'It started with a dream,' Hans Euser begins his story in pioneer place Blend Bloemhof in Rotterdam. He and his wife woke up in the morning a few years ago and appeared to have had the same dream in detail. For some time they had been praying how they could make God known in their surroundings in the Rotterdam neighbourhood they had moved to. Could this dream then be a clue from God himself?
Yellow awnings, a sort of neighbourhood café with a barber shop in it, second-hand clothes. But more than that: a place where there is a community of local residents, however different from each other, yet connected. The dream came true two years later, we see here.
Pioneering together
As deputies of evangelism, we have a cordial cooperation in the PKN's national pioneering team, which also includes Evangelie & Muslims, IZB, ICP and the Salvation Army participate in. Once every two months, we discuss what is happening in our denominations and organisations in the missionary field, exchange ideas and, where possible, cooperate in the missionary field. And for inspiration, this time we met in Rotterdam, at Blend Bloemhof. This initiative started from the work of Hans and Carolien Euser, who also work at ICP.
Story of hope
What an inspiring pioneer place! Blend Bloemhof started as a pioneer place, with a focus on 'business as mission': it is a social enterprise. From the business, care is provided and meaning is sought. After all, people are not only physical, but also social and spiritual! As we meet, local residents come in, someone gets a haircut in the barber shop and someone walks towards the clothes cellar. Every person, from any background, is welcome. The hairdresser not only has hairdressing skills, but tells her story to anyone who wants to hear it, that there is hope. She has seen all the bad sides of the world. But now she stands here as a hairdresser. If it is possible in my life, there is also hope for you, she encourages her clients from the neighbourhood.
Getting to know God
Blend is clearly more than coffee, clothes and hairdresser. Here you will find beauty, attention and connection. A community in search of meaning. There is room for real get-togethers: playing a game, sharing your story or having a table discussion about the biggest questions in life. Then it is moving to hear during a meeting that God makes himself known to people there. Neighbours who may find God, through the opportunity created. I return home grateful and amazed. Let us continue to pray and pick up opportunities where God wants to put us in his mission.
Petra de Jong-Heins
missionary consultant
