Less blogging - more time with the family

Try this for a good start of the working week...
(Click on this image if you want to read more)

I've been blogging less recently. There are plenty of things going on that are worth telling you about, but I have to cut back my time behind the pc. My body is giving me some signs that I have to pay more attention to my physical condition and less to the virtual world of the blogosphere.

We had some wonderful days with the family recently, but we miss my dad ('Opa Bob' for our kids) terribly - especially during these 'happy' days in December. We know that he is in a perfect place right now and that he is celebrating for ever - but we miss him so much down here!

On my birthday (12.12) I've been to prison. Not because I did something wrong, but because I was involved in something good. Every year we publish a special prison diary that is distributed freely among all inmates in the Netherlands. The 2006 edition (19th edition; 32 000 copies) was presented in the prison of Breda and I was impressed by all the testimonies and reactions from the prisoners. Maybe you think that nobody needs a diary in prison, but several inmates told me that this little diary with a Bible reading plan, quotations, poetry and drawings is very important to them. It was quite an experience to be inside a prison (this was my second experience; I also attended the presentation of a special prison Bible edition earlier this year in the Amsterdam prison). Please pray for the people in prison. Most of them deserve to be there and they know it - but still, it is a lonely and sad place to be, especially this month. Jesus told us to visit prisoners and I am sure He meant business. Please don't forget these words:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (Matthew 25)

Watch this video and/or this video about the presentation of the prison diary 2006 (both are in Dutch, but you'll get the picture...)

Now bring on the Argentines!

The BBC writes: 'There is a mouth-watering confrontation between two of the favourites Holland and Argentina in Group C'. Yes, this is quite a game and the Dutch have a nice opportunity to show what they're worth in the toughest looking group with other strong teams from Ivory Coast and Serbia Montenegro. I am especialy looking forward to the match against Argentina, a well respected football nation with great skills. But I am sure that Dutch coach Marco van Basten will be well-prepared. And with players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Roy Makaay, Ryan Babel, Nigel de Jong (to name just a few) and goal keeper Edwin van der Sar the Dutch national team is ready to take on any team. So bring on the Argentines!

Group A: Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador
Group B: England, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden
Group C: Argentina, Côte d'Ivoire, Serbia and Montenegro, Netherlands
Group D: Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal
Group E: Italy, Ghana, United States, Czech Republic
Group F: Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan
Group G: France, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Togo
Group H: Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Note: The countries in the orange colour all have Dutch coaches - so 'we' have a good chance to reach the finals one way or the other!

Offer compassionate care and demonstrate God's love

With 40 million people infected with HIV/AIDS around the world and more than 14 million children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, we can't afford to wait until we know all the perfect solutions before we begin to offer compassionate care and demonstrate God's love. Acts of Mercy

God's Golden Acre - Heather Reynolds with Dale le Vack

“The boy was lying on a mat in the hut. He had probably less than a day to live. I finally broke the silence. ‘God, from this day on I will help every child in need, every child that needs a home, every child that crosses my path.’”

Heather’s sanctuary in South Africa, known as “God’s Golden Acre”, is the outcome of that promise. In KwaZulu Natal Heather and her sculptor husband Patrick have established a community for orphans, where nearly 100 children find sanctuary from abuse, poverty, and starvation.

The sick can die with dignity. Teams of volunteers risk danger distributing basic food supplies to the many scattered families, most headed by a granny or teenage girl. Each day they rub shoulders with death. 36% of the local people are infected with AIDS – the highest percentage of any area in Africa. For many dying mothers, Heather is the last hope for their children.

In the early years, Heather and Patrick dedicated their entire savings to the orphans and fighting the AIDS pandemic. They faced financial ruin, white and black prejudice, indifference, cruelty and a bureaucracy overwhelmed by need. Often there wasn’t enough to eat. Yet time and again, through a series of miracles, and Heather’s resolute faith, donors stepped in, touched and challenged by the spirit of awethu – the Zulu word for “Our Mother”.

Where did such courage and vision come from? Read Heather’s own astonishing story!

Monarch Books

God's Golden Acre

World AIDS Day

Christenen tegen AIDS (Dutch)

Looking forward to Christmas

Yes, I like delicious food and I am looking forward to having a good time with my family and friends next month... but Jesus is the reason for the season!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit... (Romans 14:17)

Why Christmas?

