Our Calling and Mission

Welcome 2019! We welcome in faith both the victories to be celebrated as well as the trials to overcome in this new year!

We are incredibly thankful for the ways in which God has orchestrated our steps this past year and a half being in Canada!  As I sit down to write this update on my 44^th birthday, I remember clearly how dismal our situation looked on paper as we planned for our urgent return into Canada. I can’t imagine the lost place we would have been in without countless testimonies of God’s faithfulness to draw from. It has been the norm in our faith journey to encounter tangibly the depth of God’s goodness in the most difficult of times. Each day we find ourselves thankful for the grace and faith needed to navigate through drastic changes and mounting needs we encounter in this strange new land.

We have truly enjoyed and embraced the opportunities God has provided for us to grow and minister locally within Kelowna. I have taken on an active role co-leading Metro Central. Metro Central is a weekday home for the most treasured among us – the vulnerable, homeless, excluded and addicted.  This has been an incredible faith stretching opportunity that has ministered to me as much in return.

Jenn has been volunteering under Stephen’s Ministry where she meets one on one to care and provide spiritual support for those facing various needs. Jenn was let go from her teaching role when the college upgraded their accreditation.  Jenn will need to go back to school in the fall to upgrade herself. In the meantime she is developing teaching material that she plans to use for missions and E-learning.

All the while we find ourselves stirring with eager excitement at each chance God allows us to travel back to a part of the world that connects so deeply with our hearts.  Our next overseas trip awaits us this coming March! While in Philippines one of our leaders Jing (been with us since the pioneering days) will be getting married to a wonderful Godly man named Randy. It will be great to reconnect with our team and the community we miss dearly. Jenn and the kids will return to Canada the first week of April. I on the other hand will spend the rest of April serving deep in the rain forest of Borneo with my dear Penan friends!!

As we walk through life on either side of this fine planet, I am constantly reminded that absolutely nothing in life can compare to walking out in the purposes God has for His children!

All other pursuits even the so called grand ones have all paled greatly in comparison to the joy and deep satisfaction that comes through the simple yet profound act of stepping out of ourselves to serve others. Biblical abundance is found in the least expected places. His deep seeded joy and reigning perfect peace comes when in faith we obediently give of ourselves (Acts 20:35) as Jesus graciously exampled and calls us to (Jn 13:34-35).

1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” The numerous gifts and talents entrusted to us are intended for something worth far more than simple pleasure or gain.  Fulfillment invaded our hearts as we practiced contentment (Phil 4:11-13, 1 Tim 6:7-8) and became more open handed with the gifts we steward (Duet 15:7-8). The more I personally have sought to gratify my self in life has repeatedly left me unsatisfied and in a place of want. Knowing well God’s goodness and purposes keeps spurring us on to step out in obedience in spite of the cost or sacrifice we are presented with (Ps 23, Jn 10:27)

Although we reside for the time being in Canada, Jenn and I feel led to stay the course focused on the developing scope of missions before us and living by faith. No point to start walking by sight (bad idea anyway but even more so with my eyes starting to fail me a little. Haha!)

It was clear by how God led us to Canada that we were exactly where we needed to be for our kids at this season of their lives. What we initially failed to discern was how Jenn and I were right where God needed us to be as well! Beyond the large scope of ministry Hope for the Island does within Philippines, we have also embarked on a new journey since last year to come alongside our Penan brothers and sisters deep in the rain forest of Sarawak, Borneo. They face an enormous uphill battle before them, yet God is unfolding His story filled with promise, hope and restoration!!! 

Over the next couple updates I will do my best to unpack some of the work Hope for the Island has been blessed to be part of in Borneo and what lies ahead as we prepare for our next trip in the spring. Spending time with the Penan is something I value dearly. I am returning to family in both these nations I love deeply.

For those who may have questions or desire more info please feel free to email me at byfaith65@hotmail.com or call

(204) 915-7209

Blessings in Christ!

Derek & Jenn Van Ryckeghem

Acts 20:35 (ESV)
³⁵  In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
³⁴  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
³⁵  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
¹¹  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹²  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 6:7-8 (ESV)
⁷  for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ⁸  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (ESV)
⁷  “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, ⁸  but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
¹  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. ³  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

John 10:27 (ESV)
²⁷  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.