serving in Belgium with Operation Mobilization
One Year and Beyond!
It has been over a year since I left Canada and came over to Belgium. After attending conference in Germany, I arrived in Belgium at the end of January 2010. I moved to Brussels in March 2010. I have had some ups and downs along the way but that was what I expected.
During this past year I have enjoyed getting to know the ministry of Le Havre and finding out how can I be of assistance in practical ways as I learn the language.
I have had moments where I wonder if I will understand the language. Although I still have a long way to, I am very happy when I understand something now. I don’t always get the right meaning of it all, but I am starting oh so slowly to understand things. It is mainly just words that I’m getting right now; sentence/conversations still confuse me, but I have started to understand and that’s a good thing.
I started taking French classes in September, First term did not go well and I did not pass so in January I started the class again. I still struggle with some of the things in class but this time I am also doing what is called LAMP (Language Acquisition made Practical). That means I go out and talk to people. I have a phrase in French and I keep saying it to as many people as possible. Then I go back again in a week or two and say another phrase. Through this process I hope to find people who will become regular helpers for me un learning the language. This is definitely not easy. Please pray for me as I go out and try to talk to people this way: that I will find the people I need and that I can minister to them at the same time.
With less than 10 months lift of my commitment here in Belgium I have started to think about the future and what God wants for me. There are many opportunities for me to be involved in furthering the kingdom. Please pray with me as I seek what God wants for my future.
Addition and Subtraction
In February we had 2 girls join us. Joy form the USA, is here for 3 months. She is helping with the office and in the outside ministries. Her purpose here is to find out more about OM Belgium and see if this is where God is calling her. Anna is here for 18 months to help us start an arts ministry here in Belgium. Please pray for open doors as we look at ways to use are and ministry. Out bookkeeper ( Andrew Bridges) who has faithfully served OM Belgium for years is leaving this summer. Please pray that the right person for this job will come along and will fill this urgent need.
Le Havre
We have kids clubs out on the street every other week. Some weeks we have only a few kids, but other weeks we have almost too many to handle! Things like weather, holidays, and illness play a big role in determining attendance. At the same time we know that there are more malevolent forces fighting against us as well. I am reminded again and again, no matter how hard it is , to keep going. Ever if there are only 2 or 3 kids around we are to stay faithful to the calling of this ministry; each child matters to God. Each child should matter to us as well.
Please also pray for more men to join us here in the Marolles. There is always a need for men to be interacting with the boys in the club.
Also pray for Genevieve, the founder of the ministry of Le Havre. Over the last year she has been ill. She is doing much better right now, but still having health issues.
Belgium
Belgium’s Christian population is about 0.5%. They need Christ in such a big way, yet it takes a lot of work for Christians and missionaries to gain the trust of the people. Please pray for open doors and that Beligians will see their need to know Christ.
Belgium has been without a government now since June last year, and there is still no resolution to the situation. Please pray for the king and everyone who is involved in the search for a solution.
Thanks so much for your prayer and support!
Much love,
Joanne Ynema
Things to pray for:
- Language learning
- Language helpers
- For God to reveal His plans for my future
- staff openings at OM Belgium to be filled
- New OM Belgium Arts Ministry
- More men to volunteer with the kids
- Genevieve and her health
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