Bdifiiuit

Ch/iist

12-

Forwarding Agent:

Field Address:

Mr. John McDonald

Henki Boonaerts
Kerkstraat 161

2213 Dawn Street

Granite City

Boorsem, 3631

Ulinois 62040

Belgium

Wory Esther

Vol.

II No.
THE

John Mark

Henki

4
CHURCH

DOORS

WERE

CLOSED

We are now living on "Church Street" in Boorsem, Belgium.

The name fits well, since we have been opening our home for
the gathering of a small congregation.
street was named however.

That is not how the

For hundreds of years the Catholics

have had a large church on the street, thus the name.

Though Boorsem is a relatively small town of about

2,000 population, she has recently been in the news.

Some of

the local Catholics invited an out-of-town priest to hold "mass'

Saturday night in the nearby playground.

The Boorsem priest

locked the doors Sunday morning at mass time.

He announced

the people could hold their own services outside, or go to the

church "on the corner,"

meaning us.

Since this incident, arrangements have been made to

assign another priest to Boorsem.

The Catholic church doors

are once again open, and none of the local people have joined

in our worship of GOD. We hope these, and other things will

all work together for the forwarding of God's Kingdom, for
those of us who do love Him. Pray that we may be able to

use all opportunities to their best advantage.

>

BUS

FORTHE

BOSS

A number of small towns

near Boorsem were recently

joined to form Mass-Mechelen.

m ou ir

Some of these towns were

Eisden, Opgrimbie, Vucht,

Mechelen-on-the-Maas, and Leut.
Since they were joined together

/Yk eke/en#
o h "the,

i t has been said that Mechelen

yy\<\(KS

has been running the show, so

the town is nicknamed "Boss
Khooc.v\

Mechelen!"

/^ekem
When John Mark and Mary
Esther returned from the

U.S.

(*) Henki was down to a motor

cycle for transportation.

lc(s1r

Maas-Mechelen and other

surrounding towns where folks

came from for services are as

far as 5 miles away.

Some

folks were unable to come for

services when we were left

ero.'n

without transportation to

bring them.

It was also quite difficult to go to calling, and

Bible studies with three on a motorcycle!
Fortunately we were able to find a '68 Fiat mini-bus for

sale, in good condition, Jnd reasonably priced. Now we are

able to "haul" folks for church, and mid-week studies.

It
is also much more convieheint for shopping, doing the laundry,

and calling on prospectivej Christians.

The Lord has certainly blessed us with a good bus for

the "boss". We hope manyj^n "Boss-Mechelen" and the nearby

towns will benefit from our blessings from God.

Pray with

us that this bus will be unable and used for His glory for
many years!
I I

II *

(*) John Mark and Mary Esltjher had a safe trip back to
Belgium late Sept. 26th, arriving home the 27th.

God that our family is agajlin together.

-2-

We thank

"...thats where we live?"

Even as a teenager, and

while working in the coal
mine, Henki had heard of

the reputation of Eisden

(see previous article), now

incorperated with Maas
Mechelen.

Down the main

streets of town, brightly

lighted, and obviously
advertised, can be found
many prostitute houses.

Along with them are regular

places of commerce, post
office, restaurants and
homes.

Th

Recently one of the

political leaders of Maas-

Mechelen was Imprisoned for

improper use of the city's

th&m

ifqh

-sbal
CO e> o

he

us S h DUJ "th e yy) boa)

money, among other things.

One of the Catholic priests

has been living unmarried, but as husband and wife with

his house maid.

T.U)

So sin holds these people captive.

Now, that's where we are living: Never did Henki or the

Genk Christians dream of there being a church of Christ in such
a town. One of the Genk elders has been delivering canned goods
to stores in this area for fifteen years. He drove right by
where we now live, little realizing what God had planned for
this small town!

During this time, however, there was a godly couple

fervently praying. They were elderly Germans, who came to
spend their summers in Belgium. Mrs. Hetterscheid had prayed for
ten years even before her husband was converted. Now they have

been Christians for thirty-five and forty-five years. They

have prayed that one day there would be a congregation of believers
with whom they could worship. Now some fifteen years later their
(continued page 4)
-3-

(continued from page 3)

prayers have been answered with our
coming.
O
[U
S

ro

o
n

OJ

S!

