, "V BELGIUM FOR CHRIST ADDRESSES FINANCE FORWARDING John McDonald 2213 Dawn Avenue Granite City. Illinois U.S.A. 62040 CORRESPONDENCE AGENT Mclvin c\: Loiiclla Roller Route 1. Bo.\ 92 Burncttsvillc. Indiana U.S.A. 47926 FIELD ADDRESS Henki Boonaerts Louis Mercicrlaan 135 Maasnieehelen 3630 BELGIUM Hcnki Marv Esflicr John Mnrk James MaHlicw VOL. VIII NO. 1 Several adults had prepared a real treat in song! On the far left of the group is a Canadian exchange student who was immersed since his coming to Belgium. Henki stands beside him. The Sunday School children of the Genk Church had also prepared some special songs and accompanyment. They brought praise to His name in a sweet way only children can! o 1978 JAN.-MAR. CHRISTMAS IN JULY—? It is NOT our intention with this newsletter to make any special emphasis on the celebrations re ferred to as "Christmas" or give opinions or teach ings concerning this holiday and their place in the life of New Testament Christians. There are, of course, many things in our life here on earth that may be done by some in innocence and sincerity while others make such a heathen and sinful prac tice of the same it could be questionable for those trying to live a pure, holy life in Christ. RATHER, since we have not as yet. in all our years in Belgium specifically reported on celebrations of the Christ mas season, we wanted to share what the Christians in Belgium usually do when remembering the coming of Christ into the world in flesh. It is not as much a custom here for all the family to get together for a big Christmas dinner with children and grandchildren. Often after their separate meals, they will visit around at the different homes for coffee and refreshments. But there is a sort of tradition with the Genk and Maasme- chelen Christians to get together at the Genk church for something special as a "family in God!" This has possibly been done not only for the opportunity to share with one another, but also since many of the families have no other Christian relatives, celebrations with them are often strained. In fact there are many who have no other family than their family in Him, so it is a way to put Christian love in practice. In some years the main program was prepared by the children of the Sunday school class. This has proven almost impossible, since there is but one class (in Genk, none in Maasmechelen), the age range is too large, and the group too small for any kind of drama or pageant. Usually other things make up the program, such as special music by various ones (the Sunday school children, duets, etc,), and films or slides that pertain to the birth of Christ. Then after singing and other congregational participation. Scripture reading, etc., there is what is often called the love feast; informal fellowship with coffee, tea, pie, cake and other goodies. Since there is no pot-lucks, or church picnics, this is a very dear time for getting together as one big happy family in Him! BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts; edited, printed, and mailed by the Melvin Rollers. It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work being done in Belgium for Christ by the Henki Boonaerts family. All funds made payable to Pontoon Beach Church of Christ, designated to Boonaerts work, are tax deductable.
Several adults had prepared a real treat in song! On thefar left of the group is a Canadian exchange studentwho was immersed since his coming to Belgium. Henkistands beside him.
The Sunday School children
of the Genk Church had
also prepared some specialsongs and accompanyment.
They brought praise to Hisname in a sweet way only
children can!
o
1978 JAN.-MAR.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY—?
It is NOT our intention with this newsletter tomake any special emphasis on the celebrations referred to as "Christmas" or give opinions or teachings concerning this holiday and their place in thelife of New Testament Christians. There are, ofcourse, many things in our life here on earth thatmay be done by some in innocence and sinceritywhile others make such a heathen and sinful practice of the same it could be questionable for thosetrying to live a pure, holy life in Christ. RATHER,since we have not as yet. in all our years in Belgiumspecifically reported on celebrations of the Christmas season, we wanted to share what the Christiansin Belgium usually do when remembering thecoming of Christ into the world in flesh.
It is not as much a custom here for all the
family to get together for a big Christmas dinnerwith children and grandchildren. Often after their
separate meals, they will visit aroundat the different homes for coffee and
refreshments. But there is a sort of
tradition with the Genk and Maasme-
chelen Christians to get together atthe Genk church for something specialas a "family in God!" This haspossibly been done not only for theopportunity to share with one another,but also since many of the familieshave no other Christian relatives,celebrations with them are often
strained. In fact there are many who have no other family than their family in Him, so it is a way to putChristian love in practice.
