It's funny how we ended up here. About a year ago, Rebecca and I talked about what the upcoming fall would hold. Jesse was still comfortable in the womb, and I was considering what type of employment I would try for. We considered getting a work visa for New Zealand, and had our application finished awaiting to hear if we got accepted in the following April. However, we also felt it on our hearts to volunteer with the time we had in between me finishing my masters and starting teachers college. It's only when we look back can we really see the way we have been led.
We got in contact with some mission organizations in the following months to come, and after a few phone calls, we had a good idea which type of culture and work we would be interested in. Rebecca had a passion for the spanish culture, and really leaned towards being south of the US. We also hoped for the opportunity to teach and use our skills. However, the organizations had needs in areas we did not feel thrilled about. But then, while visiting a church, Rebecca saw an announcment asking the congregation to pray for a members mission trip to Quito, Ecuador. After the service, we found out who the girl was, and asked who she was going to be helping. It just so happened that the missionaries (Fred and Arlene Jonkman) were in Canada for their daugheters wedding and were leaving quite soon. We jumped at the opportunity to meet them, and over coffee the following week cemented our plans to volunteer with their work. Only after our time in Ecuador could we appreciate that providential timing - the Jonkman's are incredibly busy and were between furlows, but just happened to be in Canada. Our plans were made, and, through generous donations from family and friends, we were able to raise funds for our trip.
In Ecuador we saw what the life of a missionary was like. Fred and Arlene became missionaries over 13 years ago after Fred felt called to study the bible and changed professions in his late 30's. Not only this, but he, his wife Arlene, and their 6 children left Canada to live in Florida, Costa Rica, and eventually Ecuador as they followed God's lead to serve the church in Quito. Ree and I were impressed that they were not hospitalized from exhaustion, as they appear to work around the clock, attending to multiple projects, people, and committees whenever they are called.
Fred and Arlene are very involved in the reformed church they attend, and care deeply about the people in the church. The church is made up of mostly first generation Christians, many who came from nominal Catholic backgrounds. Fred and Arlene help teach bible studies that are held before Sunday services, and Fred also serves as an elder in the Church. It is through the church that Rebecca had the opportunity to teach ESL, drawing in many children from the neighbourhood. Website
Fred is also invovled in the running of a reformed theology school in Quito. Under Miami International Seminary (MINTS), Fred was able to start CRETE (Centro Reformado Estudios Teologicos del Ecuador), which aims to give a reformed theological education to any who want it without requiring full time studies. The seminary has 1 day seminaries every 6 weeks or so, followed by weekly evening discussion and homework. And at only $20 a course, it allows for students to keep their jobs while getting a theological education. Website
Arlene is involved in Corparacion Mision San Lucas, which is an organization in poor communities of Quininde that gives underprivaledged children the opportunity to have nutritous meals, medical care, tutoring, and mentoring. We were able to visit this mission, and see first hand the amazing work that is going on, which Rebecca posted about here. Website
Finally, Fred and Arlene are both involved in providing reformed bible study materials directed towards the latin culture. They have published an old testament and new testament volume, which was translated and contectualized from English into Spanish. From time to time they travel to different latin countries to give workshops and explain the material.
Website
With all of these projects and responsibilities, they still speak from time to time at conferences on family, and are involved in councelling. And regardless if they are tired, they are still plesant and hospitable - needless to say, we learned a lot from them.
We are so thankful for the opportunity that we had to help serve under the Jonkman's. We've learned a ton, and hopefully were able to contribute to their mission in a noticable way. We would like to say thank you again to everyone who contributed to our trip in prayer, encouragment, and finances.The money left over will be put towards the new building project for the church. They are in need of more classrooms, and a space for the youth. (The church held a bazaar and a clothing sale to raise funds for this new building ) We are grateful for your generous donations that will enable this building project to proceed even sooner! We were blessed by the entire experience. We arrived in BC just before New Years to get ready for James' brother's wedding on January 7th.
Again, thank you for your continued support over the past 3 months.
Love,
The Harskamps
