Momentum (part 2)

Momentum starts and continues with God as I mentioned in my previous blog Momentum 1. The individual receives a vision from God, and  with it the option to step out in faith and become part of something great. Many people have dreams they desire to accomplish, but when opportunity knocks, they just don’t wake up. We can not be sure if that moment will ever repeat itself, but in order not to miss a window of opportunity it is important to;

• Wait for God’s Timing

Approximately 4 months went by from the day that Nehemiah heard of the condition of the people in Jerusalem, until the moment he was allowed to speak to his king. Nehemiah waited for the right time to share his vision with first the king and finally with the right people in Jerusalem. We can miss the opportunity by waiting to long, by not waiting at all or talking with the wrong people. Timing is everything! During the so called waiting period I personally believe our patience and faith are being tested, but this season is crucial for the next point.

• Be Prepared

The way you prepare is the way you perform, that is a given in the area of sports, business, music, military and ministry. Another way to describe preparation is ‘hard work’.

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all” -Sam Ewing

“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” -Ann Landers

According to Nehemiah 2: 5-9, Nehemiah was prepared in certain areas which became evident as he shared his burden with the king:

1. He had a CLEAR VISION; Always know what you want to accomplish, by lack of direction and instruction the chances are big to sidetrack.
2. He had a TIMEFRAME; Beside a clear objective, we need to be able to project an estimate time our goal will take. Remember to remain honest and open when you face opposition and it takes longer. People don’t appreciate dishonesty and neither secrecy, but are willing to adjust and continue if you keep them informed.
3. He knew who’s SUPPORT he needed; With the vision God also provides the right people to accomplish the task, but do we know what type of people we need? Always built a team of people around you that complement you, and not only people that compliment you!
4. He knew the kind of MATERIALS he needed; Next to the people we need the right resources to finish the job, this might include additional research. Nehemiah was a cupbearer, but somehow he became also an architect, a strategist and a reformer.
5. He received SECURITY; Security was not something specific he asked for. I am confident that security will come as you cover the 4 ‘bases‘ above. Preparation you leave room for flexibility, and eliminate unnecessary moments of emergency.

We are all creatures of habit: The same way Adam and Eve started to point fingers to all the parties that were present, we also have the tendency to play the blame game. When we don’t wait for God’s timing, refuse to be actively involved in preparing ourselves for the God given task, and any type of opposition tries to stop the momentum. Then it’s fair to say when complains are uttered concerning; opportunity, uncertainty, lack of time, difficult people, nothing to work with, and God, we can apply Return to Sender to the frustration of the so called ‘visionary‘ with the following message;

“Don’t let your lack of preparation become my emergency.”  -Unknown

Momentum (part 1)

According to Merriam-Webster the definition of Momentum is: strength or force gained by motion or through the development of events.

Momentum is the invisible strength or force that contributes to the success and the longevity of a ministry. When momentum is there you know it and if absent too. The intentional planning of events creates an atmosphere for momentum. These events should help, grow and bring you as a leader closer to the accomplishment of  the vision. I have seen many ministries plan events, however just planning events don’t give you the momentum needed nor bring you always to your goal. Events are important for a ministry, but I personally believe the most vital part when it comes to momentum is;

• Receive a Vision (Revelation) from God

Nehemiah 1:4 “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”

Nehemiah received a ‘heavenly burden‘ as he heard concerning the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem, God gave him not only a burden for the need, but He also gave Nehemiah a vision for the people as he took this burden before God with prayer and fasting.

Momentum starts when God shows the need to an individual and the person has a burden and receives a God given vision to meet that need.

I remember traveling to Washington, DC to help out a pastor-friend in a neighborhood called ‘Sursum Corda‘. We planned to reach out to drug-addicts, prostitutes and gang members during our 12 day visit. On the day we came to ‘Sursum Corda‘, we realized that our ‘audience’ were mainly children from the age of 5-12.

From the start we scheduled our trip, we remained open for God to lead us through His Holy Spirit as we prayed for this neighborhood. God showed us the need of this community and we started to reach out to the children instead.We planned daily events to minister to these children with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We had a movie night, a game day, a live-drama and to close of our stay a 4th of July Bar-B-Q. On that last day, not only the children came to our Bar-B-Q, but also many of the hurting people we came out for in the first place.

