Ministry
I’ve returned to the Netherlands to work with YWAM Amsterdam, who I spent 6 months volunteering with after my school. I have two ministries; Look Up and the Schuman Centre.
Look Up
Look Up is a ministry dedicated to helping people see life from a different perspective in and through the city of Amsterdam.
With big windows full of natural light, the space is full of books, art and games, with both a cafe and gallery. Incredibly located right across from the Centraal Station, it’s used to connect with locals and tourists alike over books, art, music, coffee, history, philosophy, prayer, storytelling and more.
For me, it’s a coming together of three of my loves; sociology, creativity and people - all working together to point towards the greatest love of all, Jesus Christ.
My goal is to love people like Jesus, and to leave them at least one step closer to God’s heart. This is something I’ve had the joy of seeing over the past 12 months I’ve already spent in this incredible ministry. Here are some of the stories from this time.
Schuman Centre.
Jeff Fountain has been part of YWAM Amsterdam for over 40 years, and is full of knowledge about the history of Christianity in Europe, and especially in Amsterdam. He runs courses, including a Masters program, through the Schuman Centre.
I help Jeff with things like his website, promoting events and courses, while gleaning knowledge from him in the process.
Other than to help Jeff in his work, the purpose for me being involved in the Schuman Centre is to bridge the gap between the two ministries, linking someone of high calibre and full of insight with people who I meet in Look Up curious to learn more and engage in thoughtful discussion.
Loving the city beyond ‘ministry’.
Even though my work enables me to interact with the city every day, being called to a place is a lifestyle. Beyond my dedicated weekly ministries, I have a strong desire to invest in the local community. Here are a couple ways I’m doing that.
Story Telling
Since arriving in Amsterdam, I’ve been beautifully lead by the Lord towards the art and craft of storytelling.
I’ve been regularly attending a storytelling bar called Mezrab (think open mic night) and have told a personal story about redemption and forgiveness there.
Story telling is part of every culture, and I see such powerful potential in how it can help point people to God. I aim to become more involved in the story telling community, and in time hope to host something similar at Look Up.
Local Church
Living in a rich, multi-generational community of Christ-followers, why would I attend a church at all? Because the local church is not about me. Protestant Christians make up less than 2% of all Amsterdammers, and as a missionary called to Amsterdam, I have a desire to see the local church flourish as God’s plan-A for the redemption and restoration of His world.
For about a year now, my boyfriend Zach and I have been involved in a small church in South Amsterdam. It has around 30 adult members (+ children) and is a very simple and humble place. It’s a international community of people who work regular jobs and raise their children in the city - something that is not easy.
There’s a growing desire to reach the local area, but many struggle with how, and with time. I see a lot of potential to come alongside my new friends at Liberty Zuid and encourage and equip them in their faith with some of the tools I’ve learned from YWAM, as well as learn from them and be more integrated in Amsterdam as my home.
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