f

Medaryville Christian Church

Box 140, South Jefferson Street
Medaryville, Indiana

Please noiify Forwardinfi Affent if.. .

Non-Profli Organization
U.S. Postage

this address is incifrri-cl.

this mailinfi is mil dcsin-d.

PAID

U.S.A. 47957

Medaryville, Ind.
PERMIT #4

Tcl/ocoS - r? e S

p. o.

37?^/

MISSIONARIES

Henki & Mary Esther Boonaerts

Vennestraat No. 11 Apt. # 3

Genk 3600, Belgium

BELGIUM

FOR CHRIST

FORWARDING AGENT
Melvin & Louella Roller

Route I, Box 92
Burnettsville, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

Volume XV, Number 1

January - June

ON TARGET but not yet f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d!

As is so often the case after a tremendous mountain top experience one goes through a gloomy, dark valley of depression and
discouragement. It seems this can be said of our last two years here in Genk since our return from India. We have suffered
mental and emotional anguish, psychological and social hardships, and health upheavals, uncertainties, adjustments,
separations, and disappointments more numerous than in previous years, been caught between division and bitterness in and

out of the body of Christ, and suffered the damage, heart-rending compassion and shame of misunderstanding, exclusions and
those who "give the impression of failing to attain" as the Dutch translation of Hebrews 4:1 expresses it.

Maybe Antoinette* was right when she encouraged us several times by saying Satan was trying to discourage and destroy
us because we were trying to help so many "to find the good way." Yet there remained the haunting uncertainty: are these

hardships at the hand of Satan to cause stumbling and disbelief; or are they from a loving Father chastening and correcting
His erring children? All too often self-centeredness and selfishness can be discovered to be behind disappointments and
discouragements in one way or another. Yet, the words of Peter seem to be heard loud and clear: "Dear friends, do not be
surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But REJOICE that you
participate in the sufferings of Christ, so thatyoumay be overjoyed when His glory is revealed..." (I Peter 4:12-13 Caps, mine)

So, when we sum up the advances of God's kingdom and look at His blessings we are also overcome with joy and contentment.
The following are some of the things we have seen realized in the last two years:
1) LADIES' MEETING - a time every two weeks
for ladies from Genk and Maasmechelen to get

together for a short time of praise and study and

mainly prayer. Though the group has not grown

very large, even when Mary Esther was sick, ' - which was quite often, they continued on their
own. Also, the bond of sistership thathas grown |||||||H

^ |lil'

j||i|||||||^^

- T".

^^

^ - j^

~-W

while we've learned from the Scriptures and each

other's experiences, and shared each other's and
other's burdens, and watched God answer prayers
in many often miraculous ways, has been
encouraging and uplifting.
in our home every two weeks has been a similar
situation.

The fact that no more realize the

importance of believing in and relying on the

power of God to answer prayer may be

discouraging, but the small group that has been
very faithful has been blessed.

We've come to

realize God answers prayers and strengthens us

and His kingdom as a result of prayer and praise.

' ''''
-

3) LEARNING MANY NEW SONGS -- with the

leadership of a Maasmechelen Christian and

career musician, Eddy Verstappen and his

saxaphone, we've learned many new songs with

the Maasmechelen congregation. Many are ones
already well known to American Christians but
recently were translated into Dutch of the various
"Praise" Albums of the Maranatha Music group.
The revival and encouragement in being able to
praise God in a new way has overflowed from
Maasmechelen to Genk as they are also learning
with Dennis and his guitar!

HEADQUARTERS FOR MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT - apartment

on Vennestraat with from left to right: John Mark in window of Henki's shop
and storage area; cousin Daniel in attic bedroom window of the boys; cousin
Petra in the master bedroom window; the kitchen with no one; James sitting in
the living room window; and cousin Bart in the bathroom window. There are

just two other families, one upstairs and one downstairs in our building, but
there always seem to be bicycles or cars parked in front. There are several other
apartments in the building adjoining ours, a garage and Greek restaurant in the
same block. The Genk church of Christ gathers in a building behind the
apartment, up the hill a few hundred feet away.

4) YOUTH WEEKENDS-- organized by the non-instrumentals in Belgium and Holland have been a sourceofencouragement
and enlightenment for many of our young people as we help encourage them to attend and arrange transportation to these
gatherings. This is a continuation of the summer camp time in Solwaster, Ardenne hills and providesa time for these young
people to continue their fellowship with each other during the year after the camp, as well as grow in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. They seemto be getting better all the time,as the youth comeback excitedand growingin spirituality
and Godly perception. We hope they may also be led to make the right choicesand best decisionsin lifepnd be prepared to do
the works of a re-created person.

5) SEEING RECOMMITMENT OF BELIEVERS - as many who just "sat on the chair" are becoming more active in
Scripture reading, warning and encouraging, praying and general activity as they feast more on God's word and allow
themselves to be used of God to witness and open their eyes to God's wisdom. This has Ijeen true in both the Genk and
Maasmechelen congregations.

6) EXPERIENCING MORE OPENNESS AND COOPERATION with other "groups" as we visit members of other

congregations and their gatherings. Morefellowship with these brings about a realization that we're not present to "spy

out" their group or be "sheep stealing" but to strengthen the bond within the family of God in general.

7) IMMERSIONS OF SEVERAL NEW CONVERTS - through our own efforts of teaching and nurturing, but also
encouragingly as a result of the Christians as well. There have been 20 new brothers and sisters in Genk and
Maasmechelen reborn the past two years. Not all are growing as well or rapidly as hoped or expected but we continue to entrust

them into the keeping of God,encourage them as opportunities arise, and hope you'll uphold them in your prayers also; along
with the older Christians as well.

8) DIRECTING AND ENCOURAGING THE OLDER MEN - in the congregations to assume the responsibility of
leadership and shepherding the flock of God. Four men in Maasmechelen have emerged into this task quite well, though
there have been times of friction as well. God's spirit is guiding this development and we can see advance and maturing. The
process is much slower in Genk, but here too, definite signs of revival and accepting responsibility are being realized.
All in all we can definitely see our ministry of encouragement IS on target in the four areas that we'd hoped would be
accomplished soon after we moved here to Genk. Through the guidance and strength of God
we have PREACHED TO THE LOST

-- evangelizing and encouraging contacts to accept Christ and follow His way;
we have TAUGHT THE SAVED

- nurturing and encouraging Christians to remain faithful to Christ;

we have EXHORTED ONES FALLEN BY THE WAYSIDE

warning and encouraging converts to return to faithfulness in Christ; and

we have INTRODUCED N.T. PRINCIPLES TO DENOMINATIONAL GROUPS

-- redirecting and encouraging the restoration of obedience to Christ.

