Unified in the UK

On the road again I'm writing from nearby Manchester, England.

I've been meeting here with a few brothers in the worship ministry: from the USA, UK, and Romania. We have united together to form a "steering committe" for the Europe Worship Link: a fellowship of key leaders in worship ministry across Europe. These are leaders from a wide spectrum of organisations, churches and ministries. I'm the YWAMer in the bunch. Others are Baptist, Greater European Mission, Catholic Charismatics, etc.

We've been planning another EWL event for next year in Czech Republic.
This fellowship has a wonderful potential to link up and bundle the strengths of worship ministries to reach Europe and I'm excited to see how plans will unfold in the coming years.

God is so good to allow me to participate in such committees, getting to know such sincere and respected leaders in worship.

Recently someone referred to me as a pioneer in worship ministry. That really blew my mind! I know of so many others who have gone before me and paved the way here in Holland: Jeff Fountain, Annemarie Kleynhans, Karen Lafferty, Peter Helms, and many more. To me, they are the real pioneers and I had the privilege (and frustration at times) to hang onto their coattails as they raced headlong into the worship ministry vision.

I don't consider myself a visionary, though I do have vision (and sometimes I even have visions). A networker or, in Biblical terms, a "doorkeeper" suits my role best. God gave me gifts to encourage and exhort; at times I even inspire others. To me it's unthinkable to keep for myself what I've so freely received from others. It's one of my deepest joys to pass on rich nuggets of Biblical truth for others to apply in their lives.

In writing this just now, a profound gratefulness surfaces in my heart for God's graciousness and faithfulness in my singular life. I have been woven into a fabric of community and mission with the colorful threads of like-minded and passionate God-lovers. May You be glorified, o Sovereign Lord, as you call the nations to worship!

Blessings,
Belinda

Change of seasons

This picture is a bit fuzzy, but some of that is from the natural haze upon the Irish land as Winter gives way to Spring.
These days of rest after a simple fare of sharing on worship with 13 lovely DTS students, has been rejuvenating to my soul as well as to my body. Long hours of solitude, snuggled up to the heater with a good book (Steven Lawhead's "Patrick"), communion with God's presence in this place, and my body gaining strength have been sweet.
The staff and students here at YWAM Closkelt have been kind and gracious, offering me refuge and willing hearts to learn and grow in worship. The students constructed a special 'sanctuary' with stone altar, cross, and stained glass window which gave us a sacred spot to sit at His feet the rest of the teaching week. This morning they shared psalms they had composed: honest, emotional, yet strong with determination of choice to praise God in the midst. King David would have been proud of them.
Tomorrow early morn I will go to Belfast and catch an Easy Jet flight home, home to Holland where I will come to rest for some weeks before the next flight.
Much as I love to teach and meet people, I always look forward to my home; my communion with God is sweetest in the nest He has provided.
Tomorrow...

Misty Irish Morn

Amazingly, I am in yet another country - that's 4 in the past week: Indonesia, China, Holland and now Northern Ireland. Sounds like a 'glamorous' life, being a missionary, doesn't it? I guess I never see it that way but I feel deeply privileged to serve the Lord in different nations like this.
Of course, right now I am also aware of the toll it takes on my body, which is still weak from amoebic dysentery, a 20+ hour journey across the world, and a nagging cold. I seriously considered just staying home in Holland and not taking the trip here, but as I prayed about it I felt a strong peace about coming. This goes beyond my own tenacity and I believe I'm journeying in His grace.
I'm still jetlagging a bit... fell asleep at 19.30 (7.30 p.m.) last evening and woke up several times in the night, finally getting up around 6.00 and enjoying some tea and breakfast. I'm looking out the window of the guest cottage here at the Closkelt YWAM base and I see the Northumberland mountains, which are near the southeastern coast. They're dusted with snow like pastry and pink-grey clouds grace their peaks with the sun rays peaking through. Lovely to see it and glad I'm inside on a nice, warm sofa to enjoy it.
Normally I take someone along with me on ministry trips. It's a great opportunity for them to stretch their wings in ministry and usually very nice company for me. However, a couple months ago already I felt I should come alone on this trip so that in the afternoons and evenings I could have some communion time with the Lord. What a wonderful place to enjoy just that! I've been coming to N.Ireland for about 10 years now and have some friends here that I truly appreciate. So, I get to exercize my gift of teaching and receive God's gifts of His presence, refreshing and special fellowship. Life is good!
Please continue to pray for my bodily strength to increase. I'm able to get extra rest here, which should help considerably. Also pray with me that this cold would leave! Today I will phone my doctor in Holland to find out the results of my blood test I took last week.
I'm so thankful for your prayers and care!
Love, Belinda

p.s. please also pray for Guusje Kartutu as she's been quite ill since returning from Bali. Ben is also recuperating from gout (jicht) and a painful knee.

Photos