Today is Labour Day (September 1, 2025) and as I sat down to read the news this morning I was reminded of the Sermon pastor John preached yesterday where he highlighted the phrase ‘Ora et Labora’ – ‘Pray and Work’. He was preaching on the book of Nehemiah and the effort in the rebuilding of the city Jerusalem and its Temple. The Jews after having been captured (B.C. 587) into bondage under Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon received their permission grant from Cyrus the Great, King of Persia (Persia had defeated Babylon in BC 539) to return to the land of Palestine (B.C.538) if they so wished. On top of that he also returned to them all the vessels and other objects Nebuchadnezzar had taken away. Anyway the sermon was about everyone from the important to the common, working together as a dedicated crew rebuilding the city. Nehemiah stated that this was the Lord’s work and his blessing would follow. There was also opposition but the work was eventual after some struggles, successful.
‘Ora et Labora’ was the call echo mentioned in the writings of John Calvin but it was also an endorsement and motivator of the early days of church and school building by the early Dutch immigrants of the late 40s and early 50s, when many immigrated to Canada and fulfilled hopes and dreams of community building and prosperity. A vision of Reformed singleness perhaps still alive but waning.
In fact the first ‘icon’ or branding for Hamilton District Christian Highschool (Grade 11 & 12 – 1960 a Grade 11 & 12 class project) incorporated the phrase ‘Ora et Labora’. Since then much has been accomplished. It was always a community togetherness effort supported by what we then called the strength of our ‘Home – School – Church’ vision in a symbol reflected by the Christian Reformed emblem of a triangle with the Christian Cross in the middle. Not seen much anymore and that could be another story……..
Still today is Labour day and this caught my attention. It was a reflection of an article by the past CRC Banner Magazine editor Shiao Chong (written when he was a Campus Minister) republished by Peter Schuurman in his Blog ‘Sensus Divinidatis’ about Campus ministry where Chong argued ‘Campus Ministry’ by a Reformed Christian Missionary needs to be open in presenting the central theme of Scripture and the universal truth of ‘God on the throne’ as a clear message that God is present in ‘All Things’ (also a Reformed student group at McMaster University headed by Dr. Michael Fallon in Hamilton). Just not only dwelling on the Jesus personal relationship commitment but that a ‘360 degree world-view’ (not of the world but in the world) is important in following Jesus, spreading the Good News (Gospel) and being part of God’s community, participating in all creation’s possibilities.
That is why there was so much discussion about Christian political and labour action in the early days of the 50s and 60s. (see CLAC) Labour relations efforts by Christians were fraught with misunderstanding and conflict by the religious, social and legal community of Canada as to what and how, even with the Reformed fellowship.
Today many see the importance again of Union activity as honouring and valuing the labour efforts of the common man in the offices, factories and places of employment in Canada. An article in the New York Times this morning mentions the present USA administration ridding many Federal workers jobs through DOGE actions by cancelling their positions (citing $$ and rules ‘efficiencies’), impacting the rise in unemployment rates but also robbing people of their jobs and jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of family and the community.
Where is the concern for the worker, the NY Times reporter is asking? No one seems to be speaking up (where is the voice of Union leaders?) for these changes and the affected individuals whose jobs are not in keeping with the goals and visions of the new US political administration efforts to make ‘America great again’. This will also affect world order and Canadian jobs. Recently employees of the Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario are loosing their jobs to the USA. There are others. Uncertain treacherous times are ahead.
Pray for wisdom in negotiating through dealing with new strong and (in)different players for a new world order, also in labour and economic decisions.
‘Ora et Labora’ always! but for sure most of all the ‘Ora’!
‘The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!”’ they yelled at him. – Gospel of Mark Chapter 15 verse 29 – Tr. NLT
‘Look around, you who pass by and go about your business. Is there any sorrow as great as mine? Any pain as great as that which has been forced on me?’ Book of Lamentation Chapter 1 verse 12 – Tr. The Voice
What a difference Easter time brings to the community market for the awareness of the celebration of Easter. What a difference between the commercialization of the Christmas story (baby in the manger & angels, Christmas Carols) compared to the almost no whisper in dead silence of the Easter story in the public square. Instead we get the Easter bunny with his coloured eggs.
