Before I answer the question, I would like to go back where I grew up. I was born in the Netherlands. My mother went to the Dutch Reformed church and so did we as kids. I went to Sunday School and after that I did catechism and became a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. I went to church when I was still living at home but after I move to Amsterdam that was the end of it. In 1974 I emigrated to Canada. I worked at RUH for 4 years, married, and I have two daughters.
I live in Forest Grove and there were neighbourhood Bible studies through Stonecroft Ministries, it was interdenominational. First, I was not interested and did the babysitting for the young moms. There was another neighbour, who lived across the street helping with babysitting and she was a Christian. She talked me into following a study. I did and I got more into it, until it opened my eyes, and I gave my life to Jesus. I started going to St Paul United church in Sutherland because Forest Grove wasn’t built yet. After we moved, we got new neighbours. Ken and Gwen Dueck lived across the street and they invited me to go to Forest Grove Community Church and I am still there.
I like Forest Grove Community Church. There has always been good Bible teaching and always very friendly people. We have had very good pastors over the years and I might not show or say much but I like the sermons. I often go home to try to do better, doesn’t work sometimes. Even now with this pandemic I know God is in control and faithful, and I have to keep reminding myself of that. I try to read the Bible everyday and that gives me peace of mind, as it says in Ecclesiastes, ‘nothing is new under the sun’, and it is so true. We have to enjoy it as long as God gives us life.
My favorite verse and there are many good ones, but this one sticks. We went through some difficult times with our youngest daughter. I Cor 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. “
I love FGCC but now miss MOMS, the sermons (online isn’t the same), the singing, all the pastors and staff, and everything else.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!