Friday through Sunday, July 24-26, the Cross family reunion will be held here at CPC. So if you see a lot of people in church Sunday morning that look a little bit like Ralph Cross, you’ll understand why.
Obviously, many members of Linda’s extended family cannot be here. They number nearly 350. For example, Carlton and Shannon (Linda’s cousin and flower girl at our wedding) Deal are missionaries in Belgium and will not be able to attend this year. They serve under the auspices of Christian Associates International (www.christianassociates.org). Their particular ministry in Brussels is called “The Well” (www.thewell.be), and it is part of an overall effort to “Serve the City” (www.servethecity.be).
Just this past week Linda and I received their newsletter. We found it so well-written, interesting and encouraging that I’ve chosen to share parts of it with you.
Making a move.
Rue de la Rive 6. We have lived at this address since we moved to Belgium August 2004 . . . It’s been great – across the street from the metro, a shopping center, cafés, and a park; space for our kids to have their own rooms, a guest room, and an office. Sounds perfect! So why move? Because there’s more to where we choose to live than our own comfort and convenience.
From our housing options described below, which would you recommend?
The one that would save us money. We’re in an expensive stage of life, with children finishing high school and going to college. . . . Plus it would take good care of the generous financial investments that many make in our ministry.
The one that gives us the chance to serve good friends. Friends of ours are moving to Sweden for 3-5 years and need someone they trust to live in their house while they’re gone. They have asked us to live in their house and look after their things. We care about them a lot and have been hopeful for opportunities to influence them for Jesus since we met.
The one that looks like a museum. It’s a 19th century inner-city Gothic mansion, perfectly restored and furnished with period furniture. With high ceilings, tiled floors, and stained glass windows, it’s perfect for parties, receptions, classical concerts, dinners with friends. Hospitality is a very important part of the Well and this house would be perfect for everything from a cozy dinner with new friends to a party for 100.
The one in the Turkish part of town. For the last 4 years we have lived in a lovely home in the safe part of town. As followers of Jesus who want to reveal his love to the city, we have felt like we should move ourselves a little closer to harm’s way. . . .
The one near the red light district. For the last several years, we have been working closely in Brussels with Stop the Traffik (www.stopthetraffik.org) to mobilize the body of Christ to take a stand against human trafficking, particularly in the sex industry . . . The red light district for Brussels is behind the north train station and this house is located only a few blocks away.
The one with connections to the European institutions. A friend of ours works for the European Commission and will be leaving Brussels to be the liaison between the European Union and his home country. His house is available and, as he is well-known in Brussels, living in his house would connect us to his social network – other leaders we would also love to influence for Jesus.
One house.
Believe it or not, they’re all the same house. And we move tomorrow.
By faith,
Carlton, Shannon, Brittany, and Parker