Pastor Hamstra Goes Home

Last night, Pastor Hamstra returned to the Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Berwyn, IL, his home church for the first 18 years of life, where he was the guest speaker for the congregation's "Mission Emphasis Dinner." Pastor Hamstra was given the opportunity to share the vision for the life and ministry of Living Hope Church. Asked about the experience, Pastor Hamstra commented, "I had a great time visiting old friends and making new ones. But it was an emotionally draining evening for a couple reasons. First, the Ebenezer CRC facility is 'holy ground' to me for it was there that I met the Lord on so many occasions. Second, it was my first return to Berwyn since my father passed away. Driving through the neighborhood and walking into the facility, especially the sanctuary, brought back a flood of memories of my faithful father who, as a loyal churchman, did his best to introduce his children to Christ and His Church." The Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church is currently led by the Rev. Merle Den Bleyker.