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PRESENT MINISTRIES

The FMC in Belgium is registered with the government. It became an official FM mission district in 2004. A ministry among Latinos and youth has begun in the Oostende congregation. Lawrence Abagnaba oversees the Oostende congregation. Bible studies are held in other parts of West Flanders. Pastor Simeon Rutazihana leads the Brussels congregation and serves as the country leader. Eric and Amy Casteel, both elders from the East Michigan Conference, are currently living in Belgium while Amy works on her PhD. Eric volunteers time to the FMC serving as a mentor and coach for the Belgium team.

ORIGINS

“Help us start a Free Methodist Church!” was the plea that came from Filipino women who had recently moved to Oostende, Belgium. This request soon turned into the formal organization of a multi-ethnic church in Oostende on March 24, 2002. At the same time, an immigrant group from Central Africa was organizing a church in Brussels. This group held their first public service on October 27, 2002. Up to their retirement, missionaries Lucien and Molly Behar worked with these churches.