Rehabilitation centre for addicted young people.
Newsletter april 2023
the rock of my strength and my refuge, is in God. Ps. 62:7
Dear friends,
It has been far too long before I finally sat down to write a newsletter for which I apologize! After a busy, lovely work-furlough, ending with a conference of the Dutch mission (some in the picture), I returned to Bolivia at the end of January to go straight into work again. During Felina’s well-deserved holidays I took over part of her work and meanwhile tried to readjust to the altitude. From sea-level back to 3600 meters is not to be sneezed at.
So many things happened since, one of the things that really stood out was a visit to Jesed with some guests. I entered where the speech and language therapist was working with Julio. Julio of nearly 6 years old greeted me with a big smile and started to blabber very enthusiastically. For him it was quite clear what he was saying, I couldn’t make any sense of it. I could just about contain my tears until I left the room. What a blessing that we can try to help this child to express himself in an understandable way.
So many things happened since, one of the things that really stood out was a visit to Jesed with some guests. I entered where the speech and language therapist was working with Julio. Julio of nearly 6 years old greeted me with a big smile and started to blabber very enthusiastically. For him it was quite clear what he was saying, I couldn’t make any sense of it. I could just about contain my tears until I left the room. What a blessing that we can try to help this child to express himself in an understandable way.
After returning to Bolivia I have been much involved visiting prisoners, among other places, in the high security prison on the high plain outside of La Paz. Wednesday was such a day, we were “inside” for about 6 hours. Together with a brother from the church’ team I visited 3 different sections. In one section 9 Christian inmates were fasting in the little church room. We looked at fasting from the Scriptures with them, in a dialog of 2 ½ hours. What a privilege to hear testimonies of their personal encounters with Jesus. In closing all of us were on our knees before the Lord and each expressed themselves talking to God.
After returning to Bolivia I have been much involved visiting prisoners, among other places, in the high security prison on the high plain outside of La Paz. Wednesday was such a day, we were “inside” for about 6 hours. Together with a brother from the church’ team I visited 3 different sections. In one section 9 Christian inmates were fasting in the little church room. We looked at fasting from the Scriptures with them, in a dialog of 2 ½ hours. What a privilege to hear testimonies of their personal encounters with Jesus. In closing all of us were on our knees before the Lord and each expressed themselves talking to God.
When we came out into the courtyard, men from another section called us over. They don’t have a church room. Under the looming dark clouds, chairs were set out and all who desired to have a time looking at the Scriptures were invited to come. I read a part from psalm 20, mentioning the desire that the Name of the God of Jacob would defend us: and that referring to Jacob, the liar. But also that we, for the Lord to answer us, need to speak to Him. My companion suggested we’d pray the Lord's prayer out loud together. That inclement, ice-cold yard became holy ground with the 20+ men there. When asked if any didn’t have security of their relationship with the Lord, 4 men stood to their feet to ask Jesus into their lives!
In prison there are many needs and poverty in a lot of areas, among others when it comes to medicines for the medical post. This visit we were able to bring lots of tablets and medical samples because of the generosity of some doctors. Also we had a bread roll for all, for 700 inmates I was told. I don’t like to be short so I had ordered 750 (and 50 for the police). When we had handed out the amount for each in the 12 sections I still had 50 rolls left. And that was just as well, because in the other “section” there are cells where 1 or more men are in isolation, over 30 in total. These men were not counted in with the number of inmates, but were seen by God.
For me personally February was a bit rocky with medical exams. In conclusion: the sometimes high blood pressure and most other ailments can be lead back to concerns about the red tape and other things to do with Mision Adulam. An old German hymn says: Entrust your way and what grieves your heart, to the most faithful care of Him who governs heaven! This has been a comfort and reminder in these weeks. The Lord is with me/us and I am grateful you are also here in prayer and through your financial support. May the joy of “the Lord is risen indeed” bless and encourage you! With love, Fineke and teams of Mision Adulam
Support in the USA can be receive using ZELLE, Wells Fargo bank, email finekej@gmail.com
In Canada we are linked with Hands For Humanity, an accredited Christian charity. Donations can be made through their website, designating the gift for Mision Adulam - Fineke Janssen, or send an earmarked check to: Hands For Humanity – 218 Silvercreek Parkway N – Suite 202 – Unit 17A – Guelph ON – N1H 8E8