In some years the main program was prepared by the children of the Sunday school class. This hasproven almost impossible, since there is but one class (in Genk, none in Maasmechelen), the age rangeis too large, and the group too small for any kind of drama or pageant. Usually other things make up theprogram, such as special music by various ones (the Sunday school children, duets, etc,), and films orslides that pertain to the birth of Christ. Then after singing and other congregational participation.Scripture reading, etc., there is what is often called the love feast; informal fellowship with coffee, tea,pie, cake and other goodies. Since there is no pot-lucks, or church picnics, this is a very dear time forgetting together as one big happy family in Him!
BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts; edited, printed, and mailed by theMelvin Rollers. It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work being done in Belgium forChrist by the Henki Boonaerts family. All funds made payable to Pontoon Beach Church of Christ,designated to Boonaerts work, are tax deductable.
Medaryville Christian ChurchBox 140, South Jefferson StreetMedaryville, IndianaU.S.A. 47957
H/?i ^111 KcSilvorySo: ?77
Medarvville, Ind-
PFRMIT #4
'Twas the NIGHT before CHRIST
MAS and the kids were all bathed!
They were waiting impatiently fortheir daddy to come home so theycould open their presents. Actually inBelgium, "St. Nicolas" comes the 6th
of December to bring children their
presents, but since we are half Amer
ican - we had a 'little something'Christmas eve with reading the Scripture story and singing some carols in
candlelight. (See photo of boys)Christmas Sunday this year
brought something very special. Mrs.
Kuypers (unimmersed) and her visiting brother from'Haarlem, Holland, and one son still living at home,
shared the Christmas dinner with us. It isn't so much the custom among Belgiums to eat at one another's
homes (though popping in an\;time 'uninvited' for coffee and refreshments is in order). We have, however, made an effort to have every family of the congregation in our home for a meal. There are a few
families we cannot seem to get such a meal worked out with, and Kuypers' was one such family. Wewere sohappy for this opportunity (see photo) to have dinner with them after the church service, then toGenk for the program with the two congregations together.
Our much anticipated trip to Italy for the Mid-winter rally did not develop into a reality this year. Itwas a disappointment, and especially hard since it has been the longest separation from the Rolandfamily and friends in the States, and Christmas seerns to bring extra homesickness. But we praise God
for so many things happening to help ease the pain elnd provide so many other moments of happiness:this special dinner, the church program, and sharing with the Canadian boy away from home for his firsttime at Christmas, and a get-together with military f(blks and non-instrumental missionaries just beforethe new year! AND we got so many cards and season"s greetings this year -- we are sure God had a handin using friends to help us in this past Christmas season!!
I
"One person thinks that a certain day is more
important than other days while someone ,thinks that all days are the same. Each one shouldfirmly make up his own mind. Whoever thinks ,highly of a certain day does so in honor of the _ jPHLord..." we let Christ our thoughts and
days, every day can be a happy day indeed. (Rom. I14:5.6TEV) ^
Henki Mary Esther
John Mark James Matthew
BELGIUM
FOR
CHRIST
ADDRESSES
FINANCE FORWARDING
John McDonald
2213 Dawn Avenue
Granite City, Illinois U.S.A. 62040
CORRESPONDENCE AGENT
Melvin & Louella Roller
Route 1. Box 92
Burnettsville. Indiana U.S.A. 47926
FIELD ADDRESS
Henki Boonaerts
Louis Mercierlaa"n 135
Maasmechelen 3630 BELGIUM
SPECIAL ISSUE for: NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION - Sept. 26-29 - Knoxville, Tenn.
VOL. VIII NO. 2
Boonaerts home on Kerkstraat [Church Street] in
Boorsem, where meetings were heldfor over three
years.
Some gathered in front of one window of the gathering hall part of their home, after a wedding, one
ofthefirst services held in 1971!
1978 APR.-JUNE
HISTORY OF BOONAERTS IN BELGIUM FOR CHRIST
Henki and Mary Esther Boonaerts came fresh out of BibleCollege to serve with the Church of Christ in Genk in May,1970. They anticipated some on-the-field experience andhoped to discover what further studies would be most usefulupon their return to St. Louis to finish requirements forHenki's BA degree.
Bible College
they found themselves led to God to continue in new church evangelism about twenty miles from Henki'shometown, Genk.