Wehave been able to reach our goals and accomplish our mission in the ministry of encouragement, because of, not in spite of,
our hardships. We are overjoyed and hope you join us in praising His most Holy name as you've shared in making the
realization of this ministry possible. Continue to stand behind us as there's still so much MORE to be done for Him.
*lf you've not read of Antumeilv yet, our forwarding agents, whose, address appears elsewhere on this letter, may be contacted for an
informative and exciting article telling about this young Christian lady who lived over a month in our home with us.

MANSION

FOR

HIS

MINISTRY

MINISTERING

FROM HIS MANSION

As much as possible we've always tried to be good stewards, being thrifty and getting the most and wisest use out ofourselves,
our home, automobile, time, money, etc., so as not to be wasteful in any way of what God and Christian brethren have
entrusted us with.

occasions when guests are fed.

PRAYER MEETING in our living room ofmanyfaces. Here can only be seen

4)' CORRESPONDENCEi. CUBICLE

-- withone
-j.

John Mark with his back to the camera. Clautil s husband Robert was beside

corner devoted to a typewriter and storage

^herey-haired lady and our son

regularly.

space for typing mail and preparing

correspondence that originates at our home. (Part

she^was with us for over amonth the spring of

1985, and where extra sleeping was set up when

1>"st
not ALL)
of our books
stored
hereand(notice,
the deskand
counterarea
wereare
available
for the boys to do their homework, and Henki and

Mary Esther to prepare studies and lessons, and

do personal studies and devotions.

BEDROOM SUITE cfter the solfa had beer, slept on. This is where

AS BEDROOM SUITE after the solfa had been slept on. This is where
Antionelte
Antionelte slept
slept most
most ofthe
of the time
time while
while she
she was
was living
living with
with us,
us, none
none too
too comfy
comfy for
for

but all
Notice the
such a^ ^^11
tall girl,
girl, but
all we
we had
had to
to offer
offer her!
her! Notice
the quilt,
quilt, handiwork
handiwork of
of the
the
ladies
uf the
the Rosedale
ladies uf
Rosedale Community
Community Church
Church in
in Sault
Sault Ste.
Ste. Marie,
Marie, Michigan
Michigan that
that
so useful and lasting.
has been so

9) PLAY

PLACE -- especially in the winter

since the boys' attic bedroom right under the

uninsulated roof is much too cold being unheated,
for them and their friends and guests' playing
time.

10) RECORDING STUDIO--for preparing Bible

study lessons on tape for evangelism and

iXiM

nurture of ourselves and the Belgian Christians.

11) RECREATION AND RELAXATION DEN for family fun 'n games, working on hobbies
and favorite pastimes, watching T.V., etc.
12) WITNESS AND EVANGELISM SANC
TUM " where God's holy and powerful word is

brought to those without Christ in an effort to

bring peace and changed lives.

13) TRAINING AND

CORRECTION

CEN

TER -- where Christians are taught and

nurtured and we bring up our boys in the training
and instruction of the Lord.

14) INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL -- as a

place where folks, passing through Belgium
on their way from other countries, stop for a visit
and rest from jet lag, etc. Among others there have
been Americans on their way to the Holy Land or

Germany or other countries, or back; Iranians

from India and Iran hoping to go to Sweden for
education then settling in Belgium; and Indians
and Americans on their way to the U.S. or other
European countries.

THE DESK USED AS STUDY ALCOVE - while Henki prepared a study

lesson. Here's where he also draws up plans for kitchens and makes estimates
for prospects; and it's the desk used for dining guests as well.

15) ENTERTAINMENT PARLOR -- where we

serve refreshments to invited and unexpected
guests alike -- so it is even our "drawing room!"

mm

When I finished making the list I realized

something else.
I had been "counting my
blessings" being reassured of what God has done.
We can THANK GOD for our M-A-N-S-I-O-N for if

we were to have separate rooms for each of these

activities, that is what we would have. These and
other uses (sometimes overlapping, of course) had
been made of our living room during the two years
that

we

have

lived

here

in

GenlT" at

the

Vennestraat address. In this way we can also see

that God has surely opened many doors of
opportunity in this MINISTRY OF ENCOUR
AGEMENT that He's led us into.

On the other hand, you can surely understand that

so many uses of one room causes hardships in
many ways, not only to us as a family, but also to
those visiting our home. As you may therefore
appreciate, we are searching for facilities a bit
AS RECORDING STUDIO John Mark is helping with some of the recording
better suited to the many-sided needs we have for
to help lighten Henki's load, and he can and enjoys doing this service.
our home in general and our living room in
particular. In order to continue our headquarters
in Genk in this ministry, we need, building-wise, im ore suitable facilities to include the following:

1) A recording room with study for cassettes, narrations, sermons, reel to reel study tapes; storage and easy use access used in
evangelism, study preparation, and reporting of our work; and for our library books, commentaries, etc. used mainly in
Henki's study preparations.
2) An office, correspondence and records room - separate where Mary Esther can type, keep reports, financial records, etc.
used in keeping supporters thanked and informed of work here, and helping Belgian Christians to be aware and informed of
mission news the world 'round.

3) A shop and display room for making, storing and displaying cabinets and other items for sale used to supplement our U.S.
income and provide possible work for oUr boys, and our retirement needs.
4) A living-dining room -- for visiting with people, holding informal Bible studies, prayer meetings, and witnessing,
counseling as well as use for family life activities.
5) A kitchen-dining area -- with sufficient place to eat and prepare meals with the family and small groups of guests. This has
almost been impossible with our present "dinky" kitchen and only a "living room" but no dining room and table. We've
missed entertaining and showing hospitality in this way while in Genk.

