Brussels

Within 30 minutes of arriving to Brussels, I quickly treated myself to a Beligian waffle with chocolate sauce. Actually, there are two types of Belgian waffles: a Liege (more dense and sugary) and a Brussels (fluffy and rectangular-shaped). I had 3 Liege’s and 1 Brussels waffle during my visit. I met my incredible hosts that night and we enjoyed dinner and conversation together. The next day, I walked through the University, the city center, and around political buildings (the EU headquarters are in Brussels). I went to a prayer meeting and a worship meeting in different believer’s homes and enjoyed lots of discussion with my host.

I also went in an incredible European History museum, did a free walking tour, and tasted a couple of Belgian beers. In my humble opinion, Belgian beer is the world’s best! Oh and how could I not talk about the fries. They are double fried in beef fat. Honestly, the best fries I’ve ever had. My tour guide was angry when we called them French fries as he prefers Belgian fries since they originated in Belgium, not France. And the chocolate… wow. Brussels has some very tasty (and unhealthy) cuisine. I highly recommend a visit to Brussels!

Duration

3 days

Accommodation

Believer’s flat (3 nights)

Favorite Food

Specoulous waffle (aka cookie butter spread on a Belgium waffle!)

Favorite Site

Museum of European History

Cool Person I Met

Tim. Tim is an American who moved to Paris for a Masters program 10 years ago and finished his PhD in Brussels 5 years ago. He sounded like a native Frenchman when we first spoke, but his American accent came through quickly when speaking English. We had lunch just outside of the EU headquarters, where he works as a consultant regarding the future of energy in Europe.

Highlight

Eating fries with andalouse sauce around the city center

Big Takeaway

My eyes opened to a beautiful testimony and expression of Christ’s church while in Brussels. First, I’ll briefly share my Christian life since 16 and then my conviction about the church today. I received God’s Spirit upon believing at 5 years old but started to really follow the Lord through prayer/Bible reading/evangelizing at 16. I grew tremendously in faith during high school because of the youth group at my Southern Baptist church and from my mentors in the church. Senior year of high school I became a student of Calvinism, read half Systematic Theology by Grudem, spent a lot of time with a friend in the charismatic 5-Fold Ministry movement, and seriously considered attending Moody Bible Institute to become a pastor or missionary. I joined 5 campus ministries (I served in 1 after this semester), spoke to every “Turlington preacher”, and challenged the campus cults (Mormons, JWs, and Krishnas) during my first semester at UF. My zeal continued as I became more involved with the Assemblies of God denomination, helped with UniteNOW (a movement to unite Christians across denominations), started a student organization called Christian Business Leaders, began learning about Church Planting Movements, and got interested in starting businesses with a Christian mission. Of course, I’m not perfect as I had to constantly deal with sin and other personal things. My point in sharing all this is to show how deeply I’ve been involved with Christianity and denominations.

Today, I have a different perspective of the church and what it means to be a Christian. I feel that the Lord was pleased with my effort since 16 because it was focused on bringing glory to God, making disciples, and becoming more Christlike. My views haven’t changed regarding God’s glory, disciple-making, and becoming Christlike. Rather, I’m convicted to now fellowship with a church that meets as believers in a city just like the Ephesian believers met as the church in Ephesus and the Roman believers met as the church in Rome. I believe the Lord not only wants a unified local church in each city, but a practical universal church that is organically built up together (Ephesians 4:13-16) and not under a particular denomination, credence, system, or doctrine but only under the headship of Christ.

There’s much more to explain here about my convictions regarding the church, but I think it’s easier to talk in person. I also didn’t share much Biblical support or my experience because I wanted to limit the length of the post. “The Normal Christian Church Life” by Watchman Nee is one helpful resource I’ve looked into. Ultimately, I just want to follow Christ, to love Him, and serve Him as His return approaches. I’m so thankful for the experiences God has lead me through and am excited to continue following His leading!

Your Turn

What do you understand about how the Bible shares God’s mission and the church’s mission?

Feel free to share your Christian walk and how the Lord has convicted you.