One year ago I moved to Antwerp with my family. I immigrated to Belgium from China with hopes and dreams to start my new work. The task ahead of me was to start a new English speaking fellowship of people that would have a lasting impact in this city.During the last year more people have joined my family and I and I am very grateful for each of them. It has been a year of planning, brainstorming, forming the vision and strategy for our project. It has also been a year of struggle, miscalculations, disappointments, and mistakes. However, it has all been in God’s plan for us and for Antwerp. We are now more ready than ever to share our message: the reconciliation of God.
Before moving to Belgium I was pondering about the essence of what I would like to share while living and working in the city. I found it in the Bible «All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation» 2 Cor. 5,18 (NIV). Yes! This is something I have experienced personally. It is also something that I see is a need around me.
Just last week I got a response from my sister to an email where I had explained my past mistakes. I was glad to sense that we have found better understanding about the issue, and we are now ready to move on with mutual respect.
Today, I found from my mailbox a leaflet from an organization emphasising differences among people groups and offering their solutions for the challenges. I also heard about ongoing debates and disputes in Belgium national politics.
I do not understand all these complex issues, but I know that without an attempt to understand other points of view or even just focusing on what separates us, we cannot accomplish much.
Here is where the reconciliation comes in: We are not left alone in some cosmic chaos, without meaning, hope or purpose. The good news is this: there is meaning, hope and purpose! The Creator of this universe gave us his instructions, and explained what He has done for us. He was the one who took the first step to reconcile us to himself. Now, it is my choice to respond. When I accept this reconciliation and live it out, I can change the world around me. This is something that brings meaning and hope to my world. And the purpose? Well where should I start? What on earth am I here for?
ANTIA is organising a campaign to focus on this question. Starting Saturday, 20 October, you are invited to join me on a journey to find answers and purpose for life. It can change your life, and you, too, may experience the reconciliation of God.
Have a great day,
Reijo Nevalainen
ANTIA – All Nations Together in Antwerp
Project leader