Ingrid Verbiese
and the Belgium Support Group

from De Pilgrim Church, Oostende, Belgium

VOOR INFO BELGIË - NEDERLAND  contacteer:

ingrid.verbiese@youthworx-ea.org.uk
 
Telefoon 059 80 59 20  (België)
 
            0032 59 80 59 20 (buiten België)

GSM nummer  0495 87 31 05 (België)
 
                   0032 495 87 31 05 (buiten België)
 

Ingrid's first visit to Uganda was in January 2003, when God invited her to join the team from Bognor visiting Ian. She returned for a 3 month short term mission in Kampala. In December 2003 she went back with Hakim, her son, for another 7 month period where Hakim attended an international school.

In June 2006 an opportunity opened up for her, and she again spent 3 months in Uganda working with YEA.

She returned to Kampala mid November 2006 for another 6 month stay, before spending more time back in Belgium, still supporting the work of YEA.

Ingrid returned to Uganda for another stay on15th October 2008, returning to Belgium in time for Christmas.

You can read of her travels on her blog:-
 
 www.ingriduganda.wordpress.com


 

Ingrid is now back in Belgium, you can read more on her blog. Here are some photos from her most recent visit. On the way to the campsite. Ian, Richard, Bala and Ingrid at the campsite Catherine, Ingrid, Vicky, Louise and Marion Lynette, Ingrid, Violet, Debora, Harriet & Annette. Ingrid and Olivia from VOW Brenda, Violet and Ingrid
Back to Kampala November 13, 2008 Hi all   I am back in Kampala since last night trying to reflect and debrief.  Lots to share since my last update. I  had my first Sunday service (2-11-08) at ” Transformation Church ” where Florent Bahizi is the pastor (see YEA website. Burundi).  A humble, gentle, genuine, serving and loving guy. This planted church started in January this year with 6 people and grew to 50 new believers now. A little church with a big heart. They choose to have the vision to be a giving church.  From what I experienced they give far beyond their natural abilities. In that first service 5 new people were baptised. They have a system before baptism , new believers follow once a week a 3 months course for the Biblical basics  for which afterwards they receive a certificate. One person was previously a leader among street kids, stealing and living on the streets too. Another one stepped out of the rebel army. Powerful testimonies and transformed lives. There are are lots of challenges facing this young church.  After service I was immediately introduced to all the leaders and we had fellowship and chatted most of that afternoon. They proposed that I should come to the leadership meeting the next Tuesday, which was a privilege and pleasure to attend. Actually the churches ‘building’ is a tent where all the activities take place.  It is attached to a house under construction, which the plot owner gave them permission to use . Hopefully this will be for the next 3 years but the town council want them to move. They are in the middle of what has become a residential area, with big houses being built. There is a big gap between rich and poor.  I’ve been told that many of the rich people benefitted from the war. The church owns a different plot now near the lake.  It is in fact wetland and very bushy.  They have a deadline to start the building process by January. They took me there and we prayed. The people are very warm, openhearted; not reserved at all , gentle, and respectful towards others.   I spent a lot of quality time with Florent, visiting different ministries and their leaders in town. We also attended a ” lunch hour ” service in his mothers church “MINEVAM” from midday to 2am daily. Full packed, I estimate around 400 people  . .  could even be more.		Shops in town are poorly supplied, and what you find is twice as expensive as Kampala.  Even local food, like Veg and fruit are doubled in price.  Due to the war there isn’t much farming and productivity.  An average worker’s wage is 25 euros (20 pounds).  A doctor after 7 year university earns just 70 euros! ( less than 60 pounds!) This is to give an idea of the challenges people meet for daily living here. There is a continued fear and tension of a repeated war.  The rebel army is still active on the suburbs of town and the government does not do anything to stop their activities.  On the road coming into or leaving town, you see many soldiers posted.  This is to protect traffic, especially cargos with imported provisions, as they are targeted by the rebels.  people who were baptised. Lots of young people hang around in the town centre, most are jobless & hopeless. The abuse of alcohol and cannabis are common.   Most of the main roads are tarmac with good, built in drainage systems and in contrast to Uganda, clean.  The suburb streets are paved and also have a built in drainage systems.  There is less dust and with an absence of mud, it looks quite different to Uganda.  The town itself is very flat, surrounded with beautiful views of the hills. the church Drinking water is available from the tap - very clean and clear.  Power is continuously on, which is a blessing and they are both cheap in use, which is definitely not the case in Kampala.   