God's Call to Brussels, Belgium Rick and Diane Cryder
Dr. Rick Cryder, IPM Interim Pastor
I was on the phone with Tom Harris, Executive Director of Interim Pastor Ministries (IPM) talking about possibilities for my next interim assignment when he offhandedly mentioned that a church in Brussels, Belgium needed an interim pastor. What? You mean in Europe? Are you kidding? Is Belgium by any chance close to Germany? When he said yes, I explained that my daughter and her husband were about to move to Germany where she was going to give birth to our first grandchild in November! Please tell me more about the church! Is it possible that God would be so kind as to give me a ministry in Europe where we would be close by for our grandchild’s birth and my wife could stay and help our daughter adjust? Yes He would. We were at the hospital in Heidelberg when our grandson was born on Reformation Day and Diane was able to stay for twelve days to assist with this miraculous new life. What a great grace from God! Add to this providential juxtaposition of circumstances, the extraordinary identity of The International Baptist Church of Brussels where I am interim pastor. The congregation of three hundred is made up of people from 40-50 nations! I am honored to be able to preach the gospel to the nations every week! It is too good to be true. I admit that it wasn’t easy getting here, getting our visas and packing, saying goodbye to family and friends in the U. S. But how could we fail to see God’s fingerprints all over this? The church has provided a very comfortable apartment, a Mercedes Benz to drive (I can go 90mph or more on the German autobahn), and we are close to Paris, London, ancient castles, exquisite Belgian chocolate and cheese, deep history and much more. I had no idea IPM would open up our world this way. (Executive Director Note: Rick is the first interim we have ever placed in Europe. IPM rejoices in its broadening scope of ministry. I must admit though, that I had a moment of envy when Rick told me that his Brussels church was providing him a Mercedes to drive. It is always a joy to see how God reveals His plans for us.) |
This training* is for:
SEE OUR HOMEPAGE FOR DATES AND LOCATIONS Includes: Two days of training, two training manuals with meals on your own or with other pastors * By Invitation Only-- screening and evaluation process required for attendance. To be considered please contact Todd@interimpastors.com |
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