For some time now we have seen the statistics of Christian religious beliefs declining in a steady and rapid manner. Just over 50% of Canadians identify themselves as Christians and one third of Canadian have no religious identification at all. Immigration has led to the increase of other non-Christian religions and some statistics quote those amount to 16% of Ontarians. (of which 6% are Muslim and 4% Hindus) It also states that there are now about 100 religious beliefs in Canada.
Are we losing the foundations of our Christian culture, is there anything left to salvage from the decline and decay of this heritage? Are we ‘the Christians’ the cause for this/our decline in that we are doubting the truth of the Christian Gospel message? Are our now daily practices still rooted in the essentials of the Gospel Message?
A recent book ‘Blessed are the Undone’ tells the story of Christians who are frustrated, have doubted or moved on from their faith roots because of disappointments, neglects and betrayals in the Christian community, organizations and leaderships. We have seen the rapid rise of other voices (through social media) and public celebrations (non-Christian) in our communities where we live, and those together with a mass of other cultural tunings and ideas that for a long time were considered strange, immoral and even illegal. Add to that the prominence of individual privilege as opposed to community well-being, cohesion and personal life style indulgences. All these, have led to the disintegration of many cultural truths and practices away from the strict modes of historic accepted morals and rules. The technological and economical possibilities both in medical, structural and knowledge accesses have opened up new ways of looking and doing what is personally important. Past history is condemned as shifted and bad even though out of some of the historic ashes we do find gold and saved preciousness. But yes to be woke is in, on all things past.
Christianity has become ‘past expiry date’ and old fashioned. The gospel message (Jesus saves) is ignored and shunned by main stream at our own peril. Look at the destruction, disputes, economic decay, elitism, cruel malicious wars and fake news and media, we are experiencing and when people (human-destitution) concern is raised or considered or mentioned we are called out of step because right politics is now King. Leaders with largess supporters and the ‘right’ personalities are leading the governing pack. Wealthy individuals are setting the pace. Others, including governments who took a ‘let George do it’ attitudes are now realizing a ‘home coming’ to heavier complex considerations (catch-ups) of neglected responsibilities. Whose side are/were you on? Do we know how even, as a country, to stand on our own?
There are however occasional bright spots of people coming to their senses (as in the story of the ‘Prodigal Son’ – Gospel of Luke chapter 15). The author Tom Holland in his book ‘Dominion’ (how the Christian revolution remade the world) speaks about the foundational heritage of the Christian faith that changed the Roman culture of ‘the strong wins every-time’ to a servant oriented society crystalized by Bishop Martin of Tours (331) when he divides and shares his cloak with a homeless person on entering the city gate of Amiens, France. Also among others, emphasizing again the standard in Christian life and practices was Francis of Assisi (1181) and the late Mother Teresa who were motivated by ‘serving the least of us’, a Gospel message that is still practiced in many cities and places today. (think City Missions, foodbanks, hospitality, medical clinics, meals for the hungry, clothing centers etc)
William Kurelek, the Canadian Ukrainian painter whose art work hangs in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and various other galleries, depicted the public neglect of the Christian message by painting a picture of Jesus standing on the front steps of the old Toronto city hall calling out to the masses traveling by on the sidewalk and the roads (Queen Street) of Toronto. They are in a hurry, not looking up or giving any attention to Jesus’ calls or even each other. And what do you think is His message: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For I am gentle and humble in heart. Take off those heavy ‘backpacks’ of care and use mine. For my ‘backpack’ is easy and its burden is light! and I will give you rest.’ Gospel of Matthew chapter 11.
So this Easter remember the costly price He paid and the miracle of His submission to the plans of the Father gave new and resurrected life and eternal promises to all as we put our trust in Him. His death is for the forgiveness of all our sins and missteps. Take his words and live them. ‘Take this bread‘ and remember that His body was broken and His blood was shed for all who believe His message. Peace be with you!
Remembering! (Oh, how the time flies!) the ministry of music by the Ambassadors Christian Male Chorus since 1969 in the Hamilton and other Ontario communities. Although the choir has now been retired (2019) this September (2024) is the 55th year since its beginning.
