Editor's note: Rita is an important member of our church, always working diligently in the background. Thank you, Rita, for all the many ways you serve the Lord at Ladner CRC, over many years!

I grew up in Utrecht, the Netherlands at the end of WWII, one of five children born to Roelof & Johanna Boonstra. We immigrated to Canada in 1954 on the Zuiderkruis and then by train to Edmonton, a fabulous journey that never seemed to end. We joined Maranatha CRC, a wonderful and warm church.

I went to a Christian school until Grade 9. Going to a public high school seemed scary, but I found the non-Christian school kids to be kind and well-behaved while the Christian school kids tried hard to show they were not goodie goodies! Perhaps this was an “immigrant” thing?  

In 1964, I was 19, I made a journey with my friend Tina to New York by train; certainly a memorable five day journey across Canada for two young girls. One railroad car carried a rugby team so there were lots of young men to meet!

I met my husband Jake at our church in Edmonton. He was offered work in Vancouver so we moved here in 1968, set up house in Ladner, and joined the Ladner CRC. My parents and sister Anne along with her husband George DeHaan & family joined us, and the church. Also, Jake’s parents, Ed and Nel Van Doorn, moved to Ladner. I can’t believe that was over 50 years ago! 

Those were happy, busy years raising three sons and enjoying extended family and church community. I was a stay-at-home mom and became involved in neighborhood Bible studies. During those years, my husband drifted away from church, attending only special events at Ladner CRC and staying in contact with church friends. Church remained an important part of my life and that of our three sons. Jake passed away in 2014 at the age of 69.

Our three sons are grown and have their own families. David & his wife live both in Vancouver and Taipei, and 13-year-old Lauren goes to British School in Taipei. Rob & Klaudia and Sophia (4) live in Britannia Beach. Jim and Christeena live in Surrey; he is stepdad to her 2 daughters & 5 grandchildren.

My involvement in church life has been extensive. Where there was a need, I volunteered or participated, be it in the kitchen, in the nursery, or in the Council room. The step towards “women in office” came seamlessly—after working on the counting committee to being a deacon and then to becoming an elder. All this leads to growing and learning so much which is a great benefit. A community of friendship, support, care and love along with encouraging each other in our journey with Christ is all important and I have felt that love and acceptance from all of you. Together and with Christ is the key. If we are faithful, He will bless us. We can be a beacon of light in our community! 

I am also involved in a book club with several ladies, some from our church, and I serve on my strata council. I enjoy my daily newspapers and the weekend Globe and Mail along with documentaries and BBC dramas. And I enjoy my local library. During this pandemic, there’s even more time to watch TV programs and read books and take a daily walk. And I enjoy the occasional distanced visit with a friend.

Something that might surprise you about me? At a church auction, Wilma Keulen and I were the highest bidders for a memorable experience. In September 2014, Terry Westerhof and Jim DeVos took Wilma and me on their giant Harley Davidson motorcycles on the ferry and over to Vancouver Island to Victoria and up to Port Renfrew; then to Nanaimo and on the ferry to Horseshoe Bay and back home. All in one day! What a trip that was! 

The most challenging about being a Christian today is finding the appropriate time to introduce another to Christ. We start with connection, dialogue, friendship, sharing, and caring. A relationship develops. You invite them to church or a study group and they say,“maybe later.” You must be able to somehow tell them how important Christ is in your life. Do they see it or hear it? What do I say or do? Do I press harder? Should we wear T-shirts with “Jesus loves me?” Will they see him in me?

“And what does the Lord require of you….to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.  

My daily mantra, which always gives me confidence, comfort, and inspiration:

“I am a beloved child of God.
I am not my own but belong body and soul, to Jesus Christ, in life and in death.
I’ve been rescued at a great price, protected and provided for,
Guarded and guided.”