ADDRESSES

BELGIUM
FOR
CHRIST
John Mark

Mary Esther

YQL x i^Q 2

James Matthew

1980

MAY-AUOUST

WRAPPING THINGS UP
Has it ever been nice being able to visit so many of our supporters and thank them personally for past

support, we have been welcomed so kindly -it's the "warm welcome" (hot weather) that we could do
without!!

After mostly cool weather in Belgium and summer highs of

these loo-i lo

temperatures have been something else!

Added to the joy of seeing supporters again after six years in most cases, ithas also been good to get to
meet many new Christians. Hopefully some added support will arise from some of these meetings;

maybe even some recruits, in fact, inWisconsinwe made tentative plans for one tojoin us sometime the
beginning of the year. Be praying for these developments and looking for more news on this.
Now we are on the last tour of our furlough, preparing this newsletter from Arizona. We hope to wrap

things up before we leave the States, in ways we feel likewe're on our last legs,tool We plan a travelogue
and more details, maybe even some pictures, in a following newsletter. Suffice it to say for now. we

thank everyone for kind hospitality and a wonderful summer. The Lord has blessed us with good health
and safe travels thus far It will be good to get back to Belgium; our flight is reserved for September 28 at
8:30 in the evening from Chicago. We have enjoyed being in the States once again and wish we could

be wrapping up presents of appreciation for each you you. and not just wrapping up these last events
before our departure.

NEWS FROM THE B-R-E-T-H-R-E-N IN BELGIUM

During our absence from Belgium we have been able to phone Christians there as well as Henki's
mother. We've had a few letters as well, with both good and bad news. Henki's father, who was already

in the hospital when we leftfor the States, had been very ill. We got tosee Kina after she and her family
returned to the U.S., and she added to the other news that Pa Boonaerts had been awful close to death,

and they'd prepared themselves to that end. But. the Lord has been gracious to us once again and
spared his life. He was able to be home for the weekend, so we rejoice in his strengthening health, and
look forward to seeing him once again.

The Christians in Genk and Maasmechelen have been encouraging one another. Summer months

have taken their toll in attendance there, as well as in the States, as many take vacation trips away from

Belgium. Weather there has been very cold, meaning stoves on most of the summer months, even!
Christians were able to share in a two-church picnic which must have been great. An intern, Steve Petty

from Kentucky Christian College, even preached at Maasmechelen once in our absence, with Dennis
Messimer translating.

Probably the best news that was sent us was concerning continuing evangelism. The ones going out
with the Jule iviiller filmstrips have been able to lead one to Christ, whom we'd not even met before we
left. It must have been a wonderful experience for them to immerse Michael Janssen, their first convert.
Just before we came to the States a young couple, Nico and Carolin Peters (Caroiin is the niece of Roger
and Mia verstopped). was also immersed making a total of 35 since April. 1979. May the Lord continue
to bless all efforts in winning souls and nurturing them in the Christian way.

WHAT'S IN A

NAME??

Looking at the letterhead (we're sorry not to have a new picture by now, but traveling doesn't seem to
be conducive to getting one!) and the names included with our picture, set me thinking. Itseems strange
to see all long, double names for the members of our family, except Henki, pronounced like "hanky". We
don't want you to be deceived, or think he's been slighted. That's just the nickname for Henkrick. his first
name. His entire name is Henkrick Willelm Mattheu Boonaerts. Especially to help those of you who don't

know us personally, and have trouble deciding how to pronounce that last name, it's like "bone-arts".
You know, there are the fine-arts, medical arts, industrial arts, and, the bone-arts - Boonaerts!
While we're on names and nicknames, this may be interesting also. John Mark's Turkish friend's

mother cannot pronounce his American name, so it comes out "Stom mark" which in Dutch happens to
mean "dumb mark", and James comes out "Chips"! That reminds me. my brothers liked to slur my long

name Mary Esther together fast, and it came out "Mustard" which l always liked more than what lots of

my classmates called me - Fatty, otherwise I've always preferred MaryEsther, saying "Mary, Mary, Quite

contrary, if you call me Mary!" If you call me just Esther. I won't complain though.

