There is a saying: It's time to fish or cut bait.There comes a time when we must stop preparing and start the task at hand.It is easy to continue preparing, making sure that we are "really" ready.After all, Jesus said: For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' (Luke 14:28-30)

We spent a year moving and setting up a new household; getting our kids settled in school; and finding our way around; meeting people; and, of course, learning a new language.We have cut a lot of bait.

The past several Sunday nights we have gone to bed very tired.We realized something: We have stopped cutting bait and have started fishing.Our hands are full with fishing poles.

What are we doing?The church meets in our home now.Our extra bedroom is now a Sunday School room.Our former living room is a sanctuary / office.(We are never late for church!)Debbie and I take turns preaching each week.Our people love to sing.So we sing a lot, accompanied by a keyboard and an accordion.Friday night we had a "Liedje Avond," an evening of nothing but singing (and, of course, snacks).We are searching for ways to make our services more celebratory and encouraging for folks.Evangelical Christians feel very isolated in Belgium.Shared Christian worship is like water to a thirsty person.

I do a Bible study each Wednesday evening.For every study I do, the church members have three more questions about the Bible that they want to discuss.You don't have to generate interest among these people.

Debbie has planned a "Knutselen Avond" (crafts night) for the women and girls of the church.This will be a good opportunity for people to invite friends to a church activity.We are planning Christmas parties for the youth and children as well.We may be a small fellowship, but we are not a sleepy fellowship!

We go to another Baptist church in Lombardsijde three Sunday mornings a month.(Our church holds its services in the afternoon.)In Lombardsijde we preach twice a month and lead Sunday School three times a month.Debbie is co-leading a children's Christmas show there, as well.Kid's from our church and their church are participating.

I could go on.We are holding a lot of fishing poles.It feels good.This is why we came.Thank you for making our ministry here possible through your gifts to missions and the World Mission Offering in particular.

May God bless you and keep you,

Jim Kelsey (along with Debbie, Ben, and Luke)