Forwarding Agent:Mr. John McDonald

2213 Dawn Street

Granite CityIllinois 62040

Vol, IV No. 2 1973 May — June

Be(4|iiUN/ ^iKi/ Ch/iidi

Mary Esther

camel

"But a camel has one or two humps on his backl" "Yea, but our camel has anextra hump. He's a hump-backed camel, with three humpsl" We had hoped bywriting the financial account, and making our needs knovwi by way of our lostletter (March-April Newsletter), not to have to mention money or finances againfor a year. That was before we got our "hump-backed camel I"

For many years Henki had trouble with one ear. He had been deferred from military service because of this. It got worse, so he went to a specialist. Henki notonly needed on operation on that ear, but the other and his nose as well. Hisnose operation has been completed, but we have not as yet received the bill.John Mark and Mary Esther have had such a lot of throat infection this winterthat the doctor recommended their tonsils be removed! Thus, we hope by theseoperations we will all be relieved from further troubles . . . but it will be anextra expense.

The second hump on our camel is a little nicer, but also has to do with money.As you will see from the article onpage three, we have the opportunity to returnfor a year to the United States. Fares" forthe three of us will probably total about$700.00. There are many things for us to get in order before leaving Belgium onsuch short "noticeAs funds arrive and needed moving, packing, and otherarrangements are attended to, further announcements of our trip will be made,(continued on page 2) 1

i I

Hump-backed Camel, contin^ed

Possibly the last hump of our |:amel is the best, and the greatest! Since findingthe hall in Maas-mechelen for, church gatherings, v/e have also been looking foranother place for our home. |l^nt amounts are almost equal to monthly paymentsfor a loan when buying a homel. The home in Boorsem will no longer be suitable,and is badly located. We hadi hoped tofind a home to buy —whata long, drawn-out, and discouraging procesiii Then, just before Messimers' return we finallyfound a house for sale, "in cii^r price range," and nearer the gathering hall inMaas-mechelen. Now, things lore happening so fast —too fast compared to howwe can gather the needed money.

: I

Since Messimers are going to live in our home while we are gone, their "rent"was paid in the formof the lO^ down payment we had to payl Now we need 11%to pay for the loan and get theideed for the house. The sooner we can get thesethings cared for, and some repairs made for Messimers to move in, the sooner wecan return to the U .S.

I

So you see, we have a hump-badked camel —financially. We hope all who canhelp above their usual gifts wilFj Ido so. It is also our plea that all support continue before our return to the LI ^S. and during our stay there, as our needs willbe the same. Your gifts are still a Iways our only "income" so we must depend onyou. We are confident we can ji^imp the humps one by one, as God works throughHis people to meet our needs. 11

Scraps and Pieces 'o News:1 I

Kina (Henki's sister, who went toj^he U.S. with him in '67) and her husband SamSurfus are back in Europe for a few months. Sam is studying in France for creditsin theology for his degree at Lincoln Christian College. Kina is staying -with herpqrents, after not having seen the|r|™ for about four years.

(continued on page 4)

3

HANDFUL OF HAPPINESS

So many discouraging things kept happening. We were upset trying to discoverwhat was the problem. It seemed like so many things were "working against us."We tried to keep our chins up, being convinced God hod reasonsfor what He wasdoing, though we could not see the outcome yet.

Again, in young lives inChrist we have learned that faithand trust in God PAYSlWeare now beginningto see why, and some reasons things did not work "ourway."God's ways are somuch greater than ours, and it is wonderful when we can finallybegin to see the picture taking shape. Every phase of our life has been this way,and we rejoice to know once again with assurance: God is in control.

Dennis and Linda Messimer returned fro/nthe United States after a year's absence.They had some plans for trying to beginanother congregationwhere they may finda nucleus of interested persons. In passing, and almost jokingly we offered forthem to come to Boorsem and "take over" our work. Becoming more serious, wecame to realize these were just the doors God was opening for us all.

We have been remembering that Henki still is in need of studies to receive hisB.A. degree. Messimers could not only continue our work, but move into ourhome for a year, so we could return to the United States. This would make anumber of things possible.

(1) Give Boonaerts the opportunity to personally thank the supporters in theU .S. for their faithfulness.