6) Bedrooms -- not only for ourselves but to use for visitors as well as sufficient storage space for clothing, etc. and play/
recreation for the boys and friends or visitors. With long winters and much rain in Belgium this is especially necessary.
7) Toilet, bathroom, utility room - for cleaning facilities and laundry for ourselves and any visitors we need to accommodate.

8) Storage and transportation garage for storing and repairing bikes, motorcycle, auto and storing items not needed
constantly.

Genk is a rather expensive area for purchasing homes but is well located to be headquarters, so we continue to look to God to
lead us to the right place for this ministry He's guided us into; or the wisdom and facilities to follow His prompting if He has
other things in mind for us. Already the waiting has been long; having inadequate facilities and having to search for better
and a more permanent place surely hinders efficiency and stewardship. Petition God especially that we may find what is
suitable to meet these needs and so we can be moved and settled before our "furlough tour" to the States, planned for the 1986
summer, as well as being more effective in our ministry of encouragement.

Pag^ 4
'n

FACING THE VENNESTRAAT and THE SUNSET!

15 f t
Bathroom-

71/2 ft

Living

14 1/2 ft

room

Kitchen
Bedroom

Hallway

A r^t

Public Hall (to boy's

bedroom and Henki*s

shop and storage)

Neighbor's apartment

The boys' attic bedroom straddles the living room and kitchon, and Henki's shop straddles our bedroom and part of the
neighbor's apartment. He also uses the top landing and hallway for storage of materials, as well as the basement veranda and
coal cellar. The electrical outlets are very insufficient, with only one per room except two in the bathroom originally, plus

other complications with faulty electrical wiringin the IsuildinilTherehave alsobeenmanyproblemsjwith the drainage,plus

the building is badly insulated so heating costs are unbelievable. These add to our reasons for needing to move as soon as
possible. (Measurements are given in approximate ft. measuietment after translating from meter measurement.)

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is writtenbyMaryEsther Boonaerts, edite^and mailedby the Melvin Rollers, and printed byMission Services
Association, Knoxuille, Tennessee. It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work being done in Belgiumfor Christ by the Henki

Boonaerts family. Allfunds made payable toMedaryville Christian Chinch, designated toBooanerts' work, aretaxdeductible. Please send
funds to our forwarding agents.

rough spots. I've,come to realize it is God who needs to discipline and file away these
jagged edges and we need to listen, encourage, and build up our brothers and sisters in
Christ in gentleness, patience and few words.

Antionette was facing another momentary set-back at the time of preparing

this news, so we trust you'll especially keep her in your prayers. Of course we also
need to be upheld so we'll know how best to continue guiding and helping her in her new
life in Christ so she'll be a gleaming jewel for His crown when the time comes for her
to be added to the others who've gone.on before!

An^.'CAp -u TKE WoAJbVi loAgz^t cen-teA

catting and potcifUng cU.(woncU (^olZow^d by
hciii be,e,n
thz jmzt btiXine44
d^cado^ 4o -buAtty

tkty 6kouZd be able, to pA.oducz a ^GiO qaatity .iptcAjnan^ ioK

uj

CA-Oun.

A6 om jzwoZ to otkeAA>,

y Vennestraat 11 Apt. 3
^
GeiikT-^Be^lpimn

Dear Carmen,

'

20, 198^'
}

Greetings once again in the precious name of our Savior," Jesus^'^

It v;as good to get your Jan. letter answering my queries about the -printing
of fotos. Am a^fraid the oate slipped up on me .for f^jotting the report oS"

30 hope it wasn't to much trouble to have to .sen^ the nev/slettcr along

to be preparec^ into necessary info., Dennis r.essimer' spoko^^vith me after

I*"d already send off mjr iriaterials and realized we probably should have
rotten_ together . J^hink ha waa._.p.lanrin_. on pending;_sxime .polr.lod fotos
which should help the general presentationif it .all got to you on tiins,
G^iess we'll see

when the

Horizons

arrives!

Here's another question for you after all!!

Do you know if it is possible
for us to -f;ranslate ^articles or news reports appearing; in Horizons for
use in the church papei'* prepared by MaasrnecKelen Christiaj:is for-Dutch

speaking folks in Belgium?

3ometiriies I think soyqethin^: may be especially

appropriate for folks here to laiow a,bout but I want to be sur-e of the

copy-ri-hts before I use anything. Plea.se let. me '-mow about this if g.t
all possible. Think it's especially gooc', to have mission news,- since

30 few U'Ssslon^.vie's are in this part of the world for, reports and visits
^vith congregations like in the States.

It's been soiiie time since-I prepared an article for use'in .the Horizons,
and. maybe this enclosed letter can be used for that.
It has been sent
"only to about 30 supporters that help uphold oujt work.
If yoxi prefer

s.omethin;:,' "fresher" let me Icnow, and I'll try to comply with your
preferences and include a foto or two.

Enclosed is also a check for a cop,7 of t.<\at mission recepie book you

mentioned .that is now ready.

Since I don't know how much the postage may

be, I've just va^itten it for ^ 10,C0,

i t used wherever

it

can"best

If there's any left over, just have

be used!

Thanks again for all your helpfulness, and

rejoice continually that so
manj^ are still dedicated to serving and following the Lord Jesus Christ,
i'.lodern times and the tricky wiles of the Devil make it har^ j^t times,
we ]c3iow.
All the more reason to stand firm, and encoura^.e one a?.iother!Greetings to all there and we'll look foward to continued correspondance
Lovingly in Him,

B^ZgyCum {ofi ChvUit

KpfUl WetUA R^po^
JEdUELS

^OA.

tka

CROWW

Probably thfe song is known by many o^ you reading this report, but since I'Ift.-.

used to singing it in Dutch, I can't seem to r

see if it's in our hymnbook.

lember the words_ or title- in English to

It talks about tjne searching of crown jewels for .our

Master's kingdom and how so often the best jewels and pearls are found in slime and mud.
These souls need to be searched out, often sti l|l covered in dust and filth, having wandered far from God still hurting with pain and sighing or crying for help. These wilderness diamonds need to be brought to God, whlQ through the blood of Jesus have been
purified and made to shine. Some already adorn Jesus' crown where later we'll all gleam

in His splendor, shining in God's sunshine.

mind

Back in 1980, just after Pa Boonaertjs death this song kept going through my
though I don't know if it was a favorite pJ
>f his or not.
I had to think how he was

so busy trying to help in th^ purifying porcese of Christians, getting them ready for
the timewe'll be gathered around His throne.