Services were begun in Boorsem in June, 1971 with a nucleus of immersed believers from the Benkcongreation, some from Baptist background, and "free evangelicals" from Germany, and othersinterested in worshipping together from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. Within a few months thefirst immersion was witnessed as Adri Kuypers became the first fruits of the efforts in the Maas rivervalley area. As the months and years went by the group grew in numbers and spiritual perception,learning to accept more and more the teachings of the New Testament in preference to old traditionsfrom their various religious backgrounds. Many were offended and left; others joined and continued togrow until there was seen a need for a larger place of worship.
A second major phase began in the Maasland evangelism as a suitable building was found, largerand more centrally located for gathering. Then repairs, renovating, and beautifying of the new worshiphall was completed just before the Boonaerts went to the States for their "first furlough" and the DennisMesimer family took over the work in their absence.
Upon their return in 1974, Boonaerts moved and settled into their new home purchased just beforeleaving in 1973, and Messimers moved to Beringen hoping to begin evangelistic work there. Sincephysical facilities of the church were completed and satisfactory, Boonaerts began concentrating effortson preparing their home: remodeling and adding rooms to their half of the duplex built just before theSecond World War, in "Cite Eisden" the housing project for Eisden coal miners. This proves to be amuch slower and more tedious work than either had done in the Boorsem home or the Maasmechelenworship hall! Yet there is hope of added space to provide adequate living quarters, and study area forthe Boonaerts and their boarder, Maria Gering, one of the chuch members otherwise without a home.
When the Boonaerts first left the States they wereencouraged to enlist the help of John and EileenMcDonald as forwarding agents from the PontoonBeach Church of Christ in Granite City, Illinois, the firstcongregation to promise regular support of the Belgiumfor Christ mission work! The job turned out to be morethan they could handle alone, so with the help of aprinted plea in the Horizons magazine, and the leadingof God, Melvin and Louella Roller of the Medaryville, Adri Kuypers soon after his immersion with
Henki and Mary Esther.
Indiana congregation decided to take over the correspondence of the States side part of the work. TheBoonaerts are most grateful for the strong link betwien them and the United States supporting congregations and individuals that is provided by these faiihful Christian families. Boonaerts look forward toeven better and more lasting friendship because of the sacrificial and most helpful work, unheralded andunpaid, and often unnoticed by most who know of the Belgium mission work.
As far as the future is concerned in Belgium, both the Genk and Maas river valley areas: the possibilities are unlimited! There are ideas and suggestions untold, but with so few workers, many dreamsare left to fade away fast. It is hoped some day to begin a children's work, and some evangelistic effortsamong the multi-national inhabitants around Maasmechelen; to make use of correspondence coursesand cottage meeting type studies; and - the list goes on. Pray for more workers for this field of service,for the missionaries already in Belgium, and for the Christians trying to live the Christian life. Pray forthe responsiveness of those hearing the gospel, and freedom to evangelize until the Lord comes. Pray forfinancial support to be sufficient, and physical health to enable work to be done unhindered!
MAASMECHELEN CONGREGATION ACTIVITIES
The Christians of the Maasmechelen congregation gather the first day of the week to remember theLord's death until he comes. Usually Henki brings a message from the Scriptures, but often his father orsome other missionary or preacher also comes for the sermon. Several in the congregation have alsobrought a message. The Lord's supper is served by tv/o of the men of the congregation as they feel leadto pass out the emblems after a Scripture reading or;meditation thought and prayers. Other parts of theservice are also in keeping with the teaching of the lj^ew Testament, with singing, the Scripture beingread by various brothers, the time of prayer, and collecting the gifts and offerings. Usually after theservice the ladies wash the communion set, and put it in readiness for the next week, while folks visitwith one another before returning home. There are also bits of interesting information, like frommissionaries throughout the world, and displays of jtiooks and Scripture items that can be viewed andpurchased. The men of the congregation take turns into get everything ready for the following service. Sim
the week to clean the church building and groundsjce so many of the women are elderly and unable to
do heavy cleaning, they usually form a team about once every two months and really give the building agood work over, getting the cobwebs and other thing^
Wednesday is the-day set apart by the ChristiansBible, prayer, singing, and reading of the Scripturesare made to have the men lead the services, communion meditation, bring messages, and read from theScriptures searching to abandon false teachings and bringing spiritual maturity. With continual teachingand encouragement results can be seen as men try tc"When you come together, everyone of you have!interpretation (or explanation);" Without a leader,shepherd, but these are responsible men and women, and with the help of God surely they will continueas a productive part of God's kingdom.