Did you know all your sisters in Christ in Belgium retain their maiden name, legally, even after
marriage? We won't confuse you with all those extra names, though, whenever more are immersed.
That is why Roland appears on our address stamper to those of you with whom we correspond from

Medaryville Christian Church

Box 140, South Jefferson Street
Medaryville, Indiana

Non-Proilt Organization
U.S. Postage

U.S.A. 47957

Medaryville, Ind.
PERMIT #4

Belgium besides the newsletters. Having been married in the States, and being more familiar with
American customs, I always sign my name Mary Esther Boonaerts. so confuse myself and Belgian
authorities when rm supposed to answer that "Roland" is my name! Some things are just too hard to
adjust to. 1 guess!

Of course in Bible times, names often had meanings and were given expressly for the meaning. My
Grandma Rothermel had received her name Zoena from her father who had been studying Greek, and

gave her this name from the Greek word for life, saying "May she have life, and have it abundantly!"
Indeed she did. serving her Lord almost 50 years in India, and living to be 96 years old. Surely you know
Jesus means "Jehovah is Salvation", as it's Hebrew equivalent, Joshua. Do you know what your name
means?

AFTER A-L-L THESE YEARS!

A few years ago the need arose forsomeone to helpour forwarding agents, John and Eileen McDonald.
Melvin and Loueila Roller answered our plea published in the HORIZONS magazine and though we'd
not met them, because of various reasons, we felt led of God to accept them in part-time capacity. Since

then, they have taken over complete duties of forwarding and corresponding agents for the work in

Belgium for Christ, it would seem most unusual, Mary Esther having grown up in India, that they have
also, due to several unusual circumstances, become agents for George and Mary Varughese of Kerala.
India! This is of course a heavy load for them, but they have graciously said they will continue in this dual

capacity as long as the Lord gives them strength. This latter bit of information we had not realized until
our arrlval to the States this summer. They felt iiwould be best to explain the situation personally, and we
admire them even more for their generosity.

"-A4.'. ij
; 1'-^'
The first meeting-the Boonaerts and the Rollers finally met at Lincoln,
Illinois on June 5.

Melvin and Loueila came to Lincoln, Illinois to pick us up after a short visit with Mary Esther's brother's

familyand another short get-together with her folks, William and Jean Roland,on furlough from India. We
felt itespecially nice that we not only got to meet them forthe first time, but some of the family as well. It
was so nice to spend June 5th until the 20th with them on their northern Indiana farm, getting to know
them and their family, friends, and share with the congregation where they attend services. We so

appreciated their hospitality then, and other times we were in their area, making their home sort of
"base" between tours.

We want to make public this "tribute" to them and thank them for their

helpfulness and Christian spirit, far above and beyond what could be expected. We hope you too will
share words of thanks and encouragement whenever you have occasion to correspond with them.

Praise God, and thank Him for Rollers, and other forwarding agents who are indeed a vital link between
the supporting churches and missionaries.
SPECIAL

NOTE: - The Rollers have offered to help us sell our automobile after we return to

Belgium. It is an olive green, four door, 1972 Chevy impala. We've been getting about 15 to 16 miles to
the gallon, air-conditioning running all the time, and we've really enjoyed good service and comfortable
riding. Ifanyone is looking for something in this line, please contact Rollers at above U.S. address or call
them at (2 19) 826-4264.

Funds will be needed shortly after arrival back in Belgium to purchase

transportation, so we hope to use what we get out of the Impala towards that. Thanks for your help or
interest in this matter.

Medaryvllle Christian Church

Box 140, South Jefferson Street
Medaryvilie, Indiana

Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID

Medaryvilie. Ind.

U.S.A. 47957

PERMIT

#4

Mary Esther
John Mark
James Matthew

FIELD ADDRESS

BELGIUM

Henki Boonaerts

Louis Mercierlaan 135

Maasmechelen 3640 BELGIUM

FOR

CHRIST

FORWARDING AGENT
Melvin & Louella Roller

Route 1, Box 92

Burnettsviile, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

Sept-Dec.

