A Change at the Helm

13 september 2011

After fifteen years of faithful service, Gijs Lammerts van Bueren has stepped down as director of NEM. He passes the baton to Kees Jan Rodenburg.  

Before being appointed at NEM, Kees Jan worked at the Centre for Israel Studies in Jerusalem. For six and a half years he was their theological advisor. Although his main focus was on Jewish-Christian relations, he also tried to build relationships with Palestinian Christians. “I was deeply impressed by individuals and organisations with a vision for reconciliation, justice and peace,” Kees Jan says. 

Looking back, Gilbert recognises that much has changed within NEM. He considers the Bridge Builders Programme the most important change. “In addition to long-term mission, we now also offer people the opportunity to be sent out short-term.” This programme has opened doors for young people to be a part of what NEM does in the Middle East. 

Reflecting on the highs and lows, Gilbert is above all grateful to God that no NEM workers died over the years through violent incidents. “We work in a region marked by violence. We cannot take our safety for granted.” Those times of war were also the most difficult.
“Waiting by the phone at night, because there
had been an attack, having to take responsibility
for the workers, consulting with the Interior Ministry, the embassies and the field directors, deciding whether it was safe enough to stay”. 

The field workers conferences that Gilbert introduced were another high point. “There were often tensions because people identified with the countries they loved and worked in.” Gilbert remembers the immense joy when every time the workers found each other in the reconciliation we have through Christ Jesus and they could share communion together. 

Kees Jan has no intentions of drastically changing things within NEM. “I first want to take the time to get to know the people, to explore the work and make contacts. Because of the increasing visa problems, I will consider if there are different ways NEM can be present in the Middle East, that are also relevant to the people we hope to serve.” In addition Kees Jan
intends to address the question of how NEM can strengthen the relationship between the Middle East and the countries back home.  

Looking ahead Gilbert remarks, “In the past fifteen years I've seen that it's easy to lose hope for the future. But I've also experienced that when we return to the Scriptures and pray, hope returns. Looking at the Middle East we realise how much this world needs
redemption. Yes, the near future seems dark for Israel and her neighbours. A quick solution to the conflict doesn't exist. But we're called to wait on God, expect His intervention and encourage Jews and Palestinians.” 

As for NEM-UK, Gilbert is confident that Kees Jan Rodenburg will find new ways to help Christians recognise God's plan and calling for the people of Israel and His heart for the Arabs. “People, including Evangelical Christians, are so easily influenced by the
modern (Christian!) media. But spending more time watching the news than studying the Bible, praying and meeting Jews and Arabs, will only deepen the polarisation between the pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian lobby. 

We're called to the ministry of reconciliation in Jesus Messiah!”