ARRIVAL UPDATE: Alive!
After a week of training and briefing in Budapest, we’ve arrived in Belgium! The weather has been beautiful and the welcome has been sweet. Ralph and Elaine, the national directors of Cru in Belgium, welcomed us with a taxi and a load of groceries. It is very sweet to see them again.
As I write from our porch under a golden Antwerp sunrise, my heart is full. Transition is hard. My journey to Belgium started almost two years ago now, yet some moments I doubt my call. Moving to the other side of the world can highlight your weakness. Praise God! In Christ we become strong in our weakness, and joyful in our pain.
I send this micro-update for two reasons. First, to send a few photos as evidence that I am alive and well. Hi! And second, to direct your prayers. During briefing, we received a beautiful vision of the work God has called us into. Our hearts burned within us as we heard Il Tae share with us, “You have come to Belgium at the perfect time. I have never seen so much spiritual warfare as now.” So, he has asked us to call you into fervent prayer for these students. This list contains his specific prayer requests for you to join in, even today.
Thanksgiving launch. Missionaries here are in agreement: it is time to officially launch Agape Belgium (European Cru). Pray for the Lord’s favor as we pursue a true, sustainable launch by late November.
Agape has been rejected as an official club from KU Leuven because they limit the number of “Christian” clubs the university can have (one of the current clubs is heretical). Please pray for a new way to establish in Leuven and Antwerp, and for an effective channel for communication with students.
Key student leaders are facing spiritual battles and diversion from the mission. Pray that God would solidify and strengthen key volunteers.
As you pray for me, please pray for wisdom as a team leader, and for rest as I sleep. Romans 8:1 and 8:34 are great verses to pray over!
Thank you. Prayer is Belgium’s greatest need. You are a part of God’s great work in this country. To use a metaphor from our co-laborers here: the embers are burning hotter, and very soon the log may catch. Come, Lord Jesus!
Together in Christ,
Esten