H-

rt

0)

(U

Hrt

V5

to

C-H
O
ET
3

{U
i-J
GH9

SCTQ
n

>

OQ

a>

(U

rt

CL . .

o^
N>

o
O

Hetterscheids return to

Germany the middle of November,

Not only will our attendance be

down, we will miss the blessings

of this dear couple. They plan
to return to Belgium early this year,

since they have "something pulling

them back." They are growing
old, but their faith and love are

rich and bubbling over.

They

may not live to see many of the

results of their prayers and

witnessing, but we hope many

h

people will be made free because

of the truth we ALL TOGETHER
are trying to preach.

IK
w

f
(

H'
t-"

CONTINUE TO PRAY

For the various request on the

special insert page of our last

p.

newsletter.
o

O
-F;

In case this is your

first letter, we will list these

simply: Alvier, Anika, contacts
"NJ
CO

fS5

made in the area, Genk youth group,

Jeff, Kina, Lacazie and Pressatuk,
Luk, Lydia, members of the infant

congregation in Boorsem, Shasco,

Theo and other boys Henki knew,

and those who are supporting us.
Further letters will give
information concerning answers
and other requests.

"The prayer of a righteous

man has a powerful effect,"

(James 5:]6b, TEV)

-4-

Beli|Uuii/

Ck/iiAi

Mr. John McDonald

Field Address:
Henki Boonoerts

2213 Dawn Street

Kerkstraat 161

Forwarding Agent:

Granite City

Boorsem, 3631

Illinois 62040

Belgium

VOL,

I I I No.

"AND

THE

Morv E^thpr

1972

In^in MnrW

Honli

January-February

..THOSE WHO KERB BEING SAVED.

LORD ADDED,

Rejoice with us, as did the angels, for on January 9,

1972, Adry Kuypers, a young man of 21 allowed himself to

be born
services

again in watery
in Boorsem

baptism.

He has been attending

for about two

months

{He was men

tioned in the prayer request insertpage last newsletter.)

Adry is truly the "first fruits" of the Holy Spirit's work
in Boorsem,

as he is

the first

to yield to Christ since

services began in June.*

Adry was temperate

will not

have to be many

even before his baptism, so there

great changes in his life.

Yet

being owned by the Master, his life will now be complete.

Surely great things are in store for him if he continually

yields to Christ.

Adry will

have many trials as he will

be ridiculed for being a "Protestant" in a Catholic domin

ated country.
He already talks of conversations with his
family, and those at work. He strengthens himself by com
ing to Wednesday Bible studies, so we hope he will have
the courage he needs to stand up for the Christ he loves.
*Anika Cartuyvels was also baptized this summer. She and
her family came from the Genk congregation to help
begin
the

work in

work

in Genk.

Boorsem.

Her baptism

was more a result of

"

A BICYCLE

BUILT PO^

staying in one placeJ

A Heavy mist of cigarette smoke was hanging in

air.

The room reekejd of the stench of

beer.

the

this is

what greeted us for lover

two weeks as we entered our
downstairs rooms.
Ojften our eyes seemed glued shut and

our joints were throbbing.

The

"music" all night

to please the customers next door, but was very

was

detri

mental to our sleep

I

The other half ofi our house was rented

ber,

19,

to January,i 5th.

from Decem

Our landlord must have for

gotten his vows never to rent the other half of his

property for a tavern again.
(Those who had rented i t

before we came had badly damaged the building )

Since

the two houses had originally been one, the doors be

tween were only temporarily blocked off.
Thus
the
smoke, smells, and sounds drifted into our home quite
easily.
I

The man

who rented

the adjacent

rooms wanted

to

become famous and he h^d a plan.

He prepared a tavern
to provide himself with a means of income
while
he

rode

on a

bicycle.

| The championship for riding day

and night on a
mounted bike was
some
314 hours.
Mr. Georges
Conaerts
wanted to break that
record^!
I
1

By opening

a bar, 'having records,

and other attractions,!

needed to keep awake.l

buy drinks

a disk jockey,

he would have all the noise he

Besides, everyone coming in to

paying the|bntrance fee to see the "nut on

wheels", would bring him a fat profit.