(2) Provide Boonaerts with the chance to give personal reports of the progressof the work in Belgium.

(3) AllowHenki to work furtheron hisstudies, and refill our "spiritual reservoirs"for further work in Belgium.

(4) Accommodate Messimers with a place to live and work while trying to makecontacts to begin another congregation, using our home and furniture.

(5) Supply someone to help guidethe young Boorsem group in Boonaerts' absence,since we promised not to leave until we could "provide" someone to preach.

These are just the five most important reasons giving us a HANDFUL OF HAPPINESS in our Christian lives. (continued on page 4)

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(conHnued from page 3)Handful of Happiness

We hope you will invite us to share thereport of the-wonderful things God hasdone in Belgium the past few years. Weneed to renew and moke new acquaintances among our brethren in America ,We also hope you will help providefunds for Henki's tuition and studyingexpenses, and our living expenses thiscoming year. We look forward to ayear of blessing with the brothers andsiii-ers in the United States. Please helpin every way to make this possible.Share in the happiness of God's blessings and guidance.

(continued from page 2)Scraps and Pieces

Boonaerts are expecting Marty Daily tobe with them for an internship beginningin May for mission work. He is fromKentucky Christian College, and heand his wife Rose plan to work in thefuture in the Netherlands for Christ.

Pray for all these, and others doingHis will.

BELGIUM FOR CHRIST iswritten by Mary Esther Boonaerts;edited, printed, and mailed by Johnand EileenMcDonald. it is distributed

every two months to inform and encourage support of the work being donein Belgium for Christ by the HenkiBoonaerts family.

A SPECIAL PRAYER-REQUEST INSERT PAGE

"oooFor we do not know how we ought to pray? the Spirit himself pleads withGod for us, in groans that words cannot express.ooofor the Spirit

pleads with God on behalf of God's people in accordancewith God's will." Romans 8;26b, 27b

Alvier Sometime after she married, and her folks would not let her in - their

home, her father had a bad automobile accidento Alvier went to visit

him in the hospitals Upon visiting Polets we found Alvier and her husbandvisiting her parentso We were of course glad for the reconcilation, Mro Poletis not completely recovered from the accident, so is glad for help from hisnew son-in-law. We ask for you to continue to pray that their relation toChrist may become personal.Anika She continues to go to church regularly in Genk with her parents.

Her young, eager love for Christ is obvious and bubbl;lng over.Pray this may grow to maturity, developing into something even more beautiful,•Contacts 1) The shipper and his wife moved from the Maasmechel^n area soon

after we wrote concerning them being offended by teachings onbaptism. (That had nothing to do with their moving, just a coincidence,)Henki has visited them again, letting them know they are still welcome toservices in Boorsem. We have heard nothing from them since. Possibly later,fruits may be reaped from our contacts with them,

2) MrSo Kuypers is a friend of the shipper and his wife who hasremained faithful in worshipping in Boorsem, She was originally

from Holland, but her first marriage to a Belgian brought her to thiscountry. She has two sons by that first husband, and she has two sons by hersecond husband. Now she has been left alone with four sons to raise.

Her two older sons are quite wild. Jos, the eldest is still livingat home, and though he works, he wastes most of his money drinking. He wasrecently hit by an automobile while at a tavern, and now is nursing a brokenleg.

Mrs« Kuypers has asked for the congregation to pray for Jos, notonly that his body will be healed, but that his life may be changed by Christ.

The two younger sons are fanatical for the Catholic church. Audry,tlia, oldest o£-.thess-tiwo has been-in-several services-recent^. He ooomo to —be very receptive to the gospel, c.nd anxious to join again with Christians onSunday, How wonderful it would be to see Mrs, Kuypers and her entire household won to Christo There have been many things happening that could leadto such a happy conclusion. Join with us, praying that God's will shall bedone,

3) Another lady., Mrso Kottas whom Henki called on has been comingfor about a month. She use to worship with a Baptist congregation

that gathered in Eisden ten years ago. When the group discontinued services,she faithfully attended a nearby Catholic Church, She seems extremelyhappy for the opportunity to join us in Boorsem for worship,Genk They are still without leadership for any sort of regular meetings.Youth They often "congregate" at Henki's parent's home, since two of their

girls are teenagers. Guided study and planned activities are sonecessary for this age group. Please pray earnestly that God will raise upsomeone for this task,