Vol. X, No. 3

TRAVELOGUE of 1980 "Furlough" TRIP

How do you go about giving a report of a 116 day trip? You are bound to forget someone or something very
important! Therefore with the following article, especially for those of you whom we did not get to visit this
summer, we would hke to give some details of our trip to the States. Probably the rest of you who read this
newsletter, and those whom we did see will also be interested in these facts, and amused with some of the
happenings.

On the days of June 3 and 4going to the States, and again September 28and 29when we returned to Belgium, we
were up for our travels about 24 hours each: sitting, standing, walking (or running to catch a train or bus before
we'd be late!) or waiting on delayed transportation, before we could lay down to stretch out for a good night of
sleep. Of course the rigors of travel to foreign countries aren't nearly what they used to be, and we are thankful
and fortunate not to have weeks or even months of travel (even like Mary Esther used to have when they went to

India years ago). Jet lag, and the drastic time changes take their toll, and it is always good to be someplace you
can call "home" and be with friends instead of amongst strangers and often impolite, rough persons. We praise
God for safe and modem travel.

We were glad during our various tours this summer, to have met friends, and professors from our College days,
and several missionary friends in at least 26 different towns we passed through. We were also able to visit Mary
Esther's family, saw her pEirents once at her brother's home, as well as once more in St. Louis. We also saw her
aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as Henki's sister, Kina and her family (see insert page for more on this).
As far as churches and supporters, we were able to visit all but one of our most regular, faithful supporting

groups (those who have been regular in at least the last six years). The one we did not get to is in Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan. They had started supporting us after a visit during our furlough in '73-'74 when we went to visit college
friends who were ministering with their congregation at the time. We just couldn't route a tour that far north in
the short time we were in the States, especially since we didn't know many on the way, nor were able to line up any

other speaking dates between Indiana and there to help make the trip more worthwhile. We are awfully sorry to
have had to leave them out as they hold a special place in our hearts, and they continue to support us though we
were unable to visit them but that one time in 1974! We hope our readers will especially remember this group as

they support us, and we extend our apologies, and thanks to the saints of the Rosedale Community Church.

Some statistics concerning our trip are that we only had to make two major changes in our announced schedule,
and added several more speaking engagements than originally planned. We stayed overnight 4times in a motel,7
times with family (either Henki's or Mary Esther's), 35times in different Christians' homes, and even 5 times in
the car to get to the next place on time, as wellas 3 times in BibleColleges, and 1veryspecialtimein the OldFolks
home where Grandma Rothermel spent the last years of her life on earth. The boys especially found that a treat,

and enjoyed the attention from all the grandmas and grandpas! That means of the 116 days we were in the
States, we stayed in 50 different places, slept on 50 different beds! At least 7 of the 35Christian families turned
their home over to us in their absence, and most of them "total strangers" to us -- or should we say, we to them.
What a wonder to belong to God's family!

We enjoyed -- and got fattened up at 13 potlucks and fish fries, went to 25 different churches, where we didn't
know more than two families of the congregation or supporting group (though they were supporting us in many

cases), and were able to visit 30 of the regular supporters (of the last 10 years). That made a total of 83 times, at
least, that Henki or Mary Esther told of the work in Belgium, including sharing with folks in old folks homes, etc.
as well as church groups, or individual supporters. Besides that, the boys were also called on to answer questions
or talk for Sunday school or youth groups. We were also able to share 4 times with camp or V.B.S., made at least 98
phone calls, and wrote around 164 letters or post cards in connection with the trip.

page 2

Each of us suffered a little sickness due to the unusually hot summer, more time changes, and similar stress due

to traveling. Henki had the worst trouble with hay fever towards the end ofthe trip, with sinus trouble, headaches,

and watering eyes. Almost immediately after we return^ to Belgium thatwas healed. He didn't seemtohave any
recurrence or trouble due to his bout with the shingle^ just before going to the States! Praise the Lord - and we

spent almost $600.00 on special health insurance for the months we were in the States, since our Belgian
insurance didn't cover us outside Europe.

