One of the difficult things about living on a Caribbean island is that people not only come, but also go. We really enjoy that we can regularly welcome new guests to Aruba. Sometimes they stay for a few days, sometimes for a few weeks and occasionally for a few months to a year. But few people stick around longer. Fortunately, in this regular chaos of coming and going, it is wonderful to be able to discover again and again that the seeds that people plant here remain when they leave.
For example, there was a student here who, during her outreach for the Discipleship Training School, came with me on the van to deliver food to the families. When we arrived at the door of one of the families, the eldest daughter of the family told this student that she was beautiful. The student thanked her and told this girl that she actually thought that she was beautiful. The girl visibly felt blessed with this compliment, and since then I notice that she makes more of an effort to take good care of herself. How nice to see that one compliment from a complete stranger can have such a big positive effect.
Yet, the effects are sometimes not immediately visible. Friends of ours have invested a lot in Aruban society. They have contributed in every possible way to various church communities, their work, and the volunteer work that they did. Despite their passionate efforts, they saw only a small effect over time. So much so that they finally decided to leave Aruba. For them it was a tough conclusion with major consequences, and for us it was also another tough farewell.
In such a situation the question automatically arises: does it make sense to continually commit yourself to building relationships with all those people? If everyone leaves again, what is the value of this investment? The only thing that seems to be left after another farewell is loss. But today I realized something. If I always focus on what is visible to me, is my attention really focused on the people I am dealing with? Or am I busy with the results I think I need? I think I know the answer. The great thing about saying goodbye is that apparently something has grown that is worth saying goodbye to. And so, more has been planted than I can see and I need to realize that God owns the harvest.
My friend Angelo and I regularly meet for coffee together. It is a mutual pleasure that we sometimes dread, but always look forward to. The dreading has nothing to do with Angelo, or with me. But drinking coffee in a coffee shop or at a smoothie bar along the side of the road always results in extra work.
Every time we meet, guided by the Holy Spirit, we also meet special people. Sometimes this is just for a chat or to get acquainted, but much more often it concerns broken people who have serious problems. Then suddenly we are sitting at a picnic table praying with a complete stranger, asking Jesus to perform another miracle and make His difference in someone’s life.
Such a meeting has an impact, not only for the people we meet, but certainly also for Angelo and for me. How is it possible that it has been happening more than twenty times now, and produces special scenes every time? We really don’t have to do anything, just meet up and have coffee together. After all these times we can only draw one conclusion. When we go for coffee, it is not just the two of us. We drink coffee with Jesus.
A new update for you after a busy season. The Lord has blessed us by allowing us to be a part of several events on the island, some of which we just participated in, and others that we organized ourselves. This is also one of the reasons why it took us a little longer than normal to provide you with a new update. We are grateful for all the blessings that God poured out on the people that we served, and we hope you will rejoice with us when you watch/read this update.
Mission Conference In July, one of the churches on the island organized a Mission Conference. Erik was invited to speak about YWAM and its presence in Aruba, and we were invited to participate in a forum together with other YWAM-ers on the island. Meet Jhon and Maria. We met with Jhon several years ago, but we didn’t know Maria before this conference at all. It was really good to connect with them (again). We plan to get to know them both better and see if we can organize things together.
Creative Kids Camp In August, we organized a Creative Kids Camp, together with Cas di Oracion, the church of Randy & Quilin. We had Liselle Joslyn, a Creative Psychotherapist from the UK, come over to organize a fitting program with Hanneke. Hanneke did an amazing job in bringing structure to the whole week. With an amazing team we hosted 25 kids and we shared the Gospel in a very creative and relational way. The result was special, several kids were led to the Lord and many got to know God better. We are grateful for the whole team and all those children visiting our Camp.
Volunteers Appreciation Evening In September, we organized a Volunteers Appreciation Evening for the more than 75 volunteers that help us in the different ministries connected to ONE San Nicolas. More than 35 attended and we had a wonderful evening together with a presentation of our values, a High Tea, gifts, games and much appreciation for everyone. This was the second year that we hosted this event and we plan on organizing this every year.
