Nr. 23 – Dec/Jan 2004       Editor: Auke Algera  Info: newsletter@shelter.nl

A God of Miracles – News Shelter Eilat

Prayer requests – and more

A God of Miracles

“Don’t you remember me?” he asks. “My name is Davite, from Ethiopia.” I search in my memory but can not make the connection. “Last year you prayed for me,” he adds. At that moment I remember it all. 

A year ago, Davite had come to the Shelter Jordan. Not because he was looking for accommodation (after all, he lived in Amsterdam), but to learn more about God. After I had talked with him for a while he said that he wanted to accept Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. This all went so fast that it surprised me. I suggested watching the Jesus video first, but he couldn’t wait. He was ready to ask Jesus into his life. After we prayed he stayed for a few hours to watch the video. He left that night with the address of a church in his pocket.

Now, one year later, I meet him again. We are sitting at a dinner table during a Hostelnight (a hostel program with drama, discussions and a meal). He hadn’t found the church, he tells me. Instead, he recently came into contact with a prayer group of Messianic Jews. This was great because Davite is an Ethiopian Jew. The members of this prayer group decided to support him when they found out that he can not get a job because he has no legal papers. They offered to pay for his stay in a hostel…The Shelter.

First he stayed in The Shelter City for a month. There he went to the Bible study almost every day. Today he moved to The Shelter Jordan and is present at our Hostelnight about “Miracles.”

The conclusion of the Hostelnight program is that the biggest miracle happens when someone accepts Christ into his life and becomes a child of God. Davite tells me that he is very thankful that he made this decision a year ago. I myself am very thankful that he is back in the hostel where he has the chance to take part in the Bible studies, talk with the staff, and mature in his faith. God’s leading hand always impresses me. He is a God of miracles indeed.

Jacob Kops

Thanks for your reply

In the last issue we asked your opinion regarding the frequency with which this newsletter is published. Most of those who responded said that once every two months is just fine. A number of readers would even appreciate a monthly newsletter.

It is nice to hear that you enjoy reading the newsletter so much. For now, we will continue to send you one every other month.

In memoriam

Mister Van Riel was the first manager of The Shelter City when the hostel opened in 1972. He was father and leader of a team of about 20 young men and women from all over the world. These first years were a real challenge. He dedicated himself fully to this ministry. 

In 1978 he left the hostel to become project leader at one of the rehabilitation centres of Tot Heil des Volks, our mother organisation. He served there till 1987.

On November 15th, Mr. Koos van Riel died at the age of 80.

 
Christmas in the hostels

During the Christmas season we always try to take extra care of the atmosphere in the hostel, with decorations and special programs. For most of our staff it means celebrating this holiday (far) away from their family and friends. For both staff and guest we try to be a home away from home.

It is a joyful time because we celebrate that Jesus Christ came into the world. Wonderful news that we can share with the guests in the hostel. In both hostels we plan to do this in a special program on Christmas day. We hope to share a dinner together and .present the true message of Christmas in a relevant way.
 

Shelter tract online

The Shelters are using a new tract that has been designed especially for the youth hostel ministry. Every guest receives a copy of this flyer called “Welcome to the Shelter.” Curious? On our website you can find this tract online.   

Just for fun

Here are some facts and figures about Amsterdam that you might not be aware of yet:

Inhabitants: 735.328
Greater Amsterdam: 1.268.908
Nationalities: 173
Bicycles: 600.000
Trees: 220.000
City trams: 260
Canals: 165
Bridges: 1.281
Houseboats: 2.500
Royal Palace: 1
Paintings by Van Gogh: 206
Animals at Artis Zoo: 6.100
Cafes and bars: 1.402
Hotel beds: 32.800
Day visitors per year: 17.568.000
Christian hostels: 2

Shelter Eilat still open

A year ago, we informed you about the difficulties at the Shelter hostel in Eilat, Israel. Their license to run the hostel had run out and the municipality denied a new license. Judy Pex wrote the following to us about the current situation:

“We are still open, but since June without a permit.  Our lawyer had previously informed us that probably nothing would happen here till after the local elections, which were held last week (mid November), for the mayor and for the municipal assembly.  A new mayor was elected who, Lord willing, will be more favourable to us than the last.

In fact, both candidates requested meetings with John and I before the elections, apparently believing that it was worth getting the backing of the Messianic believers here in town. One of the leaders from the party that was elected assured us that she saw no reason to close the Shelter.  So when things get going again, we plan to turn to her and remind her of her campaign promise.  Besides this, our hope is ultimately in the Lord!”

Please continue to pray for this situation.

PRAYER SUPPORT

·        Please continue to pray for Bertine Martens, Duty Manager in The Shelter Jordan. She suffers from a burn-out and is in need of rest and spiritual refreshment.

·        Pray for Davite, that he may mature in his faith during his stay in the hostel.

·        This year the big European mission conference Mission 2003 will be held from 28 Dec. till 1 Jan in Germany. We will be there with an information stand about the Shelter. You could pray for meaningful contacts with potential staff members, and for the conference itself.

·        Pray for the preparation of the Christmas programs in both hostels, that they may help communicate the truth and love of Christ  

·        We are thankful that we will have enough staff till March. This is an answer to prayer. Please continue to pray for enough applicants the year round.

·        Continue to pray for our current staff teams: for unity, focus and love.

·        We are thankful that the classes for the Shelter Ministry Program have started. So far, the reactions are very positive.

The Shelter Youth Hostel Ministry is a Christian evangelism ministry in the centre of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the 30,000 travellers who are staying each year in our two Christian youth hostels: The Shelter City and The Shelter Jordan. The ministry is part of the association Tot Heil des Volks, a non-denominational mission organisation registered in Amsterdam. Internet: www.theshelter.nl/ministry

Donations. The work of The Shelter Youth Hostel Ministry would not be able to continue without financial support. Help support this ministry! Read more at http://www.theshelter.nl/ministry/donations.html 

This Newsletter can also be found at www.theshelter.nl/news

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