De Kleine Hoeve volunteer Annet warmly welcomes us.

As we walk through the sunlit garden together, going over the final details for the retreat, she suddenly stops, kneels down, and says, “Shall we pray together and place this weekend in God’s hands once again?”

What a beautiful way to begin the Compass Retreat. Moments like that remind us that we do not do this work alone.

Time and again, we are reminded of how many people are praying with us — here in the Netherlands and far beyond. Thank you for that! It is one of the reasons we look ahead with expectation to what God will do during weekends like these.

Angela, Jettie, and I deeply enjoyed the eight young adults who stepped into De Kleine Hoeve to enjoy a time of retreat — with open hearts and open hands: hungry for God, vulnerable, and at the same time full of love and kindness toward one another. We were also grateful for the warm involvement of the volunteers at De Kleine Hoeve, who, together with their community, are sharing in what God is doing here. For months, they have been praying with and for us in the preparation.

There were tears, there was a lot of laughter, and we saw God at work. What a privilege it is to play even a small part in that. Personally, I am in an intense season right now, one in which I sometimes feel quite vulnerable. It was especially during this weekend that I was reminded again of how true it is that God works through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Often, being a part of His work is not about doing great things, but about creating space: facilitating, being present, becoming still together, and seeking God side by side. Offering tools that help people continue growing once they return home. Being creative, enjoying nature, sharing delicious meals, enjoying each other’s company, and embracing the conversations that unfold.

And perhaps that was the most beautiful thing to witness: ...