Beach Day Ambulanten Another event we organized in September was the Beach Day for the homeless and addicted people in San Nicolas (Ambulanten). After 3 years of serving them in San Nicolas through our food distribution, we decided to treat this group with an outing. A bus was rented for a reduced price, food and towels were donated, the fire department was willing to help us create a shower from one of their trucks, a BBQ setup was organized, and we were at the beach very early to claim a good spot. It all worked out amazing.
In the weeks before this event, God stirred our coordinator Annelies and Erik to speak each Saturday to the group specifically about Gods plan for our lives, salvation, and baptism. Because of this, we knew that He wanted us to create the opportunity for people to get baptized during this event. During the day, three men were baptized, and good follow-up for these men was arranged. It was wonderful to see people enjoy this special day. Some of them told us that they had not been going to the beach for years and that this day made a real difference for them in the hopelessness of their daily life. We are thankful!
Vacation Bible School In October, the Evangelical Church in San Nicolas organized a VBS. We were invited to teach this whole week to a group of ten children aged 8 and 9. Unfortunately, Hanneke was sick, so Erik taught the children with the help of another volunteer. Although it was certainly not an easy week, everything worked out fine in the end. Throughout the week, several of these children wanted to know more about the gospel and started to ask really good questions. It was amazing to see how hungry these kids were to hear more about God. The VBS was visited by 53 children aged 6 to 12, and the team of volunteers existed of more than 40 people. We felt honored to be part of this event.
La Sala The fundraising for La Sala is ongoing. Currently, we have fundraised little over 10% of the total amount for purchasing, renovating and furnishing the building. We have sent in applications for funding to many funds and commercial business, but so far mainly personal donations have come in. Since donations are still being made, we feel that God wants us to trust in Him in this process. We don’t know how, but we believe that God will come with an unexpected way of organizing the additional funds. We hold strong to the believe that it is not about this building or any other facilities that we would need, but that anything we do in or outside this process is about God and His Kingdom. Whatever happens, He deserves all the honor. We would love it if you would help us raise funds for this project. Please feel free to contact us for information and materials. If you would like to partner with us in this project, you can find more information on https://ywamaruba.com/lasala/.
Our family As a family we are all doing well. Ryan is in his last year of school, and enjoys his internship with a wonderful organization where he feels at home. He is also enjoying his time with a Christian student group, making new friends. Kai is still preparing for going to the Netherlands. Over time, we had some hiccups in the process, but it looks like they are solved now and he is on course again. Hanneke en Erik are both doing well. For us it is important to stay aware of keeping a good balance between home and work, which is not always easy. But over all we believe we are doing a good job.
In the upcoming months we have quite some events planned. We will post about these events real time in our Just To Let You Know Friends WhatsApp group. Let us know if you want to be part of that group. We are more than happy to welcome you there as well. Of course we will also continue to post overall updates over here.
I have a special friend. After years of being a criminal, he radically turned to the Lord. And he is sincere in his choice, because this happened more than ten years ago and he is still faithfully serving the Lord. While this part of his story is special in itself, it becomes even more special afterwards. My friend started producing films. We are not talking about amateur material, but about real professional cinema-worthy movies. About every two years he releases one on a social theme in Aruba. It costs him everything every time, but he knows he is called to do this so he just continues with it. Not too long ago, His film Chronic was released. A melodramatic action movie in which the Aruban intergenerational problems are depicted very directly. In this way, the fight against human trafficking, abuse, unhealthy family structures, crime and corruption are pictured and find their way into the cinema and many Aruban households. I have such deep respect for my friend, who, as a self-made missionary, points out exactly what is chronically wrong in Aruban society. Like the prophets did, he provide healthier guidelines into a society that is in need continuously. During filming, actors come to faith every time. The production not only provides them with a valuable exercise in acting, but also preservation of life. Despite the double impact, my friend is left with debts after every movie. What a sacrifice to have nothing and continue to give everything. God sometimes uses an unconventional Samson to carry out and literally reinforce His plan. I pray for many more movies to come.
