Russ & Mary Ann Miller

Impression Team Report
April 3 - 14, 2008

Richard & Elaine Wischmeier • Bob & Renee James
Russ & Mary Ann Miller, team leaders

At the end of on uneventful flight to Brussels we were met by Philip Kapitaniuk, who explained our itinerary and gave us a brief history of BLF.

After breakfast on Saturday, we left for Drulingen (headquarters of France For Christ). We stopped at the Chateau de Bouillon, the fortress that belonged to Sigmund Godefroid, leader of the first crusade, who sold the castle to pay for the crusade. On arrival at Drulingen, we were greeted by Alain and Martine Stamp, who gave us a tour of the offices and after dinner, told us about France For Christ.

Sunday morning we attended church in Weislingen. The people were friendly and many came to talk with us after the service. In the afternoon, Abby Greth took us to see the towns of Bouxwiller and Saverne, also the Chateau Haut-Barr.

Monday: After Abby's husband, Jean-Pierre, explained the areas that needed to be painted, we cleared those areas of furniture and things on the walls and began to tape. It took until noon to finish taping, then we painted all afternoon and into the evening. We painted ceilings and walls in the small entry way, the large entry area, two long halls, the stairwell going to the 2nd floor, also the stairwell going up to the 3rd floor. Sandrine from the office worked on the small entry-way.

Tuesday we finished the painting and began removing the tape and doing touch-ups. After supper, we worked on the small hallway on the 3rd floor and the stairway.

Mealtimes and tea breaks were great social times. We sat around the table with Jean-Piere and Abby and sometimes Sandrine or Barbara (FFC staff) and talked and laughed, asked questions, told stories, and voiced our appreciation. The Greth’s are perfect as hosts of the FFC house. We all enjoyed and appreciated them.

Wednesday morning we finished the painting and removing of tape and doing touch-ups, finishing by noon. At the end of the meal, Abby presented each couple with a plate with a scene from the traditional life of Alsace, a gift from the President of the Board of FFC to show appreciation for our work. We were touched by his thoughtfulness and generosity. As we left, Abby and Sandrine led us to a shop where we could buy souvenirs of Alsace, followed by supper with Debbie at a pizzeria in Mons.

Thursday we worked at BLF in the bindery--some on the collating machine to collate the New Testament in comic form, some in putting together the three parts of the whole Bible, and others helped on stitching. Russ and Kevin worked on shelves in the warehouse, while Debbie revived our energies with a good dinner.

Friday we worked in the bindery again. They thoughtfully let us stop a bit early in the afternoon and go shopping at the market and store in Erlequinnes.

Saturday we left early for Keukenhof (Netherlands) to see the tulips and other spring flowers. The weather has been cool this year, so the flowers outdoors weren't as far along as usual, but there were plenty in bloom and beautiful flower beds everywhere. The weather was sunny and warmish, making for a wonderful day.

Sunday morning we were able to sleep a bit later, then went downstairs to church. They are studying "the New Testament Church" and applying what they learned to their own church. Several of the members gave personal testimonies, revealing both honesty and struggles. It was a good service, followed by a potluck lunch. Later, we went to Strepy-Thieu in Belgium, then enjoyed a meal of raclette and good fellowship at the home of Heidi and Philip Kapitaniuk. We also saw the new BLF video and each of us received a copy to take with us.

Monday morning we grabbed breakfast and left about 8:00 a.m. for the Brussels airport to begin the trip back home. Hugs and good-byes were heartfelt because of all we had shared.

Russ & Mary Ann Miller
Spring Hill, FL