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 could only describe what happened as “blessings upon blessings.”

Within days, a local bar next to where the church used to stand opened its space for the church to gather. This became a short-term solution when the building was then scheduled for demolition. Shortly after, another door opened. 

A former monastery on the edge of the church’s neighborhood became available. During this season, the congregation found a new temporary home where people were baptized and ministry in the neighborhood could continue. Football (soccer) activities, community gatherings, and connections 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 dwindled.

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. 

When the choir heard about the fire and the situation of the Breda church, they graciously let the Breda congregation use their chapel. At Christmas, the church gathered in a warm space, shared a meal, and celebrated the coming of the Light of the world.

“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,” said Breda pastor Stephen Overduin. “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 the surrounding areas.”

Over the past year, the congregation felt a clear calling to move back to the neighborhood where the original church building once stood. This area has significant diversity and poverty levels, and it is where the church has been involved in children’s work for the past 8 to 10 years. The congregation decided to work together with a development company to rebuild the church and add housing above it. 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.

“Even after losing our building, God confirmed our calling to this neighborhood,” Overduin said. “We continue to see how he is leading and forming us as a church.”

—Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

Related: Fire destroys Netherlands church