Mission counsellor Rev Willem van 't Spijker will retire on 15 February. For almost forty-two years, he was able to give his best to God's church and Kingdom under God's blessing. Those who know him will not be surprised to learn that mission ran through it like a thread. Besides serving as a missionary in KwaNdebele (1996-2005) and as a mission consultant at the Services Office (2018-2025), Rev Van 't Spijker has served as a missionary deputation for many years. To date, he is chairman of the Netherlands Missionary Council.
Rev Van 's Spijker visibly enjoyed the contacts the work generated. At the mission conference on 27 January, several contacts from the mission areas were present to say goodbye in person with warm words.
Deputaten buitenlandse missie danken ds. Willem van 't Spijker voor de wijze waarop hij zijn plaats heeft ingenomen. Thanks are especially due to our God, who gave Rev Van 't Spijker the gifts and opportunities to do his work with enthusiasm, great dedication, faith and humour. We wish him and his wife all the best and blessings for the new period of their lives.
Willem van 't Spijker has since been succeeded by Rev Arjan Witzier, who bade farewell to the Apeldoorn-Centrum congregation on Sunday 9 February and was dispatched to serve as mission consultant.