After the formal Wednesday study the Christians linger over coffee, tea, and pastries, discussinghappenings of the week, the Scripture, making plans|for special events, and what else is included in suchChristian fellowship. Usually both the Bible Study and the Sunday services last about two hours aseverything is done informally and unhurried.
There is an evangelistic calling program recently set up, hopefully to involve every member of theMaasmechelen congregation in some way, with sjiecial materials printed for introducing personalstudies ofthe Scriptures. The Christians have also designated a specific offering to be sent to Roland'smission work in India (Mary Esther's parents). The cqngregation in Genk, their Sunday school children,and several individuals also give one-time gifts qqcasionally. Maasmechelen Christians have alsocommitted themselves to help a young man in Antwerp who desires to become a full tinie^eacher^f heis able to gather enough support from the combined churches in Belgium and Holland. He has alreadybeen trying for several years, and comes short of his n^ded goal, so it is hoped you will also pray for theright outcomeof this situation, and that Christians will continue to stand behind this brother in Antwerp.
Both the Genk and Maasmechelen congregations are also fully financially self-supporting. Thecongregation in Genk has paid for their own building, parsonage, and adjoining hallway with a recentlyadded central heating system. The SamSurfus family (Henki's sister and husband) are ministering withthis group and receive a large amount of their monthly support from the congregation, as well as fromchurches in the States. The Maasmechelen group rents a hall and cares for all other expenses likeheating, utilities, literature publications, etc. It is hoped in the not too distant future to purchase groundand build a more suitable building if something cannot be found to replace their present gathering hall,so children's work can begin, along with more gatherings and evangelism, such as ladies meetings. Mayyour prayers also undergrid these hopes and plans.
often forgotten by the men I
here for another meeting-for^deeper~5tady-of~the"'—with .explanations or teachings therefrom. Efforts
follow, for example the teaching in I Cor. 14:26,a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, ansuch a group will scatter like sheep without a
VOL. VIII NO. 2
Henki, Mrs. Kottas, and James studying the
Bible informally at our home after we hadshared a meal together.
One of the biggest tasks when coming to Belgium was learning (Mary Esther) and re-learning(Henki) the Belgian language, and customs of the people. They are still ever students in this, trying tobetter equip themselves to be better witnesses to those around them. However, they have not as yetbecome fluent enough to adequately prepare literatiyre fo;: tracts or studies, so are dependent on other,already available materials,.like from the Bible societies, and non-instrumental missionaries.
To give an idea of their usual week, here is a day'by day breakdown: MONDAY and TUESDAY -
Henki usually has to devote to his new part-time self-employment in roof repairing to supplementincome and be in order with the Belgian government. This, of course, means a lot of running around tofind customers, make estimates, gather materials after discovering where they are cheapest and best,often delivering the materials to the place of work, doing the repair job, preparing legal bills, receipts,and other bookkeeping requirements for the work! Mary Esther devotes these days to correspondence,housekeeping, shopping, laundry, and sometimes some of Henki's bookeeping or mission accounting!The major part of WEDNESDAY is spent in preparation for the evening Bible study, picking up folksfor the meeting as well as being present, then bringing folks back home. Unless the study is in theirhome, usually an aunt of Henki's babysits the boys so they can be in bed on time for early rising toattend school the following day.
THURSDAY and often much of FRIDAY is again spent in roof repairing, but Henki also often findshimself busy with jobs around the house, car repairs, and working further on the building addition that isbeing made. Of course, there are also often interruptions and diversions from this schedule and plansmade: bringing someone to Germany, helping someone find work, meeting someone at the airport, visitsomeone in the hospital, conduct a funeral, or other emergencies that arise in the lives of preachers andmissionaries, fathers and mothers. FRIDAY afternoon Mary Esther usually finds herself picking upsome ladies, going shopping in Holland, and holding a Bible study in Maastrict with a small group.
SATURDAY Henki usually prepares for the Bible school classes (leadership training in the fall,winter and spring) held in Genk later Saturday afternoon. When the lessons are not in session during thesummer, he usually spends more time calling and on his sermon preparation. Otherwise after the Genkclasses, some discussion and visiting, then he works on his sermon until far into the night. TheSUNDAY service begins at 10 a.m. and often Henki walks or goes with the bike, so Mary Esther can pickup folks on her way a little later I Usually Sunday is kept for a family day, either at home receiving guestsor enjoying each other's company, or visiting families with children especially for the enjoyment of thechildren. There are no evening services, so sometimes the Boonaerts go to Brunsum, Holland (or in thepast to Kleine Broggel, until services discontinued there) for an English service with the military folkthat gather in the late afternoon.