The baking idea failed, because there is no oven available and no equipment either.  Even some supplies were out of stock and the ones that were there, were expensive. The main needs for the church to be effective with ministry, are a printer (which is already on its way).  They have to print all discipleship courses , bible studies from the internet cafe .A projector and a cooker with oven are  the other two things.  The projector would need to be imported from Europe as they cost €1500 here (£1000 GBP).  A cooker with oven - the cheapest is €260 in Kampala, but in Bujumbura it is not affordable.   For the future, there is a possibility to stock provisions from Kigali as it is only 6 hours traveling by bus.   I was also in the worship services on Thursday evenings, very lively , free to move in the Spirit, clapping & dancing.
The leadership toasting with coke.		Last Sunday evening there was a farewell party organised for Alex and me at Florent’s house, with the leadership present. They expressed so much their appreciation, love, friendship etc… and said that the door is always open for us to come back.  We shared a meal and it was such a good and fantastic time of fellowship. They have made every effort for us to feel comfortable and accepted, so that we feel part of them. They would love to see more pople come and visit. It is such an encouragement for them. To our surprise Alex and I were given a beautiful present. I have a burden for that little church and I love them. Godelive my host, is a friendly, sweet lady. She has done all she could for me to feel at home. I appreciate her hospitality a lot , and all that she did.   I will miss them.   Much love to you all and thanks for your prayers   Ingrid Verbiese
From Bujumbura November 1, 2008 I arrived Wednesday the 29th in the afternoon in Bujumbura. First impression was the heat. Florent was waiting for me and Godelive picked us up and we went straight to her home. There was a delicious meal waiting for us. Afterwards we met up with Alex in town and dropped ourselves at the exotic beach (lake Tanganyika). We relaxed and had a cool drink. Very nice place. The next days Florent took me around to some of his friends and contacts in ministry. Like the university students evangelism, street kids project, scripture union etc… On Thursday night I shared an encouragement in the youth meeting at Florent’s church which is actually a big tent attached to a house under construction. They have to move from the town council as that area became residential. They have a plot next to the Lake. Next week there is a visit planned to meet Simon and family from Great Lake Outreach. We also went 3 times to immigration office applying for a visa de sejour for my stay. Yesterday we spent most of the afternoon waiting for it to be stamped in my passport. People are very friendly here and very respectful towards visitors. Bujumbura is a small town with its many similar paved streets on the suburbs. They have along them a drainage system for the rains. Most of the main roads are tarmac with no potholes. You see big houses rising up in the residential areas. It is very green, hot with rain showers between, and palm trees are very common in the gardens. The basics for life are expensive here. I visited the local fruits and veg market yesterday, twice expensive than Kampala. This was the same for the supplies in the supermarket. And not everything is available. Margarine seems to be out of stock. I’ve seen Belgian chocolates and biscuits for 5 times more the price than Belgium. This is to give an idea.		Alex, Florent and Ingrid
Naomi, Joseph, Florent, Ingrid, Aline, Alice and friend		My travelling went well. I was a bit scared going on my own & staying in places complete unknown to me. As far as I am in Uganda I am confident. But crossing Rwanda & staying in Kigali was stepping out to the unknown. Especially the motel where my room was booked canceled that one just before I left. So had no certainty where I would overnight in a strange town. Dropped myself for the first night coming from Kampala in Kabale(Uganda). Early morning caught a car to the Katunga border with 7 people sitting in the car and 4 in the boot! After I passed the immigration there, I was confused because of not seeing any transport around to Kigali. I was told a bus from Kampala waiting there was going, so got a seat on that one. I sat next to a girl called Anita, living in Kampala who was visiting her boyfriend Joseph in Kigali. The landscape is very hilly, lots of tea plantages with  brown soil color different from the red soil in Uganda. Arriving at the taxi park in Kigali, Anita told me to stay with her. To my astonishment her boy friend drove me to the bus park and helped me booking and buying my seat for the next morning. Then he took me to the motel that had canceled my room and I found space to spend the night. As it is 10mins walk to the bus. So the Lord manifested Himself in way sending His servants to help me finding my way around! I didn’t have to do any effort. I was so thankful. I had to ask forgiveness for my lack of trust. The next morning I was at 6.15am in the bus park. There were two similar busses by the time of boarding, and I didn’t realise I was sitting in the wrong one with a complete different destination. Some ladies required where I was going, that’s when I swapped buses! Thank you Lord for redirecting me