1 I

I I

You :should have seen them getting everything ready

for the big opening d^y. Weeks before they began to

bring all the needed furniture. Every hour possible

was spent scrubbing and decorating. They were still
busy late the Saturday night just before the big day.
Then at 10 A.M, just asl our service began on Sunday,
Mr. Conaerts began his '"ride."
(continued page 3)

It was a hectic two weeks for us, just putting up

with all the noise, etc.
I cannot imagine what it
must have been like for the cycler,
his wife, and the

others involved. All the energy,

expense,
and long
hours for two weeks worth of "riotous living " Mr.
Conaerts managed to stay

hours,

"traveling" over

hour he had a

ten minute

on

the

"rollers"

7,000 kilometers.
rest,

for

Oh,

407

every

but otherwise i t was a

non-stop bike ride, day and night.

And not a minute
of this was going to count for good, for eternity!
In fact Mr. Conaerts did not turn out as the champion,
since someone else went three hours longer the same
week.
There are others now trying for 500 hours,
so continues the race for championship.
We are

told in the

Bible to live

and

in the world,

but not to be of the world.

Actually, I am not inter
ested in living
like
that.
But how can we witness

effectively to people like that? This is a question

that kept running through my mind.
It is a question
that we are each going to have
to answer and live for
ourselves.

And what

we answer may determine our des

tiny on the day of judgement.

You may want to wall
have

to come

did with the

they will go
ful lepers,
should go in,
them, hoping
Jesus go to

them out,

in contact with

them.

so you

Is

will not

that what Christ

publicans? You may want to

"pray, and
away."
Christ never ignored the disdain
hoping they would go away.
Or maybe we
whoop-it-up, and have a good time with,
to be a good witness.
After all, did not
the wedding feast and eat with the tax

collectors?

No, I think
i t takes
personal contactjust one
to one, or two with two.
Witness with kind, gentle,
loving actions.
Make them want to know Jesus as you
know Him.
Make them jealous of the joy and peace you
have.

Talk about how wonderful

it

every moment of every day. And pray,

is

to have Him for

pray,

pray.

Pray

that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives, and use
you at the proper moment to the fullest advantage.

PASTING IS A FEAST

for the SOJJL:

H-

ft O

di
g

g g

p9o3
rt >1
o ^
^1

<;

(D PjvQ

Mi
i

Nucho first came to visit

us in about October.

talked about his old frienis

and the "good times" he and

Henki used to have.

who was married to who, and

how

this or

living

g '

listen politely

talked

was

He told

that girl was

S 1
1

He

immorally.
of the

He did

when Henki
Bible,

but

not really interested.

Henki said,when Nucho left,

that he had not changed; he

was s t i l l the same worldly
Nucho

.he had

known

about

five years before.

(This "mystery article"will

be

continued in the

follow

ing newsletter. Have a part

in the outcome cf this story
by praying for this worldly
friend of the

is a

Boonaerts.

He

potential Christian^

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written

by Mary Esther Boonaerts ,

edited; printed, and mailed
by John & Eileen McDonald.
It is distributed every two
months

to

inform and encou

rage support of the work

being done in Belgium for
Christ by Henki and Mary
Esther

Boonaerts.

(4)

A SPECIAL PRAYER-REQUEST INSERT PAGE

"oooFor we do not know how we ought to pray? the Spirit himself pleads with
God for us, in groans that words cannot express.... for the Spirit
pleads with God on behalf of God's people in accordance
with God's will."

Romans 8;26b,

27b

Alvier

^.ometime after she married, and her folks would not let her in their
home, her father had a bad automobile accident. Alvier went to visit
him in the hospitals
Upon visiting Polets we found Alvier and her husband
visiting her parents=
We were of course glad for the reconcilation.
Mro Polet

is not completely recovered from the accident, so is glad for help from his
new son-in-law.
We ask for you to continue to pray that their relation to
Christ may become personal,
Anika
She continues to go to church regularly in Genk with her parents.
Her young, eager love for Christ is obvious and bubbling over.
Pray this may grow to maturity, developing into something even more beautiful.'
Contacts 1)

The shipper and his wife moved from the Maasmechelen area soon

after we wrote concerning them being offended by teachings on

baptism.
(That had nothing to do with their moving, just a coincidence.)
Henki has visited them again, letting them know they are still welcome to
services in Boorsem.
We have heard nothing from them since.
Possibly later,
fruits may be reaped from our contacts with them.
2) MrSo Kuypers is a friend of the shipper and his wife who has
remained faithful in worshipping in Boorsem.
She was originally
from Holland, but her first marriage to a Belgian brought her to this
country.
She has two sons by that first husband, and she has two sons by her
second husband.

