Kathleen’s comment on today’s Bible reading from 1 Samuel 23 was that Jonathan took time to visit David to strengthen him in God. We have learned over years that visiting church planters is incredibly important. They are strengthened and feel appreciated, loved and cared for.

This weekend Janet and I visited a Relational Mission church plant in Middelburg, Netherlands. Over the last months we have been able to encourage the leaders, Tomas & Nelleke Kikkert, on Zoom. How good it was though to actually be with them in person, encouraging, prophesying and championing the team on in these early days. We also had a great time just eating and being together!

Middleburg is the beautiful main town on the island of Zeeland in the Netherlands. It’s a beautiful town reminiscent of Amsterdam canals and Gouda’s market square. It’s also quite touristy with some lovely sandy beaches nearby.

On Saturday we joined the team for their vision and prayer day, hearing about the vision and prophetic words over Familiekerk, Walcheren. There were some prophetic words from our friends Jeff & Jayne and us during the prayer time. The venue and powerpoint sparked a word about “Colours, Creativity and Charismata” from me – the church would bring much colour and creativity and charismatic gifts to the greyness of church life in general.

Then we prayer walked the town centre, visiting significant points in the area, praying and prophecying and leaving “happy stones” at different points along the route.

After lunch we headed to the nearby coast and up the dune (the highest point in the even flatter than Norfolk area!) Again we prayed and left more “happy stones”. The one Janet left generated a message to the church later that afternoon!

Of course eating plays a significant part of any church gathering! So the day finished off with a fantastic Chinese takeaway and then back to homes for nibbles of fantastic cheese and wine!

On Sunday we gathered in the school again – the first Sunday morning not in the home. It was lovely to worship together and it was noticeable how many more home-grown Dutch songs there were – a lot less translated English songs. I spoke on Isa 55:1-3 and we spent a long time ministering and prophecying over everyone. A powerful time of 1 Cor 14 in practice – strengthening, encouraging and comforting the saints.

We enjoyed lunch together and dispersed! This time Janet and I took two extra days to explore the area – which is beautiful (would be even better in the summer without the rain and wind!)

These visits are priceless in value – Nelleke commented on how appreciated and blessed they were.