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
In the thirty-two years during which I ran a business, I did not forget where I started, and the ideas that first inspired me continued to inspire me... after three decades immersed in books and ideas (as a student at various Christian institutions and then as a professor), I packed up my desk on campus and went into business. I formed a partnership with my college friend John Hultink (also a former immigrant), who had guts and energy and a razor-sharp mind for business. He continued on as a very successful entrepreneur, and I became CEO of Bargain Books.
Dr. Henry Vander Goot
from Preface of Creation as an Introduction to Christian Thought
How many people search for a descriptive definition of vibrant, orthodox, giant-slaying neo-Calvinism by running to the salaried scholars or the soft intelligentsia? If such a definition can be found in a life lived out, embodied in people rather than printed on paper, then this autobiography will serve to crown your search with success. The life of John (and Jenny) Hultink offers eloquent testimony to full-orbed living coram Deo—before the face of God. Having raised a family and devoted their skills to a variety of enterprises, the Hultinks are leaving a legacy that will be long remembered and celebrated. Their love of truth, of books, and of God invites us to receive their Christian legacy with the same gentle, covering grace that gave it birth. Take up and read!
Nelson D. Kloosterman
Executive Director, Worldview Resources International, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA
John Hultink is a trailblazer. As an immigrant to Canada, he overcame significant challenges, launching his own business, founding a publishing company and a Christian magazine, and contributing behind the scenes to various start-ups. He attributes all of his success to God, who is sovereign over all. I am grateful for his testimony of perseverance in faith and integrity, as well as for his God-given theological and philosophical insight.
Rev. Steven R. Martins
Director of the Cántaro Institute, founding pastor of Sevilla Chapel, St. Catharines, ON
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
Photo Gallery
A collection of photos from John Hultink's life and ministry, taken from the book.
