BELGIUM

FIELD ADDRESS

Henki Boonaerts

Louis Mercierlaan 135

Maas mechelen

3630 Belgium

Vol.

IN THE MAKING

Among "Some Recent Developements", mentioned in our last newletter was thefact that Henki began work in the coal mine. This is the second time in ourfive years in Belgium for the situation to arise forcing Henki to suppliment ourStates-side income. We praise God Henki has still been able to continue leadership with the congregation.

Michael Hermans(pictured below with his Toyota) is one of our young people.He is one we can say is leadership "in the making." Before he became a Christian he was a leader for a Catholic working-youth group. He continued in thisposition for some time afterwards, thus being able to keep contacts for Christ.

Since our return from the U. S. he has been called into service for the

country; again "in the making" for the air force police unit. His duties and

Henki

John Mark

training have kept him fromyet when home he has used hisChrist. In order to "relieve

preaching so he could haveas he put it, Michael offeredsermon was nothing glamorous,above all he brought us theful for Michael's dedication

has lots of growing; he isbut then, aren't we all??

WHAT D'YA SAY??

"I'm lying on my good ear now, what did ya' say?"the Boonaerts home.Many

quite upset when Henkia conversation but gustabout adjustment beingwith someone who is

or another. Fortunatelybe corrected by an op-made to take sick leave

vantage of the doctors

Aue 1

FOR CHRISTFORWARDING ADDRESS

John McDonald

2213 Dawn Ave.

Granite City, 111,U.S.A. 62040

Mary Estherand James Matthew

1975 Jan. — Mar.

many services of the churchleadership abilities forHenki occasionally frommore time for his family,"to preach some. His firstbut he did his best, and

Word of God, We are thank-

to Christ. Yes, he still

still "in the making"....

has often been heard in

times Mary Esther gotwas seemingly ignoringhadn't heard. Talk

needed when livinghandicapped in one wayHenk's condition couid

eration. Plans were

from work and take ad-

abilities. Only one

hang-up... Henki forgot and signed himself up to be in the hospital for his birthday, March 9th.

The Saturday before his birthday ^he had quite an operation; a syntheticear drum installed (his had a hole in itv'so needed replacing), plus severalsynthetic ear-bones, as these were missing from birth eyifi^tally. He was outof the hospital the following Monday, but was given a month"ome for sufficientrecovery.

It was a slow, delicate healing process, so work "under in the mine" wasprohibited for four full weeks.We are now enjoying several repairs, and changesin our home, due to his sick leave. "Easy jobs"above ground such as wall papering, paneling, installing a roof T.V.antennea, making a bed frame, and a dozenother jobs were finally realized.

We rejoice not only for the extra tive Henki had, but that extra funds fromthe U.S. supporters and Henki's job made these renovations possible.Included inthe hospital scene are Henki, James Matthew, Henkife father and mother, and Natalieond of our nieces, all present for Henki's birthday celebration.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. . . .January, February, March nothing but

one "birthday month" after another for thisBoonaerts family. It starts off with MaryEsther (who turned thirty-vthis year-horrqrs-on the 21st of Jan.) then Feb. 8th is James

Matthew's turn. It. hardly seem^g fair toJohn Mark (who has to wait until May,^5th),that his little brother celebrated his-''first

birthday before he had his sixth. But stillhe had fun trying to teach James how to blowout the candle. As you can see from the picture, James was quite bewildered with all theto-do while Mom and John Mark puckered up.

That March birthday was Henki's,mention-ed^in the previous article, when he turned29 while in the hospital.

BRAND NEW, NEW BRAND

For the last four years we had been a Fiat family, but several major repairsneeded to be done on our Fiat mini-bus. We had driven it second hand, for 2 yrs.and Messimers had used it while we were in the U.S. It had fulfilled its dutyas our means of transportation.

We were able to get a good trade in for our Fiat bus , and also a discountfor taking a car in stock. The week the Roland's were here on their way toIndia, we began driving our brand new ('.74) SIMCA station wagon.