Following was originally posted on July 17, 2014 by JS
For the occasion of the Ambassadors Christian Male Chorus 45th Anniversary – September 1969 – 2014
Being 45 years old speaks of maturity and yet the choir, having certainly ‘matured’ (read: longtime) members, also has singers that have just joined in the last few years. Singing along with other men is certainly the attraction for some of them and a passion for others. Being challenged to memorize the music and songs by heart is at times a real ‘man like’ effort and takes discipline and dedication. Attending the practices each week is of utmost importance, especially for those who do not read music that fluently and who have no other tuning exercise at home (like a piano) that can guide them in their practices.
It is also surprising to note that ‘singing together’ helps sound the right note and contributes to the memorization of the songs. It appears easier to sing the right notes and words ‘together as a group’ than if one was to tackle the work on your own. Singing along with others creates its own rhythm and allows a proper atmosphere to produce all the things necessary towards gaining that perfect scoring of the song. It is a bit ‘magic like’ that this blend of the voices produces memory of the music and increases the recall of the memorization of the words. (even hearts begin to synchronize – see article excerpt below)
The human voice is a tremendous instrument and a gift of God that enhances the pleasure of life’s experiences and gives adoration for the grace and the beauty of the creation and awakens man’s much intimate expressions and feelings about God, creation and relational community. There is an awakening of the breathing process and an acknowledgement of lungs and voice so that when the right chord is sung, the feeling and hearing of the common (camaraderie) effort is enhanced, WOW! the sound is sweet.
While all said, the discipline of the practice and being at the weekly sessions are of upmost importance. The direction given for the music must also be clear and precise, especially for those who do not have the ‘knowledge or training’ of rhythm and measure that go into becoming an accomplished musician. Most of us are ‘interested’ and ‘motivated’ marginal amateurs and therefore need a firm and familiar hand for the perfectional outcome of the performance. Enunciate clearly the words you are pressing on your audience!
Harold de Haan has given leadership (with the much able piano accompanist Laura Pin) to many choristers that have been members of this choir over the years since that September in 1969. (Thank you Harold!) Many have come and gone over the years but there are some who have stuck with it for all this time. Coming week after week for practice has been for all of them a love and a leisure time to explore and develop their musical gifts and with practice they have obtained satisfaction and blessings from their efforts.
Thanks to First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church congregation for letting us use their facilities for over 40 years. It has been much appreciated and a great contribution to the ‘fellowship of the church’ in giving space this worthwhile effort that was used to birth the blessings of many groups and organizations (senior homes, church congregations, school societies) and community affairs such as the ‘Dutch/Canadian connection in remembrance of the efforts of liberation (1945).
For many years now the Ambassadors have also participated in the annual ‘Praise Festival’ which was started to encourage and showcase the music and song of Male choruses in our communities of different places throughout south/western and central Ontario. This effort has been a blessing to many who have participated and listened to the glorious songs and tunes that have expressed Christian faith and encouragement of our common life concerns and efforts.
May God bless the Ambassadors as they celebrate and may the younger generation in our circles be encouraged and blessed by these efforts and so take note and become interested to pick up the challenge and become involved in singing with their peers and so blessing the communities in which they live.
The pleasure of a good song can increase and encourage faith and relational understanding and provide an ambiance in your relation with God and your family and friends. King David the music making king of the Bible expressed it this way:
Book of Psalms number 33
1 Release your heart’s joy in sweet music to the Eternal. When the upright passionately sing glory-filled songs to Him, everything is in its right place.
2 Worship the Eternal with your instruments, strings offering their praise; write awe-filled songs to Him on the 10-stringed harp. 3 Sing to Him a new song; play each the best way you can, and don’t be afraid to be bold with your joyful feelings.4For the word of the Eternal is perfect and true; His actions are always faithful and right. 5 He loves virtue and equity; the Eternal’s love fills the whole earth.8 Listen, the eye of the Eternal is upon those who live in awe of Him, those who hope in His steadfast love,19 That He may save them from the darkness of the grave and be kept alive during the lean seasons.20 We live with hope in the Eternal. We wait for Him, for He is our Divine Help and Impenetrable Shield. 21 Our hearts erupt with joy in Him because we trust His holy name.22 O Eternal, drench us with Your endless love, even now as we wait for You. Amen.(Translation – The Voice, courtesy biblegateway.com)
Benefits of singing in a choir: (Article in the New Scientist) – The heart rates of people who sing in a choir quickly synchronize with one another. The discovery may offer clues to the health benefits of group singing.Björn Vickhoff at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, recruited 15 singers and asked them to undertake a number of joint singing tasks, from monotone humming to singing a meditative mantra or Christian hymn. Their vital signs were monitored throughout.The team found that choral singing increased the amount by which an individual’s heart rate varied. That might confer a potential health benefit because low variability in heart rate is known to be related to high blood pressure, says Vickhoff.They also found that the singers’ heart rates tended to fluctuate in synchrony when they were singing structured songs. This was linked to an effect known as respiratory sinus arrhythmia – where your heart beat varies in synchrony with breathing, which is known from research on meditation to be soothing, says Vickhoff. So choir singing, he speculates, might be achieving calming effects in a similar way to breathing exercises in yoga. “But the medical effects need investigating further,” he says.
