6 June 2012

After our return to England, half April, we have received application forms from Africa Inland Mission (AIM). On the forms we apply for a membership of AIM. After having shared information this is the logical next step when we wish to go into mission with AIM.

After having given the above a lot of thinking, prayer and consultation we have decided to apply for AIM´s membership. So now we have to take the first step to fill in the (rather extensive) application forms.

We have started filling in the forms right away, but Jurgen does not have enough time to do this at the moment. He is at the end of his third trimester of Bible School and the assignments take a lot of effort and engagement. We hope to finish the application forms this month and send them in. Representatives of AIM will contact us to let us know what else is required of us.

April 20th, 2012

We just spent the Easter Holiday in the Netherlands. It was good to meet with family and friends there and to smell the sea again. Apart from taking a break, we have made some progress towards the mission field.

In the Netherlands we have had a first official interview with representatives of AIM (Africa Inland Mission). It was a good and fruitful conversation. We will be sent the application papers for a membership of AIM shortly.

Jurgen has started his last trimester at the Trinity School of Theology. He is studying the modules ‘The Development of Christian Faith in History’ and ‘Introduction to Religious Diversity’. Jurgen is quite thrilled with these modules since they are so relevant to our longing to serve the Lord abroad.

March 2012

It is not only Jurgen who studies hard and makes progress, the children also work hard. Apart from their normal school curriculum, Issa and Vanya go swimming every week. They enjoy their swimming lessons very much.

In March both Vanya and Issa were awarded their first swimming certificates and badges. They proudly show them on the photo above.

Vanya was awarded the Octopus 3 Certificate and Issa the Octopus 1 Certificate.

February 14, 2012

The first trimester of the academic year 2011 / 2012 has largely been spent on getting adjusted to our new situation, environment and roles. After having taken our first steps, it is time to move on and aim for the goal for which we have come to the UK: to prepare ourselves for cross cultural missionary work.

We have already gathered much information about the possibilities on the mission field and from many mission organisations. For us, one organisation stood out from the others: Africa Inland Mission (AIM). Since AIM has its nearest office to the Netherlands in England, it seemed obvious to await our arrival in UK before embarking on further enquiries.

On Saturday the 4th of February Jurgen has attended an AIM seminar, titled ‘Into Africa?’. Much new information was given by various speakers. It was a very useful and encouraging day. As Jurgen put it: “It makes me want to leave ‘ NOW!”

During the seminar some explanation was given about the procedures involved in going out with AIM. A first step would be applying for membership, which alone could take 3 months or longer.

The coming time we hope to prayerfully consider applying for membership of AIM. We shall also take the time to talk about and discuss this with our supporters, friends and family in the Netherlands.

December 8th, 2011

Jurgen has received his grades for his first 2 essays. He is very relieved to have scored 55% on his essay for ‘Spirit and Church in Mission Context’ and 61% for his exegesis. Not bad for a Dutch student in his first year!

Writing the essays cost Jurgen quite some time. He hopes to gain more proficiency over the coming trimester, starting in January.

From December the 16th Jurgen has his Christmas holiday. Katja and the children will also take a few weeks off to enjoy the Christmas season together.

November 13th 2011

Jurgen is now halfway through his first trimester at Trinity School of Theology. This trimester his modules are: Spirit and Church in Mission Context and Studying the Old Testament. He is very happy to receive education at this college and he is given a lot of help in his studies. The lessons take place in small groups, which enhances the learning process.

For both modules two papers have to be written. The first two essays have been completed, grades have not been given yet.

For whom is interested: below you can click on the essays to read them. The essay for the module ‘Spirit and Church in Mission Context’ illustrates the role of the Spirit in New Testament Times, during the Reformation and contemporary time. The essay underlines that the heart of the church is mission.

The second essay is an exegesis (explanation of the Bible) on Genesis 12, where Abram received his calling. We hope you enjoy reading the essays!

In the meantime Jurgen has started working on his portfolio of the church we visit for the module ‘Spirit and Church in Mission Context’. He is also thinking about the subject for his second exegesis.

Essay 1 – The essence of the church

Essay 1 – Exegesis on Genesis 12

After Fresher’s Week in the last week of September Bible College is going to start for Jurgen on October 3rd.

During Fresher’s Week much practical information has been given on various topics, including the school, studying, the subjects and culture shock. It was very useful and intense.

On October 3rd ‘normal’ studying will begin. Every week Jurgen will go to Rugby on Monday to return on Tuesday after suppertime. He will spend the night at another student’s house. The distance from our home to Rugby makes it a better choice to stay over.

The first term 2 subjects will be covered: ‘Studying the Old Testament’ and ‘Spirit and Church in mission context’.

Your prayers, especially during the first term, will be most appreciated since studying at university level is new to Jurgen, as is communicating in English all day. Thank you!

After a week of unpacking boxes and preparation school has begun for the children on the 12th of September. We are not travelling full speed ahead yet, but in three weeks time we hope to have a full school week.

Home education is new to us, so we need some time of adjustment. Apart from the different setting, the books are different from what the children were used to and they have more subjects. Apart from their Dutch subjects Math, Dutch and Handwriting we also offer them the English subjects Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts and Science. Apart from that we hope to have enough time for some purely practical subjects, such as PE.

Sofar we enjoy our school journey, especially the time spent reading together!