We really broke a record, breaking in the year of 1975. We (as a family.that is) have never been able to attend any of the American, Christian, missionary get-togethers since being in Belgium. This year everything;time, funds,preaching replacement, suitable transportation—everything "worked out" so wecould attend the Mid-winter rally. It was held this year near Basil,Switzerland.It was a long trip, but even John Mark didn't mind, being able to share three

days where "all the Americans were" was sogreat. Over 150 persons shared for a new-

-years-watch, _classes,---feJ.lowship—the works.Bro. Bob Lindeman, an American Christian

psychologists, lead in "The Christian andEmotional Maturity*'classes. We make noresolutions, too much like promises soeasily broken...but we hope and pray wemay be able to share in more such Christiangatherings. It was a tremendous boost toour spititual, emotional, and mental lifeto play, pray, study, and speak in Englishtogether...

The picture shows our new home in Eisden(where we moved just before going to the U.S. after being in Boorsem 3 years).The automobile is our new Simca.

Belgium for Christ is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts: edited, printed, andmailed by John and Eileen McDonald. It is distributed to inform and encouragesupport of the work being done in Belgium for Christ by the Henki Boonaertsfamily. All funds payable to Pontoon Beach Church of Christ and designated toBoonaerts work are tax deductable. I

Pontoon Beach Church of Christ

4039 Pontoon Road

Granite City, Illinois 62040

CORRECTED ADDRESS REQUESTED

M/M Bill McGllvfis:^Bo>: 17?Ke:apton, Ii'id. ^*60^9

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

1.8<: Paid

Permit No. 237

FIELD ADDRESS;:

Henki Boonaerts"\.

Lo u i s n 135

Maas mechelen

3630 Belgium

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST.

Henki Mary EstherJohn Mark and James Matthew

Vol^ V No. 2DARE~TO"BE"A"DANiEL??

You probably remember the first one won to Christ in the Boorsem(now Maas mechelen) work, was Adri Kuypers. He is from Holland background,and had worked' in Holland just across the border from his home in Rekem.Often at work he had and took the opportunity to witness to other workersabout Christ. One became so angered, partly through jealousy that Adriwas asked to leave his job. Then, after momentary discouragement, one ofhis friends from work came several miles by bike wondering if Adri wassick, or why he hadn't been at work for so long. Since then Henki andAdri have been able to visit this boy and his brother.

In Holland, Adri had seen the "bill boards" on top of cars. Whatdisturbed him was the contents of the advertisements: for sex magazines,botiques, and other immorality. Just as 11 Peter 2:7 says Lot was troubled by the lawlessness of Sodom, so Adri's heart was heavy with thiswickedness. Then he decided if they could make bad advertisements, hecould put something good on his car. He made a board with several versesof warning and witness for Christ. This and the fact that he had becomea Christian brought more persecution.

One of Adri's brothers was so hateful about everything happeningfor Christ that he burned a Bible in the coal fire of their living-room.When he would come home drunk, he wanted to fight with Adri causing moretrouble. Finally, to bring peace at home for his mother, Adri moved the"ad board" and moved to his own home. This was a blessing in disguise ashis home was a few doors away from the new hall we had then found in Maasmechelen. Since then Adri has found an even better home, a little farther

from the church hall, and he ahs fixed up one room for visitors, since helives alone, and has extra space.

In Modern, civilized Europe there are still persecutions againstthose who dare to count the cost and follow Jesus. These things havehappened in the course of two years and there are still ups and downs inthe lives of Christians here in Europe. Adri and Michael(mentioned inthe last newsletter,"In the making"), are having less persecutions asthey help lead the youth group of Maas mechelen and Genk churches ofChrist. We wonder what your answer would be to the song many learn assmall children?

"Dare to be a Daniel?

Dare to stand alone?

Dare to have a purpose firm?Dare to make it known?"