Medaryville Christian ChurchBox 140, South Jefferson StreetMedaryville, IndianaU.S.A. 47957
Scr/icoaBox 177Kcaptoa, Inde i^cy+9
Noii'Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAID
Medaryville, bid.PERMIT #4
It ishoped thisspecial issue ofthe newsletter canbe used to better inform many ofthe work and needin Belgium for evangelizing people to Christ's way of life. More workers are needed. More funds arenecessary. More prayer partners are vital to carry out the work already being attempted. Stand behindthe work of Belgiumfor Christ in an active way 1!
A new, short slide series, based on this newsletter as narration should be available after the Missionary Convention, from Rollers and the Horizon's loaning library! It is hoped you will avail yourself of thisadded service and means of informing yourself of this work in God's kingdom. It is Boonaerts hope thatwe all grow together towards spiritual maturity as we strive together to fulfill His will on earth.
Melvin and Louella Roller will be representing Belgium for Christ at the National Missionary Convention, BOOTH 70; the Lord willing. Why not plan to meet them there if you attend I!
BELGIUM FOR CHRIST is written by Mary Esther Boonaerts; edited, printed, and mailed by theMelvin Rollers. It is distributed to inform and encourage support of the work being done in Belgium forChrist by the Henki Boonaerts family. All /unds should be made payab/e to Pontoon Beach Church ofChrist, designated to the Boonaerts work, so they can be tax deductable.
/The article in the nev^spaper of Limburg Province, whentranslated read something like this: At the and
crossing, the autos of Johannes , an^^ Giusippe, crashed. In this last automobile Geering Petelin (known,to you as "our taughter-in-sister, Maria") and JohnBoonaerts (our son, John Mark) of Louis Mercierlaan 135?Maasrcechelen were seriously injured in Genk«"
That was the first of May—a big holiday here inBelgium, and v\.'e'.d gone to celebrate "Pino*s" eldest son'sbirthday. . On our way home, riding with Pino, the accident
happened, about 6:30 in the evening, John Mo-rk had a severe'brain concussion, and was unconscious for a while so was kept in
_ The hospital three days. He i^ nov/ back to normal, We praise Godfor such rapid, complete recovery in younger children!Maria was thrown out of the automobile, a.nd also had a brian concussion,though she wasn't imconscious she wa?^ under shock» She had to haveabout nine stitches on her forehead, and spent 1? days in the hospital.
The doctors were completly overv/heDmed at such a rapid recovery in .such an elderly lady!" Again it car. only be, praise"His name! Sheis back home, and though not quite as active, she is well on theroad to recovery®
Henki sat in the front seat of the car, and having his seatbelt ononly ^suffered some head abrasions, and pain in his lefrs for a day or•GWOo' He's been awiulxy busy since, trying to get another automobile(our Mercedies gave out on us, ;a;nd we've had to purchase anothermeans of transportation—)., and get caught up on roof repairs sincethe weather has been so dry and warm after a long, v/et v/inter!
•lary_.Esther must have been hit in the chin by John Mark and on theear by Maria, and is still awaiting the results of the EEG testssince she continued having bad headachs, The whole episode—shock,.excitement, and concern included have really left her performingfar below par. Everything had been ready to get the last of December, along with January, February and part of March's donationsacknowledged and thanked; and now more receipts have come for Marchand some of April« There are many others who should have receivedcorrespondance from her—v/e surely hope you v/ill shov/ your patienceand kindness in this situtation—beyond our control!!
James, sitting on Mary Esther's lap, seemingly "out of the•line offire^ went uninjured. He came down with a light case of the mujnpsthe day after the accident, so he and his mommy just took it sortof easy that week. With the kids back in school, recoperationhas speeded up somewhat.
We will keep our plojined April - June thank you for later this sujnmerand hope you will be praying for our complete recoveries. And pleaseaccept our'heartiest thanks for gifts from December through Api'il!We praise His v/onderful name for all the blessings this past month,imowing only His providance a.nd serving angels could have kept usfrom far more serious injuries and complications in our recentaccident. We have a new. appreciation of O'ur life, and time givenus; and hope you'll share with us in these feelings of overwhelmingjoy!
SEASON'S GREETINGS through the frustrations of DISTANCE AND TIME
The message is old,The message is true,
It comes from our heart,'Tis meant just for you.
