Thirty Five Years in Canada

On January 11, 1978 I stepped on the plane in Amsterdam, two suitcases in hand, on my way to Montreal, Canada!  I was officially immigrating to Canada, destination Saint John, New Brunswick.  To make a very long story very short; after a few months I landed up in the town of Smithers, northern British Columbia which was to become my Canadian home town.

Last week, thirty five years later, I stood behind the pulpit of the Smithers Christian Reformed Church and preached the Word of God. For me it is an amazing story of God's grace.  Smithers was the place for me to establish myself as a new immigrant and  where my faith  matured and blossomed through the encouragement of fellow Christians and by discovering the beauty of the Reformed faith.

Last week I was classically appointed to preach in Smithers as the church is without a pastor. Though the roads can be a little risky at this time of the year it was a great trip and the roads were clear.

I had a wonderful time with old friends and enjoyed their hospitality.  There are only a few ' oldies'
left from the early days but a new generation has taken over. I preached on Psalm 121,  a pilgrimage song.
God is faithful to His covenant children - in every situation in life - both now and forever more!

Here are some pictures of Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers and a few others while driving.