We had a similar soirée noël just before Christmas where there were about 11 of us there altogether, maybe 6 or 7 regular GBU members, and 4 or 5 invited friends. I mentioned in a post a few days ago I think, that the Central group has been growing a lot lately, in terms of regular members and so at this soirée, there were about 12 or 13 regulars present, who had brought with them 6 or 7 friends.
Considering that in Belgium, doing evangelism full stop is pretty amazing, this evening was an amazing turnout. One student gave a five minute summary of what we had seen so far in the book of Mark, before one of the group leaders gave a short talk about Easter: the cross and the resurrection, from Mark 15 where we had finally arrived after 6 months or so of studying the book together.
We ate LOTS of food, and had some really great discussions, even standing at the top of the metro for about 15 minutes in the drizzle before parting ways, to finish discussing, amongst other things, the differences between Christianity and Islam, how culture affects how people worship, and why after Jesus came, people could eat pork again (and if you have an answer for that one, I'd appreciate your wisdom). To be fair, I was mainly a non-verbal participant in that discussion as it was all moving so fast, but it was so encouraging to hear the two GBUssiens really trying to answer the questions, and always bringing the conversation back around the Jesus. The friend of the girl asking all the questions boldly proclaimed the Gospel and explained how Jesus is her Saviour and what we believe He accomplished at the cross.
Please keep praying for those friends that heard the Gospel, some of whom took Bibles, that we'd keep in touch with them, that God would be softening their hearts towards the Gospel, and that we'd have the amazing priviledge of seeing them saved. And please pray for the students to be encouraged to keep on living and speaking for Jesus!
The biggest thing that struck me from that night, was just what a priviledge it is to be in Belgium, and to see God at work in these students' lives. Knowing how nervous this one girl was in particular about bringing friends to the evening, and then that two of them came, and that she shared the Gospel so faithfully and clearly, was really amazing.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.'" 2Cor 12:9
"'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Rom 10:13-15
wonderful news! what a joy!
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