Grace and I have just returned from a most fruitful visit to Aruba, our main region of service for the Lord over the last 26 years. We arrived there at the commencement of a special "Cultural Awareness" week, commemorating twenty five years of partial independence from Holland.
During this week, all of Aruba were encouraged to examine and find out the origins of old buildings, churches in particular, with their contribution to the welfare of the people. Interviews were given, which were filmed and put on a DVD and shown on a large screen before a large invited audience at an open-air rally in the centre of the town.
Not only that, teams of volunteers were organized to paint and carry out any repairs to these buildings. As the Gospel Hall was in a dreadful state, how could such an opportunity be missed? As the little assembly members knew little of the origin of the assembly and could not face being interviewed in such a public way, they were delighted that we were arriving just in time.
The interview with the photographers and press was meant to last a short time but I was carried away giving the details of how the assembly started. Then "how we help the community" was dealt with and listened to with great interest as they knew that the hall was located in the centre of San Nicolas, an area rife with all sorts of social problems. Those seeking spiritual help would much rather come to our humble hall than some palatial building with stain-glass windows, etc.
Then I gave my testimony and time was forgotten. I finished by telling them that they could read my personal story of saving grace by going to the main two libraries in Aruba and asking for my autobiography, "Love Lifted Me." That team heard the Gospel. I know it was edited, but a good part of the interview was shown at the rally.
Many politicians, along with their families and other public figures, such as the President of the opposition party and the Governor, were there. No doubt they came, thinking we were some kind of cult. They were surprised to learn that W. E. Vine and F. F. Bruce were members of the brethren (for their works are very much in evidence in their Bible bookstores).
After the rally, bus loads of them made an inspection tour of the buildings involved. The Gospel Hall was packed with a large crowd standing outside. When I addressed them, I said, "You may be wondering where I come from with my accent, but it doesn't matter where we come from, it's where we are going to, that counts!" The resounding "Amen" let me know that there were many Christians in attendance who were an encouragement. They were all invited to come back on Lord’s Day to hear the Gospel. We were asked many questions and new friendships were formed. We were presented with a copy of the DVD. When we remember that Aruba is 82% R.C., and the Dutch Reformed Church very strong, we realize the impressions that have been made. We came at exactly the right time. God's plans are perfect!
We hope to join others from Canada early next year on more concentrated efforts in the Gospel.