Now she has been l e f t alone with four

sons

to raise.

Her two older sons are quite wild.

Jos, the eldest is still living
at home, and though he works> he wastes most of his money drinking.
He was
recently hit by an automobile while at a tavern, and now is nursing a broken
leg.

MrSo Kuypers has asked for the congregation to pray for Jos,

not

only that his body will be healed, but that his life may be changed by Christo
The two younger sons are fanatical for the Catholic church.

Audry,

theoldest of these i:wo has been in several services ne^f^tly:.

He se^ms to.
be very receptive to the gospel, and anxious to join again with Christians on
Sunday.
How wonderful i t would be to see Mrs. Kuypers and her entire house
hold won to christo There have been many things happening that could lead
to such a happy conclusion.
Join with us, praying that God's will shall be
done,

3) Another lady, MrSo Kottas whom Henki called on has been coming
for about a months She use to worship with a Baptist congregation
that gathered in Eisden ten years ago. When the group discontinued services,

she faithfully attended a nearby Catholic Church.

She seems extremely
happy for the opportunity to join us in Boorsem for worship.
Genk
They are still without leadership for any sort of regular meetings.
Youth
They often "congregate" at Henki's parent's home, since two of their
girls are teenagers.
Guided study and planned activities are so
necessary for this age groupo
Please pray earnestly that God will raise up
someone for

this

task.

Jeff

Now that Henki is working again in the coal mine, he sees Jeff
often at work.
Again Jeff has held himself absent from gathering
with Christians in Genk.
It is sad some are unable to grow on their own,
yet we are taught to help those who are weaker.
Hopefully Henki and Jeff
can grow together, and witness as they work in the mine.

Kina

We are happy to announce Kina's wedding to MCo Sam Surfas on

December 22.

They both plan further education, before possible

work in Germany as missionaries.

Pray for happy years of married life for
them, and fruitful service in God's Kingdom.
Kina did move to Lincoln, 111.,
and was able to find a job as well as an apartment.
Again we see answers to
many prayers.

Lacazie

These men, neighbors of Henki's parents have recovered from their

and

automobile accident.

Pressatuk

Pressatuk with his wife has been to services

both in Boorsem and Genk,

There is no indication of change in
Lacazie. We continue to visit him, trying to keep the doors of
communication open.
One day it may be God's will that they both surrender
themselves

to Christ.

Bc(i|iiUN/ 1^ Ch/liAt
Field Address:
Henki Boonaerts
Kerkstraat 161

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. John McDonald
2213 Dawn Street

Boorsem, 3631

Granite City

Belgium

Illinois 62040

Maty f sJher

Vol=

- John Mafic -

' Henki

May-June

1972

I I I NOo3
U

D D

WATER

It is true that i t rains about twelve months a year in

Belgium,

That is not, however, what we are referring to b;.

our title. Unfortunately, we have discovered there are som-

misunderstandings about our work. We feel we should try an

clear up the situation

for

those who may be uncertain.

The work in Genk was begun about fifteen years ago.

Since the death of Don Castelein, who helped begin this

congregation, the Genk church has been what is commonly

termed "self-supporting."Their buildings have been paid fo
by their own group and leadership has been continued by th
Belgians.
There have been numerous missionaries and interns livi
in Genk at different times These received no salary(as mi

ister,etc.),from the Genk Christians. They helped teach, e

where their talents could be used. At present there are no

American missionaries helping in Genk.

The work in Boorsem is a "completely separate work",sc

twenty miles from Genk= Of course,we do have a close relat

with the Genk Christians, This comes not only because Henk

parents live in Genk,but fellowship with other Christians

so irrfportant: in Christ we are ONEo The Genk church also n
helps with our personal financial support. Special meeting
are often planned together,and since there is no baptistry
in Boorsem,we also use the one in Genk whenever the need
i

(continued page four)

-2-

HARVEST IN SPRING AND SUMMER???

Springtime I is usually associated with new birth.

We are so happy that we have also witnessed many-

spiritual new-ti^rths this "season"., In both Genk and

Boorsem there nave been a

D)

number who have been buried

to walk in a neiw life during May, June, and July

In Genk, first an elderly lady was baptized.Then

followed two teenage boys, both going to marry girls

of the congregation.
Roland,

(We are eCspecially joyed

the fience of Henki's sister,Zonnie.

by
How

wonderful that they will begin their life together

both "in Christp") The fourth was a middle aged lady

who runs a funeral home. Her husband is afraid busi

ness will declinp since she is no longer a Catholic.