Only 4 times did we have any car trouble, mostly minor repairs - once installing four new tires to insure safe
travel out to Arizona and back. That was still cheaper than flying out as originally planned! Several other

problems were actually a collapsed exhaust pipe that weididn't pin-point until back in Bumettsville, thanks to the
Rollers' friend, Mike, and their son-in-law, Tom! Weare ppglad to announce having been able to sell our car since
our return ~ all in all saving on not having to rent while in the U.S. which would have about tripled our expenses.

Only one time did we run out of gasoline, on the last leg_|)f our trip ~not too bad an average in over 14,000 miles
traveled in the green Impala!

There were many firsts, especially for theboys. Forth;^ firsttime, they saw an American mail box, anda State
side V.B.S. closing program. Greyhound buses, got to ijide a riding mower, see a pledge of allegiance, see an
elevator in a church, sleep on a wooden pew in church (in Belgium we have individual chairs), smell skunk (and

get all excited every time thereafter when they recognizp^ it again!), and enjoy Captain Kangaroo among some

other new T.V. shows. They also ate their first T.V. dinners, listened to a band in a park, saw an "egg factory" and
went fishing ~ James caught the most and John Mark the largest fish. They saw their first lightning bugs (fire
flies), attended an American funeral, played with bamboo poles, went to an American school, and got to ride on a
school bus, saw their first canyon, the Oak Creek, near the Grand Canyon, and went to their first drive-in theater.

Also they got lost for their first time, which they hope wijlf be their last. Henki helped bail hay and do other farm

chores for the first time - he's always had a dream of having a farm, but we just couldn't get him to stay in the
States on the Rollers' farm!! He enjoyed picking strawbemes in a commercial patch, and went roller skating, also
a first for the boys. Mary Esther got the first sun burn in her life, after living 15 years in India, and hopes it'll be
the last as well.

Some other things that kept us busy during the summer that may be interesting or noteworthy are that we

helped the Rollers (for once)to staple, address, sort, and mail newsletters; got used to somewhat different driving

(a h-u-g-e car, for one, with automatic shift, different sigjis, and some changed traffic regulations after six years;
-we-dadrive on theame-side-in Belgium, sothatatleast yasn't an adjustment); Henkt(who about^ve up trsdngf
and Mary Esther had to get used to the American typewri^r keyboard again, we were about eaten up offand on all
summer by mosquitos, saw and smelled oil wells in southern Illinois and Texas, were in a pretty bad hail storm,
and an absolutely beautiful thunder and lightning storm in the desert of New Mexico and Arizona. We saw the 4th

of July fireworks, and had a tour of the Standard Puhil^shing Company, found several Belgian and Holland
settlements, and even enjoyed some "home food" and forgot the diary (with important addresses, and all this

information) at a Shakey's pizza place, so had to drive pack several miles to retrieve it!
We also visited several places of interest in connection with Mormon history, saw the cement and fiberglass
grave containers being lowered into a grave, and saw the Shelbyville lake and dam, and a film on its
development. We saw several Amish settlements, and got in on a Farm Bureau meeting, were introduced to
Shaklee products, and had a surprise Tupperware party in absentia, and one silent one) with about $140.00 worth

of gifts, plus extra for shipping costs - so here's a special thanks to the Ferguson ladies that made it possible.
i '

Herby Goes Bananas is one of the only movies we got tp see to help unwind us, and the boys nicknamed some of

the beds we sleptin as "jello-beds" maybe not much different from the waterbeds now sopopular, huh! One time
there was such a badstorm we hadtowaitan hour toshowj theslide presentation, when theelectricity finally came
backon, and once the wind damaged trees badly. Henki ^d theboys began learningtheGreek alphabet, andthe
boys had to study some on their Dutch and French lessons to keep up on missed school days. Mary Esther learned

how to makeLouisiana chicken gumbo while in Texas, a^ we all wentacrossinto Mexico while in El Paso after
visiting-theiiew Bible-college there.Henki andMary^Eistther^speeially^njoyed reading several-back issues of
newsletters telling of how the work in Belgium was begi^n ~ telling of his father, "elder Boonaerts" and we even

found some pictures including Henki! He was also ablie to go calling several times with preachers where we
visited, sit in on a board meeting, and get involved in witnessing, and other activities of churches where we

visited. We were even able to witness a few immersions,j and share insome Bible college chapel services. Mary
Estherhelped in a quilting circle and later the ladiesevenpt her pick outsome quiltstotakebackforusein c-o-l-d
Belgium. Thanks to you ladies, also!!
'

