Every time the Apostle Paul moved from one city to another, there was great sadness on the part of the believers. Paul had been an initiator and a mentor, losing him was heartbreaking and probably a bit scary as they must have thought, “what now”? But they also knew how important it was for Paul to move on in the work Jesus had called him to. People all over the known world needed to hear about Jesus Christ and churches needed to be planted, so with tears and mourning, Paul’s friends said good-bye, knowing that this was the will of the Lord.      The EEA is in the same position right now, we need to say “good-bye” to three dear friends, colleagues, and brothers and sisters in the Lord. They have done their work well but now Jesus has called them to other things. Knowing this is the best for them and we are in God’s hands, we say farewell. 

Arie de Pater 

First, we say good-bye to Arie de Pater. Arie has been with us since 2017 as the Brussels representative and working alongside Julia. Arie has been fundamental in making the EEA known in Brussels, writing papers, sitting on committees, meeting MPs, thinking strategically and the list goes on and on. Arie has been a wise counsel and a steady voice in Brussels and on our team. He’s always quick to laugh and join in the fun but he’s also appreciated for his quiet moments of reflection and introspection. The final date for Arie’s departure is yet to be determined but we are already praying that God shows him his next adventure and blesses him with a job where he is challenged and can share his love for Jesus. Thank you dear Arie for your seven years of dedicated service. 

Tanja Dielmann 

We also need to say good-bye to Tanja Dielmann. Tanja works with PIRON Global Development and joined the EEA team in 2022 with the Hope Event. Tanja was such an important piece there to make sure everything was running smoothly, especially with the finances. Since then, Tanja has worked with the EEA in the area of finances and has been very diligent in making us aware of where we were heading financially. Tanja is leaving PIRON in August to devote more time to her actual main professional field (marketing). Thank you, Tanja for the work you’ve done with us and for us. We appreciate the joy you bring to each team meeting.  

Dr. Emily Lange 

And finally, we are saying good-bye to Dr. Emily Lange. Emily joined the EEA portfolio from PIRON last year. Since then, Emily has taken over the communication, administration and over-all babysitting of Jan and Connie (not an easy task, to say the least)! We have appreciated Emily’s creativity, her attention to detail, her wisdom, and her excellence. Emily is staying with PIRON but will be moving to a different portfolio. Thank you, Emily, for your work with us, you kept us on track and on time! 

And all that means we welcome back Matthias into a more complete role again with the EEA. Matthias was never far away but he returns as the lead of the EEA team in Bonn. Matthias, as you know, comes with experience, wisdom and a deep understanding of the EEA and its processes. We are delighted to be working more closely with him and any new team members that will join the PIRON team.