Missionary News

 Leslie and Elizabeth Message

 our missionary friends in Belgium

Leslie and Elizabeth have lived in Mechelen for the majority of that time and until just recently, Leslie was the Pastor of the Hamme Evangelical Centre.  

The Flemish Council of the Belgium Evangelical Mission recently decided it was no longer financially viable to keep the Church building in Hamme operable.  It was suggested that the existing group join the neighbouring Church St. Niklaas and operate as a cell group within that Church, with the possibility of planting a daughter Church in the Hamme area in the future.  A Church meeting agreed to the mission's proposal. Sunday 13th February 2011 saw the final meeting in Hamme.  

The decision has resulted in changes to Leslie and Elizabeth's ministry.  They will still have responsibility for the Hamme cell group, also Pastoral visitation, but will not be joining the St. Niklaas Church.  They have informed the mission that they will be available to help the ministry in other Church's and to represent the Mission if the need should arise.  Leslie with still continue as the Chaplain at Antwerp prison.   

Elizabeth is a qualified child-minder at their home.

Update:-

In recent months we have asked for a young lady D who Leslie contacted in Antwerp prison. She was unexpectedly released from prison. The first few days went well, we were able to meet with her and she accompanied us to Church on the first Sunday following her release. Unfortunately, there have since been some discouraging developments: On leaving prison she went to live with her mother in law in Mechelen. For different reasons this arrangement broke down, she then moved in with her sister, a confirmed drug addict. We have since lost all contact with her. We are thankful to God that we were able to have some input in her life, and pray that the Lord would make it possible for us to meet with her in the not to distant future.

The Antillean, inmate mentioned in previous Prayer News is due shortly to be released from prison, he will return to the Netherlands, At his request we have given him a list of churches in his local area.

The Christmas service in the prison was well attended, more than 40 inmates present, pray that the preaching of the gospel will have touched their lives

We continue to meet at least twice a month with the Hamme group. It is good to see a more open atmosphere, openness in sharing and participation in prayer times. We are seeking Gods will concerning the new corners, contemplating the option of starting a beginners group, consisting of evangelistic bible-studies, personal attention. They have many questions, especially as they compare what they hear with their own Roman Catholic background. Pray for wisdom how to move forward. We will continue in 2012 with the Hamme group and prison ministry. Leslie has several preaching engagements in the coming months. Pray that we may see lasting fruit.

Thank you for your prayers Leslie & Elizabeth