AN INTERVIEW WITH HANK
Get to know one of our long-standing elders, Hank de Jong, below!
1. Who are the important people in your life? (i.e. wife, family, etc.)
Looking back, my parents and grandparents were important. They provided a stable home environment and were faithful in their Christian walk – so I am thankful for them as role models in that way.
Today, obviously Michelle and our kids are important (understatement) to me. We’ve had a bunch of foster kids over the years who, all in different ways, were/are also important to me. I’m also fairly close with my 4 older siblings and connect with them on a regular basis. I also have a couple of very close male friends from my time at Redeemer University. I still see and communicate with them multiple times per week. They are important brothers in the Lord – guys I can laugh, cry and pray with. I also value and appreciate the group of elders at New City.
2. When did you first start coming to New City and how long have you been serving as an elder?
We started coming almost 14 years ago I think. Michelle was pregnant with Miriam and she’s 13 now so that makes sense. I’ve been an elder for 6 or 7 or 8 years…I don’t know exactly. Ask Moses, he keeps good records.
3. What do you do for work?
I work in External Relations at Redeemer University. Translated: I connect with people over a game of golf or a nice lunch/dinner. More seriously, I get to share the mission and vision with our external stakeholders: donors, alumni, parents, churches, community and government. It is a privilege to share what God is doing in the lives of Redeemer students, share stories of how our alumni are impacting the world for Christ, and invite them into what God is doing in and through Redeemer.
4. What do you enjoy about serving as an elder at New City?
I love the church. I love New City church. I love the people of New City – a bunch of broken saints on a journey together. I love getting to hear people’s stories: the joys, the pains, and, ultimately, the faithfulness of God in those stories. I also appreciate the importance of prayer for us as an elder group.
5. What’s your ideal weekend away?
Camping and/or canoe tripping in northern Ontario.
