FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY

Barbara Noordanus shares how leaders and members of international churches around Europe were encouraged and equipped at Cry Freedom! London and South East this summer

In an international church the ministry of welcoming newcomers is vital, so this came naturally to us as hosts of the ‘International Village’ for a second year. But how many Village Hosts need to have a supply of pounds sterling on hand so that a group that has travelled for 12 hours by car and ferry can buy tea before they get their euros changed?
This year the village included three-times the number of delegates from overseas as last year: around 90 people originating from many countries but currently living in the Netherlands, Belgium or France. It was encouraging to have small groups from six English-speaking international churches, as well as two groups from French- and Dutch-speaking churches.

International churches in Europe share many characteristics of cultural diversity, displaced people and regular through-flow and are usually many miles distant from others that share New Wine ‘Kingdom values’. Thus, for the three church leaders present, being able to share our circumstances as leaders of such churches was very valuable. It is also helpful for us to be able to bring our church members, who come from many different church and cultural backgrounds, to an event that illustrates these values so that they too can be further equipped for their ministries in our churches. We hope that more groups will bring their leaders along next year.

One French pastor came at the urging of some English church members. He was so intrigued and impressed with what was happening that he volunteered to stay another week and serve on a children’s team.
While at the conference we discussed the possibility of leaders of isolated international churches networking in prayer and fellowship over the next year. We pray that God that may use this to further his Kingdom among us.

Barbara Noordanus and her husband Francis lead Trinity Church, Eindhoven.