of us who follow Jesus is clear; "go and make disciples of all nations." God has been growing our hearts for the nations, especially the people of Europe. Both the secular and religious press tells us that Europe is "post-Christian" and thoroughly secularized. While this may be true, God has not abandoned Europe. In fact, the Free Methodist Church is growing in Europe. In Belgium alone, since 2002 three churches have been planted, a Central African congregation and a Brazilian congregation in Brussels and a Filipino/Belgian congregation in Oostende. And two of these churches are expanding their ministry influence by planting additional house churches.

We will be providing transitional pastoral leadership and oversight for these three churches, working to develop a team of national leaders until full time career missionaries arrive in the summer of 2008. We can't wait to get there to grow and deepen the relationships and friendships that we established on previous trips.

We are stepping out in faith, BIG TIME, because we sense this is God's next step for us. If all goes as planned, we hope to be in Belgium by September 1. But, a lot has to happen in a short amount of time. We need to raise $59,000 by the end of August. This budget will cover ministry expenses as well as living expenses while we are in Belgium. We also have to find renters for our house and move a few things into storage. It can seem overwhelming when we think about all that has to happen in the next two months. But we know that we serve a BIG God and we trust Him.

We would value your prayers for us during this time of preparation and while we are in Belgium. Pray that, under our leadership, these young churches would reflect the character and priorities of Jesus.

If you care to be a part of our support team by giving financially, please make your checks payable to: Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church, and designate "Belgium Ministry" on the memo. The address is 1800 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. All contributions are tax deductible, as allowed by law. Please don't write your check to us personally or it will be considered our personal income and you would not receive a tax credit.

For The Nations,
Todd and Deann