By Gerrie Belo
HERWIJNEN, Netherlands-- Saturday, Dec. 27, Dutch and Flemish brethren gathered in Ermelo to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dutch church.
In his sermon pastor Hans de Moei spoke about vulnerability: "Our journey has not always been easy. And to avoid further pain we all have the tendency to build walls around our hearts.
"Jesus teaches us to do exactly the opposite. Even hours before his death he wanted to share his feelings with his closest friends.
"We should follow his example and be willing to turn the other cheek."
Mr. de Moei also reflected on the difficult period the Dutch brethren had gone through. Their former pastor and about 60 members left the church because of the doctrinal changes.
"We sometimes feel that God has not chosen the easiest way for our church," Mr. de Moei said. "And at times it seems that our journey to the kingdom is characterized by a lot of detours and going in circles.
"But even if that is true, God was always there with us. He was there in our suffering, when we made mistakes, and when we committed ourselves to him.
"Just like he was always with the Israelites--their journey to the Promised Land was almost 40 years longer than it needed to be. But God was with them, all those years.
"Though the Israelites would rather have spent those years in the Promised Land, the best place to be was with God. And God was always with them, just as he is always with us."
After a group picture, members enjoyed a banquet and talent show.
During the break Hans and Denise de Moei cut an ice-cream cake, and members viewed a photo exhibit showing the 30 years of the Dutch and Flemish churches.
The Dutch church started as part of the German church. In the early years, Frank Schnee, German regional director, baptized Dutch members and gave sermons.
One of those he baptized was Johan Wilms.
"Most of our baptisms were done outside, in a river or little lakes," Mr. Wilms explained. "When he was baptizing me, it rained, so he brought his umbrella to make sure he would stay dry."
Mr. Schnee conducted the first service in Utrecht with 99 people present, 63 from England and Germany, and 36 from the Netherlands.
Among them were Johan and Miek Wilms and Iepke Klarenberg, who had worked in the German and English mail processing area.
The Dutch church grew slowly. In September 1968 the first Dutch magazine (De Echte Waarheid) came off the press.
In 1975 the Dutch got their own office and regional director, Roy McCarthy. Weekly services were then conducted, together with the holy days.
In 1978 Dr. McCarthy transferred to South Africa and was replaced by Bram de Bree.
The Dutch church experienced a period of growth that included three more congregations.
The church then entered a period of change and renewal: love and grace became more important than knowledge and laws.
Many went through a difficult time and some left, including Mr. de Bree. He was replaced by Hans de Moei.
Because income was lower, he had to cut costs. The Dutch magazine was canceled, but was later replaced by LifeLine, and the office moved.
Despite the problems, the Dutch church still has 200 members, who meet in Doorn, Eindhoven, Zwolle and Pijnacker of Antwerp, Belgium.
A 20-member church meets in Suriname, in South America, and some Dutch-speaking readers and members are in Indonesia.
We hope to grow again, but realize that our congregations first have to be strong and loving again. We feel that size and quantity are not important in the eyes of God. What matters is our spiritual growth and the way he can use us.
In our office we have a poster given to us by a church member that says: "Never Doubt That a Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed People Can Change the World. Indeed, It Is the Only Thing That Ever Has."
Jan. 27, 1998, WN, page 14
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