Just over a year ago, the Breda Church of the Nazarene in the south of the Netherlands was
shaken by a devastating fire. In the days and weeks that followed, the congregation can only describe what happened as ‘blessing upon blessing’.
Within days, a local bar, next to where the church used to stand, opened their space for the church to gather. This became a short-term solution, when the building was then scheduled for demolition…but, shortly after another door opened! A former monastery on the edge of the neighborhood where the church had long been active became available. During this season, people were baptized, the congregation found a new temporary home, and ministry in the neighborhood continued. Football activities, community gatherings, and connection with local families did not stop.
As the church prayed and listened for God’s guidance, conversations began about possibly purchasing the monastery. Yet over time it became clear that this would not be a long term solution. The lack of heating made it impossible to continue gathering, especially as the cold set in and attendance became difficult.
Once again, God provided. A new location became available, although farther from the original neighborhood. A former Roman Catholic church building, owned and maintained by a choir, was being used for concerts and hall rentals. The rear section, the chapel, was still used by the choir’s faith community for worship. When they heard about the fire and the situation of the Breda church, they graciously moved their gatherings to the main hall so the Breda congregation could use the chapel. At Christmas, the church gathered in a warm space, shared a meal together, and celebrated the coming of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, who continues to care faithfully for His church in Breda.
Reflecting on this season, Stephen Overduin, lead pastor of the Breda church, shared, “Just before the fire ruined our building, I experienced God was calling us to go deeper with him. To trust Him more, to surrender all to Him. Little did I realise at the time how God would lead us into deeper waters. But He has shown Himself to be more than faithful. We have such a loving God. I look forward to discovering how God may guide us further into the future, reaching the unchurched people of Breda and surrounding areas.”
Over the past year, the congregation felt a clear confirmation of its calling to the neighborhood where the original church building once stood. This is an area with much diversity and poverty, where the church has been involved in children’s work for the past eight to ten years.
After it became clear that the monastery would not be the church’s future, the congregation decided to work together with a development company to rebuild. The plans include housing above and the church building on the ground floor. Reflecting on this journey, Pastor Stephen shared, “Even after losing our building, God confirmed our calling to this neighborhood, and we continue to see how He is leading and forming us as a church.”
At this time, plans with the development company are being made, with the hope that construction can begin once they are complete. In the meantime, the church remains focused on its mission and hopes to organise another Alpha course this spring to reach people in the neighborhood where they currently rent a sanctuary. The congregation remains deeply thankful for how God is leading them in this season.
It is well with the Breda church.
-article by Erik Hendriks
