In November, pioneers, church planters and missionary leaders from across Europe gathered at the City to City conference in Budapest. This international meeting focused on the renewal of European cities through the transforming power of the gospel. Many members of the CGK were in attendance. What was their purpose in attending, what impressed them, and what concrete ideas did they take home to apply in their own work? Five participants look back.
Lectures and meetings
Meeting colleagues from different countries is motivating and inspiring. For Rev. Rein den Hertog, it was valuable to step away from his daily routine and be nourished by conversations, lectures, and encounters. The recognition is beneficial. Rev. Jan Bosch writes: “One moment you are talking to someone from Istanbul, the next moment to someone from Kiev. It is wonderful to discover that we can live from the same faith and desire to share the gospel with others. You notice how deep this goes in the conversations about the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope that it brings, and at the same time the passion to make this meaning known to others.”
Other participants travelled to Budapest with a specific question in mind. What is happening in Europe in terms of missionary work, and what can we learn from it? Ellen Hartog, Missionary Representative, was particularly interested in finding out what church planters need in order to better support the missionary projects of our churches. Rev. Bert van de Bovenkamp sought inspiration in the area of church planting: “There is a growing desire in myself and the congregation to be more missionary in an environment where Protestant churches are not very well represented.”
Loyalty and perseverance
The programme for the three-day conference was varied. More than twenty-five speakers contributed to the theme from different perspectives. The lecture by Sarah Williams about three pioneers from different periods in history, each of whom showed in their own way how simple, faithful Christian living and working can lead to surprising breakthroughs. In doing so, they played an important role for the generations that followed them. The participants found it encouraging to see “how, throughout history, God's church was able to flourish at times when you would not expect it. God is faithful!”
Rev. Den Hertog was moved by the opening meeting, “in which we were challenged to shift our perspective: away from the church as it often presents itself today – vulnerable, broken, sometimes despondent – and towards the church as the bride of Christ as it will one day be. (...) To use the fairy tale: the ugly duckling that turns out to be a beautiful swan. That perspective invites us to look beyond the here and now and be inspired by the belief that God himself will clothe his church as a beautiful bride.”
Mission consultant Rev. Arjan Witzier noticed a common thread that really appealed to him: “The creativity and perseverance of the many missionary workers in Europe.” At the same time, alongside all that enthusiasm, there was room for honest stories of difficulties and concerns, but also trust in the Lord who calls. “I thought that was very beautiful,” reflects Rev. Van de Bovekamp, who particularly appreciated the personal conversations.
The proceeds
What do three intensive days of conferences yield? Renewed courage, according to several participants. Rev. Bosch: “I am particularly taking away what Alex Deuscher told about Moses’ leadership. His work sometimes went through deep valleys, but the most important thing was: Exodus 3:12: ”I will be with you!"
Others took home inspiration and food for thought. Ellen Hartog says: “We can be an example to others. To our generation, the next generation, but also to people who think differently. We don't all have to think the same, as long as we see each other.”
The conference led to concrete new ideas, according to Rev. Den Hertog, among others. “I would like to organise a meeting (...) to brainstorm together about how we can give young church planters a place in Amsterdam.” Meanwhile, Rev. Witzier sets his alarm clock to 9:38 every day to pray Matthew 9:38, asking the Lord to send workers into the vineyard.
Finally, a continuing desire was nurtured. Rev. Van de Bovekamp expressed this as follows: “I was at the confirmation of Wilke den Hertog and Cees van Breugel in Sittard and Heerlen. That makes an impression, even more so at the conference. My wish is that more opportunities will be created in the south of our country.”
Blessed home
The conference concluded with a blessing from Saint Patrick:
May the Christ who walks on pierced feet
walking with you on the road.
may the Christ who serves with pierced hands
extend your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves with a pierced heart
open your heart to love.
That you may see the face of Christ
in everyone who will meet you,
and that everyone who meets you will
will see the face of Christ in you.