But I also had to think about how Pa too

had gone through the refining process as through the years of his Christian life he'd

faced and overcome many trials and temptatlonsU It seemed to me he must have been ready

to adorn Jesus' crown so he had been called hojnie.

Now that more recently our brother T^n Rothiers from the Genk church has also

been called home, I've had to think about the yords of this song again in about the same
connection. Especially during the last 10 years or so that we've gotten to know and
work with Twan more, we've seen his exertion ti) guide the Christians aright and bring in
the. lost.

These are two examples of"jewels" tlikt have already fought the fight and been

good witnesses for all. Diligently and zealouisly they worked, though not always being
understood or encouraged and having great planjjj to serve their Lord but have now gone
into their peace with God. Now the words of this song have also come alive for me at the

othief end of this struggle. Through a series of unusual circumstances that were surely
used if not lead of God, we "found" one of these iewels still covered with slime and

filth.

The evening of Feb. 13, 23 year old iUitionette Lowie came into our lives not

knowing where to go or what to do since' she was "at the end of her ropey" so to speak.
Even the police at the station wern't able to i^Wide a solution so we offered for her to
Stay overnight with us a few days

that endedjip being until April 2nd!!

. Antionette had many problems of almost every kind, so began the refining pro-r
cess, almost 24 hours a day for either Henki or fne if not both! She is an M.S. patient,
fortunately still in the early stages, but therefore needing extra care and patience
physically. She is also emotionally unstable and mentally immature which only added to

the complications of "getting to know" her and jhow to handle situtations that arose wi.th.

her being in our hoir-.

We are in fact almost certain she had been demon posessed as the

change in her has been radical, and many things! indicate that.

Through hetralSQ we made other cont^<|ts that sometimes opened new doors of

helped understand her situtation betteror confuse us even

urthe Seneth^"rf trying time, yet also rewaUding, especially as we know God gave

Vious beliefs a;d actioironly davraftf^^!"-^"

P""

chastisement and direction from Our Father. sKrhave a^lo eT T"

as she now lives alone (in another
drive^from
but we pray the more fervently for her. for e IcLow Goris with w -i"
"an we could while she livfed with us. This explrieiSI hSs IsplSfaliy
helped me realize so much more to rely in the power of prayer (while she's out of our
care; and that it s not our job with good advice and correction to cut and polish the

Non-profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID

Medaryvllle, Ind.
PERMIT

MISSIONARIKS

Henki & Mary Ksther Boonaerts

Weg Naar Opoetercn No. 6

BELGIUM

FOR

CHRIST

3660 Opglabbeck, Belgium

#4

FORWARDING AGENT
Melvin & Louella Roller

Route 1. Box 92

Burnettsville, Indiana U.S.A. 47926

Volume XV, Number 2

July - December

The months of August, September, and October were especially busy ones

for us last year. About the time you were receiving our first newsletter for
1985, and reading about our needofa "mansion for Hisministry" that's just

/ y a b o u t what we found! Many of you must have been praying for us and our

3^ 0 /9

needs and our ministry, because God rewarded us for all our hours of

searching and opened doors showing us a home large enough to meet all

eight needs we had outlined. Work was being done on the church roof in
Genk so we were also involved with that. Then school began for the boys
and the process of packing also began. We were able to move to our new
home September 19-21 and we've been renovating and settling since.

Several young men of the Rekem (Maasmechelen) Congregation were excited to help us begin evangelizing the new area, so
came every Thursday for several weeks to distribute tracts in our new town.
The town the Lord has now moved us to is about equidistant from Genk and Maasmechelen; situated about 14 miles

northeast of Genk. To our knowledge there is only a Catholic church on the hill in the center of town, but no other religious
influence of any kind: Protestant, Evangelical, Jehovah's Witness, or otherwise. Some years ago an evangelist trying to bring
the Gospel and hand out copies of the Bible was shown the attitude of folks of this area. We've been told they gathered the
Bibles he distributed and burned them by his car. How long ago that was, or if folks are still that antagonistic we don't know,
but we are convinced God has brought us here for His purpose.

You can imagine our surprise when after we had decided to rent this house and signed the contract the landlord showed us a
"secret room!" We had found there was space enough to provide for all the things needed for our ministry, with some re

arranging and adjusting of various rooms in the house. Then wonder of wonders there was even a bonus that helped us really
understand-GOD IS behind the move and directing the area of service we should be involved in here-in Opglabbeck. The

previous renter had a fish store and needed refrigeration so had made an insulated room out of part of the porch. What a perfect
room to use for a sound-free recording studio!!! There is still some work to be done to get it converted for that use, and the rest of
the house to be livable since it had not been lived in for several years. Yet we could confidently conclude that God wants us to

work more on recording narrations, etc., for slide Bible studies and evangelism, so trust Him to provide the strength and
opportunities necessary for all the work that's ahead of us. That's why we say, "E B E N E Z A R - Thus far has the Lord
helped us!" (I Samuel 7:12) And we'll trust Him to keep on helping us as we continue ministering in our new home in
Opglabbeek, Belgium.

In our new home we have a large office and study room; a medium living room adjoining the kitchen; three bedrooms so we

can comfortably put up visitors overnight; a bathroom with toilet (American style) anda W.C. European style with just toilet
and sink; shop and storage roomS for Henki's supplimentary work with utility area for washing the laundry; a tumble down,
yet usable garage for the car and bikes; a huge yard and even orchard out back; a furnace in the basement with coal storage
area; A-N-D the recording room that's already insulated! All that for just 7,000 Belgian franks - that's only $134.61 monthly
rent -- or $11.54more than the apartment in Genk (though with the devaluation of the dollar since our move that means we need
$20.94 to pay this difference). Weare happy and excited about this "mansion for His ministry" and lookforward to ministering
from His mansion. Our new address is Weg Naar Opoeteren No. 6; 3660 Opglabbeek, Belgium and we even anticipate a

telephone being installed real soon with the already assigned number 011-85 56 53.