In recent weeks there seem to have been breakthroughs in a number of areas in our ministry. This made it possible for us to organize the Marriage Course together with friends of ours. We also welcomed an outreach team again and this year we are organizing a Marriage Couples Night and a Bible Summer School for the second time. These are all activities that we hoped and prayed for. What a blessing that this is possible and that the preparations seem to be going well. But to top it all off, we see that the ministry in San Nicolas, Cas di Restauracion, is growing considerably and that several churches now want to support this initiative. What first started with Mama Sandra (see blog 009), is now starting to develop as an initiative by and for the community. Something that seemed impossible in Aruba in recent years is now really happening. Organizations start to work together selflessly and what is even more special, church congregations are willing to let go of the past and humble themselves together before God. In two meetings with pastors and leaders from different churches in San Nicolas we experienced that they really want to do what God calls us all to do; care for “the widows and orphans”. Different insights and different ecclesiastical cultures are no longer decisive for these shepherds. They want to focus on Jesus and from there commit themselves to their immediate neighbors. Not by staying within four walls and preaching about how things should be done, but by going out, rolling up their sleeves, working together and complementing each other as the body of Christ. And me? I watch, amazed at the new things happening here, impressed by the silent revolution that God is unleashing. When seven church congregations come together to ask forgiveness for what was, to magnify God’s name above all else and to expect a new beginning under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can be sure that the Holy Spirit is at work. I’m in awe and looking forward to more!
When you start working in another country, there are many hurdles to overcome. Although I sometimes thought about this when our friends were working in South Africa, I did not realize at the time what this must have meant to them. And now that we are working here in Aruba, I often ignore the impact of everything that has changed. I like to work and enjoy results. So my natural commitment is to create positive change. But that does not work here. Not if you come from outside, not if you don’t know the culture well enough, not if you don’t have the right relationships and contacts. Without knowing it, we have been working way too hard to achieve all those positive results. We had planted a plant and it had to grow. We put the plant in the right soil, we gave it enough water and we provided a little extra pokon. We just didn’t pull the plant up so that it seemingly would grow faster, but we at least checked it every day to see if any growth was visible.
This week we had a conversation about how we can best help the families in San Nicolas. In the middle of the meeting, a good friend asked me: “Why did you keep saying in recent months that we had to wait without taking action?” This question got me thinking. I could have asked it to other people who wanted to achieve something here. What motivates me to no longer want to pull the plant? Am I still passionate enough for this mission? Fortunately, I can answer that last question with a resounding “yes”. But what’s stopping me?
The answer to that question came for me two weeks earlier. During coaching that Hanneke and I received from two experienced YWAM-ers; a couple who, with at least twenty more years of mission experience, know how to pioneer. During that conversation I talked about how I really felt about being cooped up on this island for almost three years and feeling like I couldn’t move forward. One of our coaches then asked the question: “Can it be that God lets you experience what it is like to live as an Aruban?” Phew, that came in. I knew the answer. That’s exactly what happens. Do I like it? Absolutely not! But is it necessary? Absolutely!
It is important to realize that we cannot force this mission, no matter how much we may want to move forward. This applies to us, but it also applies to our fellow missionaries with whom we work and to our supporters. God has a plan in place and He knows what He is doing. He gives each plant exactly the time it needs to grow, bloom, and be fruitful. We can be ready to sow, water and harvest. But things will always happen a little differently in Aruba than in the rest of the world. We must, despite ourselves, walk the process as God intends it here. Fortunately, we were also able to explain that to our friend in the meeting as well. I hope that with this lasting realization in mind the first hurdle has been taken.
This weekend, I have a few days off after a long time. I even left home for a while and the peace of not having to do anything at all overwhelms me. Taking time for myself is a luxury I haven’t had for a long time. But I also realize that it is a luxury that many people never have. That may be one of the reasons I put it off for so long. The need is so great here and there is so much to do. So much could be different, so much better than what it is now. This inaction forces me to reconsider that our mission is not my project, but that of our Assigner. Good thing, too! I don’t have to solve everything. Yet the problems in this thirsty country do not let me go.
