At the invitation of the Dutch Caribbean Union Mission, I traveled to the three islands comprising the Union: Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire. We went to share, with the leaders and members, insights and strategies for implementing what we refer to as “Possibility Ministries”, also referred to as Special Needs Ministries. The response was very encouraging! Fortunately, my wife, Carrie, was able to travel with me and that was indeed very special. It was the first time either of us had been to these islands. Each has its own unique characteristics, although Aruba seems to attract more tourists. The timing was great. We missed the bad storms that struck Maryland while we were gone. We exchanged the cold for tropical heat. Not a bad deal for us. Though the number of speaking appointments was many (about 12), we did have an hour to do some snorkel diving while in Bonaire. It was a fantastic experience! We were given a superb tour of the islands by the Union Mission Secretary and Special Needs Ministries leader, Hans Ponte.
Some statistics about the islands:
- 2 Missions: Aruba, Bonaire
- 1 Conference: Curacao
Languages (Churches for each of following language groups):
- Papiamento
- Dutch
- Spanish
- English
- French/Creole (Hatian)
Membership:
- Union – 9k
- Curacao - 7,700. (34 CHS 2 Groups)
- Bonaire - 300. (3 churches, 1 group)
- Aruba - 1,000 (8 churches 3 groups)
Secretary: Hans Ponte
Treasurer: Daniel Zuniga
President of Curacao: Shelwin Willems
Secretary of Curacao: Charlton Bruno
Treasure: Claire Isidora
SNM Director – Ramires Janzen
President of Bonaire: Surrandy Selassa
Secretary of Bonaire: Hans Ponte
President of Aruba: Martin Forbes
Secretary/Treasurer: Mirugia Leocadia
SNM Director: Jerome Bevins
About 500 baptisms in the Union in 2017
(Below are images taken during the trip. Each image below can be clicked on to view an enlargement in a new tab)
 Gathering for Special Needs Training |
 Leadership in Curacao: Mission President, Union Mission Secretary, Local Church Pastor |
 Hotel Units in Curacao - The pastel colors of the buildings was unique – beautiful! |
 Jewish Synagogue in Curacao - This synagogue has been in continuous use since 1732. However, it was established in 1651. The oldest active Jewish congregation in the Western Hemisphere. |
 Jewish Synagogue with Sand Floor - Why a sand floor? (1) Modeled after the encampment in the Sinai during the 40 years of wandering on the way to the Promised Land. (2) A reminder of how forefathers put sand on floor of secret rooms to muffle sounds of services during the Inquisition. (3) To symbolize that God promised Abraham to multiply his seed as the sands of the seashore and the stars in the heavens! - Gen. 13:16 |
 Union Mission Headquarters in Curacao |
 Harbor view of Curacao at night |
 Aruba Mission Headquarters |
 Sending Greetings to You! |