((y y L
J U

/pHh tjy

U V i-'

Cutting teeth, taking first steps, the first day at school,

graduation, getting married, holding that first job, getting araise,

having a baby, realizing the need for a Savior and deciding to
follow Jesus are all important milestones in a person's life. The

emphasis put on different accomplishments or points in one's life

depends on the importance they take in our lives. That first
birthday for instance. How many babies are really aware of the
importance of turning ONE YEAR OLD?? But the parents, grand

parents, other relatives and friends that surround us make a big thing out of this and other milestones in our early lives.
As time goes on we begin to realize that many of the more important milestones in our lives take concentration and effort,
practicing and skills, even sacrifice and a myriad of other things, on our own part and that of others, to accomplish. Then we
realize how important others are in accomplishing these steps in our lives, and it's nice to have others to share and celebrate
these milestones with.

James just turned 12 and celebrated this birthday with 9 of his best friends with a "big birthday party." A few days later
Henki "just started life" by turning 40! That was remembered by eating some of his favorite food and being with some of his
favorite people (his family, and Olick and Zonija from Brussels that happened in for a visit). Some other important things that
we'll be remembering this year are that we've been serving in Belgium together for 16 years and been married for 18. It's
almost been three years since we had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Madras, India, filling in for Weesners. Just 10 years
ago we put out a plea for help with forwarding agents and correspondence began with Rollers who have been so helpful and
efficient in their task since they began. Among the most exciting and important milestones that we have passed is that in

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts, edited and mailed by the Melvin Rollers, and printed by Mission Services
Association, Knoxville, Tennessee. It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work being done in Belgium for Christ by the Henki

Boonaerts family. All funds made payable to Medaryville Christian Church, designated to Boonaerts work, are tax deductible.

Please check appropriate boxes below and detach, returning this slip to Melvin and Louella Roller, Rt. 1 Box 92,
Burnettsville, Indiana, 47926. Thanks for your assistance in helping us be more efficient.
- The address on the other side is incorrect and should read as follows;

-- The address on the other side is out-dated since we have moved to the following address:

Please discontinue sending the newsletters to the address on the other side.

- Please send bulk mailings to the church address for distribution as follows:
(amount)

-copies

- Please add the following address(es) to the mailing list:

-- Please have Boonaerts correspond about a visit/report to the following address/area during their trip in the U.S.
cut here-'

January there were again three immersed, bringing the total that we've been able to see won to Christ in our work in the Maas
valley area to 90 souls!!

Many of the things that we consider milestones in our lives were also accomplished by our Savior Jesus Christ. In the
Scriptures we read "when he was twelve years old . .
so he grew older year by year and celebrated these milestones in one
way or another. Also in Luke we read, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." These
indicate very important milestones in Jesus' life also. John realized the magnitude of all the milestones in Jesus' life and that
it would be impossible to record them all when he penned th(; words in John 20:30: "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in

the presence of his disciples, which were not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Like in our lives, also in Jesus' the effects of those around Him also had to do with His accomplishments of important
milestones. The greatest that comes to mind, especially at the Resurrection time of the year, is that mentioned in Ephesiana
1:19: "That power is like the working of his (God's) mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the
dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.'* Hallelujah! for that mighty power and milestones in Christ's
life. Because of His resurrection and ascension to heaven all other milestones in our lives really take on their rightful

importance and give us the most important milestones yet to look forward to in accomplishment with His second coming.

Double-headed Milestone Soon after services began in Boorsem

(1971) Henki held his first wedding a significant milestone for
Henki as well as Gerrard and Lydia. "Church weddings"are more
a formality in Belgium and often on a different day (with different
dress) than the legal proceedings held in the City Hall

Birthdays are always milestones to look forward to and look back

at with happy memories. Maybe some will remember seeing Ihis
picture of James' first birthday of several years ago, but the one of
John Mark's 9th appears now for the first time.

All over the world mankind remembers Christ's resurrection -His

Triumphant milestone.
"Easter eggs ' and Spring flowers
symbolize life after death in Belgium and many other countries.

MEET THE CHRISTIANS

^-- V

Maria Bakac-Madi celebrates her birthday two days after Maria Gearing and Mary
Esther, so we often used to celebrate together at Bible study when we still lived in Eisden.
Here is a picture at one such occasion before Maria died and she was still living with us.
Sister Bakac is in the middle of the picture.

For some time we've been wanting to share the stories behind some of the conversions of different Christians we've seen won

to Christ or been working with since serving in Belgium. We'd like to use this newsletter to begin this series hoping it will help
edify brothers and sisters in the States, encouraging you to share in another way in the struggles and victories of Christ's
kingdom here.

After the second world war, many people came and settled in Holland and Belgium from Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia,
Russia and other countries. They usually kept contact with their fellow-countrymen, finding work and often helping each
other. Among them was young Maria Madi, known to us as sister Bakac. She shared her testimony at a ladies' meeting when
one of the Czechoslovakian sisters was able to translate her story into Dutch for us to understand. Here is her story about
finding Christ in her home away from home:

Maria and her husband had a tavern and several rooms for boarders. One day some Jehovah's Witnesses came into
their tavern and talked with her husband. He was open to them, and took their advice to read the Bible. This he did every
evening, until he came to the passage that said something to the effect that whoever believes and is immersed will be
saved.

Immediately he said they would have to leave the tavern because that wouldn't be good for them while trying to live
according to the Gospel. He added that they were going to Brussels where they could be immersed. But sister Bakac got
upset saying he had wandered from the true way and she was completely against her husband's decision. She took their
daughter and left the tavern, but he was determined and went on to Brussels to be immersed. She just couldn't stand
around at home waiting for her husband to return, so she went to a neighbors who spoke the same language as she. She
was so upset that she was sure she'd do something drastic like jumping in the water to drown herself. She was so angry
that her husband had strayed so much!

