The Elim Connection, December 2023

‘TIS THE SEASON OF
LOVE, JOY & PEACE
ISSUE 20 WINTER 2023

A collection of
photos from this year’s
Health & Wellness Fair,
titled: Imagine! Read
more on page 10.
FROM THE EDITOR
Community is at its peak this time of year at ELIM. There are so many wonderful opportunities
and events going on in our villages that bring us together and lift our spirits. This 20th edition
of The Connection celebrates those moments and also shares a unique collection of thoughts,
stories, and memories—many thanks to the resident and staff contributors who penned the
words within. I found myself laughing at times, and in other moments, pausing to reflect. By the
end, I felt stitched a little bit tighter into the fabric of our communities—I hope by the end, you
feel that way too.
Katrina LaRoy,
Brand & Communications Manager
WINTER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 3

LIFE AT
ELIM VILLAGE
A snapshot of the last few months, with community highlights from Elim Village Fleetwood (FW),
including Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Full Care (FC), and Elim Village Garrison Crossing (GC).
FRIENDSHIPS IN BLOOM
Fairfield Flowers, a local Chilliwack floral design shop, provides
arrangements for the main floor of The Hawthorn. As residents
always comment on how beautiful a job they do, we decided to
bring Fairfield Fowers in to host a flower arranging workshop!
Residents from all five buildings came and enjoyed connecting with
each other while creating colourful, fresh arrangements to take back
home to their suites. We are excited to host more floral workshops
in the future, and residents are too!
CHRISTMAS MARKET
AT THE EMERALD
AN ENCORE
FOR GREG ALCOCK!
A DAY OF
INSPIRATION
We believe everyone deserves
to feel the embrace of a caring,
Christian community, and our
inaugural Day of Inspiration did just
that! Organized by our Pastoral
team, this event provided insights
on this year’s topic: The Spirituality
of Aging. “When ELIM does
something, they do it well, and
this event was amazing!” shares
IL resident, Ann Clark (pictured).
We’re already looking forward to
the next inspiring event in 2024!
The Emerald Christmas Market
celebrated its busiest year yet!
Drawing in residents and visitors
from across the village, the market
featured handknit items, wooden
magnets, and more from the
Emerald Crafter’s Corner, which
meets each Monday, year round.
This year, the market brought in
almost $3,000 in proceeds, and a
generous portion of this will be
donated to the Surrey Food Bank’s
Tiny Bundles program to aid
young mothers in need.
TUNES OF
TOGETHERNESS
Lenny Lan, a Full Care resident
and former music teacher, held
a concert at Fleetwood with
his former students. The vocal
styling and piano performances
left residents feeling like they’d
attended a professional opera!
Lenny chose “Edelweiss” from The
Sound of Music as his final song.
“It’s for the staff here,” says Lenny,
“Like the song says: Every morning
they greet us, they are happy and
bright, and they bless our home.”
We recently welcomed back concert pianist Greg Alcock to
Garrison Crossing by popular demand. Known for playing old
familiar tunes like “So Happy Together” by The Turtles, Alcock’s
performance delighted residents. “I really enjoyed it!” remarks
Veronica Slamon, an Independent Living resident. “It brought me
back to the boogie-woogie, jiving days. Greg was very enjoyable.”
The event offered a simple, yet enjoyable, trip down memory lane
for every resident in attendance.
‘TIS THE SEASON OF
LOVE, JOY & PEACE
ISSUE 20 WINTER 2023
BEHIND THE COVER
ELIM’s Christmas spirit shines through on the front cover of
this edition, capturing Fleetwood’s annual Light up the Village
event! Adrian and Jannette Vandop (Fleetwood residents,
Carmanah building), were all smiles at this recent gathering.
Amid cherished traditions like hearing the Surrey Christian
School youth choir sing, sipping on hot cocoa, and participating
in a collective countdown to light up the village, a sense of
community filled the crisp December air. New conversations
and memories were forged, and friendships strengthened.
What a gift it is to continue this annual tradition in Surrey
and to have witnessed its passage to our Garrison Crossing
community last year.
4 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2023 WINTER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 5

