Report Intercultural Day Retreat ‘Father, Make Us One’

On Monday, January 19, the Koetshuis at Zusterplein in Zeist was the setting for the annual day retreat for pastors, ministers, and evangelists of the Kerk en Migrant platform. The theme, ‘Father, make us one,’ inspired participants from various church denominations, ranging from Eastern Orthodox and Protestant to Pentecostal. There was also a great diversity of ethnic backgrounds represented: Congo, Myanmar, China, Nigeria, Syria, Curaçao, and the Netherlands.

Reverend Jan Maarten Goedhart led the moments of silence and prayer. The congregational singing was equally diverse, including a traditional hymn, a song from Opwekking, and a lively African spiritual. Pastor Samuel Ekpo shared his reflections on unity based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17, after which small groups discussed what they saw as the greatest obstacles to unity.

One point that emerged was a mismatch of expectations: visitors with a migrant background are often looking for a new family, while Dutch church volunteers may be willing to help but do not always have time to invest in relationships. Mutual prejudices were also mentioned.

After a delicious Syrian lunch, pairs went out together for an Emmaus walk to continue talking about the desire for unity in their lives and ministries. At the end of the day, pastors from many different places celebrated unity together in the Lord’s Supper. Next year we will organize this retreat again—keep an eye on our communications!