Growing up global inspires faith that reaches further

Claire Walford, from mission agency Crosslinks, helps Christian parents see how one family’s international move led to unexpected blessings, global friendships, and a new generation equipped for gospel impact

When we speak to Christians about international gospel work, there are two barriers that frequently stand out: children and language.

How will children cope with the culture differences? Will they resent the decision to go overseas? What will the education system be like? And how will everyone learn the language sufficiently to function, thrive and minister?

In our conversations with Crosslinks mission partners, we have found some surprising long-term benefits…

Meet the de Roemers!

Charles and Frances de Roemer moved to Belgium in 1992 with two small children - Simeon aged four and Luke aged two. A couple of years later, their daughter Hannah was born. They trained in several churches before planting a church in Binche in 2005.

Charles was so bad at French that he was asked to drop the subject so he wouldn’t bring his school’s results down!

After 16 years as bilingual children in Belgium, all three de Roemer kids still use their language skills today. Their story is one example of how serving overseas and fostering a love for languages can ……