On the day we left Washington, DC our pastor-friend received from local officials the keys of a house in ‘Sursum Corda‘ so he could continue to minister in the neighborhood. Which enabled us to continue come back and continue to partner with our pastor-friend and reach out to the people in this community.

Momentum in a ministry starts and continues with God, if we start a ministry just for the sake of having a ministry I believe Psalm 127:1a will be very relevant for that type of work: “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

A Weekend in Heerlen

Pastor Devid and Ruth Fecunda

This month Cindy and myself had the privilege to minister a weekend in Heerlen at the Victory Outreach Church. The pastors of VO Heerlen Devid and Ruth Fecunda are a visionary couple with 3 beautiful and energetic daughters. The church has great potential, it is a young adult church with very talented and anointed members. The congregation is a unique mixture of many nations and different languages. While we ministered translation was simultaneous taken place in Dutch and Spanish, and we met people from Belgium, Indonesia, Korea, Curaçao, Polen, Rwanda, Burundi and the US.

The VO Heerlen Team

In 2001 the city Heerlen came in the news because of ‘Operation Hartslag’ (Operation Heartbeat). A campaign the city started because of the many problems they faced; prostitution, dealers, runners, drug tourists and addicts. The city received many rewards for her approach, but I believe that in the mean while God was preparing this great couple to catch His Heartbeat for the city. Where the city re-located, regulated and even tolerated the problems, God sent His son Jesus Christ to solve the problems, and bring hope and salvation to hurting people.

A ‘crack house’ in Heerlen

Pastor Devid understands that Heerlen is a strategic city. Recently they started a church in Maastricht, a mayor city 21 minutes from Heerlen. There is not only vision for Holland but also for Aachen, Germany which is only 21 minutes, and Liège, Belgium 41 minutes away by car. By building a base in Heerlen he believes that they can become a launching pad for churches throughout Europe.

Aachen, Germany

During our stay in Heerlen we had a great time, we enjoyed the fellowship we had, the friendships we made and were truly blessed by the hospitality of the people. Victory Outreach Heerlen has captured a place in our heart and we can’t wait to see what God will do in the future in and through the people of VO Heerlen.

Back to the future

Recently I had the privilege to minister at a small Pentecostal Church in the town where my dad grew up. It was the church my grandparents used to attend when they were still alive. As a little boy I would come here now and then, and later when I moved in with my grandmother -for my studies- I attended the church with her for a couple of years. I believe that around 1989 when I joined the Army, I stopped attending. The few times I came to that church was for my grandmother’s funeral and the funeral of my cousin. I have many precious memories of this church and it was a very emotional and grateful moment standing in front of this congregation. It is the church where God called me for the first time, and I realized that He had a plan for my live. It was here where I used to sit in the back, still hungover from the night before, telling myself; “I serve God when I’m eighty years old, but first let’s party.”

Standing there that Sunday morning behind the pulpit instead of sitting in the back corner of the building, made me reflect and be grateful for a few things;

1. A forgiving God: Thinking back I wonder why God had mercy on me, after the many times I disrespected; the presence of God, the house of God and the people of God. If somebody would have done the same to me, it would’ve been; “That’s it, I draw the line and you better don’t cross it or you will suffer the consequences!” How many of us experience a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love on a daily basis? Thank you Lord, for forgiving me and changing my live.

2. A praying grandmother: I remember the evenings I would come home and hear my grandmother pray for her sons, daughters, and grandchildren. Usually I would ignore her crying out to God, but at times I would walk slowly to my room, listening to the words that she uttered in dispair. Even though in the natural it seemed to get worse instead of better, she was holding on to her faith, and she had much faith. On her deathbed -years later- when cancer was destroying her from within, she was singing hymns unto her God, instead of acknowledging her pains. She prayed me in, I believe because she was being sure of what she hoped for and certain of what she did not see. Thank you oma for your prayers, and I’m sorry for the pain I caused.

