Hope for Belgium
by Bill, Gretchen, Rachel & Ryan Schwartz
Hello Family & Friends,
We sure hope you are enjoying the summer thus far! We have had a special time of teams and friends visiting. Our church is also doing well during these summer months. Below you will find an update on all of our activities since June. God is at work and people’s lives are being touched! I say it often, but I always mean it. Together we are making a difference! Thank you for your prayers and support.
Awakening Team
We were so blessed to have a missions team sent from the Awakening. In total there were 8 people from different locations in the USA. Together we ministered to youth, local services and outreach to the city of Gent. We also had a special time of prayer and worship at the home of the pastors of our newest church plant.
During our time of worship, I had one of those Kodak moments- one that I will remember for the rest of my life. Madeline, one of the Awakening team leaders, was leading us in worship. We we were singing “Be Glorified”, a song she wrote herself. The presence of God was so tangible. Several nations were represented in that room, but we were all glorifying God in unity. I couldn’t help but think this is exactly what Belgium needs- an unashamed church of God’s presence. I left that meeting with so much hope for Europe!
New Church Plant
As mentioned in our last email update, we have a new church plant family and they just recently launched their new church in the city of Gent. Pastor Chris and Bhaby Flores are a great couple and very passionate about Jesus. On July 11th, we credentialed them as Pastors at our annual Bible School Graduation and Conference. Pastor Chris is a true evangelist and Bhaby is an amazing worshipper, and both have a strong commitment to discipleship. They have a very successful track record of reaching the lost. We are truly honored to partner with them to see their God-given vision fulfilled.
Annual Graduation and Conference
Over the weekend of July 10th and 11th, we conducted our annual Bible School Graduation and Conference. We started Friday night by hosting a special dinner for our pastors and bible school teachers. It was a great time of fellowship and casting vision for the future. On Saturday we continued with our Graduation and Credentialing service. Several students were recognized for completing their first year and moving forward to our second year program. We also granted a diploma for associate of biblical studies to one graduate. After the graduation ceremony we had a special time of credentialing new pastors as they are now part of our family of churches. We are so excited for all that God is doing here in Belgium!
New Online School
We are excited to share that we have recently launched a new training school called The Logos Institute. By taking advantage of technology, we are now offering a Certificate of Ministerial Studies. In this effort we are offering six subjects that are vital to ministry development. After completion, students may transfer this certificate to our Bible School in Brussels to continue their degree. This is allowing us to provide quality training for people who are not able to attend our school. We currently have 16 students from the USA and Belgium.
Converge 2015
August 5th-10th, we will be conducting our annual Converge Week. This year we are expecting young people from the ages of 16 to their mid 20’s to “converge” into Belgium for a week of discipleship and ministry. This year we have chosen the theme, “Resolute”. Our desire is to focus on these amazing young people being unashamed of the gospel regardless of life’s circumstances. We are looking forward to sharing testimonies from this event.
Photo Credit: Bill Schwartz