A SANTA
CHRISTMAS
WRITTEN BY
FRANK DEVRIES,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
I couldn’t believe it. Some 50 years ago Celia, my
wife, and I had been walking through what was then
called Champlain Mall, a small shopping centre in
south Vancouver. Arriving back near the entrance,
our eyes were drawn to a variety shop displaying
everything Christmassy from glow to glitter and
beyond. But lo and behold, nearly hidden in the
bewildering mishmash, I spied a nativity scene
complete with Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, the wise
men, shepherds, and several sheep that had followed
their herders into the stable. And Santa.
Santa?
Yes, there was Santa, worshipping Jesus. Disgruntled
already about the annual hoopla surrounding the
birth of the Saviour, Santa really did me in—this
was simply outrageous. Walking back to the car, I
let Celia in, but turned and went back into the mall;
perturbed though I was, I just had to look at that
scene again. Because for reasons I could not explain
to myself, I wanted it!
The price of the set was $35.00, well beyond our
budget at that time, and I did not purchase it. Yet
over the years sometimes my thoughts would stray
back to that strange nativity scene, and for the
umpteenth time I would wonder what had driven its
creator to include Santa.
In already early November, notices appear on TV
and in store windows reminding everyone that
Christmas is a-coming, and within a short time,
too, stores launch their annual Christmas Jingle Bell
jingles to their unsuspecting customers. Now it so
happened that once, while shopping for Quaker low
fat Bran Muffin mix, the reason for the inclusion of
Santa became crystal clear to me: the creator of
the nativity scene must have had an epiphany. Fully
accepting Jesus as the Lord of all (Acts 10:36) and
worthy of worship, he included into the holy scene
a mythical non-existent entity: Santa.
You and I know well that God’s laws enforce the
stars in their courses, make the sun in its orbit
obediently shine, and that hills and mountains, rivers
and fountains, and the deeps of the ocean declare
him divine (Katherine Davis, “Let All Things Now
Living”). But perhaps there’s more. Could it be
that at Christmas time God simply ordains that all
his children, whether they believe in him or not,
knowingly or unknowingly will celebrate the birth
of his Son, the Christ?
Just think: already long ago secular historians divided
world history at a point where it would forever
revolve around the birth of Christ: BC/AD.
As well you will not only see churches, but also
Hindu temples, Gurdwaras, and many homes of
agnostics, humanists, God’s people, Buddhists,
and atheists alike, light up in festive explosions of
colour and Christmas lights. And everyone tries to
outdo the other in kindnesses performed, giving
presents, preparing foods, caring for the needy,
and during cold winter nights churches are seen to
open their doors to the homeless, feeding them,
and keeping them warm. Everywhere you hear
songs commemorating the birth of Jesus and, most
interesting, everybody talks about “having the
Christmas Spirit,” with most not aware of what is
really going on: God’s will at work!
And God just smiles, I think. He knows that many
will wake up to the fact that unto them is born a
Saviour, his one and only Son, and that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Yes, the creator of that nativity scene with the Santa
had it right. Although he might have included a
Christmas tree. Maybe.
6 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2023 WINTER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 7

MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS PAST
ROLF FUHRMANN,
FW INDEPENDENT LIVING
MARION PETERSON,
GC INDEPENDENT LIVING
DICK NOORT,
FW ASSISTED LIVING
Growing up, Christmas wasn’t just a day but
an entire season. My mother and grandmother
kicked it off in mid-November, with the
sweet aroma of Christmas cookies filling the
air. Sneaking bites before the big day was a
tempting tradition for my two sisters and I,
but mother always had her watchful eyes on
us. I’m thankful we still have those recipes in
our family. Grandmother passed them down to
mother, then to my wife Charlotte, and now to
our daughter. Although cookies kicked off the
season, the real countdown began with Advent.
Each Sunday, our family gathered in the evening
and lit a candle on the wreath. Dad would place
mandarin oranges, nuts, and chocolates on the
table, and the tunes of cherished German carols
filled our home. I loved those nights because I
remember my dad sharing stories about him and
mother when they were young. And now here I
am, sharing some of mine.
IRMA BULLING,
FW FULL CARE
Christmas was always a highlight of the year
because it meant my dad was home. For 364
days of the year, he was busy with business and
farming, but Christmas was his day. I remember
him carving the turkey and watching us kids
open our gifts, but there is one memory I can
still vividly see if I close my eyes. It was the year
dad suggested we have Christmas at the farm.
So, we loaded up a buggy with presents and a
hot dinner and borrowed a neighbour’s horse
to pull us across a snowy field from the city to
the farm. It was a journey filled with laughter,
until we got stuck! The horse, named Bob, was
no longer able to pull us so he dumped us out
of the buggy and took off, solo. “Bob!” my dad
shouted, “Bob! Stop!” He didn’t. Thankfully
Bob ran to his owner who then came to rescue
us and deliver us to the farm. Although we
celebrated Christmas soaking wet, we were all
together and it soon became a hilarious tale.
I was born in Poland in 1919, and times were much different than today. I remember making home-made,
decorative paper chains that wrapped around our Christmas tree, which we cut down fresh every year.
Tall, skinny candles clamped onto the pine-filled arms. One-by-one, my grandmother lit each candle,
and I kept a close eye on the flames. With no electricity, the tree outshined our petroleum oil lamps and
became a beacon of light in our home. Once grandmother lit the last candle, we held hands and sang a
Christmas song or two, usually Stille Nacht (Holy Night in German). Hearing this song still brings me to
tears. With one war over and another on the brink, the future wasn’t always hopeful during Christmas,
but moments like this got us through. Sweet, Polish vanilla cookies helped too!
We didn’t have much growing up, but Christmas and Easter were important Christian holidays in our
humble household. The joy came not from grand gifts but from simple things, like sipping a glass of orange
juice—a luxury in those times. In fact, I can remember the excitement I felt at Sunday School on Christmas
morning. After performing the Christmas songs we had been practicing in the weeks leading up, we each
received an orange and a cookie or apple fritter. Both were dearly treasured. Not only were oranges
expensive, but you had to import them to Holland, which was nearly impossible during the war. It was
moments like this that I savoured. This, and of course, the chocolates and candies that were placed in the
wooden shoe we left under the chimney for Sinterklaas—a tradition many Dutch celebrated and still do.
Looking back, we didn’t have much, but my parents always gave us all their love.
LORNA CONNOLLY,
GC INDEPENDENT LIVING
Born on Christmas Day, Mom said I was the best
present she ever received! But a gift that stands
out to me is a German electric train set my dad
and uncle found in the Eaton catalogue. They
convinced me to add it to my wish list (and of
course Santa checked it off his list!), but I suspect
they wanted to play with it themselves. It was
hard to resist watching the train glide along its
tracks in a mesmerizing loop running around the
tree skirt. For almost 90 years I’ve been bringing
out that very same train set for Christmas.
It’s needed repairs over the years, but I’m
grateful my son has been able to do this at his
home on the island. Every sight of the train brings
back memories of my dad, uncle, and my kids’
childhood, which are captured in photos (like
my son, Jim, pictured!) The train isn’t valuable
money-wise, but it’s invaluable in memories.

