Belgium Recap!!
- mkline4305
- May 23
- 3 min read
The week with the Athletes In Action team from University of California, Berkeley flew by. In the mornings we would split into groups and go to different parts of the campus with the hopes of inviting students to the evenings events. This time, we used mini games to meet and interact with students, which made it so much fun. I loved getting to know the A.I.A. team and hearing most of their testimonies. It was very encouraging to hear how God has been working in their lives and on their University's campus.
At the end of the week, we flew to Antwerp, Belgium to help some local staff start a high school ministry. When the trip was first being planned, many doors were closed. However, God was so faithful to open those same doors a few weeks before we flew to Belgium. Our team ended up just being the Gap year girls, Jill, two Cru high school staff from the States, but I couldn’t have loved it more. God knew exactly what He was doing, and we were truly blessed with the best team!
While we were there we had the opportunity to go into some local high schools and talk to students. Our time at the schools was so impactful for us and the students. We played games, shared our testimonies, and got to relate with students in smaller discussion groups. I was so amazed at how open the students were to spiritual things and they asked really deep and personal questions. Many of them opened up about their own struggles or things they were dealing with in their own lives. My heart goes out to those students, and I pray that they will be able to experience the fullness of God’s grace in their lives and walk in true freedom.
The goal of the student ministry is to help equip students with the tools needed to grow in their own faith and to boldly share their beliefs with their peers. One of our last nights there, we put on a testimony training workshop for the students we had met. So many students showed up, and it was a really encouraging time for me. We also passed out Gospel bracelets and taught the students how to share the Gospel using the four symbols. I loved seeing the excitement of students as they practiced sharing the Gospel with each other and how they encouraged and helped their friends.
Going into the week we were prepared about how Belgium is a spiritually dark place, but I was continually amazed at the conversations we had with students who were clearly seeking the truth of the Gospel and just needed someone to share it with them. We also had so many other opportunities to witness to people in our daily life. We had an amazing conversation with one of the workers at the hostel we were staying at and even got to invite him to church. These moments reminded me that the way I live my life is a testimony to others. In 2 Timothy, Paul says to always be prepared in season and out of season. Wether I am in a school speaking to students or at the grocery store buying food there are always opportunities to share the Gospel with others. As believers we are called to be prepared and ready to take every opportunity as they come and share the hope we have in Christ.
The rest of our time in Croatia was super busy, so I haven’t had time to update my blog. Our gap year has come to an end, and I am back home in the States. I will be sending out another update soon about the rest of our time in Croatia.
Some prayer requests:
Please pray for the local staff that they can continue to serve the students well and encourage them to be bold in their faith.
Pray for the Belgian students we met. Pray that they will experience the true freedom that comes from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Pray for our team as we are now adjusting to life back at home.
Pray for the Croatian students that we have befriended. Pray that the Lord will continue to reveal Himself to them.
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