Nearby was another tavern and people there were making fun of Maria, saying her husband had gotten himself into
some strange society or sect that kissed each other and who knows what other strange things. But someone came up to
her and said, "It's not true, Maria, because my wife is also a Christian." When her husband returned from Brussels, she
hadn't drowned herself after all and her husband assured her that he'd not pressure her but leave her in God's hands.
Then one night when she slept, Maria had a dream. A man appeared in her dream who said, "Child, child, your husband
is on the right road. You should also do the same as he." She never did tell her husband of this dream, but she began to
feel something happen inside her.
Then there was a gathering in town somewhere near Liege. There was a preacher present from the U.S. who spoke that
evening. At a certain moment he asked if there was anyone who wanted to give their heart to Jesus and Maria's hand was
the first to go up! Her husband who had invited her to attend the service was so happy he cried tears of joy that she'd
changed. There were six who were immersed then in Chareloi in the Baptist group with whom they were now in contact
near where they lived.

Leaving the tavern, her husband now worked in the coal mine, digging coal. After several years he became very sick
with black-lung so he was often too ill to go anywhere. But, he wouldn't miss a church service. Once the bus even waited on
him while he had a coughing spasm, he was so determined to worship with the Christians. Then, when Maria was 52 her
husband died and Maria lived with her daughter and family about 5 years. Things became so unbearable there with her
alcoholic son-in-law that she began desperately to look for some place else to live.

One day in a tavern a man came asking her hand in marriage but another man flew up to them and said, "No, she's
mine!" No one can marry her or I'll kill him." So Maria married Michel Bakacfrom where she had her name that we knew

her by, and they moved to Steenakkerstraat 45 in Leut near Maasmechelen where we met her in 1971. She spent 20 hard
years with Michel, and though he was witnessed to many times even before we met them, and he often attended services
with his bicycle, he never submitted to Jesus. He was killed in a bicycle/auto accident so again Maria was left alone.

What a witness Maria has been . . . openingherhomeforgatherings when we began with the church in Boorsem, and now
for ladies' meetings, faithfully attending services whenever she could, with us in Maasmechelen area or when home with her

daughter and family, giving advice and encouragement to fellow Christians, and being a friend and good neighbor to all
around her. You would never believe she had once been so rebellious and stubborn. There's been a great change in our dear
Russian sister, Maria Bakac-Madi, who is now a concerned, patient, hardworking lady with a gentle spirit at almost 80 years
physically. Don't you look forward to meeting her and her first husband some day??

UP-DATE
Learning
to drive
and owning
one's first
car are :the kind of milestonesc that
John Mark has been
thinking about a lot tlately
.
,11
ij
Txi
.
j
ii
to visit the churches and
report to supporters. Plans
as a 16 going
on 17
year old.
It
has 1been six
years since we wen n the U.S. 4.^
are beginning to take shape to make a trip this summer so we c share some ofthe milestones in our lives ofthe past six years,
especially in the work of evangelizing and nurturing Christia* Then there will be a lot of literal milestones passed as we do
all the driving to be with different churches and families. Tl: should give enough opportunity for John Mark to be able to
learn to drive and get in some hours of practicing. We hope yo will do all you can to help us prepare to visit in the States and
give a personal up-date of our work, the Lord willing.
Our forwarding agents, Melvin and Louella, also have been thinking about an up-date that'.'s necessary. They wrote: "I have
been thinking about the newsletter mailing list. It has not be an up-dated since 1973, only by the address changes we receive
and the added names. . . . We send out around 1,000 through he mailing permit at Medaryville. It costs 30 cents each when
the post office sends them back to Medaryville because of ad ess change or no forwarding address." We hope you will also
cooperate promptly and fill out the slip included and return it IRollers to help with up-dating the newsletter mailing list and

planning our itinerary for this summer's visit in the U.S.

/
B6L0?UM FOR CHRIST

O^obe-'t 19SS
FAIL IS W T/^e AIR md tkt Um*

itAcutmu cAt g^tjUrtQ &kllty>

h^AitnU^ to
co^oA am jthtKt oAt

cthtA. UsM oi Corf itui Mm in taf^l

Oj' tkt univtMt, oMviiMne itht myo^ H
HU

cf CA^S

thuA

The J&^iOiaAtj to Jurtft ttei6fct<W ^oA

tkU ytoA ih&uZd be M,AcMifi
oj ouA
AUfip0^itsA^/fitAdi/u tn it m eut^ta
out neccf4

m la^ tkimt to

IH

GUA '^mUUtAy vi enftouAftgeweftt/' We ve

0Ad9A to feHSty Vihu OodU tat6 im loK tu in tkt nf.tt pheu& o, _ .

0^ yoa 4UAUi/ have ^tiu^ ioA tu tiUo. StA&kA oi

tkt i^ct ti\^ we've looktd ^eveAOV^fiAt"

>.

jj^ee

mj! JiW*

tatU, and hoiM totaXt-d oi (itAV^K^ to look]iU po^64.b^litCUt

that dooK opeA6 Ujo" have accom^^etf ouA iWtLnt pfULtj^ a/ja pttLtLon& to Qoa iOK
HiA tiUxdCng,

rtwueh JUt keti'btM ft dLUiAMt Und oi baMJ.c &i ihtU

e#i)9iteA^ 4f St,and 1 -te/^rtg oi UA&U*i MiAioAt agiUMt tU PhU^&tiniAj^dotktA

enewie-ij jUUa hM aUo in nm\f tWii/4 been a wa^ifi^'te

it a been & s-ts^

ogaiM^^: ^p&4ienaei amiMALn;tih

pUceA, ojid tnt
W(?W we
..^ 8 E 8 g 2 AR joA, iinaUtj #a We louAd tkt pl&&^ and
^oniid^y
"TKu4 idA Im tha. LCHV heZpzd u^l'Tkmt oAt
^imUtmJMu ta utfuti wte oMLUp^t aktixd oi tu

we iiA^ weyed to Soo^ew to b^ia the, chuAiih'^woAli

the. Ma<u A-cueA

a4

be mov^* to ft 4mZ CAtko^A ^'ittAot, i^Uo a 4tP^*(^Gnt komt uu-tn i>ouA

. we tc

Ukt in hoA4Qjit, Only ow in OPOLM^t^fi (0^^A - b/io&k} wM^Aft m Hpm a tontAACt to

liMt /twd ijttvu ilongcA dtptndin^ on ho^ wc. ^ee (uAtkt^ IfiAdin^ oj tht ioA.d, oi
t0itA6t] we Have NO poA4p(icX& o{ ChAiAtiA>M to btQin a congA.<>go>tUfn taitkf and HittlU
ii engaged in eab/tKe^t fnoMng to .tuppl^tnt doa Xrtcome. Hope^u/^t/ we een beg-tn