Ingrid, Florent and Godelive		The journey was pleasant and my eyes seem never to be satisfied from the beautiful views and panoramas looking continue through the window. Valleys, hills, rivers, forests … as I am coming from a flat country. The road was in excellent condition with tarmac and no potholes. Rwanda is very clean and well maintained. There was a lady sitting next to me, telling me that the forest from NYONGWE (Rwanda) is prolonged up to KEBIRA forest in Burundi(a long way!). We also passed what she called “ The Red Zone”. During the war cars, trucks and people were abducted there by the rebels and burned. Tomorrow service, will be special because some people will be baptized. I also went to a local ZOO, which was interesting. Many crocodiles and snakes! I already have many photos and will for sure take more in the church service. When I will be back in Kampala I’ll burn them on CD and will send them to Steve. I think this is all for now, thinking of you and the OpenheArt event. Thanks for the prayers and God bless Ingrid Verbiese
October 23, 2008 Hi all   I won’t be back on my blog until my return from Burundi in mid November.  I will be on a local sim card in Burundi : +25779312015.  My usual number will be active in Rwanda.  I will be checking email too. Unfortunately for the Pelgrim friends there is no connection for text with ‘Base’ network, but there is a way to make cheap calls on the internet to my mobile, you only need a headset and download from ‘ www.freecall.com ‘. (Click the link to view this site)  ’m going to leave next Monday at 6.30am for Kigali (Rwanda). It is approx 12hrs travelling. In Kigali I’ll be staying for 2 nights in a motel.  The next day I’ll need to book my seat for the Wednesday bus to Bujumbura. Ian has drawn me a map with directions as I always worry that I could get lost in a place that is completely strange to me.  On the Burundian border I’ll have to apply for the visa as they were unable  to give me one in the Embassy in Kampala.  I’m arriving around 12.30pm local time in Bujumbura. I’m going to leave next Monday at 6.30am for Kigali (Rwanda). It is approx 12hrs travelling. In Kigali I’ll be staying for 2 nights in a motel.  The next day I’ll need to book my seat for the Wednesday bus to Bujumbura. Ian has drawn me a map with directions as I always worry that I could get lost in a place that is completely strange to me.  On the Burundian border I’ll have to apply for the visa as they were unable  to give me one in the Embassy in Kampala.  I’m arriving around 12.30pm local time in Bujumbura.		I will be staying with Godelive, a YEA friend, who will just be on leave from work. There will be time to spend with Florent and Alex, caching up with YEA work and its development there.  The Pelgrim has also a strong vision for the future, building bridges for a stronger relationship and many other plans that will be unfold in God’s perfect timing.  With Florent, I’ll also be doing a ’search’ on local baking ingredients, and  then having some experiments with him, teaching him the basics of baking. I think we shall be challenged but we will have fun with it too! I am looking very much forward to this time and I’m excited about meeting with all the friends there and having fellowship in different ways.   On Monday we had ‘Cell’ together, including Lynette (Collin’s wife). Next time we shall go for roasted pork opposite church.  Last night I went to the youth fellowship at KBC. I’ll also be involved with ‘TGF’ (Thank God its Friday). I actually need to make a budget &  bake the cakes for 50 people when I’ll be back in Kampala. This for the Chrismas TGF on the last Friday in December. Camps are also coming up soon with the school break.   I’ve been mostly busy with sorting everthing out for my trip this week. Tomorrow Ray (a YEA volunteer) is going to help me , going to the bus company and buying my ticket for Kigali. I also met Eugene, and  promised to spend time with him when I am back.   Saturday Brian is going to get married at Makarere Francis church.  He was Collin’s best man on his wedding. The whole KBC congregation is invited for the sevice and the reception.  So I expect all of us will be there.  I have still not seen everybody so this will be an opportunity to catch up with them.   Yesterday, while walking to church, I was almost hit by a boda. I really had to jump at the last second. I already lost weight, I’m losing my trousers, so need to keep an eye as I have not much back up left! :-)  We are into the rainy season, and in the evenings it is cold.  There’s a little sunshine at noon but we still struggle to get the laundry dry as this is washed by hand.   I think this is all for now, please keep me in your prayers, and please keep in touch.   God bless you all   Much love   Ingrid Verbiese

