Letters - Brussels

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #1

"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ"

(Ephesians 4:7)

Tuesday, July 15, 2003. By God's wonderful grace, our group of twenty Family Radio missionaries arrived safely in Brussels. One additional member of our team is scheduled to come in tomorrow morning. Also one dear brother and faithful Family Radio listener joined us from Amsterdam.

Brussels is the capitol city of Belgium and is considered to be the capitol of Europe. It includes a collection of nineteen local districts. Each district is a vibrant local community with its own shops, restaurants and distinctive charm. This is where the locals and natives reside and do so much of their shopping and socializing.

Upon our arrival at our hotel, we were pleased to learn that the printer had already delivered the 225,000 "Does God Love You?" tracts in the French and Dutch languages. The tracts were printed locally because it is more economical to do so, and it also eliminates all the inherent bureaucratic hassles of customs and shipping. Two hundred Bibles that were ordered from the Trinitarian Bible Society had arrived a few days earlier. We were also granted the required written permit from Police Headquarters to distribute tracts in Brussels. We praise and thank our God for answering our prayers in these matters.

Although our primary focus is on Brussels, we intend to take the true Gospel to other large cities in Belgium. We also plan to send teams to the surrounding cities of Paris, Luxembourg and Amsterdam as God allows. Our hotel is strategically located in the city center and there is an extensive tram, bus, and underground metro system that facilitates getting around the entire city and its environs.

After a prayer of thanks and for God's guidance and protection, we had a brief meeting to discuss some basic procedures we follow on all our mission trips to organize the task ahead of us. We are delighted to report that when we ventured out to "test the water", many people readily took the tracts and few were discarded. There were also others who did not want to be bothered by the question on the tract, "Does God Love You?", but they were gracious in their refusal. Overall, we had a seventy percent acceptance and we are encouraged and excited to see how God will use us to His glory tomorrow.

Please join us in praying that God will open the hands and the hearts of these dear people. Our fervent desire and prayer is that our Lord will take away many of the stony hearts and replace them with hearts of flesh and hearts changed by the power of His Grace.

"Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." (Ephesians 6:23-24)

In Christian Love,

The Family Radio Mission Group in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #2

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue the lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart."

(Psalms 36: 9-10)

Wednesday, July 16, 2003. Today was our first full day of tract distribution. We assigned three teams to distribute the "Does God Love You?" tracts at various metro stations. Most people ride public transportation because parking spaces in the city are at a premium and in many areas most vehicles are prohibited during "rush" hours. One team walked from the hotel to an area which is considered the "Mediaeval hearts of Brussels." Here one can find many tourists from all over the world strolling along a large pedestrian square lined with all kinds of shops, markets, and restaurants. The people from Brussels and the other cities in Belgium also flock to this area. Another team walked right around the corner from the hotel to a bustling shopping plaza that is popular with the young people. We are happy to report that the response was good.

By observing the people here we quickly realized that politeness is an important factor. When addressing people, for example, a certain formality is important. If one is saying good morning to a man, he should not just say "Bonjour"(Good morning), but "Bonjour Monsieur" (Good morning sir). This gets his attention and he seems to be more receptive to the tracts.

We thank God for the joy of serving Him another day. Tomorrow we plan to continue offering the "Bread of Life" to any and everyone that God sends our way.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."

(Psalm 37:23-24)

In Christian Love,

The Family Radio Mission Team in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #3

"The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright."

(Psalms 11: 5-7)

Thursday, July 17, 2003. We thank our gracious Lord for sparing our lives one more day so that we can serve Him. Although many of us are feeling the effects of “jet- lag” we were all eager to go forth into the streets with the true Gospel as explained in our tracts and Family Radio booklets.

Two teams worked again at busy metro stops in the city. Another team visited an area dotted with Museums and Art Galleries. There are also numerous luxury shops and restaurants here that cater to the rich and famous. Many of the business people and their customers courteously accepted the tracts. Although we are not allowed to work in a few sensitive areas specified in the “Distribution Permit”, we are given a lot of leeway to get the Gospel out. The authorities have been extremely patient with us. It is probably because we make a concerted effort to pick up and discarded tracts and to be polite to everyone. If we are asked to move from a spot, we willingly comply.

This is a city of extremes, from the flea and the fish markets to the grandiose law courts and Royal Palace. It is relatively small in size but with chockfull of activity, especially at night. It is also pedestrian friendly and conducive to our distribution. One has to be careful when walking on the cobblestone streets. They are uneven and can be very dangerous. Comfortable shoes are a necessity here. We plan to send teams out after dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

There are thousands of Muslims living in this city, and we have observed that a majority of them would take the tracts with the women being the most receptive. We thank our God for opening their hands and pray that many of their hearts would be changed by the power and strength of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

A young man who was given a tract yesterday approached one of our team members and said, “Could you pray for me and the people of Belgium?” He was told that we have been praying for him and his people long before we arrived in Brussels and will continue to do so even after we have completed our work here. He was given a Bible because he did not have one, and was encouraged to spend time reading it, constantly praying that God would be merciful to him and grant him repentance unto Salvation.

