My day: From alarm to lights out
Sunday, May 25th
My day actually started even before my alarm, my Apple Watch, went off. I had set it to get out of bed on time, which is important not only for me but also for my wife, Ingrid. Because of her illness, it’s sometimes hard for her to go to church with me, which we both find very unfortunate. Luckily, she was able to join today, and together we looked forward to the service.
To the gathering on the Veluwe
Currently, we regularly stay in our mobile home at a campsite on the Veluwe. It’s nice to attend a church service there on Sundays. After some searching, we found the Living Hope community in Putten. It’s a warm community of over two hundred people, where the worship is beautiful and the sermon is always inspiring. We felt welcome immediately and enjoyed the music, the testimonies, and the pleasant atmosphere. You can truly feel the Lord’s presence there.
An inspiring testimony: Rik Celie, doctor in South America
During the service, Rik Celie, a Belgian missionary doctor, spoke. He shared his experiences in Bolivia, where he was the only doctor facing extreme poverty and a lack of medication. He witnessed a lot of pain and suffering, especially among children, without anesthesia. Rik has been a missionary for 35 years, primarily in poor areas. For example, after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, he helped set up children’s villages.
The situation there is now very difficult due to violence and kidnappings. In Bolivia, he works with a medical team to reach remote villages that receive no other help. They provide medical care to people who often have no access to basic healthcare. They urgently need funds for transport and medicines because they have to bring everything themselves due to the corruption there. Rik hopes to raise more funds soon to continue their work and even open clinics that can finance their missions.
Sermon: What will it cost me to follow the way?
After Rik’s impressive story, Peter van der Kist delivered the sermon, with the theme ‘What will it cost me to follow the way?’ We had just sung ‘Jesus, I surrender all,’ and Peter asked us to reflect on the meaning of those words. Surrendering everything also means taking up our cross.
Peter concluded the series on following Jesus. He referred to Paul, who lost everything when he met Jesus. Paul was often imprisoned for the Gospel and would have wholeheartedly sung: ‘I surrender all to You!’ We reflected on three main themes: keeping our eyes on Jesus, desiring to be more like Him, and daily taking up His cross.
Jesus Himself said that whoever wants to follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. This cross is not the same as what Jesus carried; we don’t have to die for the sins of others. However, it does mean that we must place our lives in His hands. Jesus came to earth to save us because we couldn’t bridge the gap between God and humanity. He took all our pain upon Himself to do God’s will, even to the cross. Now He asks if we are willing to also take up our crosses in our calling.
Following Jesus costs something; it demands making choices without delay. Luke gives examples of people who made excuses not to follow Jesus immediately. But Jesus calls us to prioritize His Kingdom above personal matters. We shouldn’t look back or be distracted by worries or doubts; just like a farmer plowing, we must look forward to the Kingdom of God, which is still growing with people who need to be saved.
Let’s start where we are, with small steps towards change, just as Jesus did with others in their situations. It’s about getting closer to Him step by step without getting discouraged by failures; He is always there for us when we fall. Following the path takes effort, but ultimately yields much more than what this world has to offer. Let’s choose Christ, so others can also see who He is through our lives. Amen!
After the service: coffee and conversations
After the service, we first enjoyed delicious coffee and pleasant conversations. It’s so nice to meet new people, especially those who are full of God and share how the Bible inspires them to bring the Gospel to children and adults. For example, I spoke with a writer who writes children’s books and has won several awards for them. It’s truly special to get to know new people with whom you can talk directly, heart-to-heart.
Afterward, we drove back to the campsite, enjoying the beautiful nature through the forests of Garderen. After eating something, a friend came to visit us to share his experiences from the past few days.
Farewell and back home
In the evening, we watched a movie together, but unfortunately, I then had to go home to Alphen aan den Rijn. Tomorrow, an important meeting is scheduled in my own community. Sometimes, you simply have to go back home when you’re staying on the Veluwe.
On the way, I unexpectedly got stuck in traffic due to an accident, even though I thought leaving at ten o’clock at night would prevent problems on the road. But that doesn’t stop me from telling today’s story. I hope to have a good night’s sleep soon. The theme was, after all, from alarm to lights out, so I couldn’t resist calling Ingrid for a moment. I called her and wished her a very good night’s sleep. And so, my interesting and, above all, inspiring day came to an end.
@wimvanputten