Jeff Now that Henki is working again in the coal mine, he sees Jeffoften at work. Again Jeff has held himself absent from gathering

with Christians in Genk, It is sad some are unable to grow on their own,yet we are taught to help those who are weaker. Hopefully Henki and Jeffcan grow together, and witness as they work in the mine,Kina We are happy to announce Kina's wedding to Mr, Sam Surfas on

December 22, They both plan further education, before possiblework in Germany as missionaries. Pray for happy years of married life forthem, and fruitful service in God's Kingdom, Kina did move to Lincoln, 111,,and was able to find a job as well as an apartment. Again we see answers tomany prayers,

Lacazie These men, neighbors of Henki's parents have recovered from theirand automobile accident. Pressatuk with his wife has been to services

Pressatuk both in Boorsem and Genk, There is no indication of change inLacazie, We continue to visit him, trying to keep the doors of

communication open. One day it may be God's will that they both surrenderthemselves to Christ,

FURLOUGH address

Henkl Boonaerts1360 Grandvlew Dp.Florissant, Mo»

63033

Vol. Ill No. 3

Beli|iiUK/ CkiuAl

Mory Esther John Mark Henki

FOWABDING AGEUT

John McDonald2213 Da-wn Are.

Granite City, 111,620i+0

Jxay-Sept. 1973

"REPORT TIME"

I Can remenber when I was a child, after exams and the end of each quarter, "report time" was a time to vhich I looked foward with muchdread. I usually did not have a very good report for my efforts lAiichwere usually only "half-heartedI"

Now God has given us a "report time." We have returned to the U.S. togive a report to the supporters and other brethem of the work that hasbeen done in Belgium the past three hears. I certainly do not look foward to this time with dread, for I know that we have reports of ^AiatGOD has done, and our efforts have been whole-hearted. We are, indeedanticipating with eagerness to give the report among the (torches (aswas the practice of Paul in his day—Acts 15j^) to declare >4iat Godhas done with us among the Gentiles to glorify His n^e.

V;e arrived in the U.S. Aug. l6, jjist in time for Henki to enroll forclasses at St, Louis Christian College. Please note that further newsletters will be limited to once every three or four months. We will bedependant on word from brethem in Belgium, and news of College studieswill not lend itself to well to bi-monthly reportsl We also hope thatby personal visits, the need for written reports will not be as great.

Feeling a little more settled and adjusted to the American way of life,we are looking foward to hear from you. Please contact us by writingthe above "furlough address," as we stand ready to report of God's work.

R-r-r-RE-LOCATION

Just a year ago we annoiinced having been able to find another house thatcculd be remodeled for use as a church hall. We mentioned how we were

especially happy because the new location was imich more suitable.- Thework on remodeling ground to a hault during the winter, but we made upfor that during the spring ^nd summer months. The people of the Boorsemchurch, folks from Genk, fmd even a group of students from Ozark BibleCollege helped!

Vfhen we say remodeling, we almost mean rebuilding, for we had to teardown four walls to make the gathering hall large enough. Then the walls,floors, and ceilings all had to be redone. When we made plans for returning to the U.S. we wanted to try to get the hall ready be&po

How happy we were that first services were held there before our departure., The Wayne Meeces (returning from Liberia to the U.S.) were justin time for our first services; and we Invited the brethem from theGenk church, and the Utrecht, Holland church to share in this happy occasion, Henki's sister, Kina and her husbsnd Sam were also there fromthe U.Sb for the big day. To add to the rejoicing, Mrs. Kottas (forwhom we hsve been praying so long) had been immersed just the weekbeforel How God had blessed and was working for the upbuilding of thefaith of many.

The Lord added still more to our blessings in that we were also able topurchase a house (with a loanl) in Eigden, ju^ a couple miles down theroad from the relocated church. This not only keeps us closer to thechurch, but provides more permanent living quarters for us, and thosewho may "fill-in" during our absence—as now with Messimers.

In another roll of our relocation, we rolled back to the U.S.t In someprevious letters we had indicated having financial difficulties. Onechurch, immediately upon our return to the St. I^uis area offered for usto "help ourselves" out of this difficulty! They provided us with ajobs church custodian and youth-co-ordinator—both jobs for both of us#We are not only being paid for the work, but the congregation is graciously continuing their regular support.