Tomorrow, the Lord willing, we will send a team to the city of “Gent” located about 55km North West of Brussels. Please pray that God will give us strength for the work ahead.

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”"

Psalms 5: 11-12

In Christian Love, The Family Radio Mission Team in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #4

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

(Galations 5:22-23)

Friday, July 18, 2003. Today after breakfast, four teams went out to several locations around town. One team visited a large park with an Exposition Center and Planetarium, on the periphery of the city. Two teams worked at commercial areas located near busy metro stations and another remained in the center city to reach those who are doing their weekly shopping.

Our fifth team of four people took a side trip to Gent, a city approximately 50 kilometers North West of Brussels not knowing what to expect and with very little information on the city. They were motivated by the Lord's Command “And the Lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled”. (Luke 14:23) What they found was a wondrous opportunity. The idea was to arrive there early to make as much of the day available for the distribution of God's precious Word. The team took a 45 minute train ride and disembarked at a station where there were very few people. The nature populace speak “Flemish”, so trying to inquire where the team members could find people was a challenge to say the least, but by God's Grace they crossed the path of a young man who spoke perfect English. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. He told them that there would be many people in the center of town by the market. They proceeded along the picturesque winding road before them, which was deserted. But as in all mission trips, our trust must be entirely in Christ, for He alone knows the end from the beginning and His ways are not our ways. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5. They continued on until, as if in an instant, the road turned into an avenue with a few stores which in turn became a boulevard of cafes, open markets, promenades, mediaeval cathedrals and castles. The town center was filled with the dear people of “Gent”. Thousands of them, shopping, strolling and enjoying the flea market while preparing for their biggest festival of the year called “Gentsefeesteen” and in the midst of all this receiving the Gospel. Reception was fantastic, over 90%. The team emptied all of their bags of tracts into the hands of the people of Gent. May it be that some of them are God's elect? The Lord's perfect will be done.

We met a Muslim man on the street. When we offered him a tract, he dug into his pocket and showed us one in English he had previously received from someone in our group. He wanted an English Bible but was to poor to purchase one. He was presently living in a homeless shelter nearby. This opened a door for us to share several French and a few English and Dutch Bibles and tracts with him and the other residents and staff. They were very appreciative. Please pray that many of these destitute folks who have little of this world's goods will find grace in the eyes of our merciful Savior as they feed on the Spiritual food they were given.

We thank our Lord for those who give sacrificially to purchase Bibles and to support this world wide ministry. In general, our mission is proceeding well. Please continue to pray for us and especially for the people of Belgium. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will send teams to “Paris”, “Antwerp, and “Gent” a second time to distribute tracts at the previously mentioned festival which coincidentally starts tomorrow.

" “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”"

(Matthew 22:37-39)

In Christian Love, The Family Radio Mission team in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #5

"We love him, because he first loved us."

(1 John 4:19)

Saturday, July 19, 2003. Saturday is usually a busy shopping day, but we decided to keep only one team in the city so as not to wear out or welcome, as we are getting many more refusals. The four other teams went to cities outside of Brussels. Our goal is to always start in the city center and move progressively outward as far as possible.

A small team took a 30 minute train trip to “Antwerp”. Here most of the residents speak Dutch. It is about 50 km North of Brussels and is considered the diamond capitol of the world. They found a vibrant center of commerce with many ornate buildings, churches, and cathedrals which look more like museums. There were statues everywhere. They headed for the popular Saturday market called “Theaterplein” where one can find an array of exotic products from all over the world. The reception was fair. A team of 8 missionaries went to Paris France to bring the Lord's Gospel of everlasting life to the people there. The majority of the team spent the beginning of the day in the epicenter of the city around a central metro station. This area was bustling with people all day. A small side team went off to an open air market a few minutes away on the metro and found hundreds upon hundreds of souls wandering into the strip of vendors, common people, laborers, poor people searching for a deal on a piece of used clothing, or a trinket here or there. They were receiving the precious Word on the “Does God Love You?” tract. May it be that the Lord had preordained and prepared their hearts to receive the Gospel?

The team members who remained in the city center found the people to be distant and cold, given over to worldliness. Though the reception was not jubilant we know that Christ's Word is life unto life and death unto death, and it is an astounding miracle that the Lord would save even one person. The team was strengthened by the Lord's promise “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt 24: 14.

Moreover, man cannot escape his accountability to God since he was made in the image of God and is without excuse. May it be that some of these dear people in Paris are humble by Christ giving them broken and contrite hearts.

