LIBERTY — Belgium native Daniel Liberek has traveled the globe to take part in mission work through United World Missions and every four years returns to Pleasant Valley Church to share his experiences.

Liberek recently returned to the church not only as guest speaker but to deliver the morning sermon. He also set up a display at the church of items from Belgium.

Liberek said he first came to the Liberty church in 1980 to discuss organizing a mission conference at the church. He said he has returned to the church every four years except during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This church has always had a special place in my heart. I would come back here every time the Olympics were being held and whenever there was a presidential election,” he said.

The pandemic delayed his return to the church by six years.

Liberek has been a senior pastor for 43 years. His son, Timothy, soon will take his place of being in charge of 18 missions in Europe.

He said he joined the United World Mission in 1980. Having served in Belgium for nearly 20 years, he and his wife Myriam were asked to supervise UWM’s ministry in Europe and later in Africa.

After serving in these capacities for more than 10 years, the Libereks were asked to be relieved of these international responsibilities to concentrate on and deepen their ministry in Belgium and to focus more on mentoring and facilitating younger leaders.

They have focused on establishing a strong, visible, ministry church in Huy, Belgium, and training Belgians for a variety of ministries, such as evangelism, church planting, social outreach and mentorship while opening new locations for strategic and innovative ministries in Belgium.

He said everyone is a sinner and when a scandal “hits the fan” everyone gets sprayed.

“I focus on glorifying Jesus. It is all about what Jesus has done,” he said.

Liberek said through his many years of studying theology, he focused on what God reveals to each of us.

“His plan is there for each of us. We have to trust the Lord and what he reveals to us. We have to see what God is doing with each of our lives,” Liberek said.

He said “God is amazing” because He gives us blessings if people pay attention.

He said as a pastor and missionary, he tells people to realize how powerful the church can be but to always keep the focus on the Gospel of Christ.

“God gave you a special gift. Go and tell your story. Dwell on what God has done for us. Brag about who He is,” Liberek said.

As a gift, Liberek gave the congregation a special plate for display.