Jesus, a comic strip character?
Dear friends of BEM, As you read this issue of RALPH you’ll discover more about the new trajectory BEM will be taking in the years to come. This has come out of more than two years’ reflection and prayer, and…
On a mission
[by Kurt Maeyens, president of the BEM Board of Directors] For almost a century, the BEM has been responding in its own way, to the missionary call of the Master (Matthew 28), by planting churches and doing evangelism in Belgium.…
News in brief – June 2018
BEM Day at Limauges On Ascension Day, there’s always something going on at Limauges. In the past it was ‘The Day of the Mission’, which later became ‘The Day of the Camp’. Now for the third year running, it’s been…
Missionary in Belgium – what is the impact of Belgian culture?
“So are Protestants Christians too?” I was dumbfounded by this strange question. I was in conversation with an older Flemish Catholic lady. In her eyes only Catholics were Christians. She didn’t know much about Protestants. “Aren’t they a sect? Those…
A new vision for the BEM
“As a missionary organisation we want to reach those outside the churches.” Belgium has changed. In consequence, the BEM, a year before its centenary, is looking again at its mission statement. “Our society has changed,” explains Kurt Maeyens. “We need…
A year of transition
At the end of April the BEM AGM took an important step by approving the following new mission statement: “We see a thriving movement of integrated communities of disciples of Jesus throughout Belgium.” It’s essential to have a clear vision…
The Edith Column – June 2018
[by Ruth Trump, BEM mission post in Philippeville] How do we share our faith with our unbelieving neighbours when they show no interest in spiritual matters at all? I’m blessed with good neighbours here in our village: two are of…
Meet Jan Wisse
“Implementing the new strategy is going to be an enormous challenge.” For the past few years, Jan Wisse has been the director of Operation Mobilisation Belgium. Today he’s joining BEM and will be participating in the implementation of the new…
The BEM Centenary
2019 is a big year for the MEB because we’ll be celebrating our centenary! We’re thankful for all that has been accomplished over the years and we want to celebrate this historic date with you. 2019 will mark 100 years…
RALPH – June 2018
Editorial by Kurt Maeyens - News in brief: A farewell to dear colleagues - The impact of culture on mission work - New core values for the BEM - A year of transition - Edith telling stories - Meet Jan…