4mU isAsfiteA in OUA Hating Aoon^ and

eu Ocd blu4u aittk ewoucf/i M^'^AAionAi

^eAci4 be move to tkt loAQtA At{3^t^iKOfit

canh oi tht boiji lUtt #iave ft b&f^oo

whieM. aUo pAovidt& 4pftfie loK guw^; and mJUL have a 4pcUotL& 4tad^/o({iii Xw
the. iouAth bedAoofn. OuA nu^ 4hotUd be abundantly 4uppli&d in thU hofnt in
Opgtabei&kf but theAe. i^ lot4 to be doniL bejoAe we cdrt ^zt frtoverf.
P'Xobabty cu iifut we*^
attind ^^cAu^cei
htlp out in GAnk. MaA4-

mee/te^eM/ and otkvi plat^ hoping to /wve 'die UAcfU 6upp9A in owi horns. Sunday

eveUng^. Ad (ve /t&ve oppoAtunititi to eva>i^ei^ze and 4oul6 oaa won

Qonctnt/iott mo/te in Opgtabe.th ititl^* H&nfU. mUl havt to /wve kU eoA 0p&^dtd on 04
4oon OA we can gzt 4eX>ttQ.dt 40 imut imUudt thot in oua 4ch&due.l
at

^i^4t*

Ptta4t hup tkiJi maXtiA in youA pKaijzAi up^fUaltyt and hi4 h&^h in

g^ntAAt (U /te'4 4j6oU 6een knifing htadAth4 and ditsAnuA, Wt'li aUkO nave to fte
pfKLpoAlng ouAieZve^ ^0^, o(/a t^p to th^, S-tatu Jiex^ ijttiAp 40 ir\u^t plan to 4ptnd

4uiiitle,nt timti. ioJt ^hU*

ThsAt cM.e a ^ew

iflithout ei doubt thfiAt*4 p^^nty to ottupy iU*

we'tt 6e rteed^.M0 he-f.p
to iuAiU4h oua horn,

ft^e

nope tksAi. my be ioCu Mho Mtt tAy to taJit thus, up in p^At/eA and to Aolttt iund4
ioK 04 4pzACal pKojtcX4 to hUp U4 out* l-Ut^d mciinlij atwding to -tmpoA^diiee tht^

OAet

n WASW MACWTWe km
ta ytim t!3n4t^.nJt. w^e, ifiom tht t^Lmt 2mz4 tm
a baby in dlapvu, ouA Baukntckt CxuhoA ha& ^inalZy ^.tvcrt out* We nttd an
imtdlatt Atptanijriiifit 4o hopt 4omon(i. v^l.tJt oHvi tomAd4 tkU nttd. Tht 4niatl
dAijtiA we had fJeu nt\ftA v^y miiltnt and JU not out oi htpaOu 4o mtd4 to be
Atplattd U40,

__

2) EXPAmBLH TASLE Ah!V CWATI^Shrr.cZt

y.'C ^cZcf tc'ici^ tee

had In E^cfe^ 4^nce ^/iG/ie woah'^ /^com ?ig/\g. {c>. ^tc-

-'>. ou/'i ^.o/taoe,-.

ac

/ic.ye to gzt 'bcmzt'iiKC to accomodcitc g^c'J.p'i> (ok ccrr'yuyilcyi 6<iKv.LC2y^

I'LOJia
6tud^QA, ztc^. O'jA n^: filtche.n I'-'-UZ pKcbabty be tc ^rroCZ (ok a tabZc, io we ZL
havz to havQ. mcct-Ci tn tho, JU.\.'Zng-Koom cu,

3]

LAt?THS 3TKE--We'ue had -^^Aee b-cfeei itblzn &ln(LZ ZA.\)lng h^z In Gznk-'lodi<id

J^Yi -i/te 6t0K0.Q<L 6h<Ldl Vci-ty z&thoJi nec.^ a btka (ck &hopp-'.ng, ztc. and ^.n ca6e
John h'.cLKk''6 wotcKC('ot<i -O) cn the. bZ^y.ii6,

4}

g-cuen 06 tfiKough the. ijtoMJi (Vie e.^pzcA.atty

ay:MG FLWimEwe've 'W

oJidtKlij (ofJz^ to ^It tn ar.d kasje. been ^nacfequaXe

/lOAcf

oeKC/trJl.

('.'e /lOpe

to (-LKd 6ct^cX'i^ng second hand ti we have, ^ar.cii.

5]

DOUBLE Sc^ A\^ /MTT^E^S7)1 oAcfe/t. .to

Ke^p accomodate. vZ^ttoKiy toe ne.e.d anothcA

bc.d ^0 hope, tc have. rieciJT-fi to vxichcjic, tluJ) tn the. ne.aK (uXuAt cJl6c.

6]

vrc^C-WAl/E CVEW--?!ecevvte^ we've bzc.n advl&e.d cl tMe. \jMe.(i}ZneJ:>i> pi thzhz (oK

'j:aKmina ujo we.atii,

Stnce. Kenfe^c'-A hcuj'j} okz toAy'-Xbtu tKKe.gnZcui tt'6 ofdCay6

bc.c.^1. ho.((ey^^Mc to jjeec^ htm wcVlw mc,ci/i. A m^cAo-t'.'ave wou/lo hc.tpcon6td2AabZ^

tn t'l^Ji Tr\cXteJi, and tn cooktng tn ge.ne/'-oJ..
W2.
ev^t'ia (undl> dc.i^tgnoXcd (ok .tiilA
puJipo^d,

A6 time, gce.6 on, and we lettiz

ouA nQpj\korre., we ray dx^sc-oveji otheA. t!'Ung6
nztddd tc hzZp (jl& rr.LnJ^'jteA. be-tte-i tn Cpc-^^'^zzk, 1( you. oKt e.-!>pe.cJ,cJJiy tnXKtit<>.d ^
hzZptng I'^tth 4>orr.q.t'iu.na o.thcji thr.y

mer^lo-'ec, wr. here. you'Zt contact tu

o-C c':K y: r,rdi^.y:<..Sf c.ftej- Ze.ptejfbej'. T;': \^tg rxuV'. CpzteAcn; .V 6; :66C CpgZabzz^T'.cac'^ Zct^i, rcKe. to teXZ yo'j., cv?. Cod .o'^\v:oK'ziy'.r ty. ^-^c.ny othvi v:ay6, but we'XZ
keep X:ia.t (ok ne.yX' monXh!
VKay (cK lU,

VQ.CQ^'^''e^ '!

