First of all we wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2013! May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Our Time in Holland Sofar

We left England and arrived in the Netherlands on 3 October. We lived on the premises of Katja's mother for 7 weeks and since a month we have returned to Den Helder, in the northwest of Holland. Missionary friends have borrowed us their house until they return in April 2013.

Although it has been easy to return to the Dutch language and customs, we still feel quite unsettled. Moving twice in a short period of time has proved quite intense. It is also difficult to relax not having alternative housing arrangements for April onwards yet. Please pray the Lord's peace over our family as God builds our patience, faith and character through these circumstances. Praise be to Him who guides and provides!

We are thankful to be able to spend the holidays with our family and friends here, especially with Katja's aging grandmother (91). On the other hand part of our hearts are in Bridgnorth and with all that goes on there, the good and the bad. May the Lord strengthen those who have burdens to bare this Christmas.

Studies

Unfortunately it has taken a long time before Jurgen was able to start his second year in Theology. He has started his studies last month, but is still waiting for some books to arrive. His first module is named 'Encountering God and Neighbour' and is about our origins, relationship with God and fellow man. Jurgen finds it very enriching and interesting sofar.

Vanya (8) has finished her Core 'Introduction to World Cultures' studies. From January on she and Issa (6) will start the Core 'Introduction to World History 1'. Many missionary stories and biographies are included. They will also learn about and pray for the main unreached people groups, easy to remember through the acronym THUMB (Tribals, Hindus, Unreached / Unchurched Chinese, Muslims, Buddhists). We hope to spark in them a love and heart for the unreached.  

We are glad to tell you that in Nijensleek (our previous address) the Compulsory Education Officer verified our exemption from compulsory school registration for Vanya and Issa with positive result. Now that we have moved, we have made a notification to the municipality here. We have good hopes that our exemption will be acknowlegded again.

Mission Organisation

We last contacted the Dutch Director of Arica Inland Mission (AIM) yesterday. He has received back the reference forms and hopes to meet up with us late January. He has promised to send us information on several projects for starting missionaries. Please pray for the Lord to guide us.


With blessings and love,

Jurgen& Katja Hofmann
Vanya, Issa, Abbey & Dani