Getting to Know Terry & Lori
Lori: I was born to Chester & Doreen Miller in Sidney, BC, followed by my brother Mark. When I was 10, my family moved to Ladner. I remember many camping trips in BC, Washington State, and Oregon, always on the lookout for specimens for my parents’ lapidary hobby. I attended public school in Ladner, graduating from Delta Secondary. After high school, I worked at the Delta School District main office. After our two daughters were born, I was a stay-at-home mom. Our eldest, Alana is an elementary school teacher; she recently moved to Merritt. Jodie married Mike Smith in 2018. She is an ultrasound technician. Mike & Jodie moved back to Ladner last month.
Terry: I was born and raised in Ladner, the fourth of five children of John & Claire Westerhof. Both parents were Dutch immigrants and came with their families to Ladner. My Dad worked at the Delta Rice Mill. My Mom was at home providing daycare and house cleaning. I attended Delta Christian School and Delta Secondary. At a young age, I worked for several area farmers. I then started framing houses, and eventually had my own company.
When I was 19, my friend and I made a bet as to who could date Lori first…I won the bet! We started dating and have been happily married for 34 years.
Lori: For 23 years, I have been the office manager/secretary for South Fraser Concrete. I am able to work from home, a real advantage while raising our girls and now with the pandemic.
Terry: I have been working at Poschner Construction as a site foreman and heavy equipment operator for 25 years. My crew work alongside the employees of the City of Vancouver Landfill to help maintain roads, ditching, dirt hauling, and grass mowing.
Lori: I enjoy reading, crocheting, and photography. I’m intrigued by rocks and essential oils. I enjoy thrift shops and VarageSale. For the past 8 years (excepting the pandemic), we have enjoyed being homestay parents for Korean students, welcoming a new pair of students each year into our home for 6-8 weeks to help them experience Canadian culture.
Terry: I enjoy my woodworking shop building projects, and playing the banjo. In 2011, we purchased a cabin on Sheridan Lake (near 100 Mile House). We have fun swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing and taking sunset cruises on the pontoon boat.
How did you first get involved with Ladner CRC?
Lori: I got involved with Ladner CRC when I started dating Terry in 1983. Over time and being inspired by others (especially Terry’s Mom), I came to know the love of Jesus and his sacrifice for me. I professed my faith in June 1987. My parents started attending Ladner CRC shortly after we were married and also became confessing members in May 1993.
I was involved for 20 years as a Calvinettes/GEMS counsellor. I was a member of the Praise the Lord Choir, served on a pastoral search committee, and attended Coffee Break. Currently I am one of the leaders for the Single Parents Ministry. I help out with Friendship for special events. In 2019, I joined the worship team choir. I also am a volunteer media operator on Sunday mornings.
Terry: My parents were my Christian role models and the steady influencers for my Christian faith. Even though as a teenager I didn’t always follow the straight path, my parents instilled in me the need to find my way back to living for Jesus.
I have always been part of Ladner CRC. I was baptized as an infant and professed my faith as a young adult. Lori and I were married in our church. I was a Cadets counsellor and eventually head counsellor—I have been involved for over 20 years. For several years, we were the church janitors. I have been an elder in the past and am an elder once again. My favorite ministry is Friendship Coffee House, which I have been with for over 20 years. Many of these Friends phone me daily to tell me about their day. It has been a real blessing to be part of this group.
What have you found to be the most difficult part of the pandemic?
Lori: I miss going to church and social gathering. I miss being able to pop in for coffee at a friend’s or inviting others over for a visit. I miss giving hugs. I long for our “normal” to return.
Terry: Not being able to go to church has been difficult. I miss not being able to meet on Friday nights for Friendship—I see how difficult it is on our Friends and how they really miss the social gatherings and routines.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
Lori: When I was 16, I earned the gold level Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a self-development course that involves volunteering in the community, developing a new skill, improving in an area of physical fitness, and planning and carrying out a physically challenging expedition.
Terry: I finished Grade 12 after our daughters had graduated, earning my Dogwood Diploma in June 2014.
What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today?
Terry & Lori: We find it hard to stand up for God’s truths when others disagree and see them as outdated. In a world where almost anything goes without a second thought, it’s hard to proclaim the Christian truths without being labeled judgmental. The most challenging is keeping our Christian values intact without judging others and show love and kindness to others in all situations just as Jesus himself showed love and mercy to us.
How does your faith impact your daily lives?
Lori: By faith, I am aware of God’s presence in my life and that he is beside me in my joys and sorrows. I am more aware of God’s world, his creation and everything in it. I strive to become a better person and live up to my potential in the eyes of my Creator.
Terry: In my daily Christian walk, I try to be kind, honest, and fair in all that I do. I try to put others first and keep a positive attitude. I pray that others will know that I am a Christian by how I live my life.
What is one of your favourite Bible passages?
Lori: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3: 5-6.
Terry: Psalm 23 “The Lord Is My Shepherd, I shall not be in want…” This is one of my favorites because it describes the Christian life of struggles, joys, and eternal life.