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By Brent Hoffman
Our path to Belgium has been a winding
road. We started as missionaries in Central
America where we spent five years before
a variety of reasons necessitated a move.

While we were heartbroken to leave the
church we had planted in Costa Rica, we
also knew that God had very firmly closed
the door to us there. We were so blessed to
leave the church in good hands and to know
that our people were well taken care of.

Many of the ones we led to the Lord stay in
contact with us to this day.

At the time, we were not sure what to do
or where to go. An offhanded comment
by a good friend who is a missionary in
Belgium got us thinking, working, and most
importantly praying. To move from Costa
Rica to Belgium was almost an impossibility
given the logistics of moving a large family
10 internationally. That is how we know God
was in it. I cannot tell you how many times
Jen and I have looked at each other and
said, “Only God could have done this.” God
truly went before us and opened doors that
really should have been nailed shut. It was
awesome to watch, although I am saying that
in retrospect. I was not nearly as trusting
when we were in the middle of it all!
We came to an established ministry, Calvary
Baptist Church. There is a large NATO
military base near the church and a smaller
American military base as well. While the
church has been predominantly military
through the years, it is my desire to reach
out to the locals and have a nice blend
of Belgians and soldiers. When we door
knock, we never know what nationality will
open the door. We have talked with every



European nationality as well as Americans,
Africans, and others. The Lord’s timing was
once again perfect as the former pastor at
Calvary was returning to the States and there
was no one to lead the church. We were able
to jump into the ministry from day one.

To say it has been a big change would be an
understatement! We went from year-round
tropical weather to long winters,
short summers, and not much
sun. That has not bothered us too
much, but what did surprise us
was the reception of the people
to the Gospel. As one of the kids
said, “I must not be cute anymore
because no one takes my tracts!”
We were used to everyone taking
a tract in Costa Rica. Here it is
different, but we have adapted and learned
how to get people to take the tracts more
willingly. Door knocking has been very
different as well. In Costa Rica, I was used
to people opening doors and talking forever.

There were times when I had to make an
excuse to get away so I could get to the next
door. Here, when we door knock, people
look at us strangely. It is like they have never
experienced someone at the door inviting
them to church or asking about their souls.

Recently, God really touched my heart. I
knocked on the doors of about ten different
nationalities and not a single one even really
cared about church. One man told me that he
did not believe in anything. I asked him how
he happened to exist if there was nothing
to believe in. He laughed and we had a nice
conversation, but he still was not convinced
to come try church. The most heartbreaking
thing was his little girl standing
by. His unbelief is going to hurt
her for who knows how long! That
is why we are so determined to
reach the local people around us.

They have no idea of the darkness
that surrounds them without Jesus
Christ. That is why God has sent
us to a place that needs a witness
to bring light to the lost.

I had a conversation with a younger man a
few months ago and he told me the attitude
of the Belgians towards church is basically
non-existent. He said they go to church for
weddings and funerals and that is about
it. He said it was for old people. There is a
definite need for missionaries in Belgium
and we know God has sent us here. We are
blessed to be here and we are so fortunate
that God has called us to win people for Him
in Belgium. W
Brent & Jennifer Hoffman & family