Greetings to you all!
It is a joy to be able to reach you again by this means and to share the work I have already been able to do in these few weeks back in Belgium.
I have been doing my part in the twice-a-week devotionals that we send via YouTube to people we are reaching in the red-light district. We also share these devotionals in person in the Oasis Center. They help us reflect on the Word of God, but also create conversations with the men and women we’re trying to win to Jesus. It is wonderful to see their hearts open to the truth of God’s Word.
Now that I’m back, I find that I spend my time almost half and half: church and street. I teach and disciple the believers, and I bring the gospel to the unbelievers. Two days a week, I’m dedicated completely to the ministry in the Oasis Center. We do outreach, then share food with those who come in. It is very sad to know that for some of these people what we give them is the only food they have. Then, we broadcast the devotional and discuss the topics we have touched on. Finally, we go back to the streets again to reach out to more people. Those are exhausting days because we always wrap up late, but it is so rewarding to see people gaining a greater and greater revelation of God and His Word. In my next newsletters, I will share some testimonies of how God is transforming the lives of these people.
Oasis Center
Teaching, training, and supporting the Church of Antwerp is the second big task I do weekly. This church has survived despite the ongoing attacks from the enemy. We see the mighty hand of God lifting and strengthening it every time. The scripture is so very true; “the gates of hades will not prevail” against His church. Also, new people arrive every week. They come on Sundays and midweek looking for a deeper encounter with God. It is very encouraging to see this move of God also among the Generation-Z youth.
Christian Community, Antwerp
To add to the work I do weekly, I travel over to Eupen, BE to support the work of church planting with Mark and Jeannie McClung. This kind of ministry requires all the support that can be given by the body of Christ; physically, financially, and in prayer. I am happy to support it.
Die Brucke, Eupen
And, of course, it’s a blessing to join in with our church in Brussels, The Bridge, and the fellowship and training with our other pastors of the IPHC in Belgium (CrossPoint Ministries).
Meeting with Ministers of CrossPoint Ministries
I wish I could say that all of the paperwork and red tape related to Mauricio's passing is over. Not so! I am still dealing with that as well as my own status here in Belgium and in WMM Department. However, as you can see, the work of Christ’s Kingdom supersedes the work of human governments!
The good news about my housing: I found an apartment in the city of Antwerp that is very convenient and strategically located. Plus, it fits my budget. Praise God!
I very much appreciate all of your support in prayer, friendship, and finances. You are truly helping advance the Kingdom of God in this place. Together we will make possible the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth! Thank you!
I am also very grateful to all of the leaders in World Missions Ministries and IPHC for their help. Only because of the constant support of my IPHC family, I have been able to move forward and accomplish so much. I want to express my deep appreciation to Bishop Talmadge Gardner, Executive Director of WMM, Steve Cofer, Missionary Care Director, to the Appalachian Conference: Bishop Preston Mathena, Conference Superintendent; Larry Meadors, Mission Director, and all the staff in his office, and to my Regional Director, Harold and Kathleen Presley, for their care all along my journey since my husband went to be with the Lord. Finally, I say a huge thank you to my fellow missionaries Bill and Gretchen Schwartz for their patience and great support in this time of getting back into Belgium. Of course, I am so very grateful for all the hundreds of messages and prayers from pastors and members of our great family of the IPHC. Thank you with all my heart
Prayer Requests:
- For strength spiritually, physically, and mentally due to all of the trauma, I have recently endured. Although the work of God fills me with joy, the grief is still there. There is a necessary time and process that this kind of grief requires. It can be exhausting. The month of October was very difficult for me as it celebrates both Mau's birthday and our 31st Wedding Anniversary. That, plus the other demands mentioned take its toll.
- For grace and quick results in front of the ecclesiastical and governmental authorities. I am ready for everything to be clearly established correctly in this new stage of my life.
- For the direction of God's plan to develop a ministry to the Hispanic community of this region.
- For the protection and direction in the lives of my children, their spouses, and my grandson since they have decided to continue serving the Lord no matter where God places us. Betsy continues in the United States serving with The Awakening and she is processing her documentation to continue serving God there. Obed has decided to settle in Belgium with his family and he is also now working on the necessary governmental documentation for them.
May the Grace of our God continue to manifest in your lives.
In the love of Christ,
Lulu Salazar
Your missionary in Belgium