Jesus (says):Listen, if your hand is on the plow but your eyes are looking backward, then you’re not fit for the kingdom of God. (Gospel of Luke Chapter 9 verse 62 – Tr. the Voice)
In looking back over the year 2023, there were plenty of issues happening in the world that affected us all; but specially the events in our family that were very upsetting. So I googled 2023 world events chronicled website (https://www.onthisday.com/events/date/2023 and started to read the following……..
The month of January led off with the funeral in Rome for Benedict 16th, the former (German) Pope who had abdicated his position in 2013.
To help Ukraine with its war against the Russian aggressor ,USA and Germany agree to send 45 modern tanks. However, Ukraine soldiers will need training to get acquainted with its machinery. The official war will be 1 year old on February 24, 2023. Even though there is death and destruction everyday, there appears a growing tiredness in UN countries and others, but especially in the USA, stalling the support lines and slowing down the flow of assistance for weapons and monetary aid. Is this a calculated stealth strategy (by their friends) that will force Ukraine to accept a cease fire and suck-up the present war position as the eventual outcome of their struggle for an independent (from Russian influence) Ukraine? What about those F16 fighter jets, again delayed. Maybe in 2025?
In early February, we saw news of earthquakes (7.8 magnitude) in the middle east Turkey, Syria, trapping thousands of people in numerous collapsed buildings with the dead numbering in the the thousands. How could this be? It soon turned out that many of the buildings were not able to withstand the quake-shocks as they had been poorly constructed with inferior materials or bypassing acceptable building standards with quake proofing standards ignored. A total tragedy of biblical proportions. (60,000 people died.)
In June we had the tragedy of the Ocean Gate’s Titan submersibleat 12,000ft below sea-level, with adventurous well-heeled passengers on board looking to catch a glimpse of the sunk Titanic (1912) but unable to sustain a pressure of 300 times, it imploded, killing all 5 persons onboard. Many voiced against the recklessness of its operator.
I continued to catch more news worthy events of 2023………atmospheric river storms, floods and landslides, volcanic eruptions, AI fright for deep-fake news and info, African/Asian countries push back on LGTBQ, drought in Somalia killing 43,000 people in 2022, USA shooter kills 3 children and 3 adults in Christian school Convent Elementary, in Nashville, Tennessee, the gun-debate again up front affecting everyday American children and families, Political and corporate figures are being accused of devious and abusive practices and life styles, Sexual extortions by authority/celebrity identities, Lies and untruths abound on the social media resulting in an admittance of wrongs (only to seek a quick monetary settlement but no real: ‘we’re sorry’ ) with a 775 million dollar court judgment – with money you can cover any lies, no real soul searchings here. Children & teenagers committing suicide while surfing the net caught by, sucked-in and manipulated into indecent acts or reciting personal private info by unscrupulous persons with evil intentions, Climate change is now being ‘felt and seen’ with the world’s average temperature rising beyond expectations, huge amounts of money spent on ‘space-race’ endeavours, the moon landings are next, Sports and celebrities earning and offered unreal and gross capital amounts of money, Wildfires in Canada, Conservative nationalistic voices dominate the political rhetoric across the world’s nations and many more at home. The events following the October 7 terrorists attacking Israel settlers and setting off a fire storm of retaliation. Now there are demonstrations all over the western world democracies as the response to that event is considered revengeful and cruel and that it is now snuffing out more lives. The cause of all this is now fading into the background and our motives for justice are covered in more blood. But how do you kill an immoral ideology? Is there no right or wrong? And so it goes on……
Closer to home……..Our church community too has suffered from the tiredness of Covid 19 and now is slowly emerges from the Pandemic cautionaries (masks on, no handshakes) hibernations and withdrawals. The news that another church nearby was folding, unable to see their way clear to continue because of lost membership and lost vision? has become our gain. People we know and grew up (teenage friends and school acquaintances) have come to the end of their life and we all are in the midst of asking the big questions……..’how now shall we live’ as families and re-organize as a community and as neighbourhoods of faith, with fellow citizens in our communities.