3. A church with a clear vision: The church was founded in early 50’s and had a clear vision at one time. What I do remember is that the congregation had gatherings in a movie theater  and also in a school. The church started to experience growth and the building became to small. There was a need for a bigger place and the desire for their own building grew. My grandparents would always talk about that vision, they would give sacrificial towards that vision and in 1983 see that vision become reality. Twenty-six years later the building is still there, many of the early members are with the Lord, and new members joined the church. But one thing I noticed, that there was no longer a clear vision in the church. Vision is so crucial for a church; it shows the direction, it ignites passion, it gives hope, and where there is no revelation, the people cast of restraint. I love this church for many reasons, and at the same time I am grateful that God called me into a ministry with a clear vision, not only for my live, but for this world. Thank you Pastor Sonny and Sister Julie for your obedience to the call and sending missionaries to Holland.

I wonder sometimes what my grandparents would say if they would still be alive…

Nehemiah (part 2); Feel the Need

Nehemiah 1:4-11

As his brother Hanani was vividly sharing concerning the remnant in Jerusalem, Nehemiah was drawing a picture in his mind of the scene in Jerusalem. Suddenly he  was struck with a burden as if a ‘load of bricks’ was dropped on his shoulders. It was more than a feeling or an emotion; Nehemiah took the condition of his people personal, he took it to heart.

“Tears might be dried up, but the heart – never.” -Marguerite de Valois

I am sure we all had moments that we felt emotional about something we experienced, but later that’s all what it was, a feeling and nothing else. With Nehemiah it was different, as he was able to see the need, now he could feel the need, and it created a momentum within his life that would change the course of history for the people in Jerusalem. That momentum came into motion as Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed for some days.

1. He knew who to turn to: Nehemiah did not run to people with his burden, his concern, maybe even his frustration; he went straight to God. He realized that nothing would happen unless God would be part of it.
2. He took responsibility: He realized that the whole reason the people found themselves in this situation was because they had left God out in the first place. We see that he took it personal, because he included himself in the request for forgiveness. He could blame the people, point his finger at them and leave all responsibility of their misery with them. Nehemiah made their problem his problem and their sins his sins, he became one of them. He could actually feel the need of his people who were hundreds of miles away.
3. He stood on God’s word: He reminded God the promises He gave Israel, and he stood on those promises. He realized that despite of Israel’s unfaithfulness God was not and would never be unfaithful.
4. He knew he needed help: Nehemiah also knew that he needed help, he needed people to buy into the vision God had given him. The first one was his king, he acknowledged that he needed the kings favor, even though he could consider him an enemy a heathen. That’s the problem that we as Christians sometimes have, we think we need nobody, especially not unbelievers, while God wants to use these unbelievers to help us to do His work.

Nehemiah’s heart became heavy, however it was not a heaviness that would stop him, but a one that caused him to move forward.

Nehemiah (part 1); See the Need

Klik hier voor de Nederlandse versie

Nehemiah is a great book when it comes to Urban Ministry. Even though the story of Nehemiah took place many centuries ago, I believe that many principles can still be derived from it. Principles that will help us to do ministry in the inner-cities of our world today.

Nehemiah 1: 1-3;

Nehemiah found himself in a good place, working as a cup bearer for king Artaxerxes in the citadel of Susa. When Hanani with some other men came from Jerusalem, Nehemiah asked them concerning the Jewish remnant. He hears about the condition of the walls and gates of Jerusalem, as well as of those that survived the exile. Nehemiah found himself hundreds of miles away from Jerusalem, but he was still able to see the need.

Nehemiah never forgot where he came from and kept an close eye on Jerusalem. In the same manner we can not forget where we came from now we serve the King of kings. While we are enjoying the blessings of the Lord, and are comfortable in our churches, others are still out there in the city’s with no walls and gates. In the case of Jerusalem anything could come in, there was no protection from the outside enemies nor any regulation inside the city walls. Doesn’t that sound familiar today as we look at the inner-cities of this world? Many people in those urban ’strongholds’ are in despair and in disgrace, caused by floods of evil such as; drugs, crime, prostitution, divorce and violence. Nobody seems to have an answer for the problems, and instead of solving the problem, the problem is in many ways either tolerated, ignored or re-located.
Where as many have closed their eyes, and some even turned their back to the condition of our cities, there is a generation of ‘Nehemiah’s’ that still have an eye for those cities, and are willing to see the need.

