Retired

As of August 31, 2016, I am retired due to health reasons. The disease Multiple Sclerosis has been my daily companion since at least December of 1983. Despite it, the Lord called me to the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments in September 1987, and I was allowed to serve in that capacity for 29 years. I am very thankful to my God for his goodness and kindness. I started my ministry in Jubilee Ottawa, continued it in Taber, Alta., then in Ancaster, Ont., and concluded it at Jubilee Ottawa. I am thankful that the bond begun with Jubilee in 1987, and interrupted for 16 years, will continue until the Lord returns, and beyond that.

More properly, my status now is "minister emeritus." That means that I may continue to serve the Lord and his people at pulpit, font, and table, but without the pleasant but heavy burden of a full time teaching and pastoral ministry.

I will miss my congregation, but I know that my Lord Jesus will give me everything I need. I also know that he will give Jubilee Ottawa a new minister at his time. He is only good all the time.

Below are a few pictures taken by parishioners as I was preaching my farewell sermon.

Preaching on 2 John 4-6

I look scarier than I am.

Farewell, Jubilee! Thank you for everything. I will always love you. May God bless you forever!

Heart heavy yet joyful

With a heaviness of heart, and yet joyful in the Lord, I should mention that the consistory of Jubilee Canadian Reformed Church, Ottawa, has granted me the status of minister emeritus, as of Sept. 1, 2016. This decision of consistory, made upon my request and the advice of my physician due to my declining health, was approbated by last Thursday's Classis Ontario Central and the deputies of Regional Synod East.

At classis my good friend, the Rev. Peter Feenstra, encouraged me with the following words of the Prophet Isaiah, ch. 43:

1 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

That precious gospel is Dora's and my comfort and joy.