We even had afew shopping sprees to get things to take |back with us, then packed several boxes for shippingto
Beglium, got interested in gyro-copter hobby helicopters with several folks, and developed about 8 rolls of film of
all our activities. We went to the Cincinnati zoo where Henki had been with his new bride 12 years before, toured

several museums and dairy farms, and saw the State Caijitol in Des Moines, Iowa; and wentto afew more special
places of interest in St. Louis since that is where both he ys were born.

So, as you can see, our summer was filled with just about every possible kind of activity, "spiritual" and
"secular"! Besides keeping a daily diary, making letter notations and other jottings, it took about three days for

theseactivities to becompiled for this travelogue. We hclpe you enjoy this report ofthe lighter sideofthe life of
missionaries on furlough.

Sept.-Dec., 1980

page 3

Special

PRAYER REQUEST

Insert No. 7

Insert

Isn't it wonderful to be able to share together in the Kingdom of God? We share these requests for prayer, in the
hope you'll pray, but also let us know of your special requests so we can share together with you even more.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth
agree about anything you ask for,
it will he done for you by my Father
in Heaven,"
(Matthew 18:19, NIV)

1>-

ANIKA
CARTUYVELS

Aftera kneeinjury,hospitalization, and subsequent slowing down in spiritualityof

this young lady, Anika has continuedher higher educationin another area sois now

studying fervently to be a teacher. Her parents, though the general attendance in

Genk has declined drastically in the past years, are once again more faithful in gathering with Christians in Genk
for worship. Some contact with young people of Maasmechelen has let us see that she is again more active and
interested in things of the Lord. Recently she phoned that a friend of hers at school wanted to be immersed. Lucy
had asked to be immersed of the ones who had initially brought her to believe, but they considered this an
unimportant act. Having read in the Scriptures and talking with Anika, Lucy decided she definitely wanted to be
immersed. A service was already being planned for others to be immersed, so she was able to join us, and more joy
was added to that evening! We hope new concern for her sister in Christ and added joy ofserving Christ this way
may help Anika and her parents to renew their faith and trust in God and His kingdom.

2) SAM AND KINA They have returned to the States as most of you know, after just over two years
SURFUS

ministering with the congregation in Genk. They have settled in Riverdale,

Georgia, where Kina sings in the choir and Sam is teaching a lesson Sunday

evenings. He is working for a real estate agency and they are getting adjusted to their new life down in the warmer
South. Henki and Kina's father ("elder Boonaerts" to any of you who followed news of the French Christian
mission years ago) passed on from this life on December 19 after a long period of illness. Kina was able to come

for the funeral, just missing seeing Pa once again by a few hours, when her plane was delayed. Thus she was able
to spend Christmas with her family in Belgium. The congregations in Genk and Maasmechelen contributed
'generouslytoirelp^Surfus' repay theTnoney Ihey Ixadto borrow for herplaire'fare. They hope'^tdvisltThends arid
family in Europe as a family, as the Lord wills and funds are saved.

3)

GASTONAND

When we returned to Belgium this fall, one of the recent converts. Paschal

EMMIE
KUYPERS

Vandendriessche, continued giving the study for the mid-week service. This left
Henki free from having to prepare for that study, and able to do some more
evangelism. Since we knew Gaston was only home Wednesday evenings (he is

taking night classes while unemployed) we thought we'd try to show the Bible study slides at their home these
evenings. They were willing and with the exception of one evening, Gaston was home to view the different
lessons. The children, ranging in ages from 12 to just under 2 years, were also present usually, and often showed

signs of enjojdng the study. The series has been completed, and Gaston feels he is still young enough to have
plenty of time to repent later. Emmie still holds that since the two teach different things, "we" and the Roman

Catholic church, she cannot know which is actually the truth --so she'll stay with her present manner of worship.
Please continue to pray that they will see the futility of their ways and thinking, and that the Spirit of God may
convict them of sin.