If you understand our funny Dutch language... watch this tv interview (Real Player file) with Kees Kraayenoord - worship leader at our church. The interview is about Waarom Kerst? (Why Christmas?) - a media campaign initiated by several Christian organisations in the Netherlands. Visit this site and think of ways to share the joy of Christmas with your family and friends!

This is what Christmas is all about:
Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father. (Phillipians 2:5-11 NLV)

Bible text and prayer for this week

Dear Father,
Life can be so tiresome and frustrating! You know that I try to do my best, but I am disappointed in myself again and again. Just when I get to thinking that I am gaining some ground, I find out that I am actually losing territory...

Read more here

An announcement, some thoughts about living in the light and an invitation...

I have been blogging for a year now - and I really enjoy it. I started writing my postings on the internet in my native language (Dutch), but switched over to English soon because that is the language of the world wide web. I am grateful for my language skills - but sometimes I feel limited by writing in English. Writing in Dutch comes naturally, because that is my first language. I want to continue this blog - because I highly appreciate the international contacts. On Panda's Ponderings I will keep on bloggin' about all the things that I like to do, read and see. I will also comment on things that happen in my (family) life and in (my part of) the world. But from now on I will also start writing on my new Dutch blog...

My tag line for Panda's Ponderings is: But a poor reflection. This is a quote from 1 Corinthians - and by quoting these words I want to stress that my thoughts and ideas are only human thoughts and ideas. God, the source of Life, Wisdom and Love is the One and Only Original. But He made me in His image and it is my life's goal to reflect His glory in everything I do and say. Unfortunately I stumble and fall constantly. Because of that, my life is but a poor reflection of what God - the Source of Light - has intended.

But a poor reflection is also a good description of our life here on planet earth - compared to the life that God wants us to enjoy in eternity.

God has put us here on this globe and He knows we are 'only' human. He knows that we are living in a broken, damaged world. He is the only One that can make us whole.

By sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, God has started a new creation. And the good news is: you can be part of that new creation! Jesus lived a perfect life - He is our example, our Lord and Master. He was 100% Son of man and 100% Son of God. He knows exactly what we are going through, because He has lived on this same spoiled and sinful planet. But He was able to resist all the temptations and - as a human being - He learned to obey God perfectly and his life was not but a poor reflection. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God the Father! That is why His death on the cross was a perfect sacrifice that was valuable enough to pay for all our failures, sins and shortcomings in God's eyes. If you accept this good news, you can be made new and you will become a new creation.

Talking about reflections - my new blog is called Reflecties (=Reflections). Sorry, it is all in Dutch, but maybe you can try this. You can also wait until the day that we will all speak the same language - the language of heavenly love!

But even if we remain strangers to each other here on earth - the most important thing in life is that we all learn to understand God's will. And this is the way to discover God's will: ask God to reveal Himself to you and start reading the Bible prayerfully every day. Take your time, don't jump to conclusions - wait for God and meditate on His Word day and night!

Discover the power of prayer. It is not just about talking, it is about being in God's presence. Someone asked Mother Theresa once: "What do you ask God for when you pray?" "Nothing. I just listen." "And what does God say to you?" "Nothing. He just listens."

Sometimes God speaks silently - without words. He knows your heart and He is able to understand your deepest thoughts and He knows all about your most embarrassing secrets. But don't be afraid, you can be open and honest with your Creator! You must learn to recognise God's still, small voice!

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek... (Psalm 27:8) Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. (Psalm 89:15)

On my new blog I will start with a Bible study about the Gospel of John. If you think that it is difficult to read the Bible, it might be a good idea to join me - even if you can't read Dutch! Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions, I will do what I can to help you. I do hope that the light of God and the love of Jesus will also touch your life. Start reading the Bible with a praying heart and ask God for His guidance. It will change your life!

He (Jesus) was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:10-13)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. (John 3:16-21)

Can I have your votes, please?

Let's try to do some market research here...

We are planning to publish the Dutch edition of I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist - written by Norman. L. Geisler and Frank Turek. On the left you see the original cover from the US edition and above two possible cover designs for our Dutch edition (the title is the same in Dutch).

Now we need to make up our minds: we can choose the safe & serious design (above left) or go for a light-hearted & funny version (right)... Please let me know what you would prefer - as a potential book buyer...

Your help will be highly appreciated!

