Lessons from Our Trip to the UK and Europe

With our suitcases packed and travel documents in hand, we began our journey across the Atlantic, eager to visit God’s people.

This trip marked our first time traveling to Europe, and the excitement was palpable as my wife and I drove to the airport. After hours of flying, the captain announced our descent into Brussels, Belgium, our first destination. Pulling back the window shade, we were greeted by a breathtaking patchwork of fields, rivers and historic towns—a new world unfolding before our eyes.

Reflecting on my first impressions of Europe now that the trip is over, I am reminded of the many ministers of God who have traveled to serve brethren over the centuries. The apostle Paul provided a glimpse of his travel plans in one of his journeys: “Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company” (Rom. 15:24).

Like Paul, ministers today are called to serve brethren worldwide, upholding a bond of mutual service and fellowship. It was a profound privilege to strengthen members’ faith and commitment to God’s Way in this part of the world.

Yet this encouragement was not one-sided. Along the way, my wife and I were deeply inspired by the dedication of the brethren, experiencing many moments that strengthened our own faith as well.

Our journey took us to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and finally to Belgium for the Feast of Tabernacles. Along the way, we witnessed God’s blessings, faced unexpected challenges and experienced the joy of fellowship with His people. Our time with the brethren was filled with valuable spiritual lessons, and we invite you to share in the journey!

Blessed Nations

Our itinerary began with two short morning flights, which would give us enough time to reach Birmingham, UK, before the Feast of Trumpets. However, a strike by airport security staff caused long delays, leading us to miss our connecting flight. Other flights were either fully booked or prohibitively expensive, leaving us uncertain about how to proceed.

That is when we remembered the Eurostar high-speed train that connects mainland Europe to London. Hurrying to the train station, we bought tickets and had a customs official stamp for our Schengen visa (which we believed was a multi-entry visa into Europe—more on this later).

We arrived in Solihull, England, just before sunset and were warmly welcomed by the local members who were hosting us. On Trumpets, we had a combined service with the Birmingham and Doncaster congregations. The brethren’s warmth and enthusiasm were contagious as we shared tea, biscuits and a hearty meal with beautifully decorated tables.

The highlight of our journey was not the historic landmarks but rather the time we spent with God’s people. As is the case with brethren all over the world, they are a close-knit group and we immediately felt at home. Everyone shared their stories about how they had been called into the truth and said their goodbyes before we departed for London on our way to Tunbridge Wells.

Walking along the cobblestone streets of London, surrounded by landmarks of rich heritage, we reflected on God’s promise to Abraham: “You shall be a father of many nations…and kings shall come out of you” (Gen. 17:4, 6). The enduring legacy of these nations stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness across generations. Britain (Ephraim), the Netherlands (Zebulun) and Belgium (Asher) are examples of Abraham’s family tribes growing into larger nations, all of which produced royalty.

The kindness and selflessness of the brethren, along with God’s abundant blessings to modern Israelitish nations, emerged as a central theme of our trip.

Notice how the book of James describes God as the ultimate giver: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him” (1:5).

Throughout history, He has generously provided “every good gift” (vs. 17). These blessings are not just for our benefit—they are opportunities to show gratitude by sharing our time and resources with others.

With God’s blessings on our minds, my wife and I continued on the next leg of our journey.

A Time to Replenish

Next, we arrived in Tunbridge Wells in southeastern England, where we experienced more of the hospitality of the local brethren and ministry. We were able to enjoy time with a minister and his wife and their 15-year-old cat, giving as a nice respite in our busy schedule. The feline sat with us every morning we were there as we shared a conversation over breakfast and coffee. In the evenings, we enjoyed sitting by the fireplace as we made final preparations for the Feast of Tabernacles.

As we traveled, we were constantly reminded of the unity that binds God’s people, regardless of their backgrounds or where they live. Whether attending services in London, Buffalo or Auckland, the bond of fellowship remains the same.

Paul wrote, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (I Cor. 12:13). The phrase “made to drink” here, according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, means “to water or saturate one’s mind.”

No matter where we attend in God’s Church, our minds have been saturated with God’s Spirit, uniting us as one Body of Christ. Each time we experience this, we are seeing this verse in action!

We left Tunbridge Wells refreshed and ready to head to the Netherlands.

Faith and Patience

Landing at Schiphol Airport, we were eager to explore the Netherlands with its oh-so-familiar language (Dutch is closely related to our mother tongue, Afrikaans) and meet with the brethren for the Day of Atonement. However, every journey has its challenges, and ours was no exception.

