Black Thursday (Part One, IMM raided by police)

International Media Ministries office in Brussels, Belgium

Those serving at International Media Ministries remember February 7, 2002, well. Belgian officials arrived without warning at the IMM office, demanded passports and other documents, and asked that those in question not leave the premises. Shortly after, four young women were taken to a Brussels detention center, interrogated, and locked in a cell for 15 hours without being allowed to contact friends, family members, or the American Embassy. They were later deported from Belgium on accusations that they were working illegally on tourist visas.

“We were really shocked. We couldn’t believe what was happening,” Julia Ryser, a detainee, recalled. “I was never in any physical danger, but my parents didn’t know that. My hands were shaking, but in my heart, I was extremely calm. People kept looking through the door of the cell to see us. I guess no one could believe there were four American girls in this jail.”

A decision was made by the missionaries not to appeal the deportation of the volunteers, as this may have resulted in them spending even more time in the Belgian detention center. The morning after they were detained, they were allowed to freshen up, were warned not to “make a scene,” and were escorted to the departure gate for a flight to New York. They were only given their passports after boarding the plane.

With the safety of the volunteers assured, Assemblies of God missionaries and leadership began to focus on the long-term ramifications for missionary efforts in Belgium.

Greg Mundis, Area Director for Europe at that time, stated “This is a spiritual battle, and it will be won only in the spirit.”

A call was put out to all Assemblies of God churches in the US to pray. Ministry heads held meetings with American Embassy officials, Belgian Advocates, and with one another, always keeping 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 in front of them.

God’s Word for Today:

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

Pray with us:

  • Pray for our host governments to show us favor and that the individuals we encounter would even have an open heart to receive the gospel.

  • Pray for IMM to continue to have smooth interactions with the Spanish government and for spiritual protection as we advance the gospel.

  • Pray for spiritual discernment as you point those around you to Jesus.

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