She is however, Iwitnessing to customers as well as

her own childreiiiL some of whom have since come to

church with her.^

For the Booipsem congregation this has
another brother yon to Christ. Michael, a

meant
friend

and neighbor of Adri (baptized in January),

also

confessed his Ic^ye for Christ and was baptized in

May. Michael is jijiiore the age of Adri's younger
brother Jozef,wh9 has since Michael's baptism been

coming for churclH and bible study.

Jozef has rj^ally been in contact with the

gospel longer the^n Michael, but has been searching

to be sure. Convajnced, he came during the week
confessing he was now certain and wishes

New

Testament immersion.' We rejoice once again in the

new birth of one!into God's family in the summer

time. Spiritually! harvest time is all the

time.

SUGAR AND SPICE;!and all things nice -

Language can Iteally pose a problem sometimes. One

time a Christian itriend was visiting for lunch. Jello
was served,something almost unknown in Belgium. "O,
I've heard the sqng,'Jello River',is that what this
is", ask the frier^d^ Wadek understands quite a bit of

English,but just jiike Mary Esther with Flaams(Dutch),

and Henki sometimes with English,words sound alike.
It can be embarrassir>g,but then it can be the "spice
of missionary lifel"

B'ASTING IS A

FEAST

I t was sort of a

FOR THE SOUL

fast w6 had,

the second time we saw

Nucho. Our lunch was postponed until around 3jP,M, Neithf

of us actually felt hungry since we had been so glad for
the opportunity to feed this friend on food for his soul.
Needless to say, lunch did taste pretty good when we
finally ate. We hope Nucho will find the words of God
"sweet as honey" to eat and very satisfying, and that he
will hunger and thirst after righteousness.
(Continue to pray for Nucho's salvation. More is to fpile

next month in this "mystery article.")

"WHEN IN ROME,

DO AS THE ROMANS,"

Most of you know God's work has led us to the small

town or village of Boorsem. What we possibly have not
mentioned is that Boorsem is a farming community. In
fact the continuation of our garage wall is the wall of
the pig and cow barn of the farmer next door. Of course

you can imagine what this means, especially now in the

summer months,

in terms of stinks and flies.

Yet there is something about a farmers life that is

appealing to those who have always lived in a larger
town or city. This is the case with Henki, who has
always had a "childhood dream" of living on a farm.
Besides that he has always had a soft spot in his heart
for animals, to which his mother can testify,with many
stories humerous and otherwise.

We praise God, for a number of reasons,Henki has

been able to stop his coal mine job. For about as many
reasons, Henki has bought some goats. He started with a
baby goat as a pet and playmate for John Mark's birth
day. He figured some people have dogs as pets,and "they
don't give anything,but goats do." Now we also have two
milk goats. Not only do we earn a little selling the milk
and save on buying,but we are now "when with the farmers,
doing as the farmers."
Henki is enjoying the animals, not to mention the
pleasure John Mark gets from all three. It has also act
ually opened doors of opportunity to talk with some of
our Boorsem neighbors. Still none of the Boorsem folks
have come to worship with us and this just may be used
of God for that very purpose.

(4)
(continued from page 1)

B)

Possibly and hopefully in

the near future

there will

be a building built in the

Boorsem(Maas-mechelen) areao
There are also workers need

ed so badly to help begin

other congregations in Belgiumo The opportunities and
possibilities are so many
in Genk,

Boorsem,

and all

Belgium, We are also still

i n need of

E)

those who are

willing to help with our

monthly financial support,
helping us meet our salary
and working expenses.
We hope this has helped
clear up any misunderstand
ings. Feel free to write to
us a t either the Granite

City or Boorsem address to

further inform yourself
concerning our efforts in
Belgium for Christ.
God
bless you further as you
support his work all over
the world with prayers
and finances.

