Much of my life here in the hostel remains the same, but then again, so much changes as people come and go. The names won't mean anything to you as a reader.  But these individuals sum up so much of my time here. And I believe they are also on God's heart. Here are just a few:

Meet Colin. He is here from Scotland on a two day vacation, checking out a school here in Holland. It's early evening and he's tired. He sits down and orders a cheese toasty. We start talking, you know the typical beginning: " Where are you from? How long are you staying?" , and so on. Then we move on to other subjects: Is God real? Is the Bible infallible? Did God really create the world...in 6 days or in 6 million years? Five hours later he heads off to sleep. The next night, the conversation almost repeats itself. He desperately wants to believe and give his life to God, but he can't because he is not 100% sure that God is real. He leaves.
There is Laura from California. Living her dream of coming to Europe, she has been travelling around since August. She stays here as a cleaner (bed and meals in exchange for cleaning 4 hours a day). Turned off by the way the church treated her single mom, she is hardened to God's love. Often times, she sits with a far off look in her eyes. There is a certain hardness and sadness about her. As soon as you talk with her, however, a smile and winsome personality suddenly appears. She occasionally attends Bible Discussion, but the wall remains. She has to return to the States because of a family emergency and leaves us no contact information.
Meet Joel. He is from Israel. Joel plays the piano flawlessly. He comes with hopes of getting a job and staying for a while. Unlike most who come with the same intent, he finds a job at a restaurant. He is Jewish but only by culture and birth. He is not religious and, in general, does not want to hear about religion. His whiny and argumentative personality make him difficult to love. He listens though. He listens to our conversations with other guests. He doesn't think we see or notice it, but we do. His month here at the Shelter Jordan is over. He must leave for a month before he can return. We will probably see him again.
Meet Cindy. She is from California. Her first night here is a Music Night, where anyone and everyone are encouraged to stand up and sing a song or read something. She stands and reads two poems she has just written they are heartfelt. She is on a journey. A journey from depression. A journey to discover who she is and who God is. She stays for one week and quickly becomes part of our family. She will soon leave again. Feelings of fear and hopelessness begin as her thoughts return to home. It won't be easy! She leaves, promising to keep in touch.
The list goes on. Along with the staff here, these are the people who make up my days, my weeks, my months. One thing I have to constantly remember is that even when they leave from here, God still loves them and He is faithful to continue the work that He has started in them.
(The names of the guests have been altered)

Those of you who have served in The shelter probably know the Willemstraat building. After the drug rehabilitation centre had moved out of this building in 1999, we have been searching for the best use for this big building in the centre of Amsterdam. A small part of the building is currently being used for ministry to homeless people. Three days a week, they can come in for a cup of coffee, conversations and practical help. Last year it has been decided to use the rest of the Willemstraat building as accommodation for the staff of both hostels and as training/education facility.
In October a big re-building project will start. This is necessary to be able to accommodate (a maximum of) 40 staff members and volunteers. Besides bedrooms and a big living room, there will also be place for two or three classrooms for training purposes. We plan to start a new ministry education program for our staff and volunteers in September of this year (because the facilities will not be ready we will have to make use of a temporal location). The goal of this ministry education program is to better equip our staff for ministry in the hostels as well as for ministry and Christian witness after their time in the hostel. A Theological education in the Netherlands is currently working on the course program for us.