But how do we sayWhat's been said oft before?
Will you really understandIf we can't knock at your doorAnd say it personally,What's been said before?
We hope you can "feel" it,And KNOW it for sure.
'Tis peace from above,And love, warm and pure.
'Tis "Season's Greetings"That come from our heart.
Christ came from heaven,God's joy to impart,And that's our message.It comes from our heart!
[by Mari; Esther Boonaerts]
We are awfully sorry that our support has been so low the last few months that we will not be able tosend any special Christmas greeting, card, or thank youtoken as in years past. We are sure the Lord hasmeant it for good and hope you will accept the situation also. Our heartiest thanks to all who have helpedin any and every way this past year; and equally hearty greetings for a Spirit filled Christmas celebrationand a successful year in serving His kingdom in 1979!
FUNERAL MASS IN MEEUWEN: ' ~
Henki had a most unusual opportunity to witness of the good news of Christ this September. Theoccasion was the funeral of the father of one of the members of the Genk church, Karl Jakubka. (You willremember he had been immersed in 1974 with his wife, as we made mention of it in the "Package Offer"article of the Nov. - Dec. 1976 issue). The place was the Roman Catholic Parochial Church of SaintMartinus, in Meeuwen, near Genk.
Karl and Margareet were, of course, saddened at the passing of Pa Yakubka, but their greatestsorrow was that in spite of their witnessing he had not accepted Christ as his Savior. Their desire wasthat this time be used as a time of witnessing for their new found faith in Him. First they had to get MaJakubka's agreement to have an "outside" preacher at the funeral; then they had to get the approval ofthe Catholic leaders. This was done with a visit of Henki and Karl, a phone call by the priest to an overseeing bishop - and Henki had permission to bring a 15 to 20 minute message between sections of thefuneral Mass to be held in the Meeuwen church.
This was not only an unusual opportunity for Henki - his first to bring the gospel in a CatholicChurch; but their first time to have a non-Catholic speak in their services!! Some reactions were veryantagonistic: "they even let the 'Jehovah's' speak in the church now" (with reference to the Jehovah'sWitness sect); to curious, friendly questioning and discussing of what had been said, and what webelieve! Karl was glad for the shining example it was to friends and family alike. Even his mother,though not Christian had been able to feel an unusual peace, and was assured of the prayers of Christians in Genk and Maasmechelen petitioned God for her. The family could hardly believe how calm shehad been, even at the grave side, and wondered if she'd not had sleeping pills or something. So thewitness of Christian love was strengthened.
Medaryville Christian Church •Box 140, South Jefferson StreetMedaryville, IndianaU.S.A. 47957 ^ ^379
m
H/h Bill HcGilvcryBox 177Kcaptdi; Indt ^•60^>9
Non'ProHt Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Medaryville, bid.
PERMIT H
But the greatest of all that resulted in this witness at the funeral of Willy Jakubka was that just afew short weeks later, through continued love, teaching and witnessing, Karl and Margareet were ableto see Ma Jakubka immersed into Christ to become their sister in Christ! Hallelujah! What a Savior.
Elisabeth Schoofs Jakubka is another for whom we hope you'll be praying, as she begins the walkwith Christ. How wonderful it would be if there would be more visable results of the witnessing at thefuneral in September.
TWO MORE YEARS:
The Lord was so gracious to us in Maasmechelen, in that Johan and Anna Hetterscheidt were ableto return from their German home in the spm^ and spend another "season" with us! Anna's health wascontinually failing, but she remained faithful in attending services, and in her love and witness for Christthrough pain and frustrations. Then for a few weeks she was unable to attend services because of akidney infection, soJohan wentto services alone and the Lord'ssupper was broughtto her at home.
Theevening ofOctober 25th, after a Bible study, Johan was unable to rouse Anna to open the doorand let him in. He broke in the back door and found her dead on the couch: she had fixed his eveningmeal and was waiting on his return, evidentally felt tired, or a little painas the doctor explained, and shedied of a heart attack.
Often she had discussed her desires for her funeral with Henki, so her favorite songs were chosen,and a gospel message prepared. The following Saturday, a crisp, dry October day, we gathered withfriends and family for the graveyard service -and indeed the gospel was preached. Christ was witnessedin a forceful way as had been her desire. The funeral director was over heard to have said "I've been toso many funerals, but never one like that!" Pall bearers and others were also impressed at howdifferent, but meaningful the service was. Weeks later we heard echos ofsimiliar comments, as the wordtraveled in the Maas river valley area. The Lord hassurely used Anna'sdeath to bea witness for Him, asshe had also been in her lifetime!