This morning, I read a passage about thirst in Amos 8:11-13; ‘“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it. “In that day the lovely virgins and the young men shall faint for thirst.”’
This text touched me while reading. While I understand that this passage was written in a different context, I feel the need for it every day. This is exactly what is going on. In Aruba… and in large parts of the world. And most people don’t recognize their thirst or think they can solve it with junk food. Aruba is a thirsty country. The dry soil reflects the hearts of the people who belong here. So many people here feel like the Samaritans; not recognized, not seen and not heard in their need. But even though Aruba has a good water purification plant, water is not a given for everyone here, and Living Water certainly isn’t. I recently heard the statement, “Either you will shrink your faith to the level of your experience, or you will allow God to increase your faith to the level of His promises.” Would you like to pray and believe that our Father will fully pour out His Living Water over Aruba?
Sometimes, you suddenly hear a small piece of interesting information that changes your perception. For example, I once read somewhere that a retirement home had hung photos of the people who lived there at the doors of the rooms when they were young. I found that very inspiring at the time. And now, I got such an insight into someone’s life. His name is Marcelino and he is over 90 years old. There is a beautiful photo of him in his house, where he must be about 25 years old. A beautiful man with a charming smile. Now he sits in the same chair every day, watches TV, eats and chats with the neighbors who pass by, or his brother who lives a few houses away. He laughs a lot, has great stories and keeps his spirit up. We bring him food and always have a chat. Recently some of his relatives were leaving just as we arrived. They said goodbye and I heard them say something strange; “Pan y vino”. I looked quizzically at the relative and he laughed and told me a little anecdote. They call him Marcelino pan y vino. When he was a little boy, he used to spend a lot of time talking to God and asking questions. He would go to an attic and ask God things like: ‘Didn’t your neck hurt when you hung on the cross?’ Sometimes he would take a piece of bread (pan) and some wine (vino) upstairs to share with God and to celebrate supper. And that’s how he got his nickname. When I went in to greet Marcelino, I could imagine that little boy asking God complicated questions and living close to him. And he still does that. We always pray together and I think it’s a fantastic idea that he used to do that, always has done that, and now does it together with me. What a richness!
She is a special woman with a striking appearance. Every Saturday I meet her in the Hub. Every Saturday she sits there on a chair with her back against the open door, catching every breath of wind from outside. It is way too hot inside the room and while sweat is dripping down my spine when I’m preparing the food and drinks to take to the families, she makes nice and funny remarks to me and others. From the first time I met her, she liked it when I prayed for her before I go. After a few weeks she even started to ask for it. Now, we no longer need words. I pray for her first, and then I go to the families. When I have some extra minutes, I like to sit next to her on a chair. She tells me the most important facts about what is happening in San Nicolas and beyond, and how we all can deal with it. Her comments help me to see the world from a different perspective, and for that I am grateful! It is special to me that mama Judith, with all her life experience, is happy to accept that people are praying for her. She is a true prayer warrior herself. The great thing is that she thinks about people that others don’t think about. In addition to praying very faithfully for her children, “the pilots and the co-pilots that are up in the air, and the captains of the ships on the ocean” are always prayed for. What a blessing that there are people with enough life experience to fill in the gaps that I, and probably many others, don’t think of. The Holy Spirit does mighty things!
The house wasn’t a huge mess, but cleaning it completely was clearly over her head. No wonder given the circumstances in which she lives. But how brave she was! She had gotten over herself and asked for help. Perhaps that was her greatest victory, and we happily said ‘yes’ to that.
We grabbed some all-purpose cleaner and some wipes, we came with a trailer and, together with friends, we helped her. A few hours of rolling up our sleeves, driving up and down a few times to load the laundry machine and walking back and forth to throw things in the trailer and the result was there. A tidy and clean, well-organized house. Easy to keep clean and inviting to live in.
But today we got the icing on the cake. We received a text. “Thank you! Today the housing association came for an unexpected check and I let them in without any stress or tension! And then the maintenance department called and I could immediately make an appointment for tomorrow! That may not seem like anything to some people, but to me it is very special!”
I never knew that all-purpose cleaner could be so effective…
