From the Pastor

Reflections, stories and letters from Pastor Dan Axtell.

FROM THE PASTOR · 30 Oct 2026

Together On Mission - 2026

In 2026 Trinity International Church’s theme is, “Together, On Mission.” I was reminded on Sunday that this is more than a catch phrase. Our theme describes a very important aspect of being a Christ-follower.

FROM THE PASTOR · 23 Oct 2026

France Is On Fire

France is on fire. If you’ve been paying attention to the news you’ve seen the pictures and watched the video of shop keepers lamenting their losses. Mobs of young men in hoods and masks run through the streets looting buildings, lighting buildings on fire and clashing with law enforcement.

FROM THE PASTOR · 16 Oct 2026

Senior Pastor

This week marks one-year since Nicole and I made the move to the Netherlands in October 2025. It is important that we take time to reflect on where we have been, to understand where we are at and to identify where we are going.

FROM THE PASTOR · 9 Oct 2026

A Lot Can happen In A Year

“A lot can happen in a year.” Those are words my mom once said to me. I can’t remember the exact context, but I remember thinking, Yeah, let’s not get crazy. Things probably won’t change that much. She was right. If you’re in a season where you feel stuck, or even in a season where everything …

FROM THE PASTOR · 2 Oct 2026

Healing Takes Time

Healing takes time. Over the years of playing sports, I’ve injured myself more times than I can count. I’ve twisted ankles, had hernias, skinned knees, and black eyes. I’ve traveled the road to recovery over and over again. It’s a familiar path for me. I’m always anxious to get better. Being limited isn’t much fun. …

FROM THE PASTOR · 25 Sept 2026

Time

Time. What’s your relationship with time? Most of us have a love/hate relationship with our clock. It lives on our phone, on our wall and on our wrist. Our watch watches us. Time waits for no man. Times flies when you are having fun. One hour can pass so quickly you are amazed at the …

FROM THE PASTOR · 18 Sept 2026

Town Hall Meeting

Trinity International Church is a healthy, growing church. None of this would be possible without the dozens of men and women who serve throughout our church. On Sunday we will host our third Town Hall Meeting and I am excited for you to have time with our Elders. At Trinity we are organized as an …

FROM THE PASTOR · 11 Sept 2026

Celebration of Baptism

This Sunday, you are invited to be part of a very special celebration of baptism. Ten people will be baptized, and each one comes with their own story of faith, struggle, and God’s grace. Each has a testimony and each is excited to share this special day with you. It is almost impossible to witness …

FROM THE PASTOR · 4 Sept 2026

Alpha Course

Have you ever missed an opportunity and lived to regret it? Several years ago one of my congregation members had a stroke. Although we were all quite shocked and surprised to hear the news we were also comforted to learn that it was not a major stroke. This sweet man that we all loved was …

FROM THE PASTOR · 24 Jul 2026

To God Be The Glory

Have you ever heard someone say, “to God be the glory?” How well do you understand the glory of God? The primary Greek word translated “glory” in the New Testament is δόξα (doxa). Understanding its meaning helps explain what it means when the Bible says that God glorifies himself. The Greek noun δόξα (doxa) refers to the visible manifestation of true …

FROM THE PASTOR · 17 Jul 2026

Holiday Season Is Here

Holiday season is here. One of the things I appreciate most about the Netherlands is its commitment to work-life balance. In the United States, my country of origin, we often struggle to find that balance. One of the young men from my former church recently graduated with an engineering degree and landed his first full-time job. …

FROM THE PASTOR · 10 Jul 2026

Happy, Healthy and Vibrant

If you were fortunate enough to enjoy the Trinity International Church BBQ after the Sunday Service this past week you saw something beautiful. Our Church is happy, healthy and vibrant. It’s quite a significant change from when I first arrived in January 2025. Understandably, there was a heavy sadness within Trinity Church during the early …

FROM THE PASTOR · 3 Jul 2026

On Mission, Together

This Coming Sunday represents another fantastic opportunity to be “On Mission, Together,” at Trinity Church. We have both the Annual Congregational Photo and the All-Church BBQ after the Sunday Service. These times where everyone is gathered together in one place are an important part of our identity as the “Community of Trinity International Church.” I …