I'^S^

''

Vq.ca cne^ cjt TKtaty CfvjUicJi, .

cxumj^ a. Jcy to Ke.c.e^vz tratJl (ko'.i lovdd one^ -lh /':e Stttte.6, and ej>pe.(u.cMy good

tc re* ucih\ d'jjAch papoj'ji Ke.guZoKJiy hi the. rcJJi'. It'i kc.cJ'^'J !<.ctpc.d ofi <e.eJi tUic. I'.'e
/:nc-'.' ^cvC'irX c( yea (cZ'z6 o.yid be, a poKt o( the. chuKcJi -f/ro-v.
wc'vc. oecKi Kc.ceA.vtnp the^c. po.peAS r^^JJ^s^tc cua. ci'd ac'd.'^.c^^ though, 6tXZZ, 6o icant

to bKiiiQ .to yoLUi aXXiL/iZicyi thcX we

^-cr.ce the ^'^tli

Se.pteirhpK.

T
The.

tn-

c."uder^ Ze.tXcA gtve.'^ i^om. ci the. deXoJJis 5.i^oiU that, 'ctFR^ lOc l-act tlioU&f^^feu'c( he.e.n ^ n '
(c.^.')\'.d, Zn cctybe. not, now you have, that /lc k o.nd we -^^ukqI" ''':e. you'tt pKay about ouA
and ceJ^ting adja^ie.d heAt tn cllI fifew home' c.y.d dcO'is "''Uct Qpe.n to w^tne,5i ^oK
/ ... I

_'

T -

. j.

.'

/%

1
Ch'Uyiit and 4^pKe.ad Htd ^ztnodc^^.
At t'.its t/jr:c. we.'d (T^ic Llkz to tho.n'i tiqu eJ>ptCA,rP.ty

n A

'

pf'.afu.ng loK Henh^ v:IUZe

he ('.'06 tn Zndu.r. and actuaLiy tn 40>'e dargcA duAing t-H' t<>e thct \'K;i. Go.nd'iA. 'j.'a^ fVi-

^i.n(ite.d. Zt ti, c^:a.y6 a^h^uAtnp- to knov: ^^oil aAe. ho!u'yid (m '//,'i !jcuK pKayeAA, ar^.d to
!>('( 'fcu Ker-^en'bcA .io r-'ang tyi r.eerf and dangeA, FKom t'v\ TKa"Q'- ^ci^ae-S-tA c^- pKovtoub
-JX'' Kz iccndeAing /tew .tilings ho.ve. n'oKhzd cut i':(.th Tcy^.'i'f
.... Zti't^'^.a^teA '.-.'/.tncMtng to

'^Vr'-Ay'^ AcX'.'JIA tn. Japan, and /:ow a/:e

pKeytiQ.ntti' In T'-c.' tc.nd't'?
Zii India Z attended a bocAdtn.g 6c.hooZ and had a cta66rc'c Cc.th Ann ':JaAKe.ntooA
":cyjdcKi.nr U-' 6he. and ^'jXh Ann cou.td pcS^.ibZij be. Kc^r.,t'v(>s?? ':'.WZ be. good to pe-t to yf^eet

'0:r.c. kTow a. -(pio d t:ae. nmrpxS WG've be.cn K^ndi.np aboi.it, !"/?pn "v net tc the. StctcJ* on
' "c a r

f.-..s o^*'-v>!r yocA.,

A/5 tt Z.Qo'''j^ y^ot:.", '''r'P" nof 'v r.bi*e to cc^e untJJ /j?

:-: c' the. brit'& Q.duc.ajtion, 'j:k< z''

iLSc. Lt

0 yov. y.c.ce.Lve. Ke.guf.oK neW/ico/fC/ti

tKc:>te.d

"S

/ic .'ic-'^e 'Jcu'ZJl r-'-A" jrbr---^

gett./.itg that r.c.wi aZic, V you

done, .*'"c'V>c//
T^'i cocd to
y-v^tn.cJ. (athcK and JeMU,.
//ca aZsc

".'ontx'd Kcga^.\eAZ:/ by the. ccnpKtgcJ:LCi\?

have to
-

t'-v -'a.-^
"'on'' .in ZndJ.a? ':!e.'d be. tnccn'^r.ct -t-'' ^.irht peK^onii abcu.t having
.' iirAC. '.'.'(t''

''tt
.'Ji

''v-Tf-f

\:
\'

you aZso, ^^c.s.f'd}- ouK

''.-.f '^\iMi.cra''Ac.}, c..\e !>iip-

-'re r-r:^"c.X'r.-^"''" at'f'crdznce. at vrA/cui

^c.'^hcAX.y.g.^' t-'.eAc, cj^.d -the. o.zt.'icJL "rK^^^boA^s'u if"

'.''e ('.v.^pc^X'"/'*/ apf.AccioJ'e. the. ncivs''-iid \ict-?-i> by CiiCyiZ'! dvjAch ''ocuU'.I'^io
Jf:he.*r tcpc-f-.'.'^K C;arl' tc'r?
T/ (ciZZ. atio be
pcod tc me.e.t the, new vKc.a'^'ncA icAAy and 'v' {CTi'iJ'" *of'. h'r V.i gc'd 'f'hcunhtii aJ!sc, thaJ"
: si'CAc. '.':Ltl- .r'.z bcy^ z-i^pzctc^iy.
dopz you cay. gvt aJ!.t -t'^c-ie ouCyStic^'^

av^ 'i/-.'.' -t-o

'^!'>ay'Jz ttcu AoK eveA'if.thA vw!