But specially again this last week of December, we have been subjected to the passing of friends and acquaintances. Attending a series of visitations for people whose families have suffered the loss of a loved one. Perhaps, is it because our family lost a beloved daughter-in-law that it too has affected us in a big way? It sure was an event that cuts you to the raw, not just because the committal at the cemetery took place on a severely wind frosty day, as we together, family and friends stood around the gravesite and recited our faith and hope in God, our only Comfort and spoke together about the promise of the resurrection of life to come and verbalized the trusted mercies of God; while tightly gripping each other, not only because of the cold, but the sting of death visually realized was so great. It seemed we were all being buried in that hole of SADNESS and LOSS. How do we make sense of why a lively daughter-in-law (a Mom about to become an Oma) could so quickly be claimed by the grip of an unrelenting deadly cancer. We remembered a year ago, all was well and in the ensuing months of sickness had pleaded with God on numerous occasions, why and why her? We now see a son devastated by the loss of his wife and companion, his friend. (CC see Lament) Children without a mother and the ‘about to be birthed babies’, the loss of an (expecting with Joy!) Oma, even before their lives begin. Oh, the misery and the helplessness of it all. It hits you in the guts.
So even with this in our minds and hearts, we again drove to say our condolences a few days later to yet another family we know. We came home and once again prepared for another condolences visit on our list. This one was an old acquaintance, someone who experienced the horrors of the concentration camps of Indonesia during WW2, where he lost his parents and with his sister and brother were taken up by the remaining family as orphans. Sorrows that stays and rots your bones for the rest of your life.
That same afternoon my grandchildren drove up to visit their maternal Grandfather battling cancer, and to show him his three weeks old first great-grandchild. Surely, the rhythms of life move us on and we sometimes seem just unwilling spectators as God unrolls His-story book of our time-bound universe. We attended a Memorial service for yet another loved one. The question was asked again: ‘Why Lord, why us, why now? What is it that you want to tell us?’ A book I recently read by Lydia Dugdale, the ‘Art of Dying’, reminds the reader and so all of us, that we will (must) die – (‘Momento Mori’) this is the human condition for us all. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to…………” book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3.
So looking back over the year of our Lord (Anno.Domino) AD 2023 has not been a pleasant experience for our family and yet all these remembrances and events that have shaped our lives are useful in teaching us ‘How to live.’ This hymn says what we believe in our hearts is true! Yes there is much goodness and hope for the believer!
God, we’ve known such grief and anger As we’ve heard your people cry. We have asked you, “How much longer?” * We have sadly wondered, “Why?” In this world of so much suffering, May we hear your word anew: “I will never leave you orphaned; I will not abandon you.”
By your grace comes resurrection; By your love, you cast out fear. You give strength and sure direction As we seek to serve you here. You give comfort to the grieving, And you bless the ones who mourn. May we trust in you, believing Out of chaos, hope is born.
Hope is ours for, God, you love us! You have claimed us by your grace. And through Jesus, you have called us To bring hope to every place. In each rescue worker’s caring, In each faithful volunteer, In each Christian’s love and sharing, God, we glimpse your kingdom here.
Tune: In Babilone –Julius Rontgen (1855-1933) 8,7,8,7 Dutch Traditional Melody, 1710; Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse…Contradanseu, Amsterdam, c. 1710 – Public domain—Hymnary.org
Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the gentle night to you. Moon and stars pour their healing light on you. Deep peace of Christ, of Christ the light of the world to you. Deep peace of Christ to you. (John Rutter – Hymn)
In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth had become waste and wild and darkness was on the face of the roaring deep but the Spirit of Elohim was brooding on the face of the waters. [1] Book of Genesis 1 : 1 & 2
Way backin the early days of the formation of the Atlantic waters, seas of melting ice came rushing from the Icelandic regions and swirled around the western coasts of Ireland, Scotland and what is now the British Isles reaching and stretching west and then eastwards as far as the Lowlands of the continent flooding the fields of its coastal lands, creating small lakes, marshes and wetlands. In its struggles with the waters, the terrain sometimes recaptured and gained solid ground and waterlogged meadows from the seas but mostly giving way and losing an eternal battle against the raging floods pushed on by the fierce November and February [2] winds from the great stretch of sea waters then flooding west from and to the edge of the known world.