The Boorsem church has relocated to Maas mechelen, our home to Eisden,and our residence to the U.3*, but we are still just pilgrims, lookingfor a better dwelling, eternal with our God and King.

-3-

TOPSr tervy TIMES

Sometimes there are real advantages in knowing more than one language#-. ;For example when John Mark is nav^hty, that word just does not expressthe idea as well as the Fiend^—"stouterik** or '*bandito.** But aneven better word to me is the Hindi—**nut-cut!" Somehow that capturesthe thought much better, maybe because I had it used at me so ofl^enwhile growing up...there are certain, strong associationsS

At the present time there is another thought that Just is not ^quite asforceful to me in English or even Flemish. That is \Aat wef have experienced to a certain extent—everything is up-side-down; or as theysay in Belgium, "everything is on it's head!" It seems "ulti-poolti**from India is more expressive of how I have felt in the confusion ofthe past few months.

Before we left Belgium there were several things to bring about confusion, Henki was gone most of the time helping get the new gatheringhall in Maas mechelen ready for worship. This left me with everythingelse to do, and that without a car? Then John Mgrk was home fromschool for his vacation, and was always wanting to see everything beforeit was packed. You see, that was another thing—everything had to besorted and packed into three divisions. Some things were to be usedby Messimers in our absence and moved to our new home. Other thingsjust had to be packed away to be stored v^en we moved from Boorsem toour new home. The last division was what we needed in suitcases totake with us to the U.S.

We had to move out of the Jiouse in Boorsem by Aug. 1 and live in onebedroom of "our home" in Eisden for our last two v/eeks in Belgium. (Ttelady Tdio rented the house before we were able to buy it, had not yetbeen given another apartement. She' was still living there and was notexpected to move out until sometime in November for Messimers to be ableto move in.)

>lhen we arrived in the U.S. we had an unfumid^ied apartement waitingfor us at St, Louis Christian College. We asked around in the areachurches, and slowly were able to get the things we needed to set uphousekeeping. We got back just a few days before regristration and•classes at College, Everything was rushed and confusedj With work,letter writing, speaking engagements, and studies, the best word todescribe our confused condition is "ULTI-POOLTI," I'm surelt

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fvltttre pliaisSSrUDHHG lil-18 class hours at St.

Louis Christiaji College, preparing for Henki* s BA degree.

our family portrait as weanticipate an addition in Feb.I

REPOKTING to the churches and giving•oersonal thanks to our supporters*

SECURING new correspondant, foward-ing agents, and other helpers for"states-side" aspect of our work.

RECRUITING R\ore workers for Belgium,and the work in Maas mechelen.

ENCOURAGING added interest in andsupport of the work in Belgiumfor Christ,

REPLBKISEIING our spiritual resevoirsto be

our

for future service more

effective witnesses for Christ.ASSOCIATING "our mission" with a

church for tax and mailingpurposes.

REUNITING with our physical relativesand our family in God.

PLANNING for our return to Belgiumfor the work that is heavy on ourhearts.

special note **** OCCASION FOR JOY

Recent word from Belgium since ourreturn is that two more teenage boys,Lao and Tony (a Belgian, and an Italian) accepted Christ as Saviort

This issue of BELGIUM FOR CHIRST wasprepared by Kary Esther Boonaerts.It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work inBelgium for Christ by the HenkiBoonaerts family. Donations and requests for information can be sent toeither address on first page.

Belqittiit [oY/ Ch/iidi

FURLOUGH ADDRESS FORWARDING AGENTS

Vol. Ill, No. 4Mary Esther John Mark

October - December, 1973

"LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL-DOING ..."

There may be those who feel unless hundreds or even thousands can be reportedas accepting Christ, the work is falling short. Indeed It thrills our hearts whenwe hear of such victories for Christ. Yet as you have followed reports of ourefforts, you have probably noticed quite another situation. We hope you will notbecome weary in our reports of the ones and twos who are immersed. Every victoryin Christ brings rejoicing so we report by name. May we admonish and encourageyou not to become weary in doing well as you uphold these individuals beforeGod. Work in Europe may be slow compared to other fields so . . . blessings canbe counted one by one ! !

