Final Interview in England

Final Interview in England

Today we received the news that we can have our final interview with Africa Inland Mission (AIM) at the beginning of October. After this interview we will hear whether we can join AIM. The interview will be held in Nottingham, AIM Europe’s headquarters.

We ask you to pray that the interview will be fruitful. The interview will be held in front of a panel, normally consisting of the Director, the Personnel Director and his Associate, and a member of the Board of Trustees. The interview will take 2 – 3 hours at least and we are expected to give a presentation on the topic, “The needs and opportunities in Africa, and how we believe God has prepared and equipped us to respond”.

It has almost been a year since we left England. We are glad to come back for the interview, and – at least as important – to meet and greet friends and visit our church in England, the Bridgnorth Baptist Church.

Dutch Interviews Completed

Dutch Interviews Completed

We are very glad to let you know that the necessary interviews in the Netherlands, concerning our application for membership of Africa Inland Mission (AIM), have been completed. We have had several conversations with the board of AIM Netherlands and the church leaders of our church in Holland.

The outcome of the various meetings is that our Dutch church is willing to support us in our mission, and is positive about our choice for mission organisation AIM.

The above means we can now take the last step towards membership of AIM: an oral examination at AIM’s headquarters in Nottingham. After approval of the European board we hope to attain membership. We seek to have this interview soon: this or next month.

Psychological Assessment

Psychological Assessment

We are glad to let you know some progress has been made in our application with Africa Inland Mission (AIM).

In May we have been assessed psychologically to ascertain our suitability as missionaries. We received the rapport a week ago. We are positive about the results and feel encouraged.

The pychologist’s rapport is a useful tool for the mission organisation to get a better picture of who we are and where we are best to serve. The findings of the psychologist also include some tools and tips to help us in our preparations and on the field.

The next step is an interview with representatives of AIM Netherlands and of the leadership team of our church in Holland. It is important to check that we all agree on important points – i.e. what are the roles of the missionaries, church and mission organisation? Lastly there is a final interview in England, after which we can become members of AIM.

Another Move

Another Move

It is almost half a year since we left England to return temporarily to the Netherlands. We had hoped to be sent to the mission field this spring, but we have learned this is not so. If we become members of Africa Inland Mission (AIM) and serve on one of their teams, we expect to go to Africa no sooner than in 2014. We have changed our mindset and accepted that we are in Holland for a longer time than anticipated.

A longer stay means we are in need of a long term house. It was very difficult to find a house, but the Lord has provided. Next month we hope to move to the center of Den Helder, the northwest tip of the Netherlands. Jurgen and Issa have already started to build a closet and two desks for the new house.

The past few months have not been easy. There was much uncertainty as to when we would be able to go to Africa, whether we would be allowed to continue home education, and with respect to our new house. We are thankful that these things have all worked out, but we would very much appreciate your prayers for peace in our family. Although we see ourselves grow in the capability of adapting to changing circumstances, it can still feel like tidal waves are coming over us sometimes. That is not a nice feeeling. We won’t give up, but please don’t give up on praying for us either!

Meeting Up

Meeting Up

We have been living in Den Helder for one and a half month now and have found our way back to the church, supermarket, swimming pool and library. We enjoy being close to family and Dutch friends.

Much has happened over the last one and a half year, so it is time to meet up with some people. Last week we gathered with some friends who are willing to help us in our missionary task, whilst staying in the Netherlands themselves.

Coming monday we will see the elders of our church, and later this month we hope to have a second interview with Dutch respresentatives of Africa Inland Mission (AIM). After this interview and a psychological test it will be decided whether we can join AIM as members. Then we will enter the next fase: orientation on the possibilities on the field.