The Last 11%

The last time I wrote, I shared about an opportunity to support our young assistant pastor in his ministry (primarily with refugees) and his further studies. 89% of the needed finances have been committed, mostly from people within the church, which is good and healthy. We’d like to get that last 11% in the next 11 days, before the month is up.

As I wrote before, ministry with refugees is like any other ministry, just more complicated because of the situation they find themselves in. There is trauma, uncertainty, instability, fear, language, culture, discrimination, court appearances, legal appeals, and so on. These people need the gospel message (what is more valuable, more beautiful than the love of God given to us in Christ?) and the gospel in action (mercy). When we were in the United States, we wished there was something we could do for refugees. Maybe you feel that way too. Here’s one small thing: you could give a little bit each month, or each year.

If you would like to take part, let our church treasurer Jart Essink know what amount you plan to give and for what time frame (one year or longer?). That helps us plan and make a budget. You can contact him at gerard.essink@googlemail.com.

There are a few ways you can give.

• US dollar checks can be written to International Church Services, Inc, with “AIPC – Witsel” written on the memo line. Mail them to:

International Church Services, Inc

802 Carriage Court

Augusta, GA 30909

USA

• Bank transfers to the church’s bank in Belgium are also possible. To do this please contact the church treasurer Jart Essink for details. essink@googlemail.com.

• For those who prefer convenience, you can donate via paypal through the church website aipchurch.org. (You can also find videos of sermons and other things there).

In other news, we took a recent trip to Egypt to visit my brother. I’ll try to post a pyramid picture soon, along with some reflections, as usual. When we returned to Belgium, spring had arrived: sunshine, flowers, leaves on trees! The weary world rejoices.