Inside Hillside
Heroes
We all have people in our lives who are heroes, from parents to pastors to many others. God puts them there to help point us to Him…I’d like to highlight two heroes of faith among many whom I have had the privilege of knowing. Both are from Cuba, and both have faced their challenges.
Not My Own
If an expert medical team in an ICU can’t offer any hope, then what hope is there? A comforting verse from the Bible eluded me, but what did suddenly come to mind was the first question and answer in the Heidelberg Catechism. “What is my only comfort [hope] in life and death?”
The Creed and Me
After taking the bread and "wine," we stood and the congregation recited the Apostles Creed...I began to say it along with everyone else. And the tears began to flow like a river down my face. This was it! This was everything!
Living with Autism
Several years ago, our youngest son, Cai, was diagnosed with autism…I’d like to share some lessons we’ve learned.
And Hope Never Fails
Over the ten years that I have visited Cuba, I always leave with a profound sense of awe and humility after witnessing how the Cuban Christians fully rely on God’s providence and their ability to find so much joy and contentment in their suffering.
Through Pain and Suffering
No, it can't be! I'm too young! Twenty-nine and I've been diagnosed with breast cancer. We have a two-and-a-half-year-old son. And so begins a journey that we knew nothing about, at a time when nobody talked about it…It also begins a journey of pain and suffering that will go on for years to come.
Win Gritter’s Life of Mission
“Everyday I say, ‘Lord, this day is in your hands,’” said Win. And that’s what Win’s life has been about—following Jesus. Whether it’s to Zuni or Taiwan, Grand Rapids, Mexico, or Cuba, it’s not always about where Win is, but how she’s living her life and sharing the love of Christ.
How Do We Love One Another
So feed the poor and hungry - do. But feed one another in difficult times too, and send cards, and most of all pray with and for a person in need - in these ways, and many more, we are Christ to those among us. - Margaret Broersma
An Impromptu Celebration
It was a nice evening of music and fellowship. Then it happened: during the last group’s performance, the power went out…what happened after that was truly an expression of joy and worship. - Bob DeWeerd
Finding Home
God brought us to Hillside for many reasons and many blessings, the ones we have already experienced and the ones in the future. We are part of a new family. May we go in peace and share the good news of Jesus with others on this journey as we together head home. - Steve Beukema
The Perfect Storm
Your stress level is building and building and you just can’t catch a break. In the moment it can be so hard to find a positive way to battle the “storm” and come out undamaged. But is the aftermath more important than the “storm” itself?
Pursued By A Gentle Father
The more I read the Bible, the more certain I became that its message was true. Worse yet, the gentle weight of God was also pressing on me, asking me what I was going to do about it.
A Remarkable God
God heard your prayers and I received the right treatment, at the right time, by the right people. God’s hand was with me.
Points to Ponder
Our great country is made up of many different cultures from nearly every corner of the earth…the human heart doesn’t care about differences; it cares about love, and often draws together two people from very different backgrounds.
I Don’t Wanna Go Today!
I so don’t want to go to church today. I have lots of reasons...How could my presence possibly glorify your name? How could it possibly be for anyone’s good that I be there?