[RR] Belgium-bad news-need prayer

[Bob Simons]

FROM:  D. Alan and Tricia Baker, Missionaries in Belgium Subject:  Urgent Greetings Friends and Family, Events continue to rapidly unfold here in Belgium.  If things were dark last week, they are very, very dark this week as the Belgian government has now begun to deport AG missionaries.  Those deported last week were here on short term visas and had few permanent ties to the country but those being told to leave this week are fully appointed missionaries who have been here for years and had planned to be here for years yet to come.  The ramifications are beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. Among those ramifications of these events:  Christian Center (our International Church in Brussels--the one where the police sweep occurred last week) has had to immediately close its Christian School for at least the remainder of this school year.  There appears to be little chance of it everre-opening.  Our Bible School, which has been in Belgium for forty plus years is also in a grave situation.  It's president, Roland Dudley, has been given 8 days to permanently leave the country.  The legal status of all professors and staff is in serious question.  Missionaries working with ministries such as International Media Ministries, International Correspondence Institute, Students for Christ, and other are all facing great uncertainty as best and possible deportation at worst. For the moment it appears that only those missionaries working in pastoral ministry are not being challenged, for the moment.  Missionaries are being challenged on their right to stay as the government has suddenly and without any warning of any kind decided to clean the country of those whom it has suddenly deemed to be undesirables.  That this is true is clear from the press and media reports that continues to come out.  Last evening, one of Belgium's largest TV channels showed a special 30 minute program on us. Psychologists were used to portray us as dangerous to the population and cultic in our doctrine and practice.  Again, people here readily believe the government and media, therefore, these are very effective attacks upon us. We must also tell you that these are lies and that those spreading them know them to be lies for the Belgian government itself ruled several years ago that we are not a cult.  Further, a national cult watchdog group has also investigated the AG in Belgium and soundly declared that we are not cultic. Why the government and media have suddenly begun this baseless attack continues to bewilder us. It is conceivable and quite possible that we are on the verge of seeing Belgium expel most if not all missionaries from is shores.  Even more seriously, it is possible that this will become European policy as well as the European Convention becomes more and more unified, its laws becoming more and more standardized across national borders. Our Regional Director, Greg Mundis, is flying in this weekend to attempt to deal with the situation.  A meeting of all missionaries is scheduled for Sunday afternoon with him.  As I am preaching on the other side of the country at the very time of the meeting, I will not be able to be there.  We will, of course, get an update on what takes place at that meeting and are looking into some way to get Tricia up to Brussels for it.  Reports continue to come to concerning last Sunday's services at Christian Center.  It is clear that God visited us in a powerful way and people are filled with faith even in the midst of these storms.  PLEASE, rally to us at this time.  We do not ask so much for ourselves as for the work of God in this land, among these people whom we love.  It is our firm conviction that God gave His only Son for Belgians and that He desires to see His work not only survive but flourish in the land.  We can only interpret these events as attacks not upon us but upon the work of God.  Please pray with us daily as these things are unfolding on a daily basis.  Every day is critical as I am sure you see. Thank you for the letters that continue to pour in.  If we are not responding it is not for lack of appreciation but for lack of time.  Please understand that even as we go through these swirling events, the ministry continues.  We have a meeting tonight and one on Sunday, as well.  There simply isn't enough time to do it all right now.  And time will not be plentiful in the days to come as we face the fact that in only days we will be driving to Brussels to help our fellow missionaries pack up as quickly as possible and leave the country--without a miracle from God.  We do sincerely appreciate your letters and most of all your prayers. Looking for that miracle! Alan and Tricia Baker Missionaries to Belgium Bob Simons   For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11 [EMAIL PROTECTED]