Exploring faith
Every fortnight, we are surprised by a special bunch of people. They call themselves 'the team'. Come in around 5.30pm with great enthusiasm. Welcome us with recipes from Lidl, cut-out puzzles from the local newspaper, pictures of ballerinas for our daughter Rose and something nice for after the meal. Even dog Puck is not forgotten, which means no handbag is safe from her curious wet nose these days.
Around six o'clock, we sit down for a nice meal. Most of the teammates are natives of Rotterdam, who not long ago heard the Gospel and took Jesus into their hearts. They ask the most wonderful questions and talk honestly and openly about their lives.
Similarly, just under six months ago, Neeltje* joined. She had just been widowed for the second time and she was taken by her neighbours Kees and Nel*, who were very enthusiastic about the Alpha course and so got involved with the team.
Most of the time, Neeltje eats well and listens attentively to the Bible stories she hears. But one time, she said: 'The way you believe, I can't hear it. I want to, but I can't.' 'You know Neeltje,' we said, 'that's not a bad thing at all. Just come along, feel free to listen and ask all the questions you have.'
Six months later, she wants to go out the door and, kissing us goodbye, she says, 'You know Carolien, I'm a Christian now too!' My eyes get moist and my heart makes a jump, as I ask Neeltje: 'But Neeltje, how?' 'Well,' she says, 'I have asked Jesus into my heart now and am SO happy. It's completely changed for me.'
A small notebook carefully emerges from her handbag, in which she somewhat shyly lets me read this sentence: 'I have a new friend. And his name is Jesus!'
* names are fictitious because of privacy
Carolien and Hans Euser
network leaders, Intercultural Church Plants (ICP)