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is

written by Mary Esther

Boonaerts,edited,printed,
and mailed by John and
Eileen McDonaldoIt i s

distributed every two

months

to

inform

and

encourage support of the

work being done in Bel
gium by the Boonaerts=

^0^ Ck/UAt'
Field Address:
Henki Boonaerts
Kerkstraot 161

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. John McDonald
2213 Dawn Street

Boorsem, 3631

Granite City

Belgium

Ulinols 62040

Mary Esther

John Mark

Sept. -Oct,

Vol. Ill, No. 5

JOY

OVER ONE LOST

SOUL THAT REPENTS

If is written that Christ once said there would be more joy over one lost sinner

repenting, than over ninety and nine already saved! Joze Kuypers (seen below)
was one who came to repentance, being baptized in July (reported in the May-

June newsletter). The three young men, Audri Qozef's brother, baptized in
January), Michael Hermans (baptized in May), and Jozef continue to show signs
o spiritual growth.
Henki has begun a simple caUir^ program whereby these boys and others go
house to house
show

inviting people to church. Occasionally there are some who

interest

in the

Bible,

or "religious"
matters. This

opens doors o
contact, to be
followed
up
throughout the
year. Bepray-

mpiy

1^-9

M||
HI,

9s
^

young men, and

bring others to

God's way o

Salvation.

year, Henki again

went to the mine. This had to be done to supplement our income which was a
little low at the time. Here (above) is Henki (with helmet, front row) seen

with Jess (mentioned in the prayer-request pages o June-August and NovemberDecember, 1971 newsletters; middle in backrow) along with some other miners.
Jeff continues alone in the mine, so pray for his witness for Christ in this
place of spiritual darkness.

Baa,

Baa

SHEEP CAKE

John Mark was pretty proud of

the cake lamb baked for him by
Mrs. Kottas (see article in
March-April, 1972, issue). The
special forms for these cakes
come

from

Czechosolovokia.

We praise God even more for

the "Lamb that takes away the
sins of the world, " and continue
to preach to the best of our

ability His name among all with

whom we come in contact.

BIBLE STUDY/ PRAYER MEETING

Since the attenders

EM

churchquiteoten^

Usually people are more willing to come for an informal Bible study in some
one's home, than to enter the "church doors."

Often this later leads to

interest and concern enough to join us for church. In some cases this brings
conversion; lasting fellowship with the newcomers.

THE BOORSEM CHURCH -

BOONAERTS'

HOME

This is the building God led us

to over two years ago. We have
found

it comfortable for

our

residence, and very useful for

church gathering hall. It is on
the corner of two main streets
in

and

Boorsem:

"Church Street"

"Pant Street." This

"one

time" tavern is now being used

for God's glory.

QUIET MOMENTS

Slowly growth in the church group with

whom we are working, has made our
home

an "action center!"

From 9:00

a.m.

until 12:00 p.m. we can expect

one person or another for a visit.

People passing by see the "church o
Christ" sign and stop in out o curiosity,
or the young Christians come with prob
lems, or just in need o Christian
fellowship. There are also a few quiet

moments together as a family! Henki

and JohnMarklook pretty rested, don't
you think???
BELGIUM

FOR

CHRIST

is written

by Mary Esther Boonaerts, edited and

mailed by John and Eileen McDonald,
and printed by the St. Louis Christian
College press. It is distributed every
two months to inform and encourage

support of the work that is being done

in Belgium for Christ by the Henki
Boonaerts family.

Belqiant

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. John McDonald
2213 Dawn Street

Granite City
Illinois 62040

Ch/iHi

Field Address:
Henki Boonaerts
Kerkstract 161

Boorsem, 3631

Belgium

Mary Esther

Vol. ni, No. 6

Nov. -Dec.

'It's A GREAT DAY to be alive"

andBerna^ Get ers trave^

Being aspecial "attraction" we plannedspecial meetings inGenk and Boorsem, The group
in Genk met in Henki's parents' home, with not only Christians but also some non-

Christian visitors. In Boorsem we had the service in our meeting hall (instead o in one
of the Christian's home as normeil for mid-week Bible study). We also had Christians
and non-Christians, including some first-comer adults from Boorsem. At the close of

the meeting in Boorsem, the Christians asked to take an offering to help the girls on
(Continued on page 4)

"ALL THE KING'S HORSES, and all the king's men,

COULDN'T PUT the floor BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. "

The house we are renting has qiite a history.

