September, 1996

Dear Pastor,

Greetings to all my partners in Christ. The fall season is upon us. School doors have opened, and soon the church year will be in full swing. I hope once again over the next few months to send you letters from the Woodland Drive-In Church, informing you of how we attempt to serve the church of Jesus Christ in the greater Grand Rapids area. Remember, that is how we see ourselves—a service church, helping to minister to a group of people who might not otherwise be able to attend church.

Let me tell you about Carl. Carl was a long-time member of Fifth Reformed Church. During his retirement years, he and his wife spent six months or more per year in various mission areas, working particularly with native Americans—in New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, etc. During his last venture, which started in the spring of this year, Carl began having health problems, which turned out to be rapid-moving cancer. He and his wife had to leave their volunteer post in Alaska and return to Grand Rapids.

By early summer, Carl no longer felt well enough to attend services at Fifth Reformed Church. But he desperately wanted to be with God’s people for worship, so one morning in mid-July, about two weeks before he died, his wife drove him to one of our services. He did not look well at all, but he was thrilled to be able to attend a worship service, and we were thrilled to minister to the two of them that Sunday. Carl is now resting peacefully in the arms of our blessed Savior.

Perhaps you know of someone who might benefit temporarily from our services. We would love to be able to minister to them in the name of Jesus. And we would love it too if their situation changed, so that they could resume attending worship at your church. We are here to serve you and your parishioners as the need arises.

Blessings to you as you begin your new church year.

Sincerely,
Verlyn D. Verbrugge