Five tips for aspiring missionaries

So you want to be a missionary? Well let me give you a few tips before you make the step of faith;

1. Get familiar with the country by thoroughly doing research and visiting it for (a) brief period of time(s). You don’t want to come to the realization that it was an emotional choice and not God’s plan for your life to go to that particular country. Another thing to mention is that to move from the US to the UK is completely different in comparison to the move from the US to Nigeria or the Philippines, so you want to be prepared. Culture-shock is a real thing and you might have to deal with it.
2. Before you go it would be good to inform yourself concerning the legalities of your stay. It is important as you stay where God has called you, to follow the laws of the country. You don’t want to find yourself being deported, or even worst being banned from that country. You can not blame the devil for your neglectfulness. A lot of information you can get from the internet, or visit the embassy of the country you go to. If your stay will be a definite one you should consider a lawyer.
3. Make sure you take care of all your debt before you go. You don’t want to find yourself in the mission-field worrying about your responsibilities at home. As a missionary you will live by faith and you did not go abroad to get a job, especially not to pay the bills you left behind. First take care of your debt, so you are free to go and free to stay where God has called you. The last thing you want is to put the burden of your debt on somebody’s shoulders, while you are out there.
4. Disconnect yourself from all your material possessions when you leave. Take with you what you need, and get rid of what you don’t need. First of all you don’t know when you come back (unless you go for a certain time), and secondly God will take care of you. Everything we gave up as we left for the mission-field, God provided and even better.
5. If you have children, it is important consider the challenges they will face as you and your spouse pursue the missionary call. Every child is different and the age of the child plays also a mayor role. You need to think about many things such as the language barriers, health care, schooling, and the child(ren) need(s) a time frame to adjust. This adjusting can effect the family chemistry tremendously. Make sure to consider the costs when it come to your family, and the price involved they pay as missionaries.

Off course there are more tips I can give you, but from our personal experience I believe these are the top 5 tips for aspiring missionaries. If you read this as an aspiring missionary  and you have any questions feel free to ask and if you are a fellow missionary don’t hesitate and comment.

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” -Jackie Joyner-Kersee

3 things that made me think

It has been said that first impressions are lasting impressions, but at the same time they do not always tell you the truth. Impressions can change, because what gives the impression is not what it seems or the person’s mindset who receives the impression is changing.

Here are the first impressions I received that made me think, entering into Holland;

The first thing that struck me as I was surrounded by hundreds of Dutch people, as I walked through the airport, was that everything they said was in a complaining manner. Everything they saw, experienced or were doing was viewed with a negative mindset. Dutch people are able to find a curse in a blessing, was the first thing that came to my mind.

Funny isn’t it? I am Dutch, and it reminded me how I was when I first came to the UTC. Exactly! With that same negative mindset, always looking for a cloud in the cloudless sky on a beautiful summer morning. I thank God for P. Al, who was able to see potential through all the negativity and was willing to work with a young man like me. By him modeling a positive attitude (faith) and confronting a negative mindset (doubt), he helped me changing for the good. I confess I have not arrived yet, but there is hope for the Dutch…(LOL)

Secondly when I ‘accidently’ walked into an acquaintance the first day in Amsterdam. I was reminded of something I read a while ago; ‘They like Jesus, but not the Church.’ This young single mother had been part of a Church and was also actively involved in ministry. Along the way something happened and she got hurt. We were talking about the Lord and I asked her if she was attending a Church. She said no, and the reason was bottom line that she was hurt and not willing to do ministry any more. I was encouraging her to go back to Church, not for ministry, but to be ministered to. I believe Jesus can heal her and direct her back to her road of destiny; the two things I picked up talking to her, she loves Jesus but not the Church, and she was wondering if she missed her purpose in life.

This made me think about my Church, VO San Diego and how grateful I am for my Church, the pastors, leaders, workers, members and visitors. Okay, we are not perfect, but with a Church like ours here, we can reach out to all the hurting people, because their are many out here just like my acquaintance.

And last but not least, thirdly me and my friend Joes (who happens to be a Amsterdam police officer) went to a ’snackbar’, to pick up some food. I was confronted with a young guy, ordering some food himself, while he was smoking a big joint. He was not only smoking it in public, but next to a cop (which he did not know) and it was as common as eating sunflower seeds at a baseball game.

How to witness to a generation, where there seems to be no absolutes, everything is allowed and anything is accepted. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a Urban Training Center here in Holland, with on fire young men and women. Witnessing to this generation and to see the power of God being manifested as we already have experienced in the East Coast, West Coast, Philippines, Mexico and South Africa.