[Click on the pics to enlarge]

A bit more information about this book:

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist argues that Christianity requires the least faith of all worldviews because it is the most reasonable. The authors lay out the evidence for truth, God, and the Bible in logical order and in a readable, non-technical, engaging style. A valuable aid to those interested in examining the reasonableness of the Christian faith, Geisler and Turek provide a firm challenge to the prior beliefs of doubters and skeptics.

Some endorsements:

“I already know ten people to whom I will give this book. It’s truly a Godsend.” –David Limbaugh

“I wish [this book] had been available when I was an atheist—it would have saved a lot of time in my spiritual journey toward God!” –Lee Strobel

“If you’re still a skeptic after reading I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, then I suspect you’re living in denial!” –Josh McDowell

“Atheism requires gobs of blind faith while the path of logic and reason leads straight to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Geisler and Turek convincingly show why.” –Phillip E. Johnson

“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist will equip, exhort, and encourage you‘to give the reason for the hope that you have . . . with gentleness and respect.’” –Hank Hanegraaff

“This book should disturb anyone claiming to be an atheist . . . perhaps enough to persuade them to begin a search for the God who has been there all along.” –Cal Thomas

“Geisler and Turek present the crucial information needed to avoid being swept away by the onslaughts of secular ideologies that cast science, philosophy, and biblical studies as enemies of the Christian faith.” –William A. Dembski

Bringing the Gospel to Asia by supporting native missionaries

"As a general rule I believe it is wiser to support native missionaries in their own lands than to send Western missionaries," writes K.P. Yohannan in his book Revolution in World Missions.

After reading this impressive and challenging book, I do agree that it makes perfect sense to support the native missionary force that God is raising up in Asia. Western style missionaries will have to bridge a cultural gap and - if they are not willing to become one with the natives - it will be very difficult (if not impossible) to be an effective evangelist.

Some thought-provoking quotes for you (and me!) to consider: "I would submit to you that the single most important hindrance to world evangelization right now is the lack of total involvement by the Body of Christ. I am convinced there are enough potential sponsors to support all the native missionaries needed to evangelize the Two-Thirds World. The native missionary movement is relatively new, and many Christians still have not been challenged to participate, but that is superficial. The real truth is much more basic - and more deadly. The three major reasons why the Body of Christ falls short in facilitating world evangelization are the sins of pride, unbelief and worldliness" (p. 87)

"Christians need to learn that they are not giving their money to native workers, but God's money to His work overseas."

When commerce had been established with the Fiji Islanders, a merchant who was an atheist and skeptic landed on the island to do business. He was talking to the Fijian chief and noticed a Bible and some other paraphernalia of religion around the house.
"What a shame," he said, "that you have listened to this foolish nonsense of the missionaries."
The chief replied, "Do you see the large white stone over there? That is a stone where just a few years ago we used to smash the heads of our victims to get at their brains. Do you see the large oven over there? That is the oven where just a few years ago we used to bake the bodies of our victims before we feasted upon them. Had we not listened to what you call the nonsense of those missionaries, I assure you that your head would already be smashed on that rock and your body would be baking in that oven." (p. 114)

"When I stand before audiences in churches and mission conferences, people are astonished to hear the real facts of missions today. The frontline work of missions in Asia has been taken over almost completely by indigenous missionaries. And the results are outstanding. Believers are shocked to learn that native missionaries are starting hundreds of new churches every week in the Two-Thirds World, that thousands of people a day are being converted to Christ, and that tens of thousands of well-qualified, spiritually able men and women now are ready to start more mission work if we can raise the support." (p. 79)

K.P. Yohannan states that many missionary workers from the West have become social workers in stead of evangelists. "The lesson from the mission field is that meeting physical needs alone does not get people to follow God. Whether hungry or full, rich or poor, human beings remain in rebellion against God without the power of the Gospel. Unless we return to the biblical balance - to the Gospel of Jesus as He proclaimed it - we'll never be able to put the accent where it rightly belongs in the outreach mission of the Church. Jesus was compassionate to human beings as total persons. He did all He could to help them, but He never forgot the main purpose of His earthly mission: to reconcile men to God, to die for sinners and redeem their souls from hell. Jesus cared for the spiritual side of man first, then the body. This is illustrated clearly in Matthew 9:2-7 when He first forgave the sins of the paralytic, then healed his body." (p. 135).