FROM THE PASTOR · 26 Jun 2026

Fear Is One of the Deepest Forces Shaping Human Life

Last Sunday I preached on fear. It is a subject we do not discuss nearly enough. Fear is one of the deepest forces shaping human life. Much of the brokenness we see in the world, and much of the turmoil we experience in our own hearts, can be traced back to it. Fear of rejection asks, “What …

FROM THE PASTOR · 19 Jun 2026

My History with Trinity Church

My history with Trinity International Church began in 1999 when Nicole and I moved from the United States to The Netherlands where I served as the Associate Pastor of Youth. We fell in love with Trinity and over the ensuing years we often described our time here as the “best four years of our life.” …

FROM THE PASTOR · 12 Jun 2026

Townhall Meetings

Town Hall Meetings are held quarterly after the Sunday Service and are open to everyone. These gatherings provide an opportunity for our church family to come together, hear how God is at work among us, and learn about upcoming ministry plans and opportunities. They are a time to ask questions, share ideas, celebrate God’s faithfulness, …

FROM THE PASTOR · 5 Jun 2026

God Created Mankind in His Own Image

Genesis 1:27 says, “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” I love the book of Genesis because it pulls back the veil on some of the deepest questions we can ask like, “Who am I? Where did I come from?” Vers …

FROM THE PASTOR · 29 May 2026

Are You A Leader

Are you a leader? Some people say leaders are born, not made. Others spend their entire career training non-leaders to become leaders and promise dynamic results. Leadership matters. We’ve all been in situations where unqualified leaders create chaos, confusion and abuse. Throughout the Scriptures we see God raising up leaders. We also see the power …

FROM THE PASTOR · 22 May 2026

My Favorite was Pastor Chuck Swindoll

When Nicole and I first married I took a job at a lumber sales company just so I’d have a steady income. It was a lousy job and my wages were low, but I knew I needed to show up and do my best for my new bride, so I persisted. My favorite part of …

FROM THE PASTOR · 15 May 2026

God Frequently Calls His People to move in Faith

There is a pattern throughout Scripture that often challenges our instincts: God frequently calls His people to move in faith before they see the breakthrough. We naturally want certainty before obedience. We want provision before generosity, safety before surrender, and visible answers before taking the next step. Yet the Bible repeatedly shows that faith is …

FROM THE PASTOR · 8 May 2026

To Be A Member or Not to Be a Member

To be a member or not to be a member… that is the question. On Sunday, May 17th, Trinity International Church will host a members meeting. At the meeting we will ask our members to vote on a slate of new deacons. Most of what our church does takes no notice of whether or not …

FROM THE PASTOR · 1 May 2026

Everyone Has Data

Nicole and I were so blessed to finally travel to South Africa which has been on our bucket list for a quarter of a century. Although we didn’t get the weather we’d hoped for, Africa did not disappoint. We connected with good friends, enjoyed good food, made new friends and created memories that will last …

FROM THE PASTOR · 24 Apr 2026

Can You Tell Me The Story of How You Decided to Follow Jesus?

Whenever I meet new people at church I love to ask, “Can you tell me the story of how you decided to follow Jesus?” It never gets old. Every story is a reminder of who God is and what God does. He takes what was broken and makes it new. He restores. Every life becomes …

FROM THE PASTOR · 17 Apr 2026

Thank God for His Favour and Blessing

This past year we have gone from a healing church to a healthy church and now we are a growing church. Thank God for His favor and blessing. Luke 12:48 Says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will …

FROM THE PASTOR · 10 Apr 2026

What A Beautiful Holy Week

Wow! What a beautiful Holy Week at Trinity International Church. The Good Friday Service was anointed and Easter was overflowing with people, with testimonies of life change and with great joy. Seven people got baptized and each one boldly shared how God changed their life. Afterwards, Jesse, one of the seven, sang a beautiful solo …

FROM THE PASTOR · 3 Apr 2026

He Is Risen

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! This Sunday we will celebrate Easter together at Trinity Church with the joy and peace that only God can give. Thank you to every one of you who have made Trinity Church such a life-giving place. On Sunday we will celebrate the new life we have in Jesus …