***************************************************************************

INTERNATIONAL SONG EVENING

The work on remodeling our home has been going quite well. Ourhome has perked up. From looking like ruins to restore, to a half-waydecent home. You realize it is still far from being completed, and wejust got the city okay to add the kitchen and garage, so there are stillmany months of work ahead. Yet it had reached the stage we felt we couldstick our necks out and invite some over-night guests.

(continued )

1975

Forwarding AddressJohn McDonald

2213 Dawn Pi.

Granite City, 111.62040 U.S.A.

O

Apr. — June

#

Page 2Sometime after Henki returned from his ear operation, we invited

the Richard Amssons family from Antwerp for a visit. The Maas mechelenchurch had received a plea from him for support so that he could turn tofull time evangelistic work. They wanted him to come and praach, andlearn of his need and position concerning Christianity. He had recentlybeen converted from being a "missionary" in the Jehovah's Witness sect,to N.T. Christianity, and was holding services in his home Sunday evenings.We were glad to meet this family, and the congregation plans to supportthem with monthly funds. We have had other visits with them, and areglad we did "stick out our necks" to invite themi'

Later for what is generally called the Easter holidays, the DeanHickerson and Richard Kirklands were in Belgium. We had the first familyin our home, and the Messimers had Kirklands stay with them. Specialmemories are attached to Hickersons, as it was Dean who married us in thechurch where he then ministered in Ferguson, Mo. The two families havebeen serving in Germany as missionaries and formed a singing quartet asone phase of their evangelistic work.

Dennis Messimers are working on starting a new work in the Korseland Beringen area. As a kick off, to invite people of the area thequartet presented their program the evening of March 29. Songs were sungin German and English, and a special was brought by a Belgian Christianfrom Genk. According to several who were there, it was a fine presentation of the gospel in song.

The following evening about the same program was presented in theMaas mechelen church. We had a full house, with not only our own "members"but many visiting from the Genk congregation also. To add to the international atmosphere that evening, John Castelein of the Genk church broughta devotional. It was wonderful to have this spiritual boost, and theinternational song evenings, as well as having had visitors once again inour home to leave happy memories. i,

-T ft-K E-A-B R-B- A K

ATTEND

to be held in

St. Louis, Missouri

-DO-SOMETHING - - -

DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

THE 2 8 th' NATIONAL MISSIONARYCONVENTION

November 25-28, 1975 Chase Park Plaza Hotel

For more information, write Walter Birney, Nat'l. Missionary ConventionBox 11, Copeland, Kansas 67837; Ph. 316-668-2640

SiywL;,, ..BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts?edited,printed, and mailed by John & Eileen McDonald.It is distributed to inform and encourage support of thework being done in Belgium for Christ by the HenkiBoonaerts family. All funds made payable to PontoonBeach Church of Christ,designated to Boonaerts work aretax deductable.

Pontoon Be?ch Chxirch of Christ

4039 Pontoon RopdGranite City, 111. 620^0

Non-Profit Org,U.S» Postagel.Brf pa laPermit No. 237

CORRECTED ADDRESS REQUESTED

Mission ServicesBox 177Kerapton, Ind, 460^9

0 1 ASC*

FIELD APJRES

Henkl/B oonaerts'LouisSteretferlcian 135(Eisden) Maas mechelen3630 Belgium

Vol. V No. 3 aJ^d

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST

Henki

John Mark and

1975

Mary EstherJaraes Matthew

FORWARDING ADDRESS

John McDonald

2213 Dawn AvenueGranite City, 111.U.S.A. 620^+0

J uly-December

REFLECTIONS —HajiaaiioMS

We moved to Boorsem, Belgium after our planned "one Year Internship" withHenki's home congregation in Genk early in May of 1971. We had no idea what was in storefor us, but we felt God was definately leading us to launch out by beginning a newwork instead of returning then to the U.S. for further Bible College training. TheLord has certainly blessed us since that time and we still feel it was His leading.