"There is a vast difference between living at the same level as an Asian peasant - as native evangelists do - and living at even a modest Western standard. In most of the nations in which we support local missionaries, they are able to survive on two to four dollars a day. In most cases, this is approximately the same per capita income of the people to whom they are ministering." (p. 220)

Yohannan's book also challenges people like me, who are not called by God (as far as I know now!) to go to a mission field in Asia. Western Christians have to change their lifestyles in view of millions who have never heard the Gospel, says Yohannan. "What is the bottom line? God is calling us as Christians to alter our lifestyles, to give up the nonessentials of our lives so we can better invest our wealth in the kingdom of God." Something to think about...

Visit this site if you want to read more about Gospel for Asia (founded by K.P. Yohannan). On this site you can also request a free copy of the before-mentioned book if you want to know more about this subject and if you are interested in supporting / promoting native missionary work.

Trying to make sense with Altavista's Babel Fish

I have added a Babel Fish badge to my blog. Just click on a flag and have some fun with the translation (it doesn't work all of the time - but give it a try). Have a look at the various translations of one sentence taken from this week's devotional prayer from my Boosters page. I hope it makes some sense to you...

Sometimes I act just as stupid as Peter, by explaining you – the Creator of the universe - what must be done and what must be avoided!

Parfois j'agis juste comme stupide que Peter, en vous expliquant - le créateur de l'univers - ce qui doit être fait et ce qui doit être évité !

A volte mi comporto altrettanto stupido quanto Peter, spiegandoli - il creatore dell'universo - che cosa deve essere fatto e che cosa deve essere evitato!

Às vezes eu ajo apenas tão stupid quanto Peter, explicando o - o criador do universo - o que devem ser feitas e o que deve ser evitado!

¡Actúo a veces apenas tan estúpido como Peter, explicándole - el creador del universo - qué deben ser hechas y qué debe ser evitada!

時々私はされなければなり、何が- 避けなければならないものが 説明によってピーターちょうど 愚かに、行動する- 宇宙かの創作者!主、私は人々を間違った方に導きたいと思わないし、私の頑固な態度のあなたの邪魔をしたいと思わない。

때때로 나는 너를 설명해서 피터 처럼 것으로 어리석게, 행동한다 해야 하고 무엇이 - 기피되어야 하는 것이 - 우주 까의 창조자!

有时我象彼得行动正愚笨, 由解释您- 宇宙的创作者 - 什么必须做并且什么必须被避免!

For a good start of the working week

I write short devotional prayers for every Monday morning. I mail them out to a couple of friends in the Netherlands. If you like to read these texts in English, just have a look here. Every Monday I add a new Bible verse with a short personal prayer.

If it is encouraging, let him encourage... -Romans 12:8-

By the way, I am still looking for a volunteer who is willing to help me with the translation of my weekly postings. If you like to help me by translating my prayers from Dutch or English into German, French, Spanish... (or any other language!) please let me know!

Dutch coach leads socceroos to victory :-)

Picture borrowed from Jan Marijnissen's weblog (he is a true socialist so it's OK to borrow things from him). I just think this is a funny picture and I can't wait to see what will happen when the Aussies face the Dutchies next year in Germany. Kangaroos squeezing oranges? Naah, I don't think so...

OK. I will give an explanation for the rest of the world: Guus Hiddink will be one of four Dutch coaches at the World Cup in Germany next year, presuming none of them lose their jobs by then, being joined by compatriots Marco Van Basten (Netherlands), Dick Advocaat (South Korea) and Leo Beenhakker (Trinidad & Tobago). Either way, WE win!



Click on pictures to enlarge!

JESUS' JUNGE GARDE documentary on German TV

Last Wednesday I watched a documentary on German television: Jesus' junge Garde - Die christliche Rechte und ihre Rekruten. The documentary focused on the growing support for evangelical Christianity among youths in Germany, but - in my view - was very biased in its reporting. However, some scenes with US teens from the evangelical movement 'The Call' did worry me - I have to admit. It is great to be enthusiastic, but some of these teens did make a very fanatical impression. I just need to know a bit more about them. Anybody? Maybe this is just another case of new wine bursting out of the old skins? I don't want to be judgemental and would appreciate hearing some opinions...