4)

LUCIEN

Once again we have lost contactwith this former convert. Often Henki would see

REYNAERTS

him at the hospital in Lanaken when he went to visit his father after our return to
Belgium. He showed signs of bitterness and antagonism towards the church though
we had tried to be patient and loving in all ways, visiting him when he lived in Eisden, and encouraging him to be
faithful. Since then, he has left the hospital and not moved back to Eisden, so we do not know where he lives. His

brother, Pierre, had caused much trouble in the church during our absence and has also discontinued attending
services. It seems his main concern was to get what material help out of the group that he could, not really bowing
to God's way of life. He has lied and misconstrued the Scriptural teachings and helpfulness shown him
throughout the years so the Christians no longer feel he is sincere in seeking after God. It is indeed sad after so

many years of struggling and sacrificing for him, his family, and brother - but the Lord shall repay. We just hope
he, too, will repent and see the error of his way and humble himself before God, sincerely. The entire Bible study
slides have been shown in his home, but his wife will not submit to a new way of life, either.

PLEASE NOTE:In the last insert page for prayer requests there was a slight mistake. Through the years we'd not numbered

these, and thought it would be a convenience to do so in order to keep them orderly for future use and comparison.
Unfortunately that number (the first!) was incorrect. It should have read No. 6 (not 5) so this one is No. 7 as it
should be. Please excuse this slight error.

SUMMER

Flying to and from the U.S. by

Icelandic, we once again boarded
modern jet plane transportation for the
major part of our travel to the States.
We also had train, bus. and car travel
for this part of the trip.

SNAPS

The 72 Impala took us over the most

of our travels, all the way to Arizona
There were many firsts, especially
for the boys. Among them, getting mail
from the American mail bo* on an

Indiana farm, was a surprising long

walk compared to our mail box being at

and back -- about 14,000 miles. Here

we are in front of Notz's home, who had

visited us while they were in Europe

visiting their son and his family in the
military in Germany.

the edge of our yard, a few feet from the

house!

Last moments with our fonvarding agents spent a few days before leaving Chicago, and in
the home of one of our former professors, Don Hargrove, now minister of Richton Park
church-

Quilting with the ladies of a Dorcas

Mary Esther, John Mark. James and

circle was a special for Mary Esther,

since there aren't any ladies groups yet

Henki saying "good-bye" to Grandpa

in the Maasmechelen church.

After being awake for more than 24

hours, we had many surprises waiting
for us at home in Maasmechelen. Some

(Opa)

Boonaerts

in

the

Lanaken

hospital just before leaving forthe U.S.

(See prayer insert.)

of the welcoming party, and pantry

supplies shown in our kitchen.

. . The NUMBER of the DISCIPLES MULTIPLIED . .

Since Michel Janssen, reported in our last newsletter, was immersed (bringing the total converts since April
1979 to 35), there have been nine more who have been obedient in this act, bringing the total to 44! With several of
the families also come children. While we were in the States, Marie Jeanne (and Peter) De Droog welcomed their

first child, daughter Evie into their home. Since then several more babies have joined the families of young
couples: Roberto to Donna Telia and Tzino Martini, Kevin to Carolin and Nico Peeters, and Bartje to Josian
and Paschal Vandendrissche. Luc and Cathy Verstoppen are also awaiting their first addition. After many years

of 2 to 4 children in the congregation, we are now abundantly blessed with 22 under the age of 15, though not all
attend regularly. The small hall in Maasmechelen is "bursting her seams" and we are truly in need of another
gathering place for worship, education and fellowship.

We hope to report the names of the nine brothers and sisters noted above, and tell of some other additions in
the next newsletter. Please continue to pray for all aspects of the congregation -- God's kingdom in the Maas
Valley area -- as you wait for more news.

PLEASE NOTE: -Since our return to Belgium, we've had a few changes in our address and telephone number. Though we've not
moved, please be sure to include these differences from now on: Zip number - 3640 and Phone number - Oil 760
337.