Our first day on the Anabaptist tour included a visit to Asperen, the village outside of Amsterdam where Dirk Willims lived. We took a walking tour of the village that included the street where he lived, although buildings from that period are no longer standing.
We also visited the church where Dirk Willims was imprisoned in the church tower. It was very sobering to climb the five stories of very narrow steps, going to the room where he was held and trying to imagine what life must’ve been like during that time.
From the church, we walked a path to what is considered the execution site of Dirk Willims. Even though there is a street in the village name for Willims, our host said that few people would have any idea who he was. Nevertheless, a plaque has been installed at the execution site, telling his story of his faith and eventual martyrdom by burning at the stake.
It was a very meaningful time for us, and we came away with a deep appreciation for what our forefathers and mothers endured to build the foundations for how we should live today – A life of peace and reconciliation anchored in the teachings of Jesus.
– JB Miller, 2023 Classic Anabaptist European II Tour
