Our furlough in Holland

At the beach in Holland in February, so cold – it´s winter!!

At the end of January, we went on a three month furlough to Holland. It was great to be able to spend time with family& friends and also do presentations around the country. We had various opportunities to share in different churches, seminaries, schools and also at the YWAM bases in Amsterdam and Heideek. We were also invited to women´s & family meetings. Johan and I also had two opportunities to give interviews; one on a radio program and another with a newspaper agency while we were in Holland.  We visited many people and received many into our home. It was a great time and we enjoyed every minute of it. It was a time to renew friendships and strengthen bonds.

We were deeply encouraged by so many who actively participated with us – standing with us in prayer, keeping in touch and blessing us with financial support!

With the students from a missionary course.

Teaching at the YWAM base, Heidebeek, where we did our DTS (Discipleship training School) 31 years ago.

In the presentation we gave all over Holland, we shared about the needs of “Children at Risk”.

Our definition of children at risk: “Children who are at risk are those who are unable to reach their potential that God has planned (dreamed) for them”.

Why would a ministry with children be so marvelous and important??

1.      Because of the Great Commission: Preach the gospel to all. This includes of course - Children who in various parts of the world make up more than 50% of the population!

2.      Children have their whole life before them; this is contrary to adults, whom in most part – have already lived a big chunk of their lives!

3.      Children are more accessible and open to God.

4.      Children are like arrows, they can go further than we can reach. It’s our way to influence the future.

5.      Jesus gave priority to children.

6.      The devil also prioritizes children!

Prayer points for Children at Risk:

• 1 billion children live in absolute poverty.

• 35.000 children die daily because of malnutrition and preventable diseases

• 15 million are orphans because their parents died of AIDS.

• 40 million babies are aborted each year around the globe.

• 100 million children live on the streets worldwide.

• 10 million children and teenagers make a living as prostitutes and each year, another million are forced to join their ranks.
• Approximately 100 to 200 million children do not go to school because they are victims of child labor.
• 300.000 children are soldiers in various armies and militias around the world.

 

The last month of our time in Holland was more relaxing, where we were able to spend time just with close friends and relatives. We also had quality times with our children and grand children, as we were altogether in one place for the first time in 6 years!

Pieter and Melissa already live in Holland with their children. Dilma came together with Johanneke and Jonathan and their 2 daughters in the beginning of April. Michele and Romeu and their children traveled with Johan and me and stayed also in Holland for three months. Davi has already been living in Holland for the last three years. He surprised us in this trip by deciding to  get baptized. What a full load of blessings!!

Davi ´s baptism!

In April it was hot enough to have water fights in the garden!

Of course we did a lot of shopping J But what to do with all of these grandchildren??

A small segment of the Lukasse family! Beginning with Johan’s parents they are already numbering 117 members!

Against such number, my sister´s and my own family cannot compete yet, but we are tryingJ

Look at how far we have come!!! (36)

We are now back in Brazil for almost a month - lots of work and challenges are before us!

To al who have participated with us and who are praying and supporting us, we say a BIG THANK YOU for your encouragement and love! We wish you Gods richest blessings.

Do continue to stand with us in prayer!

With lots of love,

Johan and Jeannette Lukasse