Family Reunion with a Purpose
One hundred years ago Hendrick and Cornelia Van Kooten emigrated from the Netherlands and settled in Central Iowa, establishing a legacy of faith for the generations to come. And in July, 2010 three hundred of their descendants met for a family reunion to celebrate that “God has truly blessed a journey of faith that started 100 years ago and continues in each of our lives today.”
So why is a family reunion story appearing on this website? Well, this wasn’t your ordinary reunion! As part of the legacy to their grandparents, the Van Kooten relatives brought family treasures to auction off to one another. The profits from the auction were given to Back to God Ministries International in honor of Hendrick and Cornelia, who loved this ministry!
“Our grandparents would be happy and proud of our gift to Back to God Ministries International,” says Connie Overbergen, one of the reunion planners. “They always listened to The Back to God Hour and it was very special to their hearts.”
Among the items auctioned off was an heirloom Christmas quilt, a painting of a Dresden plate Cornelia had brought from the Netherlands, and dolls that were part of an antique collection. Other items were made by cousins, such as stained glass creations, jewelry, and dish towels lovingly embroidered in memory of their grandmother. The family also produced a cookbook as a tribute to the Van Kooten heritage.
In addition to the auction, the reunion included a time of remembering, a dinner at Pella Christian High School, and a Sunday morning outdoor worship at Red Rock Lake, led by a cousin who was inspired by his grandfather Henry to become a pastor.
“Our grandparents came to America led by a vision for religious freedom,” noted Connie. Their family’s generous gift to Back to God Ministries International helps make it possible for our media ministry to continue sharing the Gospel with people who still live in places of religious oppression.
If your family is planning a reunion in the near future, perhaps the Van Kooten family story will inspire you to add the mission support legacy to your time of celebration and remembering.
(Photo by Dan Vander Beek)