One team visited Gent a second time with the true Gospel of salvation as explained in the “Does God Love You?” tracts. The reception there continues to be good. Brethren, please continue to pray for us.

"And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

(I John 4:21)

In Christian Love,
The Family Radio Mission Team in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #6

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

(I John 2:15-17)

Sunday, July 20, 2003. Today we decided to go out after breakfast to the streets, so that we could share the True Gospel with those attending the various churches. Although there are many large churches in this city, we noticed that few people regularly attend. They are more like tourist attractions. Most of the businesses in the city were closed except for a few markets and restaurants.

One team took the metro to a Sunday market located outside the city center and was able to distribute tracts for about 1 hour before they were asked to leave the area. Another team took the tram to the annual “Columbian Day Celebration.” It was held in a public park and God made it possible for us to share with many Spanish and French speaking people while they were picnicking and enjoying the festivities. They were very receptive. We gave out many French and a few hundred Spanish tracts that we brought with us on the plane.

One team went a second time to “Antwerp” to their famous “Bird Market” in the city center. It was quite a spectacle not only because just about everything is sold there, but above all because of the way it is sold.

Two of our missionaries visited a large hospital not far from our hotel and were allowed to give 50 Bibles and hundreds of tracts to the staff, visitors, and patients. We praise our God for offering this door of opportunity to further proclaim His Word.

After our worship service in the hotel, we had dinner and went out again at night to continue our distribution. One team went to a carnival and another large team again visited “Gent”. Their “Gentsefeesteen” festival continues nightly for the next 8 days, and we intend to send a team there three or more nights God willing.

We marvel that the reception in this city continues to be good.

Tomorrow is Belgium's National Day and the Lord willing, we will all remain in the city of Brussels to greet the huge crowds expected here. Please pray that God would give us extra strength to continue this arduous but joyful task. “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Neh 8:10. Thanks for your prayers

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "

(Romans 12:2)

In Christian Love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #7

Monday, July 21, 2003. As mentioned in our last report, today is Belgium's “National Day”. The festivities started at 7AM and continued on throughout the day, until midnight. There were parades of cars, horse drawn coaches and military vehicles with the usual pomp and stance that accompanies these kinds of events. There were also stilt walkers, street theatres and a large open air musical concert capped off by a fireworks display. Our teams were strategically positioned in various locations in order to effectively distribute the living “Word” with anyone and everyone who stretched out their hand to receive a tract. People came from all over Europe to participate in this extravaganza.

We are here for one purpose only, and that is to proclaim the True Gospel which also declares that judgement has begun and all mankind must be prepared to meet God. "Saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His Judgement is come: and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water" Rev 14:7.

As the throngs of people entered "Brussels Park" to view the fireworks display, we were giving them the words of eternal life. We distributed thousands of tracts, Family radio booklets, and some Bibles. Many of us came back to our hotel after midnight rejoicing that many had retained the precious 'gift' we had given them. While many have indicated to us that they have the tract, others disdain the message. Therefore, it is taking longer to share the same amount of tracts as we did the first few days we were here.

There is a great joy when someone tells us that they appreciate the message and want more information about the ministry of Family Radio or desire a Bible.

One woman who received a tract and a Bible was so thankful for the gift that she hugged our missionary several times, thanking God that she now had her own Bible. She made this remark. "Now I can study the Bible and teach my children also." "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" Deut 6:7. All praise and glory also belongs to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

We shall continue our distribution, God willing, tomorrow.

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

(Phillippians 2: 12-13)

In Christian Love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #8

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

(Romans 2:13)

Tuesday, July 22, 2003. We thank and praise our Lord that He has given us another beautiful sunny day to share the precious Gospel of salvation with the people of Belgium.

Two teams worked all day outside busy metro stations taking only a short break for lunch. After a long holiday weekend it was a normal day of business and the streets were crowded with office, blue collar workers and shoppers. Two teams were assigned to two busy shopping plazas that were surrounded by office buildings. These areas are also frequented by tourists because many of the major department stores are located here, together with several well known fast food restaurants.

Another team of four missionaries traveled by train to the city of “Brugge”. It is about 95km North West of Brussels. It is considered the cultural capitol of Europe. Upon arrival they found a giant city center and proceeded to distribute their tracts. A short time thereafter, they were told to halt distribution, because a special permit was needed to give out pamphlets in that municipality and it will take 2 weeks to obtain one. They immediately moved on to another city nearby and gave out most of their tracts. God has His way of guiding us to exactly where He wants us to be and we always trust that He will direct our steps.