This might be my first and lasting impressions, but I am convinced they don’t have to stay that way, it is time for change…

The first days through the eyes of a child.

After a flight of almost 13 hours, including a layover at London-Heathrow we finally arrived at Schiphol, Amsterdam Airport.
It was 4 years ago that it was the last time we visited our homeland; Holland aka The Netherlands. Our kids were to young then to remember it, so for them it is a brand new experience, discovering their roots and being away from their American life. I can’t wait to see how they respond to this new world, in a sense they are the missionaries now, crossing over to another culture. So far they have been ’soldiers’, and we realize that God truly blessed us with our two children.

It is also a great blessing to have friends like Joes and Esther, with their 3 beautiful children, who opened their home to us and are showing us Christlike hospitality. Joes and his Family are UTC alumni, and were with us at the West Coast UTC for 6 months in 2008. This makes it also much easier and more fun for all of our children, who know each other from that time.

‘What goes on in the mind of our children”, was the thought that kept me busy the last few days, and I would frequently ask my kids the question; “So, what do you think?”

Jay; “I am excited to be in Holland, I liked the first flight; we had a big airplane were you could choose your own movies and the food service is one of the best ever. It is very green in Holland, there are a lot of tall buildings and it is cloudy and always raining. I don’t see a lot of cars driving. I’m going to my grandparents and they have dogs, so I can get used to having a dog when I move to San Diego.”

Genaya; “I like the airplane we had breakfast, lunch and diner and that makes me happy. I am happy to see Opa, Oma, my auntie and uncle, but I was missing the icecubs for the soda. I don’t believe that you can drink water from the tab here. There is not a lot of sun, I like it because the sun makes me sweaty.”

It has only been two days in Holland, but we can not wait to see the responses of both our kids as time goes by on ‘The Journey to Europe’.

How do I start when it comes to discipleship?

Many people have asked me the question; “How do I start when it comes to discipleship?”
Personally I always look for discipleship principles in God’s Word: In this case the story of Elijah and Elisha. In working with people I also realized, that discipleship is not only hard work, but it includes a risk as well. Not everybody you work with turns into a success story. I discovered that there is no ‘waterproof’ formula for discipleship. You can however increase your success rate, by making sure that your disciple meets some of the criteria found in the story of Elijah and Elisha.

The first thing we need to understand is that we don’t pick our disciple, but it’s God’s choice. Elijah did not choose Elisha, but God had allready appointed him to become his successor (1 Kings:16).

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as prophet to the nations.” -Jeremiah 1:4, 5

Secondly you need to take a close look at the candidate for 4 characteristics that you want your disciple to have or able to develop;

Work hard: You want to make sure the person is willing to work hard, there is nothing more draining than a lazy person. You use so much energy by pushing the individual and most of the time you end up doing the work yourself. Before you even consider working with someone like this, make sure they develop first some work ethics. Elisha was working as Elijah came looking for him, he was plowing (1 Kings 19:19).

Follow: A disciple needs to be able to follow the leader, and at the same time follow within a team setting. Can you imagine working with a Maverick, it will not only frustrate the leader but also the team. Elisha was following with his pair of oxen and worked together with eleven other drivers (1 Kings 19:19).

“In order to become a great leader,you first need to be a great follower.”

Sacrifice: There will be times where it is required to give up on things, making sacrifices for the greater good. My definition of sacrifice is; to give up something of value to gain something else of greater value. Elisha had to leave his Family and gave up his source of income to follow the Prophet in order to become a Prophet with the double anointing (1 Kings 19:21).

Serve: When Elisha’s time came as Elijah’s successor what was his reputation?
“Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah” (2 Kings 3:11) After all the years of being with Elijah he was simply known as the attendant (1 Kings 19:21).

The third criteria is, that the person has to be able to make a choice to become your disciple, you can not disciple somebody that does not want to be worked with or does not know you are working with him or her. One time I was asking some of the guys I discipled; “So who do you disciple?” As they gave me a list with names, I approached these so called disciples. “Who disciples you?” was my question to them. After I compared both of their answers it was funny to see that the lists did not completely matched up with each other.

“You are not the leader unless they say you are the leader”