Occasionally I like to interview a Parkview person on the blog to get some insight into how they are pursuing God’s mission with their lives. This summer I interviewed the Zander family about their recent Liberian adoptions. Amazing story! Today begins a three-part interview with Ken Bylsma. Ken has been a part of the Parkview community for a while. His commitment to prayer, discipleship, and obedience to Christ has been an encouragement to a bunch of us. Ken would want me to say that he’s just an ordinary guy who is interested in what God is up to in the world. Hope you enjoy this interview with an ordinary guy.

What is your story in 4 sentences or less?

Strange… I have never thought of telling my story in 4 sentences… not an easy project after living 61 years on this planet. I was born in Paterson, New Jersey and raised in West Palm Beach , Florida. Attended Emmaus Bible College and married Dorothy (Harper) at the age of 22. We have four children, all married, and 7 grandchildren. Parkview has been my church home since Jan. 2000. Retired!

What are five essential things we should know about you?

1. I was brought up in a Christian home.
2. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour at the age of 8.
3. I am passionate about one on one discipleship.
4. My life is motivated by the challenge of Romans 12:1… presenting my body as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God.
5. I love collecting old coins! U.S. and around the World!

You recently retired. What have you been filling your time with these days?

I retired in July 2004. ( In some ways I have found myself more busy than before.) My time now consists of doing home projects for the four kids, watching grandchildren from time to time. Repairing things here at home. Taking on remodeling projects for other people.

But… the thing I have come to do and enjoy the most is working with International Teams, a missionary sending organization, in Costa Rica. It started off just using my concrete skills for a project at their campus. But after two trips I realized God tugging at my heart to commit more time there. So… now I go when ever a church sends a short term missions group.

The rocking chair will just have to wait!

Part 2 on Wednesday.