Greetings from Belgium my dear brothers and sisters,
I appreciate very much that you take a little of your time each month to read the news of the work I am doing here. It is a cause for joy and praise to our God to share the things He allows me to do for the expansion of His kingdom in this country. May it encourage us all to continue working in partnership with Him.
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)
The months of July and August are somewhat relaxed in all areas in Belgium. Most people take their much-needed vacations in these months. Even government offices work at half capacity. For this reason, you can notice the absence of activity in the streets, and many times the only thing you see are tourists visiting our cities. You don't want to have to do any official business at this time because it will simply take longer.
In the context of the Church, it is the same situation. Attendance is low these days. When I arrived in this country, I was surprised to learn that many churches close their doors during these months. So, this month, we decided to have activities that would help us motivate people to bring guests to church. We had something we called "Summer Fun" where every Sunday was different. The first Sunday we had ice cream for all the members, the second we had watermelon for everyone, the third Sunday we offered a breakfast prepared by our senior pastor (biscuits and gravy), the fourth was international finger food, and the last Sunday of the month we had a picnic at the end of the service. We truly had a fun summer! The message that God allowed me to share with the church this month was about the importance of our relationships and how they influence our lives. Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we must cultivate.
The church Summer Fun poster.
I also participated in evangelism events in the city Eupen with a ministry group called Jesus Revolution. This was a great help to make the church known in the city. We heard many miracles and testimonies of God working in people’s lives.
Jesus Revolution team evangelizing in Eupen.
As for the ministry at Oasis, we had a two-week vacation; taking advantage of the fact that many of the girls were traveling as well. However, we have still been working on the necessary paperwork to operate as a coffee shop in the mornings. This month we faced some opposition when we received a complaint from the neighborhood to start operating to the public. In Belgium, a notice must be posted in the window announcing to the neighborhood the modifications that will be made to the place, either architecturally or functionally. We have a period of 30 days to receive any opposition or complaint about this modification. During this period a neighbor filed a complaint saying that he did not want this place to function as a bar in the future and attract undesirable people to the neighborhood. Thank God we are working on it. While we may have to wait another 30 days before opening to the public, this will not be something that can stop us. Another detail is that we need to receive the proper electrical current to operate the coffee machine and we are waiting for the electricity company to make this modification. Our goal is to start operating by September with God's help.
The public notice put on our doors at Oasis.
Something that filled my heart with joy was a youth event called Arise Belgium in which there were three days of prayer, evangelism, and ministry. I was asked to attend to receive recognition for the work that my husband and I have done for 15 years. It was not only a recognition of our work, but also to the men and women who have invested their lives so that the gospel could be spread in this nation.
Lastly, I would like to ask for your prayers as I am going to start making all the necessary arrangements to buy a car and I want to be sure I make the right decision. I have been wondering if I should buy a used car or a new one, if it should be an electric one, and which brand and model is the most suitable for the ministry. They have announced that in Europe no new diesel or petrol vehicles will be sold by 2035, only electric cars will be accepted. Belgium is ready to start by 2026. It is not my desire to be sophisticated or to be at the forefront of this, but rather I am looking to the future to make the best decision.
Thank you again for your faithful support of the ministry. It is my desire to be able to continue to serve our God in this place as long as I have the strength to do so.
"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV)
Blessings to you all!
Lulu Salazar