Worship Meeting from The Call in Germany

If you can read German, please have a look here, here and here. Let me know what you think - in English, German or Dutch. Please also visit the Holy Revolution site from The Call in Germany. You can read their official reply to the tv documentary here as well.

Calling All Nations to Berlin

Noel Richards - probably best known for his worship song All Heaven Declares [this is the melody] - is working hard with his team to organise a huge event that is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2006 in Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Click here and find out about this event. You can already order your tickets!

I wrote about this event before here, after hearing Noel talking about his vision to a group of Christian leaders in the Netherlands. The initial idea was to organise this event in 2005, but the venue was not available. Now there is more time to 'call all nations' to Berlin and it is also nice to know that this event will take place just after the Football World Championships. So for me, being a Dutchman, it must be so nice to walk in the streets of Berlin, knowing that I am representing the proud people of the Netherlands, football champions of the world in 2006 (mark my words - ha ha). But even if we don't make it to the finals (theoretically speaking, of course) I will still be representing the Champion of the Universe... and that is a fact!

Check out this promotional video from Noel Richards about Calling All Nations (ignore the date he is mentioning, the correct date is now Saturday 15th July, 2006 - write it in your diary and start praying! Please give some support and write about this event on your own blog too!)

You can also visit the Prayer for Berlin site.

I believe that the Spirit of God is moving and that the world will be surprised by the massive gatherings that will take place everywhere on the globe - starting in Berlin. Young Christians will raise their voices and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere!

What is the purpose of the Event?
To fill the stadium with the youth of the world and the young at heart / To sing out our praise and worship to Jesus Christ / For all of us to have a life-changing encounter with God as we call out to Him in prayer / To mobilise an army of ordinary people, to take the Gospel to the nations of Europe and beyond / To raise a huge offering that will be used to support mission and aid organisations!

What will happen on the day?
Exuberant praise and heartfelt worship as the musicians, singers and dancers lead us / Lots of crowd participation / Prayer - short strategic prayers into specific and current situations / Input - There will be a few brief challenges from key individuals regarding worship, justice and mission!

Who is taking part?
A huge list of worship leaders and musicians in the programme, drawn from many nations including: Brian Doerksen (CAN) / David Ruis (USA) / Matt Redman (UK) / Tim Huges (UK) / Noel Richards (UK) / Sue Rinaldi (UK) / Chris Bowater (UK) / Dave Bilbrough (UK) / Broken Walls (UK) / Judy Bailey (D) / Lothar Kosse (D) / Albert und Andrea Frey (D) / Arne Kopfermann (D) / Songhee Bae (ROK) / Graham Kendrick (UK) / Psalm Drummers (UK) / Paul Oakley (UK) / Tengerin Doo (D) / Christoph Bonnen (D) / Lilo Keller (CH) ... plus many more.

Hi everyone,
The stadiums of this world are not just for sporting events.
They are the places where the church can gather in tens of thousands to lift high the name of Jesus Christ. I am thrilled that after many years of planning, we are now on course to see the Olympic Stadium Berlin, filled with the sound of God's people worshipping, praying and dedicating themselves to mission.

I believe that on July 15th 2006, Calling All Nations will be a truly historic gathering. We are calling the youth of the world and the young at heart to come and worship in this great and strategic city of Berlin. Never before have so many people from all over the world gathered together like this.
Never before have such a global team of worship leaders and musicians come together to serve in this way. This will be a unique event and I encourage you not to miss it.

On July 9th, the football champions will be crowned when the World Cup Final takes place at the stadium. But just six days later, in that same place, we will be declaring that there is only one champion, only one King and his name is Jesus Christ!

My prayer is that everyone who comes to this event will have a life changing encounter with Him and go out from there to play their part in reaching this generation with the Gospel.

Looking forward to seeing you in Berlin
Noel Richards

I don't remember where I've seen this

Aaah, now I remember what I wanted to write:
Having amnesia and deja vu at the same time -

I think I've forgotten this before.

100 recent visitors (18 november 2005)

Great to have visitors from all continents!

But where are my blog readers from Antarctica? ;-)

Make a difference

I have added a new banner to this blog (please scroll down and look right). If you look at this slideshow*, you feel powerless and numb. But there is always something you can do. You can pray and you can pay. Support a child and make a difference!

* Thanks to Katrín for asking attention for this challenging slideshow. Please pass it on! Note for my blog readers in the Netherlands: please also visit the Dutch Compassion site!