Since that first service the first Sunday in June we have seen many ccraieand go, many be added to the fold, and many hindered by the teachings of Christ.To repeat some facts and figures we rejoice to list those who did accept teachings ofChrist, obeying in the act of immersion into Him: Ann Cartuyvels (temporarily inBoorsem from the Genk church) Aug. 15, 1971; Adri Kuypers, On Jan. 9» 1972; along withMichael Hermans on May 28i then Jozef Kuypers (Adri's brother) July I61 then MediDolega on Sept. 24; and Maria Gearing (then 82) on Oct. 4; all in 1972; and finallyLucienne (Luc) Reynaers on Dec. 3, ending that year! It was not until mid-Augustthat there was again an addition when Hedvika Kottas was immersed in 1973, Then LeoHermans (Michael's brother) and Tony Olivetti on Oct. l4j and Tony's older brotherPino on Feb. 24, 1974 all three while we were in the States,

Among the 13-34 who attended those first few months for services, and awedding, there was a nuculeus of Christians, visiting Christians from Genk (to helpencourage the work), and others from the area who had been contacted through efforts ofvisitation. Many of those first attending, including seme of the Christians who nolonger attend. That is probably normal for congregations anywhere in the world— notonly are some offended at the whole counsel of God, but scwie move after mairiage, etc.What is really heartbreaking is that several of those who did give themselves to "theWay", have fallen into luke-warmness or even coldness towards Christ. We have lostcontacts with Lucienne, Tony, and Pino; and are making efforts to "revive" Jozef andMedi. We mention these by name, so you will also bring them to God in prayer, thussharing in our efforts here in a positive way.

PPPPressing FFFFForward - - —

Things were going about as usual when one Sunday last summer a young ladyjoined us from a nearby town. An Aprankenis had seen the''Church of Christ" sign.Since she had recently been converted she was looking for a "church hone." She hadbeen converted through corresponding with a friend in Holland who had accepted Christ.We later came to realize she was with the 'Jesus People' movement, and spent muchtime with her during the weeks when she was at the University in Leuven. We wereblessed by her faith and witness for the few months she was with us. Unfortunately shewas recently offended with some severe teachings in being able to recognize true froRfalse doctrines. We hope that you will especially pray for this young college student,that the Spirit may lead her, and by reading the Bible she may be able to join us inworship and learning once again.

Also this summer a middle aged German couple csuae to us asking help finding a home in the area. They wanted to move fran their home in Germany to Belgium, butonly found Catholic ccaamunities. Since they saw from the 'Church of Christ' sign thatours was not, they chose this area in which to settle. They drove for over an hourSundays, until they moved in December, so they could attend services. They graciouslyaccepted not being able to be part of all the activities which were for "Christiansonly", Henki explained that as soon as they moved, and he had an opportunity he wouldteach them concerning the New Testament church. We were quite surprised that therewas no offense taken--they just waited patiently until the right time came: (Most ofotar other experiences have been that in such a situation the ones involved just quitcoBiingJ We could only praise the Lord for another strengthening on our own faith inHis power!)

-2-Now that they have moved, and Henki is out of the coalmine they wouldn't

let Henki forget his promise to teach than. They invited him to their hone specificallyfor the Bible studies, and persisted until everything could be worked out to beginlearningi The studies have begun, and they continue attending Sunday services, theyseem to be receptive, and they have had other Germans join the studies as well. Sincethis is not only a new work, but in German (athird language for Henki) we don't expectanything overnight—just miracles according to God's time clock! So, as you can imagine, we ask you again to please pray, for uis and with us.