FROM THE PASTOR · 27 Mar 2026

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a sacred journey that leads us from celebration to reflection, from joy to the cross, and ultimately to the hope of resurrection. On this day, we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where crowds greeted Him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”, a word that means “Save us …

FROM THE PASTOR · 20 Mar 2026

There Is A Time For Everything

If you have read the Book of Ecclesiastes you will recognize the common refrain found in chapter three, verse one: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This week the Spring season has officially arrived. As our world becomes more green and flowers open up to show …

FROM THE PASTOR · 13 Mar 2026

God Is Faithful

If you’ve been coming to church at Trinity for the past year you have witnessed something beautiful! God is faithful. He is generous. His timing is perfect. When I arrived in January of 2025 our beloved Trinity International Church was struggling through a church split. Many people were hurting and trust was at an all-time …

FROM THE PASTOR · 6 Mar 2026

A Chain Is Only As Strong As Its Weakest Link

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. No one knows who first imagined the idea of interlinking circles to form a single chain but we know from archaeology that chains are at least as old as Iron. Once a single link is broken the chain ceases to carry its load. In 2 …

FROM THE PASTOR · 27 Feb 2026

Character Is King

What do we mean when we say it is important to have good character? We are describing the “characteristics” that an individual has. It is who they are, not what they do. Our character is an outflow of the heart and then seen in our actions. Unfortunately, characteristics can be fake. We can be deceived. …

FROM THE PASTOR · 20 Feb 2026

A Common Misconception

There is a common misconception that has swirled throughout the Church for the past 2000 years that undermines our mission; it is a belief that it is the work of the “other” person to teach, to care and to create the Kingdom of God on this earth. If you are not a pastor or an …

FROM THE PASTOR · 13 Feb 2026

Together, On Mission

“Together, On Mission” is our theme for 2026. Scripture teaches that togetherness is more than physical proximity, it is a spiritual unity of mind, purpose, and love. Believers are called to gather in harmony, support one another, and build each other up. “Together, On Mission” is both a declaration and an invitation. We declare that God …

FROM THE PASTOR · 6 Feb 2026

Clear and Transparent Communication

The Leadership at Trinity International Church is committed to clear and transparent communication. We are here to serve you. That was our commitment in January 2025 and it remains our steadfast commitment to you today. In order to continually press forward towards this goal we will be hosting the first Town Hall Meeting this Sunday …

FROM THE PASTOR · 30 Jan 2026

BIG things happen in Small Groups

BIG things happen in Small Groups and this Sunday we will launch our New Small Groups for Everyone Campaign. I would like everyone at Trinity to be known and to be cared for by a smaller group of people within the Church. BIG things happen in Small Groups because life happens there. There are three types of Small Groups: 1) Fellowship Groups exist to provide connection through food …

FROM THE PASTOR · 23 Jan 2026

Come, Grow With Us

Come, Grow With Us. Trinity International Church is in a new season. God answered our prayers and blessed us with His peace. Our hearts are filled with expectation. Our services are filled with men and women hungry to do the Lord’s will. Our calendar is filled with great opportunities. On Sunday night I was blessed to join our Young Adult’s Gathering and work through Ecclesiastes chapter 4. It was so encouraging …

FROM THE PASTOR · 16 Jan 2026

Are You in a SMALL GROUP?

Are you in a SMALL GROUP? Do you know the joy of community and the power of being on mission, together? BIG things happen in SMALL Groups. Small Groups are where people can know and be known. They are intentionally small so they can be relational. When someone is absent, they are missed. People know one another’s names, share their stories, and grow together in …

FROM THE PASTOR · 9 Jan 2026

New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions are not everyone’s habit, but this time of year they often come to mind. Whether you have a list of things you will improve in the coming year or not, we all have areas that could use some attention. The word, “RESOLVE,” is different than making a decision. It carries the idea that the decision has already been made and there …