Boudica, the Celtic Queen who challenged Rome worldhistryonline.com
The ‘Franks’, ‘Celtic’, ‘Frisian’, ‘Saxons’ and the ‘Batavian’ tribes who had settled along this sea coast expanding from western France and Belgium, north along this North Sea coast to Germania and as far as the River Weser and parts of Denmark, raised and built ‘terps’ (small rises in the land) to flee from the rising flood waters. In a land that was always full of water, they struggled to master and reclaim the fields threatened constantly by the onslaught of the water with its fierce resistance to be tamed. These dwellers who later on became a mixture of ‘Angles’ and ‘Saxons’ some of whom buried their dead (5000 B.C.) under mounts of rocks, (‘hunne bedden’ or ‘dolms’) [3] stubbornly struggled and hardly subdued by the Roman legions [4] in 5 BC, were the ones that carried the ‘seed’ of our forefathers.
Trientje Oosterveld with family & friend on a ‘Hunnebed’ – early 1930s
Although steeped in ‘heathen’ practices of forest gods and deities but with a structured and tolerant culture of chiefs and kings, they allowed the missionaries from Ireland and England to walk among their people and preach the Good News of Jesus. When missionaries Willibrod and Bonifacius arrived from the British Isles around and shortly after 700 AD and began to urge the disruptions and destruction of their holy worship places and shrines for the true Christian Gospel worship, chopping down (‘732 AD’) their sacred trees (‘Thor’s Oak’), a connection to their gods, they became enraged and killed Bonifacius near the city of Dokkum in 754 AD.
After those days, these folk were again subdued, this time by the French emperor Charles the Great (Charlemagne- 800AD) with a strong violent measure of accepting Christian baptism for loyalty to the emperor. With the rising of Christianity and dominance of the papacy Catholic church, they struggled through the Middle Ages into the age now known as the Renaissance with its new approach to community and faith, experiencing a new revival of the Christian Gospel message. Much later in the 1400s AD, they became subjects to the evolved Spanish (‘Habsburg’) empire through the uniting of the crowns of the Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragon by the marriage of their monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II, and eventually became organized into the Lowlands (including Belgium) subject to the Catholic King of Spain, Phillip II, who re-acting to a ‘rebellion’ as a result of a renewed religious ‘Protestant’ revival movement, sent the Duke of Alva and his army, backed up by the fierce and hated ‘Inquisition’, to subdue his Lowlands Dutch subjects away from this new ‘Reformation’ back towards the Roman Catholic faith, by killing thousands of God-fearing folk and laying waste many Dutch villages and towns.
Striking back [5] against religious and political persecutions, they declared their resistance and religious freedoms in 1568 (eighty-years war 1568-1648) because of their commitment to the Holy Scriptures and a desire to set their independence with freedom to read their Bibles now becoming freely available to the common folk through the invention of the printing press and actively preached and promoted by the priest and philosopher John Wycliffe (translations into the local vernacular) and others. So springing loose from the grip of the ‘Holy See’ in Rome and spawning the beginnings, with Luther and Calvin, of the ‘Reformation’, they eventually formed the Dutch Republic under the leadership of Wilhelm of Nassau, the Prince of Orange.
Under this independence movement which took a long 80 years to obtain their freedom, the Republic of the Netherlands prospered and the northern provinces of Friesland and Groningen became wealthy and strong settlements in this new nation. The Frisians with their language leaning much towards the ‘Angles’ and the Groningers borrowing from the ‘Low Saxon’ languages became two very distinct regions of subjects of the Royal House of Orange, yet one people united under the tri-colour of red, white and blue flag of the ‘Republic of the seven united Netherlands’.
Tolerant to refugees but fiercely independent and proud, they explored and settled across the world and throughout the centuries of the 16th and 17th giving both Spain [6], England and France (world powers of that day) a run for their money so to speak, in the control of the seas which they totally dominated into the 17th century. This period now known as the ‘Golden Age’ made famous by their poets and artisans like Rembrandt van Rijn being one of the greatest master painter of ‘light and darkness’ captured by his ‘Nightwatch’ forever.