One of our missionaries was outside a metro station when he offered a tract to an elderly man who asked “Is this Catholic?” Our missionary answered, “Sir, this is from the Bible.” The man then said, “What religion is this?” The missionary's response was, “It is about Jesus Christ and His salvation plan.” the man then remarked, “If it is not Catholic, then I don't want it.” Several people in our group have had similar experiences. It is truly sad, that so many of these dear people are trusting in their churches or religion to save them. We who are true believers realize that unless God intervenes in one's life by opening up one's heart to the truth, one will remain in darkness. God will only open the eyes and ears of those he had planned to save. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His Grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6.

Overall our mission trip is proceeding well. We thank our Savior and God for His protection and provision for us. Tomorrow, the Lord willing we shall continue our distribution as God leads.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not the hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

(James 1:22)

In Christian Love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #9

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Wednesday, July 23, 2003. Our distribution continued at a rapid pace. A team of four took a side trip to the city of “Aachen” in Germany. It is approximately 100 km to the East of Brussels. Five thousand “Does God Love You?” tracts in the German language were brought along with us on the plane specifically for this purpose. I am delighted to report that the reception was excellent and all the tracts were given out.

Another team took a one hour train ride to the city of Liege”. It is about 94km South East of Brussels. They found a bustling industrial city and people God had prepared to receive the Gospel. The reception was also excellent and they returned to the hotel in time for dinner, praising and thanking God for allowing them to distribute several thousand French tracts.

The remaining teams worked in several areas of the city; around metro and bus stations, at two small ethnic markets, and along a busy commercial strip.

A man approached one of our missionaries and said, "You are bold and courageous to come here with this message." We know that we are merely doing our duty; being obedient to our Lord's command to take the Gospel to the whole world. It is all God's doing in the lives of His people "That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our lives." (Luke 1: 74-74).

Two of our missionaries met a young man whose parents own a restaurant here. They recently immigrated from china. He told us that they came here for freedom and prosperity and that they are working tirelessly to achieve these goals. We explained to him that the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all mankind is to be free. Also the unsaved try to find peace and security by seeking to acquire more and more of the riches of this world, but only the true believer knows that this is an exercise in futility. We can only be truly free when God sets us free from the bondage if our sins and Satan. And this would only happen, if Christ has paid for our sins, if we have found favor in His sight. There is no hope for mankind except in Christ. He is the only one who can give a person a new heart. He gladly took a tract and said he will study it. Please pray for this man and his family and for the thousands here who received the True Gospel and who are still enamored with the things of this world. "But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them." II Corinthians 4:3-4.

We thank God that His mercies are renewed everyday. Great is His faithfulness. Brothers and sisters, please continue to lift us up in prayer.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

(Ephesians 4:32)

In Christian Love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Belgium

FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
July 15-26, 2003
LETTER #10

"Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you."

Friday July 25, 2003. Our final day of distribution began with an early morning devotion. It was a blessed time of thanksgiving and praise to our Lord for his wonderful salvation and for the joy of serving him the past 10 days, as we proclaimed the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. to the people of Brussels and many of the surrounding cities in Belgium and Europe.

Yesterday a team of five traveled by train to the city of Amsterdam in Holland. They took our remaining Dutch tracts and were able to place them in the hands of a few thousand people in that city and return to our Hotel late last night.

One team traveled a second time to “Liege” to further share the Gospel with the dear people of that city who were very receptive of our tracts on our firs visit. The other teams worked in and around the city in small neighborhoods. The over all reception was good. We also plan to distribute a few thousand Dutch tracts that were set aside for the coastal city of “Oostende, Belgium, which is 114 km Northwest of Brussels.

The fruits of this mission trip are already evident. We have had several individuals who previously received tracts coming to the hotel or telephoning asking for small quantities of tracts and other Family Radio booklets to distribute in their towns.

A postman traveled 60 KM by train to the hotel asking for some tracts and a few Bibles to share in his community. We are prayerfully examining each request.

We only have ten thousand tracts remaining and fully expect to finish our work today. Our fervent prayer is that our Lord will raise up faithful men and women to continue his work here in Brussels and in the other cities of Europe. Our desire is that many Family Radio Listener will prayerfully consider joining us on future mission trips or sponsor someone who want to serve but is financially unable to do so. "Therefore said he unto them, the harvest truly is great but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into the harvest." Luke 10:2.

This is our 10th and final report of this trip. God willing, we will leave for the airport tomorrow (Saturday) morning and from there travel to our respective homes. Please pray that God will add to his kingdom as many as should be saved and for traveling mercies for our group. The mission team to Brussels, Belgium wished to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our Family Radio listeners, staff and volunteers for their prayers and support. This has been a source encouragement to us. Additionally, we want to thank those in the fellowships that provided the funds needed to go on so many expensive side-trips. May God richly bless all of you.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armour of light."

Roman 13:12

In Christian Love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Belgium