Number 11

December 2001

Sometimes it seems that people find The Shelter Youth Hostel almost by accident. They do not always make a deliberate choice to stay in The Shelter but sometimes it just happens, " by coincidence," one could say. For Sheena Power from Ireland The Shelter City was the only hostel in town where she could book for a full week. This was in the spring of 2001. Ten years earlier, Danny, also from Ireland, stayed in the hostel after being released from prison because it was the cheapest place in town. Neither of them had initially planned to stay in The Shelter City but they ended up there. Was it by chance or by God's leading?

Sheena had come to Amsterdam with a friend to work for a few months and to have a good time in town. Although the staff in the hostel kindly invited her to the daily Bible study, she was not interested in this. Then one night a popular movie was shown as an introduction for discussion about truth. Sheena and her friend decided to go and watch the movie. " I also listened to the discussion afterwards," she says. " I was really moved by how strongly these people believed and trusted in the Lord."

Sheena had always considered herself a Christian, partly because of her Catholic background, but as she continued going to the Bible studies in the hostel, she became aware that the faith of the staff was deeper than hers. " If you are Christian, and I am Christian," she asked, " why are our lives so different?" In the staff she saw a spiritual life that she never had experienced. In the following weeks she asked many questions. She started to understand that she needed to be born again to enter into a right relationship with God.

After four weeks in The Shelter City she was ready to repent from her sins and start a new life with Christ Jesus. Her life was changed: " I found peace and I experienced joy. I had been suffering from depression for a number of years, even been suicidal twice. The night I opened my heart to Jesus, He healed me. The depression is completely gone and I know that it will never return."

The remarkable change in Sheena's life was also recognised by the people around her. As soon as Sheena had returned to Cork in Ireland, her best friend Sinead noticed the difference. " When I saw Sheena, I knew that she had found what I was looking for as well. She had such a peace over her." In the same way that Sheena had asked many questions in The Shelter City, her friend Sinead asked the same kind of questions to her. It didn't take long before she also gave her life to Christ. The reality of Christ was just too much present in the life of Sheena to be overlooked.

In Cork Sheena joined a small Christian fellowship called 'The Upper Room'. Here she met a man called Danny. He was very surprised to hear that Sheena had become a Christian in The Shelter in Amsterdam. Ten years earlier he had been there as well. At that time he travelled to Amsterdam to escape from the difficulties in his life. His relationship had just broken down, his job was lost and life in general was very depressing. Unfortunately, life in Amsterdam was not much easier and he ended up living on the streets. There he concluded that life was not worth living anymore, and he decided to commit suicide. He didn't succeed in his attempt because the police found him in time. To protect him from himself and from harming other people, they put Danny in a prison cell.

After he was released, Danny still had no place to go. He tried The Shelter hostel because it was advertised as the cheapest bed & breakfast in Amsterdam. Although he had no money at all to pay, the management let him stay. They agreed that he would pay as soon as he earned some money. After a week Danny still hadn't found a job and decided to return home. During his stay in the hostel he visited the Bible studies, but at that time he was not ready to recognise the existence of God. He was touched, however, by the helpfulness and friendliness of the people in the hostel. When he returned to Cork he thought back on his time in Amsterdam and the help he got from the Christians in that hostel. With these memories in mind, he decided to visit a church. This is where he gave his heart to the Lord.

Currently Danny is involved in a ministry to people living on the streets of Cork. He is serving in a soup kitchen and is planning to start a community in which people can be housed and discipled. Sheena and Sinead are both planning to help in this ministry as well. Who would have thought this when they chose the Shelter City 'by chance'? Ten years ago Danny chose to stay because he had no money to go anywhere else. This year Sheena chose to stay because it was the only place where she could book for a full week. Was it all by chance? God chooses and leads us along His paths. Join us in praying that He will continue to lead people to the hostels to meet Him there 'by chance'.

AA

This year we had many short-term volunteers who had a long-term impact in this ministry. Student teams from Northwestern College, Sioux Falls (both USA) and Cliff College (England) where a blessing. We are also thankful for Wheaton College and the students that joined us for the summer period, as every year. I also would like to mention our long-term staff. Many of them believe that God called them to this specific ministry. Some found us via the Internet, others came after they heard a presentation at their Bible school. Many more came because a friend told them about The Shelter. We hope that you all continue to share about your experience in the hostel with friends and people at your church or school.