Pictures taken at my father's funeral

Today my eldest brother, Bob Abspoel, has sent me a link to a slideshow with pictures taken on the day of my father's funeral. My father passed away on October 21, 2005 - 81 years old.

Together with my brothers I carried my father's body to his last resting place on Wednesday October 26, 2005. Angels had already carried his soul to heaven - and we will meet him again one day - in a perfect place!

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

Sign at the abbey garden entrance

This gate is open to all visitors who respect private property and who come in peace and friendship. For everyone with different intentions: 'ENTRANCE NOT PERMITTED'.

The cross has said it all

© Photograph Paul Abspoel CLICK TO ENLARGE

The cross has said it all,

The cross has said it all.

I can't deny what You have shown,

The cross speaks of a God of love;

there displayed for all to see,

Jesus Christ, our only hope,

a message of the Father's heart:

"Come, my children, come on home."

-The Cross Has Said It All-

Written by: Matt Redman & Martin Smith

The stones cry out

Just a little stone that I picked up during a prayer walk outside the Abbey of Berne last weekend. The cross shape is visible on both sides. Maybe I've seen too many crucifixes recently?

Lunar halo - just take my word for it!

Tonight we have a beautiful lunar halo (a luminous ring that is sometimes seen surrounding the moon, caused by ice crystals high in the atmosphere that refract moonlight).

I tried to share this with you by using my 'state-of-the-art' digital camera and this is what I got! Yes, I did use my flash light and if ET is living out there, I'm sure he must have noticed me down here in the Netherlands. But unfortunately it is very hard to see the lunar halo in my pic. So if you live in my neighbourhood: just look outside! If you live somewhere else - bad luck. But you can always click on this link to see some better lunar halo pics made by photographers with more talent (and professional cameras).

Some impressions from my visit to the Abbey of Berne

Collage of pics from my visit to the Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk-Dinther (near 's-Hertogenbosch). I had an inspiring weekend here together with my friend Rik Bennik. Being the busy types that we are, it was good for both of us to have some peace and quiet. The Norbertijn monks are very friendly and it was quite an impressive experience to see how these devout believers live. The prayers, the sermons, the singing, the meals, the fellowship and the hospitality - this is what living in community is all about! But... I have to say that it is also great to be back with Lydia and the kids! I would like to go to a place like this twice a year - just to recharge the batteries and to have some quiet time with God. I can highly recommend a visit like this!

It was also great to go walking in this beautiful area. And I had plenty of time to read and write...

>

The Bible; My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers; Sacred Pathways - Discover Your Soul's Path to God by Gary Thomas and Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan Me with Rik Bennik standing in front of the Abbey of Berne

Quite a crowd-puller

One character – or lack of it – can make all the difference in encouraging the faithful to devotions. A Baptist Church near Ambleside, UK, had the tiniest error in their recent pew sheet...

For more embarassing typos (and even one sermon blunder recorded on video), please visit this page from Ship of Fools.

Weekend in the Abbey of Berne

Grand Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk of the Norbertijn monks or Witheren, founded in 1134.

The next three days I hope to enjoy the hospitality of the religious community in the Abbey of Berne at Heeswijk, near 's-Hertogenbosch (Bois-le-Duc). Rik Bennik, producer at Gospel Music International (GMI), told me about the possibility to spend a couple of days in this Abbey. Rik and I will be there together as guests until next Sunday and I am really looking forward to this time of fellowship!

The Abbey of Berne, two miles southeast of Heusden on the Maas, and about six miles northwest of Bois-le-Duc, was founded in the year of St. Norbert's death, 1134, by Fulcold, Lord of Teisterband. (...) Numerous legends surround its foundation. One is that Fulcold, when hotly pressed in battle, made a vow to build an abbey, if, by throwing himself into the river Maas, his life might be preserved from the enemy. This prayer having been heard, Fulcold converted his castle at Berne into an abbey, and he himself became a lay brother therein.

The Abbey of Berne at Heeswijk is at present very prosperous, being filled with active and industrious members, some fulfilling the usual duties in the abbey, some giving missions, while others teach in the college or write for newspapers and reviews, no fewer than five of these being published by the fathers.
Catholic Encyclopedia

Free publicity!