Unknown to us, we had already used our “one-time entry” visa during our unplanned train trip. The customs officer informed us that this would prevent our entry into the Schengen area.

Amid prayers and uncertainty, the officers worked tirelessly to help us. They reviewed our case, asked questions about our purpose in attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Belgium and verified every detail.

Finally, a breakthrough: They determined our earlier visa stamp was considered invalid because it was issued before its start date. Since when has government bureaucracy offered such a blessing?

With fresh passport stamps and a green light to proceed, we stepped into Amsterdam. We felt God’s hand at work, enabling us to fulfill our responsibilities at the Feast.

Yet the challenges were not over. One of our large suitcases was missing. Undeterred, we made the best of a cold, rainy day. We sought warmth in a coffee shop and visited secondhand stores to replace essential pieces of attire needed for church services the next day.

Just in time for Atonement, however, the missing suitcase was found, reminding us that God always has perfect timing.

With each obstacle, God was guiding us, providing support and solutions just when we needed them. These moments of deliverance turned trials into triumphs and deepened our reliance on Him.

Such challenges yield spiritual growth, not only for yourself but for others. The apostle Peter tells us to resist “your adversary the devil” (I Pet. 5:8), reminding us “that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (vs. 9).

Remembering that brethren worldwide face or undergo similar “afflictions” allows us to share a sense of unity and brings comfort, drawing us closer to God and one another.

Driving through the beautifully manicured landscape of the Netherlands, with local music playing on the radio, we felt a renewed sense of joy. We were on our way to be reunited with our two children in Brussels and then travel to the Feast of Tabernacles in Blankenberge.

Feast Memories

The Feast was the pinnacle of our journey, with many memorable moments. As the children’s choir sang “It’s a Miracle,” with a cute mishmash of accents, we wished we could capture the sparkles in their eyes and share them with the brethren around the world. Participating in the baptisms of young men and women near the shore of the North Sea was particularly moving. The group included my son. Despite the chilly water, the blue sky and sunshine provided a beautiful setting for this special moment.

A highlight for singles at this Feast site was visiting a Belgian chocolate workshop, where they crafted exquisite treats. We tagged along with the group. The chocolatier proudly shared that the Belgian royals frequently ordered from her shop. Little did she know she was making some of the “royal dainties” referenced in Genesis 49:20.

Each event was a wonderful opportunity to rejoice, including the Holy Day luncheons with distinctive European cuisine. The Dinner Dance blended both formal waltzes and lively American line dances and was a great opportunity to connect with the brethren.

The morning after the Last Great Day, my family and I departed on an early morning train ride back to Brussels. At the train station, a man attempted to pickpocket us, but he and his accomplice ran off without taking anything.

Later, with strikes still affecting Brussels airport, we nearly missed our return flight. Thankfully, the airline held the plane for us, urging us to run for the gate. They closed the door right after we boarded, allowing us to make it home in time for the Sabbath back at the Church’s Headquarters in Wadsworth, Ohio.

Once again, God was looking out for us!

Future Journeys

This international visit was a powerful reminder of the tremendous privilege the ministry has to visit and serve God’s people.

We are entrusted to care for God’s flock. As the “Chief Shepherd” (I Pet. 5:4), God had you, His flock, in mind when He inspired Peter to write: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (vs. 2).

Ministers prepare weekly messages, write articles and offer counsel as a means of feeding the Church, God’s “flock.” We do so cheerfully!

This verse, however, highlights another important role that ministers enjoy fulfilling. It states they take “the oversight” of the Church. What does this mean for the brethren? It means that ministers are entrusted with the responsibility to oversee, inspect, look after or care for their congregations. They are eager to visit you to comfort, support, counsel and encourage you along your Christian journey.

My family and I will long cherish this international trip. Even many weeks after our return, we still think back on the moments and memories we shared with God’s people thousands of miles away. We will continue to treasure those memories as we look through the many pictures we brought back with us.

Whenever possible, we encourage everyone to spend time together in fellowship during and after services, at small gatherings and larger socials. Take the opportunity to meet new people and visit those in your area who may be shut-in. You could even visit brethren in another part of the world like we did. Also remember: a visit does not always have to be in person. A brief video or phone call can also show that you care and provide support.

Psalm 133:1 declares: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” By staying committed to God’s Way, we can continue to build and cherish the unity of dwelling together as His people.