Constantly caught in wars between England, France and the Austrian empires, against their Royal House of Orange [7] and although related to the English monarchy and the nobles of Germany and dominated by Napoleon in the turn of the 18th Century (1806 -1810) they fiercely held onto their independence and although sometimes loyal to German ideals have settled strongly in the last 100 years to the Atlantic alliance and counted heavily but in vain on French and English troops to deliver them from oppression during the start of the second world war, being neutral in the first war.
PosterFreeHolland
In the last century they became world sea-farers, farmers, growers, technology experts and commercial bankers and colonizers to the rest of the world. A small nation of brave folks, they were always on or near the front pages of world events. Eternally grateful to the Canadians for their liberation from the Nazi brutes in May 1945, they prospered and their immigrants and business people are now found and respected all over the world.
They are a sober people, many are children of the ‘Reformation’ and God fearing. As you travel through their land you will find many beautiful churches testifying to the fact that God has blessed them in all their struggles and endeavours. However many of these fine buildings stand empty now and the spirit of the ‘sacred pilgrims in their journey of life’ is now more mixed both by off-shores refugees and migrants. There is a changing in the landscape of the once pastoral, wooden shoe and Sunday religious observance ambience. Where cattle grazed before, we now see highways like modern rivers crossing the country and with the country’s borders now only in virtual mode having been absorbed by the political reality of the Union of European (27) states. Bravely facing the new 21st century, while holding on to old ways and a precious culture assaulted by contemporary ‘world culture’ twitter media, more and more becoming just a ‘fleck’ in the landscape of English speaking and modern internet connected world communities.
This is the story of an ordinary family from the Groninger North with their contribution, dreams and ideals as God-fearing Dutchmen shaping their lives’ paths as best as they could.
Someone once said: ‘All the world is a stage and the men and women merely players’. But these folks took as their banner the now famous lines by Abraham Kuiper [9]: ‘there is not a square inch in this world that does not come under the rule of Christ’.
This strong Biblical Christian worldview would give rise to changed communities where-ever they settled. Each person contributing their small part to the completion of the grand journey of life under the protection and watchful eye of the God of all grace.
Their motto was: ‘Mijn schild en de betrouwe zijt Gij, O God mijn Heer’. op U zo wil ik bouwen, verlaat mij nimmermeer. Dat ik doch vroom mag blijven, uw dienaar t’aller stond, de tirannie verdrijven die mij mijn hart doorwondt. [10]
Gerrit Schuurman b. 1769 – d. November 8, 1812 occ. Kastelein/Herbergier/Innkeeper from city of Groningen; married in Bierum on January 5, 1806 to Anje Jans Draak b.1783 – d. January 27, 1859 – occ. Koopvrouw/Sales lady from Bierum.
Jan Schuurman b. August 8, 1808 – d. April 27, 1881 occ. Beekeeper/Grower/Farmer from Bierum; married in Howierde (Bierum) January 6, 1838 to Anna Sterenberg (daughter of Hendrik Jan Sterenberg & Albertje Klassens Drijfhamer) b. October 21, 1812 in Appingedam – d. December 3, 1873 in Bierum
Derk Schuurman b. September 23, 1849 in Bierum d. April 5, 1902 in Groningen occ. Commissionair/Pakhuisknecht/Warehouse worker; married Aaltje van Bon (daughter of Pieter van Bon and Jantje Luitjes Post) b. November 11, 1850 in Veendam – d. January 12, 1927 in Groningen occ. Koopvrouw/Sales lady - they had 10 children.