Shortly after we returned to the U.S. we had reports of two more who joined theranks of His Kingdom . On October 14, 1973, Leo Hermans and Antonio Olivettiobeyed the commands of Christ to become Christians, Messimers also reported thatthey have been able to start youth meetings with about five In attendance. Concerning Leo and Antonio, Messimers say, "We were thrilled at the faith theyshow,and their faithfulness in church, Bible study, and youth meetings."

Both of these boysare about fourteen, and mostassuredly need our prayers supporting them, that they may not become weary 1n doing well ce they run to completingthe race before them .

MOVING TO ST. LOUIS —

meant a great big lawn to mow! This signcan be seen from the Highway 270, on apiece of land recently purchased by theSt. Louis Christian College . Our apartment Is the "White House" (behind the |sign) set back from the gravel GrandviewlDrive leading to the College, north of ithe sign.

October and November brought many hotdays, and plenty of outdoor recreation aswell as cooling off by the airj-condltlonerindoors 1

We were glad when all the grass lawnwas covered by fourteen Inches of snowjust before Christmas. We were housebound for several days during the largestblizzards of St. Louis' history in several-years. We thought it was just great.

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—MANY CHANGES

have taken place in our three years'absence besides the rise of the cost of

living. We rejoice, for Instance withthe Buckeye Church in Illinois who now

have a new building (pictured). Havingthe opportunity to visit many of our

faithful supporters has already been ourprivilege.

IHenki has also fill-in preached wherecongregations were temporarily withouta minister. Work with the St. Charles

church has also helped keep us busy.

As we continue contacts with previousacquaintances, and make new friends

In Christ, we rejoice that change alsobrings growth to maturity and stability

In Christ.

MILES, and MILES —

of travel have already become history.Right around St. Louis you can addup the miles shopping, laundering, andmailing, etc . I We have also beento the Missionary Convention inOklahoma where we shared a booth

with Mary Esther's parents and brotherPaul (seen here with his wife Helen).

Our trips, besides to various churchesas mentioned with the pictures opposite,have taken us to Kansas for Christmas

and HIndsboro, Illinois, to see Henki'ssister and family. We don't plan toventure too far from St. Louis for awhile.

Hopefully you'll understand better whywhen we can announce about our new

arrival due in February!

— AAAKING ADJUSTMENTS

to the "spacious" white house we arenow living in was something elsel

From four bedrooms (with one used foran office-study) In Belgium, too one-

bedroom house (with nothing for a study)I has been cozy! We mode up for thoseinconveniences fast by having indoortoilet, a bathroom, plus hot running

water that we didn't have in Boorsem!

John Mark is getting used to no school(after a year of nursery), with the T.V.

as a teacher; while Henki has to getused to 6:30 rising for much school and

hard studying! The kitchen table servesas T.V. stand, typing table, and office

study desk. We have even managed afew meals from the table, and some

times that with guests —in our kitchen-living-dining room!

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"BE THRIRY, DRIVE FIFTY"has become an oft heard motto because of thefuel crisis. You could help us be thrifty inanother way, to save on the price of mailingour newsletters:

PLEASE, KEEP US INFORMED WHENYOU MOVE OR HAVE

any form of address change IThis will help us save $3.00-$! 0.00 per mailing, plus much time and anxiety. You willkeep up to date on the progress of the work inBelgium as otherwise you may miss issues ofnewsletters and become less effective in yourprayer-support.

WE APPRECIATE

this demonstration of Christian love which weread from I Cor. 13:4 Is long suffering andkind. God bless I

FUEL CRISIS BRINGS HARDSHIPS

No driving Sundays hasforced worshipservicesfor Genk and Boorsem congregations to be onSaturday. Later 9:00-11:00 p .m. services onSunday were held when driving was allowedafter 8:00 p.m,

Cold weather and fuel shortage caused addedphysicaIdiscomforts. It ishard to knowwhat'sbest to do in such situations, so please prayfor the missionaries in Europe.

This issue of BELGIUM FOR CHRIST was prepared by Mary Esther Boonaerts, and printedby the St. Louis Christian College Print Shop,it is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work in Belgium for Christ by theHenki Boonaerts family.