Greetings from Belgium, my dear brethren!
When my husband passed away 22 months ago, my world as I knew it fell apart. We all live on the same planet, but each of us creates our own world based on our family, friends, and various activities. When my husband passed away, I wanted everyone to stop their activities and for the whole world to stop following its normal course. I was baffled to see how people could carry on with their personal and normal lives, and I could not. I felt that the pain I was experiencing should also be experienced by others. I’ve learned that is one of the many feelings which occur during the grieving process. I thank God for the people who have dedicated their time and knowledge to explain and help all those who experience grief and who walk with those who suffer. This has also taught me how to support those who are experiencing this same suffering. As the scripture says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”
In March we celebrated International Women's Day by giving chocolates to the girls in the district. On previous occasions, it was normal for several girls who don’t typically open the door to receive us to also not receive us on special occasions such as this. However, this time, more and more girls gladly accepted the gifts we had for them. Still, some of them only opened the door for us to have a chat and we are very happy to receive their trust and friendship. It is our prayer that every time we pass by their windows, they can feel the love of God through our lives.
This month at church I had the honor of sharing a message about our friendship with God based on the fear of God that position us to move from being His servants to becoming His close friends, just as Abraham and Moses did. The response from the congregation was very positive. I enjoy more and more the opportunity that I have to share the Word of God with the congregation and through the discipleship that I can have with some of the members.
This month, I finished the Bible school course, so I will have a little break from teaching. And, once again I supported the monthly meeting at Die Brücke church. It is encouraging to see the interest the new members have in the study of the Word.
This month also marks one year since the doctors removed the polyps and the gastroenterologist performed another colonoscopy. Thank God they found nothing this time. I really appreciate your prayers. May the Lord continue to strengthen my body so I can continue serving in His kingdom.
God bless you!
Lulu Salazar
Missionary to Belgium
