What a joy to be able to communicate, again with you, all the things that the Lord continues to do in Belgium. It is a privilege to be an instrument to carry His glory and His power, announcing to the people the love and mercy of God almighty, being so imperfect as we are.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2Cor. 4:7).Last month, we had several activities in the context of the church. We held our Women's Meeting including both campuses, "Christian Community" in Antwerp and "The Bridge" in Brussels. It was an enriching experience. I was also able to participate in a couples’ conference, where marriages were encouraged and challenged to continue to keep their commitment before God and their partner amidst this decadent society where the concept of covenant in marriage is becoming more and more unreal.
Women's Meeting (Craft Time)
Women's Meeting (Worship time)
Couples Conference
I was able to share the Word of God in Antwerp on two occasions and I thank God for the opportunity to be used by Him to encourage people's lives and challenge them to have greater intimacy with God. It was also an honor to encourage the people to position themselves to receive the blessings that God wants to pour into their lives. I feel more confident each time I speak with the Dutch translation, and I overlap less and less with the translator. This is one of the difficulties we experience when we must preach a message with translation. I was also able to lead the meetings held during the week.
At The Oasis Center, we have continued our normal activities twice a week, although many of the girls went on trips to visit their families and the activity in the district was very low. This month, they are coming back and at the Center, and we are having more people coming to receive a meal and to hear the Word of God. On Valentine's Day, we prepared cupcakes and gave them out to the girls at the windows. They loved this detail and our presence in the district is getting stronger at the point that a few weeks ago, we received a visit from some journalism students who interviewed us to publish an article in their magazine about the lifestyle these people have. We decided to combine the devotionals that we prepare each week based on the Gospel of Matthew with the series produced by Dallas Jenkins called “The Chosen”. It is wonderful to see the impact it is having on people's lives.
As for my personal affairs, I am thankful to God that I am finally settled in my apartment and my documents are officially registered at my new address. Even my medical insurance has been resumed based on the history that my husband and I had created for 17 years in their files. Glory to God!
This month, I was invited to share at the Women’s Meeting in one of the most important churches in Brussels which belongs to the Assemblies of God and that has made a great impact for years in this country. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
My Living Room
The View from my Apartment
I would like to end this letter by sharing with you the testimony of Marisol. She is a woman who lived a very difficult life in Ecuador, her home country, and ended up in prostitution from a very early age. She has lived several experiences in the countries where she has "worked" such as Spain, France, Holland, Belgium, and even with the police. She was in prison and deported several times from these countries. From the moment she came into contact with the Oasis Center and the ministry we carry out, she decided to leave that lifestyle and obey God, trusting Him totally. Despite the fact that she doesn't have an official job, she has never lacked food and shelter. Hallelujah! Lives are being transformed!
I want to thank you for your prayers and for the financial support that month after month you generously contribute to the ministry that God has granted me to carry out. Without your help, none of this would be possible.
Blessings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Lulu Salazar
