Across the country, pioneers are finding ways to share the gospel in their local communities. To a large extent, it is the nature of the community that determines the most appropriate approach. How do pioneers go about their work in small villages? Evangelism representatives travelled to the north of the country and visited the farm of Faith in Groningen and at The Heidepleats in Friesland. What can we learn from the pioneers in these places?
A unique form
The approach taken by the two pioneer sites is very different: in Oldambt, Groningen, the Noteboom and Hoekman families operate both from their missionary farm and from public venues such as the village hall and the football club. Across these locations, they organise activities including coffee mornings, a children’s club and Bible studies.
In Sint Nicolaasga, Friesland, the Hoogkamp and Troost families are dedicated to welcoming all sorts of guests. They are converting a farm into a so-called ‘Nij Abbey’: a place to welcome guests within a community. On the grounds, you’ll find a vineyard where the owners give guided tours, a bed and breakfast, a terrace and a garden chapel. And there are plenty more plans to welcome guests, including those staying for longer periods.
Blends in with the surroundings
A key common theme that both places teach us is the importance of connection. Making contact, listening and, where possible, following up on that contact are crucial. A genuine interest in the other person can lead to a relationship in which honest conversations are possible. In such a relationship, you can also be a missionary without having all the answers yourself.
Listening also goes hand in hand with an awareness of the context. Pay close attention to the opportunities in the local area. Where is there movement that you can engage with, and what fits in? And also: what suits your own drive? As a result, sharing the gospel in Oldambt takes a very different form to that in Sint Nicolaasga – both suited to the place.
Keep your spirits up
The pioneers from both villages also show that perseverance is necessary and pays off. Don’t give up!
In Groningen, the CGK congregation in Midwolda (Oldambt municipality) was struggling with a decline in membership. When the Noteboom family moved to the region in 2022 and the Hoekman family in 2024, they found themselves in unfamiliar surroundings where they had to settle in as a family and as pioneers. Such developments do not happen without a struggle. But: the missionary work is bearing fruit. And now the church is growing again. The pioneer post itself has also grown, to ten people ‘in the office’ and no fewer than 50 volunteers.
In Sint Nicolaasga, too, perseverance is the order of the day. Transforming the farm into the abbey the pioneers have in mind begins with a great deal of practical work, such as: finding a new use for the land, converting a barn into living space, moving house, building accommodation and a kitchen, and so on. That requires patience. But with the goal clearly in mind.
God be with you
In both places, it is clear that prayer serves as the guiding principle amidst all these developments. Walk the path in prayer, and God will pave the way in the development of these places, in meeting people, and in the outcome of the conversations. In Oldambt and Finsterwolde, God is indeed bearing much fruit. “The work is truly blessed,” the deputies conclude with encouragement.
