Three members of the High North deputation committee introduce themselves.
Rev. J. van Limbeek
Since last autumn, I have been involved in missionary work for the far north. During the synod week, two evangelists and an interpreter were our guests in Oud-Vossemeer. The contact was cordial and connecting. Despite the language gap, you noticed unity in the service to the Lord God. Before I had even attended one meeting, I was allowed to travel to Georgia to attend the large meeting of the non-registered Baptist churches. A special, instructive and impressive event.
Under God's blessing, we as churches hope to support the evangelists with prayer, theological baggage and financial help. Conversely, we also receive much from them spiritually. As pastor of Oud-Vossemeer, I may also follow in the footsteps of Christian Reformed pastors on the island of Tholen: Rev Van der Zwan and Rev Den Boer were or are also involved in this mission field!
Rev. W.N. Middelkoop
Since this year, I have been part of the committee. This field of activity was not unknown to me. From 2002 to 2015, I was part of the board of Friedensstimme Foundation, most years of which as chairman. I was allowed to meet the local brothers and sisters when they were in the Netherlands and also to meet them in Moscow, Tofalaria, St Petersburg, Kazakhstan and at the evangelist conferences in Tula. I also got to know Oleg Lyubich during that time. For instance, during the time I was in Rijnsburg, he came to our home for dinner. Such experiences enriched our family.
I have always been impressed by the indomitable drive of brothers and sisters to bring the message of Jesus Christ everywhere and to everyone. Shameful when you see how little we are often willing to share the gospel.
When asked if I would like to join the committee, I could only respond positively, after initial hesitation. A presentation, which Rev P.W.J. van der Toorn gave at the church in Harderwijk, rekindled the fire of love towards the brothers and sisters of unregistered Baptist churches and their work.
I have been married to Marlene Middelkoop since 1991. We have four children and five grandchildren. Since 2018, I have been pastor at CGK De Zaaier in Harderwijk.
Geert-Jan Noorman
My name is Geert-Jan Noorman. In daily life, I am director of the Friedensstimme Foundation. Friedensstimme facilitates the missionary work of unregistered Baptists in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
You might think of me as an intermediary between the committee within the CGK and the evangelists in the far north (in addition to the direct contact the CGK has with the evangelists (ed.)). On behalf of Friedensstimme, may I say that we are very grateful for the cooperation as it has existed for many years.
May the Lord continue to bless this cooperation with fruit for the honour of God's Name and for the salvation of souls.