Many are unsure where to start when sharing faith with neighbors. For Bill Prinzen, a member of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, it starts in his front yard.
Every day, Prinzen displays a large-print version of the Our Daily Bread devotional in a wooden box on a post in front of his home for passersby to read.
The idea came to Prinzen after he posted a flyer advertising Immanuel CRC’s neighborhood social this past summer. Seeing people stop and read this flyer, he wondered what would happen if he posted a devotional each day. The box “needs a little improvement,” Prinzen chuckled, “so the devotion doesn’t get damp when it rains.”
Prinzen, a retired woodworker, has been involved in neighborhood evangelism for many years. He walks the neighborhood, builds relationships with neighbors, and prays for them. He keeps Today devotional booklets in his pocket to pass out to neighbors and delivers new issues to the homes of those who are interested.
After reading these devotionals, one neighbor told Prinzen that she thought she believed in God. He gave her a Bible, and she now attends a local community church. He doesn’t always discover what effect these devotionals have, but his actions sow seeds of opportunity.
Prinzen also uses his gift of woodworking to create beautiful art pieces, which he donates to local fundraisers such as the Calvin Christian School Bazaar. One piece generated $1,500 to support the school. “I can donate my talent and my time. It’s amazing how much satisfaction there is in giving,” Prinzen said.
Prinzen has found ways to share his faith using the gifts God has given him. “I’m a woodworker, not a preacher,” Prinzen pointed out, “but I’m doing it the best I know how. It’s very rewarding.”
About the Author
Krista Dam-VandeKuyt is a member of Kemptville CRC and lives with her family in Ottawa, Ontario.