Many travellers found their way to The Shelter Jordan. Except for the month of October, each month we had more guests than last year. On average, 78% of the beds is occupied this is about 80 guest a day. We had the chance to get to know a number of them, having good conversations and even building friendships. Sometimes this was very encouraging, at other times is gave us reason to spent much time in prayer. I trust that many of the guests tasted something of the love of Christ. Our guest book contains messages that speak of this and express thankfulness. Others responded quite differently: smearing dirt at the door posts or writing rude language on the walls. Yes, the Gospel message is confronting. But we continue to share the truth in love.

At this moment we are preparing for the Christmas season. This is usually not a full house, but it gives many opportunities to share the good news of Christ. Please, pray with us that the hearts of the guests will be filled with the peace and love of God. I hope that while you pray, you feel part of the Shelter Jordan team (again). Currently we have many different prayer meetings and groups: girls-nights, guys-nights and prayer breakfasts. But whatever name you give to it, it is all about praying together. Join us in prayer and take part in the ministry of the Shelter Jordan.

Our current team is: Allison Muller (USA), Amanda Parker (USA), Ellis Bosman (NL), Fancie Kao (Taiwan), Gerrit Gerritsma (NL), Irina Gradinaru (ROE), Iulian Ciobanu (ROE), Jelle van Essen (NL), Lucia do Rosario (ENG), Nate Milton (USA), Peter Brokaar (NL), Sara Coalter (CAN), Theresa Wikkerink (CAN), Virmel Largo (Philippines). Karlo Hannesen and Harold Davidse (both NL) are our Nightmen. Jaap Maljaars (NL) takes care of maintenance Tineke Genger (NL) is responsible for housekeeping. The management team consist of four assistant managers: Rosemary Barrett, Anneke Kofman, Bertine Martens and Hans de Boer. We wish you all a blessed Christmas and a good start of 2002.

Jacob Kops, manager The Shelter Jordan

The year 2001 was a year of growth in many ways. There was an increase in the number of applications for the ministry. Compared to last year, much more people wanted to join our team during the entire year we had enough staff members and volunteers. We are very thankful for this because there have been years in which the shortage of staff forced us to close down part of the hostel. The increased publicity for the ministry via brochures, internet, and presentations, paid off. But most of all we praise God for the many workers He sent in the harvest. Prayer is still more powerful than Internet.

As a team we also grew in knowledge and understanding of our heavenly Father. In many meetings we studied God's word and shared our faith. A number of days were set aside for prayer, and to the daily prayer times we added short devotionals. Each day another staff member or volunteer prepares a message from God's word and shares it with the rest of the team. This also helps to get to know one another better.

There was also growth in the number of guests that stayed in The Shelter City. Throughout the year, the hostel has been a busy place with many tourists. The reservations via e-mail were shooting through the roof. Apparently many travellers find our web site. Also other hostels in the city tell us that our site is very good. For 2002 we are hoping for even more guests. This is off course also depending on the safety situation in the world. We do recognise that after September 11th less American tourists have visited Amsterdam.

Most of all we are thankful to God, again some of our guests accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This is growth of the Kingdom of God. The Bible tells us there is rejoicing in heaven over each sinner who repents.

Our prayer for 2002 is: let there be growth again in all aspects of the ministry. We wish you God's blessing on this coming Christmas and for the new year.

Greetings from all workers from The Shelter City: Beate Haigis (D), Bregje van der Linden (NL), Daniela Hauser (D), Emmanuel Sowah (Ghana), Gerben Verkiel (NL), Heleen Melching (NL), Hilde Smit (NL), Itty Bolhuis (AUS), Jamin Bogi (USA), Joanna Erhart (D), Jorien Vonk (NL), Lynn Schouten (NL), Mareike Bode (D), Lionel Leon (AUS), Micah Holcombe (USA), Pauline Bessire (USA), Robin Carson (CAN), Russ Duerksen (CAN), Tessa Rosier (NL), Thomas Taylor (GB). Our nightmen: Dennis Leydecker and Ferdinand Ploegman. The six assistant managers are: Hennie Tijsseling, Johanna van Stapele, Jaap Oudman, Martijn Rutgers, Karen van Huis and Jan de Visser.

Pieter Visser, manager The Shelter City

More than 30,000 travellers are staying in our hostels each year. This means, for us, 30,000 opportunities to bring someone in contact with the gospel. To be able to use these witnessing opportunities we need more than 60 workers each year. Would you like to become a youth hostel missionary or do you know someone who would?

We are looking for Christians between 18 and 30 years of age, willing to commit for a period of 6 to12 months. During this time you will be part of our international staff team and you will be involved in both practical work and evangelism. The Youth Hostel Ministry provides unique opportunities to serve the Lord and to share the gospel in words and deeds. Go into the world, in a place where the world actually comes to you!