FROM THE PASTOR · 2 Jan 2026

Big Things Happen In Small groups

“BIG things happen in SMALL groups.” Those words became familiar to me at First Baptist Church of Sacramento in the Fall of 2003. As the Adult Minister I was tasked with starting Small Groups at a church where small groups had completely disappeared. Many of the regular church attenders did not know each other’s first names. People were isolated. Fellowship was hard to find. It may come as no surprise that this was on …

FROM THE PASTOR · 26 Dec 2025

It’s Almost Time to Turn the Page on 2025

It’s almost time to turn the page on 2025… As a new year begins I am excited for Trinity Church. We are healthy, growing, joyful and blessed. Our Church is filled with amazing people from around the world, each with a story of God’s goodness and sovereignty. Trinity Church is an amazing place and each of us is truly blessed to be here, together. But, before we begin the …

FROM THE PASTOR · 19 Dec 2025

Celebrating Nicole

Celebrating Nicole is easy for me. Sunday, the 21st, is her birthday. She is one of the most capable people I have ever met. She’s smart, confident, creative and talented in so many ways. She’s full of life and full of faith. Whenever God has called us to do hard things she has never wavered or held back. This has certainly been true of our …

FROM THE PASTOR · 12 Dec 2025

We Are A Blessed People

There are so many doing so much good at Trinity International Church. We are a blessed People. Today I would like to highlight Carol Haas who is the Church Administrator and so much more. Thirteen years ago when Janice stepped down as the Trinity Church Administrator, Carol, being in the church 7 yrs at that time, stepped-in as a volunteer to carry the load. Carol has a lifetime of serving and it was …

FROM THE PASTOR · 5 Dec 2025

What Are The Signs of a Healthy Church?

What are the signs of a healthy Church? Some would say look at the leadership. Are the Elders and the Pastor demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit? Others might point to the Scriptures and ask, “Is the Word of God faithfully taught and caught in this church?” You could make a case that there should …

FROM THE PASTOR · 28 Nov 2025

Have You Ever Witnessed God doing a Miracle?

Have you ever witnessed God doing a miracle? I have. Not long ago God did a miracle at Trinity International Church. Pastor John Johnson was one of the best Pastors in the 40 year history of our Church. He served Trinity from 1993-1999 during a season where the church grew and thrived and was able to buy our current building, which was no small miracle. Part …

FROM THE PASTOR · 21 Nov 2025

Do You Aspire to be like Christ?

Do you aspire to be like Christ? It’s both good and noble to aspire to be more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but it’s far from enough. Aspirations are like dreams; you can imagine them, describe them and even long for them, but they are not reality. Many Christians have good aspirations but …

FROM THE PASTOR · 14 Nov 2025

How Far Would You Travel to Find a Good Church?

How far would you travel to find a good church? Some of you live in Leidschendam. The commute to church is literally a walk down the street. This past week Nicole and I travelled on the train to Utrecht where we enjoyed an amazing evening with Pablo and Sophya Bastos. As we travelled I kept reminding myself that they do this commute every Sunday and most Sundays …

FROM THE PASTOR · 7 Nov 2025

Love the Lord your God with all your Heart

Thank you Trinity Church! As I celebrated my 56th year of life this past week in a new land with a new Church Family I felt so loved and appreciated. You all know how to love well and it was a joy to be on the receiving end. We certainly have work to do rebuilding and taking new ground as a Church, but …

FROM THE PASTOR · 13 Jun 2025

Man’s Steps Are Ordained by The Lord

“Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?” Proverbs 20:24 That I have spent nearly half of these last 12 months in Holland with you is something I am convinced God ordained, determined, but I could have never expected it. Planned it. Initiated it. Understood it. It was all God. There …

FROM THE PASTOR · 6 Jun 2025

Coming Sunday – Pentecost

Good morning, Trinity- For many churches, this coming Sunday will be another day of worship. If there’s anything on the calendar to be mindful of, it is that Father’s Day is coming the following week. But some will recognize the day for what it truly is, Pentecost Sunday. Somewhere, somehow, in my country especially, the church …

FROM THE PASTOR · 30 May 2025

The Church is on a Good Course

New Pastors Blog Good morning, Trinity With the approaching date of my return home (June 16), I want to be sure to use my time well. From everything I can see, the church is on a good course, -the worship is consistent. Cerrie does a really good job of planning, leading, and sharing the load. …

