On Sunday, November 13, the Pilgrim International Baptist Church in Oostende, where Jim provides pastoral leadership, celebrated her 9th birthday.What a day it was!The joy of the occasion caused people to show more vigor than usual in their greetings to each other.Those who sometimes settle for one quick kiss on the left cheek as a "hello" went for the traditional three kisses on the cheek…left, right, left.The kitchen upstairs buzzed as everyone brought in dishes for the meal after the service: spaghetti, teriyaki pork with broccoli, Pilipino rice and noodle dishes, home-made soups.The volunteers in the kitchen were shaking their heads and laughing, because there was no place left to set another dish of food.

The worship service was lively.The worship team was joined by a couple of musicians visiting from England, and the congregation sang their hearts out:"Jezus alleen, ik bouw op hem.Hij is mijn hoop, mijn lied, mijn kracht.(Jesus alone, I build on him.He is my hope, my song, my strength.)The children danced to "I Will Follow Him" and then had the congregation join in and dance with them.

Jim had the honor of lighting the 9 pink birthday candles which stood atop the 8-pound cake.He reminded us that, just as the cake would be delicious because of the slices of various fruits sitting on top, the Pilgrim Church is strong because of all the different types of people who participate…Belgians, Nigerians, Philippinos, Ghanaians, Thai, Chinese, British, Polish, Liberians, Tibetans.

We recounted the humble beginnings of the church, when five current members met to pray with a British missionary.We thanked God for blessing that beginning and giving abundant growth through the years.

It is amazing to be a part of this vibrant, growing congregation.We work in an environment in which many church plants struggle for 20 years or more to be a viable group or die altogether.This can be attributed to many factors including a lack of trained leaders and the secularized culture.But, this church plant has become a thriving congregation averaging 80 people in the worship services within 9 years.

Join with us in thanking God for the Pilgrim Church.Thank God for the individuals who have come to know Jesus through the church.Thank God for those who have committed themselves to be a part of the church and who contribute to its rich life.

• Pray for the Pilgrim Church.
• Pray for God to give wisdom to its leadership and to bless the members of the congregation as they reach out to their friends and families and others living around the church.

Remember that the World Mission Offering is being collected in American Baptist churches this fall.The theme, "Abounding in Hope", mirrors the hopeful spirit present in the Pilgrim Church.We ask you to give generously to this offering, so that we can continue to encourage people in the Pilgrim and others can continue their service around the world.Anyone who wishes to give toward the offering but is not a part of an American Baptist Church may do so through the following website:www.internationministries.org.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."Romans 15:13 RSV

This is our prayer for you.As we reflect on the goodness of God in this season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of how blessed we are to be in relationship with all of you.

Your missionaries in Belgium,

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