Children: Pieterdina Schuurman b. January 25, 1880 in Noordlaren; Jan Schuurman b. September 8, 1881 in Haren; Derk Schuurman b. 1884 in Haren – d. February 18,1905 in Groningen; Antje Schuurman b. 1885 in Bierum;Jantje Schuurman b. December 22, 1874 in Noordlaren; Anna Schuurman b. April 20, 1876 in Noordlaren;Gerrit Hendrik Schuurman b. January 17, 1885 in Haren; Hendrik Schuurman b. 1889 in Haren – d. February 1, 1903; dead baby boy b. October 12, 1889; Luitje Schuurman b. 1893 in Haren – d. March 9,1916;Geertje Schuurman b. March 22, 1894 – d. March 12, 1984;
Jan Schuurman [1] b. September 8, 1881 in Haren – d. May 14, 1956 in Groningen; occ. Baker; married in Groningen September 1, 1910 to Titia Grasdijk b. May 22, 1882– d. 4 Dec 1969 (daughter of Pieter Grasdijk [3] (occupation – taylor) & Antje Hempenius of Sauwerd [4]; Together they had 5 children born in Groningen. Family of 5 children
Children: AntjeAaltje b. October 14, 1911 – d. August 30, 2008 in Haren – married to Gerhard Suers d. November 10, 1993; Derk – b. July 30, 1913 d. October 28, 1991 (Hamilton, ON) – married to Trientje Oosterveld – b. February 15, 1911 d. December 27, 1991(Hamilton, ON) daughter of Hendrik Oosterveld and Renske Pruim) occ. Housekeeping maid; Pieter b. March 28, 1916 d. July 12, 1972 – married to Uilkje (Oekie) Korenhoff b. April 30, 1918 – d. August 30, 2014; Gerrit b. March 23, 1919 – d. March 29, 1999 – married to Rightje Lourens b. September 7, 1921 – September 3, 2008; there was also a son named Derk Pieter, a twin brother to Antje b. October 14, 1911 who died August 3, 1912 probably from smallpox.
[3] More info: Oma Titia Schuurman-Grasdijk’s parents: Pieter Grasdijk (occupation – taylor) & Antje Hempenius of Sauwerd had 5 children and 1 still born child. Trijntje died May 29,1897 9 months old; Anna died April 4, 1889 – 1 years old; Jacob died age 27 Jan 27, 1913 was married for 2 years to Ekolina VanderVelde; and 1 still born male child Oct 9, 1901; there was a sister? named Boukje and a son named Dirk (1889) who emigrated to USA (Decatur, MI) in November 1910. Dirk had gotten in trouble with a girl and was sent to the USA. Boukje was the only one who kept contact with him, he lived in Decatur, MI – his wife’s name was Nellie Haak
Notes:[1] Translation: The Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible (1973) [2] A huge storm occurred in February 1953 that broke through dikes and flooded many towns in Netherlands southern Zeeland province, causing the death of 2,000 people. Psalm 93 speaks of the might of the sea. [3]Stonehenge and many other stone structures in the British Isles and other parts of Europe are similar to the (54) hunnebedden or dolms that can still be found mostly in the Province of Drente. The biggest is in the town of Borger. [4]The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (German: Schlacht im Teutoburger Wald, Hermannsschlacht or Varusschlacht), described as clades Variana (the Varian disaster) by Roman historians, took place in 9 AD, when an alliance of Germanic tribes led by Arminius of the Cherusci ambushed and decisively destroyed three Roman legions and their auxiliaries, led by Publius Quinctilius Varus. [5] Dutch sea pirates (Geuzen) capture the city of den Brielle 1572. A first strike against the oppressive Spanish rule.[6]Which ‘Dutchman’ does not know the song of Piet Hein, the Dutch ‘privateer’ captain who in 1628 defeated and captured the Spanish fleet off the coast of ‘Varadero, Cuba’, loaded with 177,000 pounds of silver, a sum of well worth over 11 million guilders. [7]The Republic became a Kingdom in 1813 under King William I. (Koninkrijk der Nederlanden) [8] Picture is of the church in Dordrecht where the ‘Canons of Dordt’ were agreed upon in 1618-1619. The five Points of Calvinism – ‘TULIP’ [9] a Dutch journalist, statesman and Neo-Calvinist theologian. Pastor in the ‘Gereformeerde Kerk’, founded a newspaper, the Free University of Amsterdam and the Anti-Revolutionary Party. He served as Prime Minister between 1901 and 1905. [10] ‘My shield and my reliance (trust) are you, O God my Lord’ The Dutch national anthem begins with: ‘Wilhelmus van Nassouwe ben ik, van Duitsen bloed, den vaderland getrouwe blijf ik tot in den dood…………’and then the beginning sentence of the sixth stanza usually sung as a second verse (there are 26 verses) of the anthem. Translation:
Sept 27, 2024
On the Road 