FROM THE PASTOR · 23 May 2025

Under an Open Heaven

As with my Philippians series in the Fall, I hope this present series in the Gospel of John is impacting your lives. It is having an effect on me (one of the benefits of preaching). Under an Open Heaven (Kregel, 2027) was my first book, and it took me on a journey deep into the …

FROM THE PASTOR · 16 May 2025

Looking for a Pastor

Good morning Trinity- One of my aims in returning to Trinity has been to help with the process of looking for a Lead Pastor. I am grateful the church affirmed the seven nominees for the Pastoral Search Committee this past Sunday. The PSC has already had its first meeting, and there’s every reason to be …

FROM THE PASTOR · 9 May 2025

Nostalgia

Hi everyone- Nostalgia, as I note in my recent blog, is not what it used to be. To reminisce was once considered a sign of oncoming dementia, or worse. I am back here at Trinity, and stepping into the community, I am sometimes hit by an occasional wave of memories. These go back to the years …

FROM THE PASTOR · 2 May 2025

Transformation happens

Hi everyone- In his The Wisdom Pattern, Richard Rohr notes, “Transformation happens not when something new begins, but when something old falls apart.” Looking at Nicodemus in John 3 last Sunday, it is clear the old ways had to fall apart. Like all of us, he was called by Jesus to begin again. Experience new …

FROM THE PASTOR · 25 Apr 2025

Feed My Sheep

Greetings to everyone here at Trinity- First, I want to thank you all for helping to make Good Friday and Easter a memorable weekend. So many stepped up to ensure our church did things with excellence. Thank you for becoming the church God has summoned us to be. It’s important we keep restoring health. We …

FROM THE PASTOR · 18 Apr 2025

Holy Week

It’s Holy Week. There’s no more important week of the year for followers of Jesus. Our hope at Trinity is to provide an opportunity for you to come and worship our Savior, both on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday. The obvious conversation in the Gospel of John for this week is Jesus’s conversation with …

FROM THE PASTOR · 11 Apr 2025

God Planted A Seed In Me

It is so good to be back. I enjoyed my first Sunday. The international flavor of the morning service, as well as the international food fair, spoke so well of Trinity. You are making this a warm and welcome environment! Thank you! Some ten years ago, God planted a seed in me. It was a …

FROM THE PASTOR · 4 Apr 2025

Message from Pastor John

Like two runners in the same race, one passing the baton off to the next, so I passed the baton off to Dan in December, and now he is passing it back off to me. Hopefully this does not mean we are running in circles! We are on a mission, with all of you, to …

FROM THE PASTOR · 27 Mar 2025

On Monday morning I will make my way back to California

On Monday morning I will make my way back to California after three incredible months together with my Trinity Church Family. God provided. We are His witnesses. Thank you, Trinity Church, for welcoming me with open arms, for trusting me to lead you and partnering with me to rebuild the Church we love. For more …

FROM THE PASTOR · 19 Mar 2025

Who are you?

Who are you? Where do you come from? What values did you get from your parents that remain today? We all have an origin story. My story takes me back to sunny California on the west coast of the United States. My parents met at church and from my earliest memories they instilled in my …

FROM THE PASTOR · 12 Mar 2025

It had been twenty-one years since I left

On January 3rd, 2025 I boarded an airplane bound for the Netherlands. It had been twenty-one years since I left Trinity Baptist International Church of the Hague. For many years Nicole and I fondly shared the story of the “best four years of our life” as we reflected on our time in Holland. I wondered …

FROM THE PASTOR · 5 Mar 2025

One Campaign

During the month of February, I challenged Trinity Church to participate in the One Campaign. I asked you to identify one story that demonstrates God is powerful and alive in your life. You were invited to record a 3-minute version of your story and send it to me. I also asked you to invite one …

FROM THE PASTOR · 26 Feb 2025

Trinity Church is truly a special place

I have so enjoyed being your pastor. Trinity Church is truly a special place. For more than 40 years Trinity Church has been a light to the world. What makes our church so special? 1) We are a gathering place for the Nations to come, worship and serve our God. Trinity church has diversity of …