VOLG JIJ MIJ is one of the 'big titles' from Ark Boeken this year (Amsterdam-based Christian Publishing House where I work as a Publisher). Today I noticed a 3-page review in Visie - TV-magazine from EO - and of course I am very happy with this free publicity! Click to enlarge on the JPG images below (maybe copy & paste them in Paint or Word!) - I do hope that you are able to read Dutch, though...

Hans van der Lee, author of this book, works as Director at Compassion in the Netherlands. His book is a call to radical discipleship - it is about following Jesus with everything you are and everything you have. Not an easy read, but very thought-provoking! Hopefully there will be an English edition in the near future because this book is far too important to keep to ourselves in the Low Countries!

Please let me know if you are interested in this book - especially if you are working in Christian publishing like me!

For a free download of a chapter, please click here!
Please also visit this webpage from Compassion NL.

We must become like these little children

Although China allows "belief" in a religion, the Chinese constitution does not guarantee the right to practice that religion. Adults often face severe consequences for religious actions but generally are not required to deny their faith. However, officials attempt to weaken children's faith by encouraging them to deny Jesus altogether. According to Open Doors, Public Security Bureau officers recently burst into a Sunday school room and herded 30 children into a van. Despite the scary situation, one child started singing. The van soon was filled with song. Upon arrival at the police station, the children marched bravely into the interrogation room still singing to the Lord. Threatened with having to write "I do not believe in Jesus" 100 times before they would be released, the children instead wrote: "I believe in Jesus today. I will believe in Jesus tomorrow. I will believe in Jesus forever!" Exasperated, officials called the children's parents, some of whom denied Christ. When a widowed believer came to pick up her twin sons, she refused to deny Jesus. The officers threatened her: "If you do not deny Jesus, we will not release your sons!" The widow replied, "Well, I guess you will just have to keep them, because without Jesus, there would be no way for me to take care of them!" With no avenues left open to them, the officials said, "Take your sons and go!" (Religion Today)

From the Open Doors website:

The church in China is growing rapidly, but the spiritual depth of the church is shallow. Only by taking advantage of every avenue to assist the whole church in China through Bible deliveries, leadership training, prayer support and encouragement will we see the continued, solid growth of the world's largest revival. Read the truth about China

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)

Come back home

Return of the Prodigal Son by Ain Vares, a highly talented painter from Estonia (see former entry!)

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. John 1:17,18

These two verses from John’s Gospel give you a very brief summary of the whole Bible.

The Old Testament was written to give us laws, rules and regulations and the example of the relationship between God and his chosen people, Israel.

The New Testament tells us more about God and about his true character. The strict God who gave us eternal laws and essential guide lines, is made known to all people by Jesus Christ – the living Word of God. Jesus shows us who God really is: a loving, forgiving heavenly Father who is patiently waiting for his wandering children to come back home.

Great art work from Ain Vares, Estonia

"My purpose in life is to paint the Word of God; paintings that inspire people to think about spiritual things. These pictures are for people who seek things that are deeper than this seen world around us can offer. People who thirst for the truth and for the right way of living. My pictures convey the message of God's endless love for all mankind and His desire to deliver us from all bondage, to save us from this perishing world if we only let him come into our lives. I do hope and pray that the message of these paintings will touch every viewer's heart and would open their eyes to see our only savior who is Jesus Christ." Ain Vares

Jesus said: 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' (John 14:6)

Click on this image to visit Ain Vares' website

Just a question

Anonymous sperm donor traced on internet

Late last year, a 15-year-old boy rubbed a swab along the inside of his cheek, popped it into a vial and sent it off to an online genealogy DNA-testing service. But unlike most people who contact the service, he was not interested in sketching the far reaches of his family tree. His mother had conceived using donor sperm and he wanted to track down his genetic father.
That the boy succeeded using only the DNA test, genealogical records and some internet searches has huge implications for the hundreds of thousands of people who were conceived using donor sperm. With the explosion of information about genetic inheritance, any man who has donated sperm could potentially be found by his biological offspring. Absent and unknown fathers will also become easier to trace.

Read this story here.

Created by design?

"What should our children be taught about the origins of life on earth? Was it a chance chemical cocktail which created us or was the process guided by a divine hand? Tonight the Sky Report's Robert Nisbet travels to America to put Intelligent Design under the microscope."

Read on here - watch online here (and feel free to let me know your opinion about this! This is what I believe...)