Johan has only made a few short trips to Germany but he seems to be planning on staying in hisNeerharen home this winter. In his own words (being translated from German), "I don't know anythingof lonliness. Some people complain about lonliness -but I have my Bible, and I read some, or maybe abook, or watch some T.V." And in his prayers he thanked God for having taken Anna home to be withHim, to be able to praise Him, as she had so longed to do.
His witness is also strong. His concern for those who "had a great loss in Anna's death" wereuppermost in his thoughts. He told of a young boy who came to visit with "Grandma Anna" and learnGerman by speaking with her. He had brought a parakeet for them to share a few days. When he cameagain toget it, Johan explained that Anna had gone to be with God. He took a few steps backwards andcouldn't say anything from the shock. Johan's tender el^lanafiohl^er~"w^ "he really had a greatloss". That's unselfish love - after more than fifty years of marriage - great was his loss. But he hadfound the Savior through his wife Anna, as have many others and that gain is worth more than all theworld.
Two years ago Anna had expected herpassing {see article, "The Birds Have Flown" of May-Aug.1976) but the Lord had again been gracious to us in Maasmechelen. We had her for two extra years, andPraise Him for it! The passing ofthis beloved sister of the Maasmechelen congregation has brought uscloser to our God and Father. We look forward to seeing her and a host of others when Christ comesagain.
Dear Christian Friends.
We received a telephone call from John McDonald who has been handling the financial part for the Boonaerts for many years. Johnhas accepted a position in a bank that is located in the southern part of Illinois. Since the McDonalds have to relocate, they asked if wewould want to accept this responsibility. Melvin presented this situation to the board members of the Medaryville Christian Church. Theyvotedto let us funnel the Boonaerts funds through the Medaryville Church the same as the McDonalds have been doingwith the PontoonBeach Church of Christ. As a result, the gifts you send to the Boonaerts will continue to be tax deductable.
AsofJanuary 1. 1979, wewould appreciate it ifyouwould pleasesendyourgiftsto us and make the check payable to the Medaryville^Christian Church and mark it "Missions". Please attach a note saying it is for Henki and Mary EstherBoonaerts. Because of the InternalRevenue Service. PLEASEDO NOTput Belgium for Christ, Henki & Mary Esther Boonaerts or our name on the check. Put "missions" on
Jhe memo line. I will sendyou a receipt as soon as possible. Ifyou have any questions, please write orcall us. Ournumber is (219) 826-4264.On behalf of Henki and Mary Esther, we want to take this opportunity to thank John and Eileen McDonald and the Pontoon Beach
Church of Christ for their faithful service to Belgium For Christ.
In His Service,
Melvin and Louella Roller
Forwarding Agent
:;.V <•.•••: \• .-• • •- ••'••.
BELGIUM FOR CHRIST
a 7 1978 FIELD y^.DDHSSSHenki & Mary Esther Boonaey^Louis Mercierlaan I35Maasmechelen 3630Belgium
Kelvin and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest, prayers and support you have friven to Henki and Mary Esther thispaso yeaTi
? telephone call from John McDonald who has been handieinp:a Boonaerts for many years. John has acceptedposition in a bank that is located in the southern part of IllinoisSince the McDonalds have to relocate they asked if we would want toaccept this responsibility. Melvir presented this situation to theboard members of the Medsryville Christian Church last evening. Theyvoted to let us funnel the Boonaerts funds throuc:h the MedaryvilleChurch the same as the McDonalds have been doinpr'with the Pontoon Beachohurch of Christ, As a result the gifts you send to the Boonaertswill continue to be tax deductable.
As of Jsnuary 1, 1979, we would appreciate it if you would please ^endyour pfts to us and make the check payable to the Medaryville ChristianChurch and mark It Missions. Please attach a note saying it Is for
Boonaerts. Because of the Internal Revenue Service,PLEASE DO NOT put Belgium for Christ, Henki & Mary Esther Boonaerts orour name on the check. Put missions on the memo line. I will send youa receipt as soon as possible.
On behalf of Henki and Mary Esther, we want to take this opportxmityto th^k John and Eileen McDonald and the Pontoon Beach Church of Christfor their faithful service to Belgium For Christ.
P.S. If you have any questions please call us219-826-^^26^;
