7 February 2024

Eurasia Region

Netherlands

The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579. Throughout the 17th century, the Dutch became a leading seafaring commercial power, establishing colonies around the world. The Kingdom of the Netherlands (which means, “the lowlands”) was formed in 1815. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands is a country of wide diversity due to its rich past in trade around the world. It is known for its tolerance, open-mindedness, and its progressive thinking. The Netherlands has creatively claimed land from the sea by building dikes. Approximately one quarter of the country lies below sea level, with only half of the country’s land higher than one meter above sea level. There is a strong sense of social consciousness and responsibility in Dutch churches, so a variety of compassionate ministries are ongoing, with new ones developing through local churches to meet the needs of changing communities.

2,083 Members

12 Fully Organized Churches; 2 Not Yet Organized Churches

9 District Licensed and 22 Ordained Ministers on 1 District

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After settling in a new country, one of the greatest needs for refugees is to learn the culture and the language of their host country. A Church of the Nazarene in the Netherlands is addressing refugee needs with creativity.

To help with learning Dutch, the church facilitates a “Language Café” at a local community center. Many from other faith groups join in the café. One young lady from Eritrea, who came to learn the language, became one of the teachers. Not only are these “new neighbors” learning valuable language skills but they are also finding fellowship and community.

The outreach continues to expand. A Language Café WhatsApp group was set up to facilitate the growing sense of community. A monthly lunch, where everyone brings food related to their culture, is a huge success! Additionally, a sewing and knitting group meeting around the same time has joined the lunch.

Spiritual growth is a wonderful result of these efforts. Four new people have started attending church from the Language Café. Three are from a small but unique religious and ethnic group. They are watching the JESUS Film with the Bible study group and are happy to learn more about Jesus.

A young woman from Morocco who attended a Bible study for nearly two years has become a Christian! She had a dream and suddenly experienced the peace and assurance of Jesus Christ while someone was praying for her.

The group also worked with a man from another North African country and was thrilled when, out of the blue, he shared that he had accepted Christ. He said, “When I attend church services, I experience a deep peace.” Even though he was moved to a different refugee camp further from the church, he uses public transportation to attend Sunday services. He is now considering baptism.

Could You Serve?

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