It has been a farmer's home, a tavern with

a dance hall, a bicycle shop, and goodness

knows what else! The room where we have
services stands over what was once the

dump pit of the farm. Because of a poor

foundation, the floor began to settle, the
tiles becoming loose. The landlord decided
to put in a new floor so he made a contract
with a floor layer. He then tore up the old

floor to get the ball rolling. Unfortunately

neither tiles, sand, nor cement came until
over a week later. Then the floor layer

got sick. There we were with no meeting

hallj

Just before the floor was torn up, we received a guest into our home until he could find

a 30band apartment to rent. Lucien {a brother of Pierre, who attends services regularly)
came from Brussels trying to find a solution to the problems in his life, and a goal for
life. Later we came to discover he had turned to drinking when his wife divorced him.
He later tried without success to overcome what developed into alcoholism: he had
become a slave to ALCOHOL and wanted release. He found work, but his first paycheck
was spent on his "alcohol boss." We tried to show him Jesus, the only one whocould help
him from his troubles and sin. We had about given up hope of him converting, when he
began seriously reading the Bible.; The next Sunday he went forward in the church service,
confessing his beHef in Jesus.

While at work, Lucien made friends with a young man from Boorsem, who also turned
out to be an alcoholic. Through Gaston (this friend) we came in contact with yet another

alcoholic who could lay the floor for us!

Appropriate arrangements were made with the

first floor layer then Johannes Conaert (the third alcoholic, also from Boorsem) and
Lucien got our floor ready. Though we had some inconvenient interruptions caused by
getting a new floor, God worked out all for the good. Continued friendship with Gaston
and Johannes and their families has led to some attending church and Bible study. We

praise God for our new contacts in Boorsem, hoping' they may come to believe in the
power of Christ to completely change lives.

SEEING THE LIGHT

The schooling system in Belgium provides the possibility for children of three to begin
attending. Since John Mark had no one at home with whom to play, and learning the
lai^uage is important for him, we decided to let him give school a try. He loves it,
and it has helped develop his character (sharing with other children,^^ etc.) and learn both
English and Dutch. This has also provided extra time that Mary Esther desperately
needed. Housewife duties, writing, nevrsletter preparation, and Bible studies there
were never enough hours in a week. With John Mark gone part of the day, she has time

to concentrate on these works and then give "undivided attention" to JohnMark's reading,
playing, etc., when he is home.

Calling on two ladies has also been possible since the beginning of school. One of these,
Mede Dolega, was a German-Lutheran (here often called "evangelical"). She had always
been friendly, accepting teachings from the Bible. When the matter of New Testament
baptism was shown to be different from her childhood teachings, there began some
struggles in her life. With victorious working of the Holy Spirit, she finally came to
"see the light" as she put it herself. With much rejoicing, we were able to see her
immersed into Christ as our physically forty-e^ht year old, "baby" sister in God's
family.
V

Yet another to see the lii^ht is one whom Henki has been visiting regularly. Maria is an
eighty-three year old lady, who never learned to read, but has always tried to follow to

tlie best of her ability what God e5q>ected of her. As a child she tells of her fatfier
reading from the Bible, and as a young mother she did her best for her children (often
begging for food during war years, and other hard times). She relates trying to lead
people to do good. When a friend of hers was dying some fourteen years ago, she
promised to cook for her friend's husband. Cooking for this man is where Henki found
her, faithfully keeping her promise. Therefore, it was no wonder that when told of
the New Testament plan of salvation, she requested immersion upon confession of her
faith in Jesus. Though she cannot read God's word in the Bible, "She who has ears, let
her hear."

(Continued from page 1)

their way! (We were glad for this sign of

growth and love, that not we as mission

aries suggested the gift.) We were glad

to present the twins with a gift of about

double the normal church offering! Pray

for the continued growth in the spiritual
life of the Belgian Christians.

It was refreshing to have these two young

Christian ladies in our home. We are still

enjoying their visit, though they have been

gone some time, since we have two of their

records, and tape-recorded other songs.

How wonderful that God not only gives
talents, but there are still those willing
to use these talents for God's glory and

upbuilding Christians in faith, throughout

the world.

Being on their way to India, Mary Esther

wanted to squeeze into their suitcases and

go along. When the girls sang songs in

Hindi that they learned their last visit to

India, homesickness hit hard! WeseparataJ

not only with joy from their visit, but also

with some tears of "wishing-I-couldness. "

It helped us appreciate all the more the

truthfulness of the words: "It's a great

day to be alive in Jesus Christ. "

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by

Mary Esther Boonaerts, edited and mailed

by John and Eileen McDonals, and printed

by St, Louis Christian College. It is
distributed every two months to inform

and encourage .support of the work being

done in Belgium for Christ by the Henki
Boonaerts family.