January 2008
Hi All
 
Firstly a Happy New Year to you all. Well we have been looking so much forward to our first YEA Belgium meeting. This finally happened on Friday the 4th of January starting from 7pm. With our special guest Thelma Edwards from Vic Drive church Bognor Regis. She will drop a few lines herself,  it was her first visit too Belgium too. We let her undergo the experience of having a Belgium waffle in town and on Saturday we had an outing to Bruges. One of our cities with its typical buildings, streets and houses remaining from the Middle Ages.
 
On Friday evening we had the Belgium YEA supporters around for supper at my place. These friends have been faithfully & committed in supporting Ian & team for more than 2 years now. The plan began then to start with them as a YEA  group for Belgium.
Especially we are fortunate to have our pastor Steve Jenkins being one of the YEA trustees from the Bognor group. We opened a bank account here so that  in the future it would enable people from Europe to transfer donations.
 
We were 8 of us, Steve dropped by later as he had the leadership meeting going on on the same time. We started with supper meanwhile having a phone call with Ian. Everyone had the opportunity to chat with him. We must have sounded very loud as we made fun and laughter with everyone trying to express themselves in their best formal English!!!
Ian's email addressed to the group was read, updated with the crisis which Uganda was undergoing due to the political situation in Kenya.
 
Then Thelma shared her impressions from her visit to Uganda and how she lived it out emotionally & spiritually. How much she had  felt God's heart for the people their challenges and suffering.
 
We then had a dessert, and took a comfortable seat and watched & listened to the power point presentation done by Thelma. She led us through some history for YEA , how it all started, which people got involved, how the trustee group began and so on. Was very interesting for us all. Very well done! Some questions followed. Steve arrived and he also had some input within the group. It was all very encouraging for us and people said afterwards that it was such a blessed evening. We closed in prayer.
 
They all left cheerfully and enthusiastic a bit before midnight!
 
A big thank you, to all of you who participated in different ways to make this happen.
 
Bridges & relationships with the continent have been built closer now and  this will develop further for the future.
 
God bless you all
 
Much love
 
Ingrid
 

Before the meeting Ian had written to them.....

Hi All,

 

I have been waiting all day for the power to come on so that I can send you all greetings at this first meeting of YEA Belgium.

 

I am excited, encouraged and feel this is a significant meeting as the work we have to do here increases. I appreciate your support, prayers and partnership and believe this will grow. Thankyou all so much . My greetings are also echoed by the whole YEA team here.

 

Today I have explored our almost deserted capital city to do shopping, check postbox etc. The fuel crisis has emptied the roads, made it impossible for most workers to get to their offices and put prices up on everything. Cooking gas is now gone completely and power cuts are set to increase as much of the power is now produced by diesel generators. Many of the markets are now pretty empty as farmers cannot get the produce to the city. We have stopped using the generator as the fuel to run it is not available. It is amazing how quickly everything has been affected. Eastern Uganda is also now host to a growing number of refugees from Kenya. I will try and keep you all updated as time passes, but for now we can see the situation continuing for quite a while.

 

I hope it will be possible to chat later this evening. I will be waiting with the phone on.

 

God bless

Ian

---

22/11/07

Dear all
 
  As you know we will have the Christmas fair at church on the same time as the local community we are living in. This on the weekend of the 8-9 of December.
  All the preparations for this to happen started already. We have been to the local newspapers in town, for advertising to be published.
  One of them " The TIPS"  will have a special edition on the 6th of December, then they will be not only spread for free in Oostende but in all the linked towns around on the coast.
   We have been invited to write an article for that special edition, why we do this and its purpose. So we dropped a few lines for what YEA is doing in Africa as a charity and we added a picture with the YEA website on it too. This is sent by the time I am writing this now.
   Please pray for this, I am very excited that the YEA website will be published, and that people will have access through.
The most important thing is that we cover this in prayers. We can be thankful for this opportunity, it's an exception as a church and as Christians to have that favour to get advertising in secular local newspapers done.
 
Wish you all a blessed weekend
 
Much love
 
Ingrid