STORIES FROM
EUROPE

"How the first year in Maastricht flew by!" reflects Trix Landman. "We look back on an intense, yet beautiful year. So much has happened—saying goodbye, moving, settling in, and adjusting to a culture quite different from what we knew. It’s a constant balance between maintaining connections with family and friends and building new relationships here. Life in mission resembles our life in Bodegraven, yet it is so different. Joining the ECM mission community Proef! makes you more aware of your words and actions, reshapes how you spend your time, and shifts your focus from your own family and desires to the needs of the community. We ask ourselves: What is needed in our team? Where can we make a difference in the neighbourhood? Where is God at work, and how can we connect with it? It’s a wonderful desire, but a process that sometimes demands a lot from us. We’re learning how vital it is to build in rest and take time for each other."

Despite the challenges of a first year, Edward and Trix have already been actively sharing the Gospel. A small group of women now gathers regularly to read the Bible together, led by Trix.

Reading the Bible Together

Trix reads the Bible with a few women every other Thursday morning. It’s wonderful to see how much this is appreciated and how eagerly the women look forward to it. They began with the Passion stories in Luke before Easter and are now continuing in Acts, exploring the origins of the early church. One participant clearly recognised how the Holy Spirit ensures the Gospel spreads worldwide, even in the midst of adversity.

The women ask questions freely and share openly about their lives. Time and again, God’s Word speaks into their daily realities, showing its continued relevance. The regular rhythm of the meetings fosters a sense of community—praying for one another and supporting each other in tangible ways. Initially, they hoped for a larger group, but recently they agreed that the current size is perfect. Growth is welcome, but not required. While Proef! activities pause during school holidays, the Bible study continues, and participants are grateful for that consistency.

European Christian Mission is committed to a long-term presence in Maastricht. If you feel called to be part of this local mission and help build community around the Gospel, consider moving to Maastricht and joining this growing work!