Day 2 - September 12, 2024
We had an early start to the morning only to find that we aren’t the only ones in the same predicament - for the restaurant is bustling with energy from many hotel guests. I’ve heard stories of what awaits at our first stop but have no concept of the colourful, vibrant energy that will further stimulate the good coffee many of us have consumed as we hurriedly board the bus.
On the way, Ayold shares what he calls "the verse of the day" from 1:Peter 4:14 which speaks to the blessings that will come to those who are insulted for the name of Christ and that the Spirit of glory of God will rest on you. A relevant verse for the day ahead but we have just arrived at our first stop, the FloraHolland flower and auction distribution center.
FloraHolland is the largest international trade platform for flower and plants and this place was a massive hive of the most colourful range of flowers I’ve ever seen. No extra caffeine was needed as it was hard not to be awe struck at the volume of flowers and trolley carts coming and going in the hundreds and thousands. On our visit, we walked around the tourist catwalk which appears to run as far as the eye can see. Having a bird's eye view is one way to start the day.
Haarlem is our next stop, and we are about to hear an incredible story of faith in Corrie Ten Boom’s family where it is believed that they helped hide 800+ Jews and those seeking refuge from the Nazis during WWII. I remember the book and the movie “the Hiding Place” but had no appreciation until seeing their ingenuity of a fake brick wall, covertly built to appear like the outside of the house. We hear about daring risks, thrilling escapes, betrayal, and forgiveness and see their desire to live out their faith despite persecution.
The Dutch word “Doops Gezind” means baptism-minded and that is the words described on the coffee cups that await us at the Haarlem Mennonite church. This hidden church was first built in 1683 and had wealthy family foundations that had a source of capital to fund the current high costs to maintain such a heritage property. What started many years ago with a vibrant member/adherent community has continued to dwindle and we discuss what this means in the present and future for the church if the younger generations do not seek community here or other churches across the Netherlands.
We get the chance to briefly explore Haarlem over our lunch break and it is truly a wonderful and quaint Dutch city that has no shortage of great lunch and treat options for all.
We’re now in Asperen where we hear about Dirk Willems’ (story from the Martyr’s Mirror) escape and recapture. Dirk successfully escaped prison only to risk and face his re-capture after saving the life of his pursuer who had fallen through the ice. Dirk was recaptured, imprisoned in shackles in the high tower of the Catholic church and was eventually burned due to his faith. We climbed the 200 tight steps to the same high tower room where Dirk was shackled before his execution. The most amazing view with a bell tower but a sobering reminder when we hear of the risks that Anabaptist martyrs like Dirk faced all for their faith.
We have a musical group with us on tour. Ayold’s hymn books come in handy as we take a break and enjoy some classics. The acoustics in this Asperen church are wonderful and we are treated to the church pipe organist practicing his repertoire for the coming service. These pews are firm and extremely straight – no chance of dozing off here while we rest.
Ayold takes us back to his home church in Heemstede where we are hospitably served with the most wonderful home-cooked Dutch Indonesian dinner but before we get to dinner we have the chance for a group introduction. We are asked to share about ourselves and why we are on this tour to get to know each other. I consider myself an “ultra-private” individual and these can be the most terrifying experiences but that wasn’t the case here. We talk about who we are, share our heritage and why we are on this trip. In the short time together, I sense an openness and vulnerability. Many of us are on a journey and so many themes about a rich heritage, culture and faith that has been handed down through the generations from our ancestors. There is something special here.
“Let’s talk about the day of tomorrow” says Ayold, as he leads us back to our hotel. This phrase contains more meaning than he realizes for we have learned about the past, we are talking about the present and what this all means for the future.
Until Next Time,
Richard Bergmann
