Finding Purpose - Song of my Life - Kristine van Dooren

This week I thought it would be fun to quote something I wrote, from my original book files. Between the years of 2000 to 2006, I was writing my autobiography in English. Sometimes I find in those pages, things that I have forgotten about, now that it is twenty years later.  At that time, I had no idea how it would ever get to book form. But it turned out that a German Christian publishing company was interested. That led to my daughter, Naomi translating it. In my recent episodes, I have been telling the story of our family, preparing for the musical in Munich. Here is an excerpt of what I wrote about those days.

Thomas and I, and our four daughters, were about to embark on a life-altering year. The day we saw the positive pregnancy test was exciting, but we had no idea what challenges were ahead of us. The first phone calls we made, were to my parents in California, and to Nadja in Berlin. Though they were both happy for the news, I think they had reservations about us having an even bigger family. But they were encouraged to hear how thrilled we were, to welcome another child into our lives. They probably also thought, " Oh no, hopefully not another home birth!"

They had no idea that Thomas and I, had asked the Lord for five children, way back in 1973!

As usual in preparing for a new episode, I have been looking through old notes and letters that Thomas and I wrote to each other. There I find confirmations of the things that I remember. In a card at the end of the year after our fifth child was born, I wrote; “Thank you for another special year together. You are a faithful and patient husband. Thank you for all your help with the children, especially during the pregnancy and the months with our new born. I pray for you and wish you much strength and clarity of direction from the Holy Spirit. You are my best friend, I love you.”

We had been together for sixteen years by then and were still learning every year how to love and take care of each other better. Our writings also show how the truth of the scriptures worked itself out in our marriage that I talked about in the last episode. Here is an example from Thomas of how he expressed those principles.

Thomas and I, immediately shared the surprise with our daughters, that I was pregnant. With all the girls gathered on our bed, Thomas told them to put their hands on mommy’s tummy and pray for the little baby. We felt blessed that the Lord was adding another child to our family. As for many occasions, we had a song to express our joy. So Thomas said, “Let’s sing,” and we all chimed in;

“Welcome to the family, we’re glad that you have come,to share your life with us, as we grow in love. And may we always be to you what God would have us be, a family always there to be strong and to lean on. May we learn to love each other more with each new day, may words of love be onour lips in everything we say. May the spirit melt our hearts and teach us how to pray, that we might be a true family.”

"Welcome to the Family" by Ernie and Debby Rettinohttps://youtube.com/watch?v=PjhaFYCVA8A&feature=shared

In each new phase of our lives, Thomas and I were learning how to live out the great commission. Simply put; "Preach the gospel, make disciples, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember; I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” With this foundation that began with faith in Jesus, the challenge was to seek him and to trust his guidance. Our confidence was in Jesus, our shepherd. Like Naomi said in the last episode; it was so important that we drew our children into the process of sharing the gospel with others. As parents we were learning that the greatest joy of our lives was raising our four daughters.

At this time we had a brand new challenge. Besides the church and school schedule, we were mapping out a plan to present the musical in the summer of 1986. Thomas had worked with at least 15 pastors in Munich, since 1976. They organized the gathering called “Fest zur Ehre Gottes” (Festival to Honor God), which I have talked about before.

A few times a year, they had special seminars and services that took place in old Lutheran churches. Usually, Thomas wasresponsible, for organizing and practicing with the musicians. Other times he was the translator for American or English pastors. The decision to plan an even larger event, as a 10year anniversary, was definitely a few steps up, from the tradition of normal church meetings. Just so you know, modern mega denominations didn’t exist in Germany. The only choice, was to find a public building, that wasn’t tooexpensive to rent. For the musical presentation a large stage would also be necessary. The pastors could only estimate how many people might come. At that point, they probably calculated, they would need seating for approximately 1000people. And even that big of an audience was hard for them to imagine.

Hope you enjoyed my Guatemala story. That was such a long time ago, but I am more aware now, of the influence that trip had on my family’s life. Also I realized how amazing it is, to know that God's hand that protected us, traveling to so many different countries that year. Today, before I get into my story, I want to take time to reflect again on the purpose of my podcast. With the radical and scary news reports in our world, we might tend to think that things are way worse than in the past. But actually, the scripture says “there is nothing new under the sun”. Therefore similar movements, agendas, including political murders, also took place in my generation. Not only in the US, but in Germany too. There are so many people today, exactly like Thomas and I, were, in the 60s and 70s; lost and disillusioned, without true purpose. But still, there is only one answer, and solution, it begins with hearing and accepting, the truth of the gospel of Christ. This means that the responsibility lies with the Christians, who share their testimony; with conviction, with courage, with joy and are willing to make sacrifices. How could Thomas and I, have ever been saved out of the darkness, unless someone told us that Jesus is alive and He is the only way to God?

Today I am continuing on with our story from Episode 139 called “Dreams Come True”. The impact that musical had on our lives, started a whole new avenue of ministry, for our family. Following that episode, were two inspiring conversations, with the producers of the musical “Celebrate His Holiness”. God seemed to be using the creative gifts in our family, as a way to serve the Lord, and others. A songthat we sang  from Psalm 100 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into his presence with singing.” This verse inJoshua chapter 24, 15, had become our motto; “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The way that worked out practically was, “we will serve the Lord with joy through music.“

Besides our trip to the UK, we had been planning for months, for a long visit to see our friends in Guatemala City. This was by invitation from Pepe and his wife Mayda, who were in Munich the year before. Maybe you remember that story from a previous episode.

Music of Mayda Garces: https://youtu.be/eSCQsmzfp1Q?si=v7oHppRNGhUv_je9

(This is a rerun story of our trip to California. Next week's episode will be about our big adventure to Guatemala in 1985! )

Thomas and I, couldn’t have known that after moving toGermany, we would be going back and forth to California, taking our children with us. It was my home and Thomas’ spiritual home. Both worlds, Germany and California, were an enrichment for our lives. This was definitely, somethingthat God had set out, for all of us. Each time we got the invitation for a conference, we had to start planning for the big trip.

...So the old tape that I listened to this week by Jim, is titled “The Sovereignty of God”. It wasn’t made at the conference, but was recorded around that time, in Eureka. I was pretty amazed to hear some very familiar points that Jim made. Thomas had obviously listened to this one, he took notes and translated the message, for one of his German sermons.

Jim’s voice takes me back, not only to the Elder’s Conference, but to his teachings that transformed our lives. It was always practical instructions in understanding the heart of God.

AUDIO Jim Durkin - Sovereignty of God ...   

Today I am talking with my daughter, Naomi, about raising a big family. She has alot of practical and interesting questions, about marriage, and loving being a mom of five daughters. It helps to have had a good example in your parents, but for example, my husband did not have that. The biggest blessing for both of us, was becoming Christians, and learning from the Bible's instructions, for marriage and raising children. I hope you enjoy listening to our personal, mother - daughter conversation!

PS: This video is also on my Youtube channel: Kristine van Dooren, Finding Purpose

Welcome back, Jim and Anne!

All of the interesting details, and the networking of artists needed to create the musicial, "Celebrate His Holiness", (written by Rick and Patti Ridings.) Begining with willing hearts and trusting the Lord, Kirk and Deby Dearman, Randall Bane, Debbie Roberts, and many more singers and dancers came together in Southampton.

The result; a musical experience that changed lives, drawing people closer to each other, and to God.