People
A Man of Gentle Faith
Nick is a person of deep faith. He grew up going to church with his parents in Chilliwack. His first language was German and he still remembers German songs, like “Gott Ist Die Liebe.”
“My favourite part of church is the music. I like to sing,” Nick says, adding that he sings tenor. “When I was a boy, I used to play trumpet.”
Today, Nick engages with church in a variety of ways. Sometimes he goes to church on Sundays in person at Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church in Abbotsford. Sometimes he watches services directly from his church on his TV. On Tuesdays, they offer a German service, which he also enjoys.
When asked what makes him feel welcomed at church, Nick thinks for a moment before responding. He decides that what makes the difference is having a relationship with the people there, of being seen and known.
“I know that I am welcomed because the greeters greet me at the door and shake my hand,” Nick says. “They know my name and say ‘welcome here, Nick!” or “Hi Nick, it’s good to see you again.”
The Bible is one of Nick’s favourite books, which he reads often. His favourite verse comes from 1John 1:9, which says “If we confess ours sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Nick has lived in a Communitas home since 2008. He shares his current home with 3 house mates, whose friendship he enjoys. He is grateful for the staff who provide care in the home. Every night, his prayers are filled with thanksgiving, praying for each housemate by name, for the staff who care for him, for his family, and his good health.
One of his housemates recently passed away, which made him very sad. Even in his sadness, Nick turns to prayer.
“I pray for her family, every day,” he says.
His faith also extends to one of his hobbies: writing. He is very excited about a project that he’s been working on for many years.
“I’m writing a book about the life of Paul,” he says, excitedly. “He did four missionary journeys and had to know many languages.”
Nick writes “old school” using one of the two typewriters he has in his room. He does his research using his Bible and he hopes to finish this project soon.
When Nick isn’t typing, reading, or praying, he may be rug hooking, something he does in a bright corner of the dining room, by a window overlooking the garden. Nick also helps around the house with chores like folding laundry. And Nick loves watching sports – either on TV or live. He particularly likes hockey, often going to see the Abbotsford Canucks when they’re playing in town.
Nick lives a rich and full life and for all of this he is grateful.
“I thank God, every day,” he says.
Nick has contributed the prayer pictured above to a new worship resource that is being developed at Communitas and which will be made available during Community Inclusion Month, this coming October.
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