My late brother, Herman (1932 - 2004), led an interesting life full of surprises. A great husband and family man, he was a born teacher, storyteller, writer, actor, poet, reciter of poetry, author, a do-it-yourself publisher, organist, choir director, composer, upholsterer and general handyman. He did things the Herman way. For example, one day he dug a deep hole in his backyard and dumped an old, useless piano in it!

Never once did I imagine that ten years before his "retirement" (at age 60) he would serve two Christian organizations as their development director.  From 1982 to 1987 he hit the road for the Salem Mental Health Network and from 1987 to1992 he enthusiastically promoted the cause of Friendship Ministries - Canada.

Salem (now known as Shalem) is a faith-based, Ontario-wide network that provides responsive mental health support and resources to individuals, families and communities. Friendship is a not-for profit organization that exists to help churches and organizations share God's love with people who are emotionally and/or physically challenged.

The article that follows focuses on Herman's work with and for Salem. It was written by Bert Witvoet in 1982 who, a year later, became the editor of  Calvinist Contact (now known as Christian Courier), a St. Catharines-based Christian newspaper well known in the wider Reformed community. A former high school teacher, he was the editor of the Christian School Herald from 1964-69. Later he became editor of the Vanguard.

Bert must have known Herman very well. He followed Herman's activities and Herman's writings closely. This is probably the reason why Herman became a regular contributor to Calvinist Contact. Personally, I had known Bert since our days in Toronto in the 1960s. I became a full-time representative with the Christian Labour Association of Canada (1965) in Toronto and was later transferred to Edmonton, Alberta, to start a CLAC office there. During 1970 our family returned to Ontario, starting the St. Catharines CLAC office. I "retired" from the CLAC in 1980. Little did I know then that in 1984 I would become business manager of Calvinist Contact Publishing Limited and become one of Bert Witvoet's colleagues!

Herman became a true promoter, working for Salem and, later, Friendship. He traveled extensively all over Ontario visiting church communities. He understood the Dutch immigrant community better than most.  Whenever I had occasion to talk to him about his experiences I remember that familiar twinkle in his eyes. He enjoyed what he was doing. People who heard him speak or read his articles or books often ended up laughing uproariously. My sister once told me that Herman had been the keynote speaker at an annual meeting of the Christian Reformed Women's Federation of Ontario and had had everyone (appr. 1500 women) in stitches!

Take some time to read Bert Witvoet's informative article which appeared in the October 8,1982 issue of Calvinist Contact. (A Salem evening with Herman de Jong). (sdj)