Petra de Jong-Heins
missionary consultant
"This is how we are present on behalf of Jesus in this world!" says pioneer pastor Daniel van Beek enthusiastically, when he opens the door of The Open House to us in mid-December.
Church in mission situation
As a working group 'church in a mission situation', we are guests of this mission congregation for a day. To learn from practice, what a church in a mission situation can look like. We are not looking for a model, but to discover how God is at work in each unique context in the Netherlands. We want to inspire churches and open their eyes to the fact that this is also happening in their environment. In this way, we want to nurture the desire to be church and to make God's good news visible in word and deed to the people around them.
Welcome without judgement
It is only a small community in Haarlem, but in Jesus' hands it becomes a lot. As a working group, we were impressed by the stories of Monique, Emmy and Iranian Sahar, who told how they were allowed to experience the warmth and welcome here, that they are allowed to be there without judgement and that they are seen here. We heard how they themselves were allowed to come to Jesus and learn from His blessing.
A second location
Mayor Jos Wienen expressed how in and from such Christian communities people meet, reach out and help each other where the local government experiences impotence: 'We really can't stand beside people in the way that happens here.' And that appreciation became even clearer when the district council expressed its wish for another location of The Open House to be opened in the neighbouring district. The local authority asking 'for yet another such place'? Even when they discovered it was a combination of social work and church ministry, they did not flinch. I was involuntarily reminded of Acts 2: 47: 'And they praised God and found grace with all the people.'
Place for the neighbourhood
A place, where you would not immediately expect to find a church. Passing the pumping station, we walk into the small building next door. It looks like a former shop at a pumping station. A cosy vintage café atmosphere, where people can have coffee, lunch and there is time for a game or conversation. At the back is a walk-through to the thrift shop. During our lunch, we are told how they want to create a place together, where everyone from the neighbourhood can come together. Where you can come home and be welcome. This unique place has room for neighbourhood-oriented activities and church-oriented activities. Stichting Ontmoeting en Woord & Act works here.
What an inspiring example we experienced today! God is busy with His mission in this world and invites people in many ways to stand in relationship with Him and from there to participate in that mission: pointing out and distributing the love and grace of God.
Petra de Jong-Heins
missionary consultant
