"Bro. Bernardus Hoecken and The Observance to The Constitutions".

Dear Brothers, three days ago, on 22^nd of October 2019, we commemorate Bro. Bernardus Hoecken who passed away in 1880. In this morning prayer, I invite you all to remember our co-founder in a special way as part of our gratitude for his life and for the abundant inheritance he left for us.

His life at the earliest stage of our Congregation was an immeasurable blessing from God. God has used him to lay a solid foundation for our Congregation that at the beginning seemed very fragile. He gave himself fully to be God's instrument so that God Spirit blows in our community. As a result, we enjoy the life of the Congregation up to this day. It was not easy for him, but he become the cornerstone of the Congregation because of his great love to the brothers and the poor which gave him strength and perseverance.

We believe that he is now with his God that he loves and respects very much. Through all the struggles, he answered David’s question in the Psalm: “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?” We believe that Bro. Bernardus Hoecken is the one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change his mind. Grateful to God, let us now together sing: