This Is My God by John Hultink

What happens when you trust God with your whole life?

From Dutch immigrant from war-torn Europe to founder of Book Depot and Christian Renewal magazine, John Hultink’s story is a testimony to what God can do with a willing life.

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Endorsements

Reflections from theologians and ministry leaders on John Hultink's journey of faith and service.

This Is My God is a word of awe, to give God the glory. Hultink's story conveys the strong passion of a man who desires to serve God faithfully and to pass on this blessed gift. He wants his following generations to know that the Word of God is their life, and to hold fast to that Word which is written by the power of the Word made flesh. As you read, you will enjoy learning of his Dutch origins, immigration, schooling, Christian philosophy, love of creation, marriage, family, publishing, business ventures, camaraderie with scholars, and charitable giving. Thank God.

Dr. Theodore G. Van Raalte

Professor of Ecclesiology, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

This Is My God is the story of one of the most remarkable men I have ever known—a family man, churchman, businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, benefactor, thinker, and in many ways a self-taught Christian scholar. His life and work will leave an indelible mark on the progress of the Christian faith in Canada and beyond. No other living man has had a greater impact on my thinking and ministry and I am truly blessed to have been part of his journey and to call him a dear friend. I am thrilled to see his gripping story being made available to the Christian community, for John's desire is that his God be your God also.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Boot

Founder and President, Ezra Institute (Canada, USA, UK)

John Hultink's story is ultimately God's story. More than a memoir,This Is My God is a living witness to the power of the gospel and a reminder that our lives find their true meaning only when lived coram Deo. I am certain that every reader will be blessed, encouraged, and drawn nearer to Christ.

Rev. Dr. Brian G. Najapfour

Author of Joseph Hart (1712–1768), Eighteenth-Century Hymnody, and the British Evangelical Movement

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Excerpts

Select excerpts from John Hultink's book, This Is My God.

What form does life with Christ take? Scripture leaves many details hidden from us. It does not try to satisfy our curiosity with speculative descriptions. What it does tell us is this: After Golgotha, death is now a transition. Christ continues to be our life even after we have died. In Christ’s presence we await the resurrection in glory. This is why Paul could say, “To depart and be with Christ… is better by far” (Phil. 1:23). And yet we can still speak of the final day when we receive our spiritual, imperishable bodies (1 Cor. 15:42–44).

This Is My God, page 10

Living in the same town for 52 years can result in a great number of interesting developments. Especially when the Creator of heaven and earth plays a significant role in those events. Yes, God! He turns out to play a very significant role in my life partly because of the people I meet and the books I publish. God, however, already became a reality to me during my childhood.

This Is My God, page 15

It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. The worst of times because the Butcher of Germany had ignited an inferno that blazed its way across the European continent. Death and terror reigned all over Europe. It was also, in spite of war and destruction, the best of times. Why? Because it was the morning of my birth into a family that worshipped Jesus Christ as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of the universe. What had been decreed from before the foundation of the world had come to pass. I was given birth.

This Is My God, page 87

My professor, H. Evan Runner, was a character... Runner had no difficulty making our first day in his philosophy class a memorable one. After some introductory remarks about what he hoped to achieve during the course of the semester, he informed the class that what he expected each student to achieve by the end of the term was to submit a paper answering the enquiry, “What is a thing?” I could not believe my ears. How do you answer a question like that?

This Is My God, page 247

During the past 40 years at Book Depot, two of the most frequently asked questions are these: “How did Book Depot start?” and “For how long has Book Depot been in business?” The answer is generally along the lines of: Book Depot has taken many shapes and forms (and names) over the past 40 years, but its roots go as far back as the year 1985. Its origin was inspired by one brother’s financial need and another brother’s entrepreneurial vision.

This Is My God, page 421

God does not need our money to accomplish His purposes, but He calls us to steward it faithfully. When directed toward biblically faithful endeavors, money can be transformed into a tool for evangelism, discipleship, and cultural engagement. It can build arks (literal or metaphorical) that testify to the truth of God’s Word and point people to Christ.

This Is My God, page 587

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Photo Gallery

A collection of photos from John Hultink's life and ministry, taken from the book.

My father at the back of the Riethoeve sitting on his bike which he used to go from farm to farm to inspect and record the number of farm animals born into an ever-changing farm inventory.

My mother in the kitchen. Notice that the stove is a wood-burning stove. Mostly Dutch furnishing.

My father’s family with my father, the younger of the two males.

My mother’s family with my mother, the older of the two girls, standing at the back.

The five brothers and their parents. This photo was taken shortly before the family left for Canada.

The entire family visiting a combination of water park and zoo shortly before we leave for Canada.

The S.S. Groote Beer (Big Bear) is one of the three more well-known Dutch immigrant ships built during World War II on America’s west coast for multiple uses.

Last known photo of my grandfather on my father’s side.

The rough sea caused many to get sea-sick.

Every person aboard the ship was given a map. The above was my father’s map which tracked our route from The Netherlands to Canada.

Here we are pictured enjoying our first picnic in Canada.

The five brothers playing Monopoly (favourite Sunday past-time) at Agnes St., Wallaceburg. I am the second from the right.

My parents with their first three children. I am standing by my father.

My father, far right, laying the foundation for the Wallaceburg CRC church in the cornfields.

Signing the official paperwork with Rev. Groen on our wedding day, May 2, 1970, in Toronto. At this time Rev. Groen was minister in Owen Sound.

After God gave me Jenny, He gave us three God-fearing daughters.

Note the barn in the background with its distinctive dormers to provide natural light.

Left to Right: Chuck Dykstra (with beard), John Hultink, John Wynia (white hair), and Jim Antonides (glasses) exam-ining the first issue of Christian Renewal, 1982.

The front page of the first issue of Christian Renewal.

Painting break with the brothers — from left to right: Myself, Uncle Hank, Uncle Gerrit; with Natalie, Valerie, Caroline, and our dog Tinker in the background. Circa 1979–1980.

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