Another note of thanksgiving m^t be added here. One of the first bpysHenki helped lead to Christ, even before going to the States had had several spiritualproblems about two years ago. We were disappointed when he left the church in Genk,and drifted from one denomintionaa church t^ another, finally stopping church attendancealtogether for awhile, Henki, but mostly Atoi keptvisiting, encouraging, and patientlytrying to teach him aright. Wadek now seem^ to realize many things he before doubted*and is again ta^aining himself in teachings from the New Testament, The same messageon false teachings that was a stumbling blo<$k to An was in fact a partial turning pointfor VadekM He has begun attending here in -pe Haas mechelen church, playing theaccordian and thus helping in the service ai^ worship, We thank God for not letting usbecome too discouraged concerning this brother, allowing the way of escape to come!tfe hope he may continue to be a blessing asjhe grows in love and faith in Christ,

DID YOU SAYi "Going about as usual?!"

Now, as Christians especially, jisn't that an awful thing to say?Maybe at this point it shoiad be explained ?tt^t was mean't by this phrase. Itwasn't a good situation, but it was what we were facing at the time, so we cannot hidethe truth, ^

While Henki was working fulltime in the mine there wasn't much time forvisitation, evangelism, translation, or extra efforts to teach others about Christ inthe Maas mechelen area. About all Henki coidd manage was to get a sermon prepared forSunday, plus a study for the Bible study on 'Wednesday with the church prayer meeting.Then he also had a Bible study with Maria Ge^ing(since she cannot read, and is unableto attend the regular study,) While Messim^rs were in the States (for an unexpected'furlough' in Sept,-Dec.), Henki filled in i^aching at the American Air Force BaseSunday afternoons. That was a service in Ei^lish, and about an hour's drive each wayto Kleine Broggel, so it also took extra tj

It was a terrible situation, fcand that when we are here 'as missionaries!'!live on, and accompli"sh our work SO Hej?M-hafVs ww ^— — ^—(Part-time jobs are almost unheard of here, for men,) While at work Henki had anynumber of opportunities to witness—that wa^ii't the trouble. But the church effortsweren't and couldn't be what they should hayi been. Which was worse: not enoughfor the church and His Kingd<ffl, OR insufficient money for living and doing that churchwork?? tfe faced a dilemma!!!

Several folks in Genk and Maas jmechelen asked about learning to preach,but who was there to teach them on a regular basis? Henki tried to enlist other missionaries in Holland for Saturday classes, but nothing could be worked out. After muchprayer, thinking and discussing, it was finally decided that Dennis and Henki wouldtry to begin sraiething together. Again we :^^lt it was God's leadings we must take theopportunity to teach when it came, not wait juntil we thought it was the right time.

So needless to say, Henki is out of the mine again. Already the Lord hasbegun to bless us in our venture in faith# we have had word of more support fromChristians in the States! We continue to loik to Him to completely supply our needs,as there is more support needed, since the dollar has stayed devalued, and the pricesare really sky-rocketing again in Europe. N<|>w that Messimers are back, and Henki hasdiscontinued work in the mine our schedule n^ changed s(Mewhati

Tuesday—Bible study with Maria Gearing and her friend Mrs,Vander Hoeven (whose husband also attended, but died shortlyafter the new year,)

Wednesday—all church Bible sti^dy and prayer meeting,Thursday-German Bible study wltli Karel Krtfces family,Friday—Mary Esther a study with a friend from Boorsem smd

some ladies in Maastricht, Holland,Saturday—Bible school with Deimis and Henki teaching about

eight students,Sunday—Maas mechelen service, 1sometimes visiting the American

Air Force Base for English services in the evening,Monday is the only day we have to catch our jl^reath, and try to get ready for all "theother activities. We are kept busy, but pr^e the Lord it is in His service!

VB AIOB ONSN

from work with 'our' church!^ling we couldn't do more 'for the church'

There just hadn't been enough support togone to full time work in the mine.

TKB 8PXI17

-3-

'VACATION TIMEThe coal mine closed down a week in the suBuner and since Henki had it

paidy we decided to splurge and go on our first vacation since we've been mainried!We made arrsingements to have a rocm at the Blankenberg sea resort along the coast ofBelgium, tfe also had tickets for free train travel from the mine, so really were toenjoy a worry free trip. It started out with us running from our hoae to the trainstation (ahout three blocks away) in the rain, almost missed our ride! Then we forgot the umbrellat and missed a connection giving us an hour layover in Leuven. Wearrived in good time anyhow, walked the seven blocks to our rocm, then back to walkalong the seashore before calling it a day!

Sunday we attended church service in Oostande, and enjoyed just walking,riding trams and busses« vacationing until the day was done. Among other things,Henki made an extra trip to London by himself. That had always been a dream of his,and now that he was so close—why not? He took the boat over one evening and spentthe day in England. The boat looked huge to him, but didn't seem so stable and bigon the rough waters that night! He got seasick pills for the return trip, which heenjoyed seme better!! His trip wetted his appetite, so we hope some day to returnfor a week or so to visit museums, some friends, and to do some other things ofinterest.

While walking along the beaches, seeing so many swarms of people I couldnot help but think of what it must be like to God seeing all these people. And throughall the years, the world over so maJiy millions, billions of people—and so few of themknow Him or accept His way of life. It was surely the coldest week in our lovely,long, hot summer; but it gave me a wonderfully warm feeling to know Him myself, andknow we are trying to bring others to know him also. It gave added incentive toreturn home after that refresher week, to dig in again, and get caught up in ouractivities "as missionaries" or maybe better "ambassadors for Christ" here in Belgium.

THE WALKING DEAD MAN—

"...but if someone goes to them fr<M the dead, they will repent!"This is nothing new as it is recorded in the pages of the New Testament, Luke 1700,but men are still using it as a flimsy excuse for imbelief and disobedience. Lastspring we had an interesting experience that made us think of this verse. We'd liketo relate it here.

A man across the street had a sudden encounte): with death. It was ablood clot in the brain. It just HAPPENED he had gone for his Christmas holiday tobe with his daughter and her family. It also HAPPENED when he had the crisis he was atthe h(»ie of his daughter irtio was a nurse and who's husband was a doctor. The hospitaltrtiere the son-in-law worked HAPPENED to be close in the neighborhood. And as it wasthis hospital just HAPPENED to be one of the three in all Europe that have the equip-men-b needed to nurse him back to health.

Then to run a good thing in the ground, as it HAPPENED our neighbor isthe first who walked away from that hospital alive and normal after having had sucha crisis. All this, according to the witness of Jon and Elizabeth. But were allthese things just per-chance, good luck, or coincidence? These are facts. But tohave heard them tell it weeks later, it was a MIRACLE!!

Jon was, besides all this, unconscious for several days, then slid backand forth frm a sli^tly conscious to an unconscious state for several more. Thathe had no brain damage was a wonder. Before, he had had no time to think about, notto mention sit and talk about MIRACLES. "Now I have time enough. I cannot thinkabout anything else! I am weak and sick," he admitted.

I^as not God trying maybe to bring this one back to Himself? Jon is nota Christian, but does realize these things were a miracle. He is a walking dead man,for in his unconsciousness, he was not much more than dead. Will he accept theresurrected dead-ONE so he may witness more completely to this miracle in his life?

Since this happened, Jon and Elizabeth have been married. (They hadbeen living together, but decided that was wrong, so obeyed the laws of the land;and God*s law! For a wedding present we gave them a Bible.) We continue to be incontact with them hoping to bring them to the one who is "the way, the truth, andthe LIFE." Pray that another even greater miracle may happen in his life, andElizabeth's—with the spiritual death, burial, and resurrection of the old self,to rise living anew for Christ. ^

PONTOON BEACH CHURCH OP CHRIST4039 Pontoon RoadGranite City, Illinois 62040

CORRECTED ADDRESS REQUESTEDBo:: IV?

I'lc-'upton, Indc

Non-profit Org,U.S. Postage1.80 PaidPermit No. 237