Kerry and Cynthia Buttram, SAMS Missionaries to the Netherlands
We see the Light of the World…
… in Christ’s work all around us. Here in Amsterdam at this time of year beautiful lights are on display all over the city reflected in the many canals and creatively adorning the historic buildings. But we live in a tumultuous time and sometimes the lights might give the impression that all is well, but darkness is all around.
Ukrainian refugees continue their sojourn here and war is near. No Amsterdammer can forget that thousands of Jewish residents were sent away to perish in the Holocaust. The streets glittering with Christmas lights also display small brass commemorative plates on the pavement in front of homes where Jewish families once lived. Hatred of Jewish people cropped up recently. Rioting hooligans after a football (soccer) match remind us that human sinfulness remains. One of the leading Rabbis in Amsterdam recently stated that both Jewish and Muslim communities presently feel themselves scorned and unwanted, for it is all too easy to blame the nearest immigrant or person who is “not like us.” The darkness lingers.
As a church in the heart of the city we continue to meet curious neighbors and visitors who are interested in things spiritual or something they just cannot quantify. Is it the light of Christ they see? Often they are surprised by our diversity with so many nationalities, ages, economic backgrounds and professions. We trust that it has to do with the music of Messiah reverberating from the lives of our people and the warm hospitality driven by love, leaving an unforgettable impact as the light of Christ shines through. Here are a few recent examples.
- “Ned,” a 74 year-old, got the difficult news of terminal lung cancer. Though he lived only 3 more weeks, he was amazed and comforted as God’s people rallied around. He said, “I’ve never had so many people around me in all my life!”
- Life-long church member, “Phylis,” is 95 and lives alone in an assisted living home. She looks forward to singing Christmas carols and offering hospitality to our pastoral team when they visit. Her trust in the Lord in old age is such an encouragement to many.
- “Alice” is a 16 year-old who recently began attending youth group with a friend. She eagerly participated in our recent carol service as a reader.
- Jono, another teen, saw the light of Christ in the lives of both of his grandmothers. Through their prayers and encouragement, he began faithfully attending our services.
- “R” has experienced life on the street for the past two decades due to issues of mental illness. It is gratifying that our people welcome him to our services. Just this week he attended a midweek communion service on a blustery day. He was in tears as we took bread and cup together in anticipation of that day when we will reside in that city “where the Lamb is the light.”
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1.5
Read more about Kerry and Cynthia