I IMAGINED A SUCCESS—AND IT WAS!
WRITTEN BY CLARA ATAGI, STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
LIFE IN EVERY STEP
WRITTEN BY RACHEL NEDELEC (HOFFOS), STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
This year’s Health & Wellness Fair was
immeasurably more than we could have asked
for or imagined! The event sold out to a diverse
audience of over 330 people, which included
residents from both villages, family members, staff,
and many outside guests interested in joining our
communities one day.
Keynote speaker Steph Jagger delivered an engaging
talk, encouraging us to live in the present, and
Terry Small, The Brain Guy, had the audience in
laughter with his humourous presentation about the
brain (Did you know? Laughter creates 37 chemical
reactions in your brain!) We’ve included another
one of Terry’s great tips below.
Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, many door
prizes, an exhibitor fair, and an outstanding concert
DID YOU KNOW?
with Dennis Enns & Gillian Gjernes—a highlight!
Imagine 2023 was a beautiful time of learning
and community. It was also an inspiring day,
particularly when Fleetwood staff member
Michele Damjanovic highlighted residents in
our midst living intentionally and with purpose.
She spoke of volunteer efforts, of residents using
their talents and gifts to benefit charities, and of
those serving our communities in profound ways.
What a great day!
Our village communities are filled with inspiring
people. Some of these people were highlighted at the
Health & Wellness Fair, but there are many more
whose stories remain untold. It’s our goal to learn
these stories and to share them with you—starting
with Garrison Crossing resident, Henry, who you can
meet on the next page.
Several studies indicate that morning light exposure is an all-day gift to your brain, providing better focus,
more alertness, a happier mood, reduced depression, and better sleep 1 2 . The challenge? Get outside in
nature each morning at 10am! Try for at least ten minutes. Terry calls it “the magic of 10 at 10”.
1
Choi, K., Shin, C., Kim, T. et al. Awakening effects of blue-enriched morning light exposure
on university students’ physiological and subjective responses. Sci Rep 9, 345 (2019).
2
Sleep Health, Volume 3, Issue 3, P. 204-215, June 1, 2017.
?
“Come in!” shouts a muffled Evelyn. I open the door to the Rempel’s
seventh floor suite in The Hawthorn, and my face is instantly hit with a
waft of what I can only describe as smoked hickory wood chips.
“Are you cooking?” I ask. I also let out a giggle because I know Evelyn no
longer needs to cook here; if she’s busy in the kitchen, then she’s usually
baking something sweet, not savoury. I look over to see her husband,
Henry, sitting comfortably in a red, velvet chair. In one hand is a tall and
skinny branch of wood, and in the other is a handheld tool plugged into
the wall—a pyrography pen.
When I heard about Henry, a resident at Garrison Crossing who runs
10 kilometers every other day, I knew I needed to meet him and capture
his story. What I didn’t expect is that these runs, which he’s done for
13 years by the way (and he’s in his 80’s!), are just the tip of the iceberg
when it comes to his remarkable hobbies.
“Does this smell?” Henry asks, looking down at the fresh burns he’s just
etched into the wooden stick. I nod my head. “I lost my sense of smell—
I had no idea!” he remarks, and the three of us fall into laughter. Henry
went on to share that his desire to start running at age 32 began when he
learned that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit—we must take
care of them. It became clear that he looks at all things through a lens of
greater purpose, including the wobbly piece of wood that floated in from
the ocean over 22 years ago—but we’ll get there!
Our chat about running transitions to Henry sharing about his family. “My
son, Michael, came into the world with Down syndrome,” he mentions.
“His love was so overpowering that it could disarm anyone entering the
same room as him.” In 2000, at age 27, Michael was diagnosed with a
heart disorder. Reflecting on those tough times, Henry reveals, “A few
weeks after Michael’s diagnosis, my first wife was diagnosed with cancer.”
After a pause, he adds, “Michael peacefully passed away after two
months, and my wife followed two and a half years later.”
Henry stands up and as he heads towards his bedroom, he motions for
me to follow. There, propped against the wall, are six different wooden
sticks; one is painted, the others bare. He reaches for the one with a
beautiful, multi-colour pattern painted on it (pictured right).
Continued on next page...

“This is the first walking stick I made,” he shares.
“Not long after Michael passed, my wife and I took
a trip to the Oregon coastline. On the beach, I
discovered this piece of driftwood. It wasn’t neat or
tidy, but it represented life. It represented Michael.”
So, he brought the driftwood home, enhanced its
beauty with paint, and dedicated it to his son.
This act of creation marked the beginning of a new,
meaningful hobby. Since that day at the beach,
BEHIND THE COVER & LENS
WRITTEN BY KATRINA LAROY, STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
“Who’s that?” or “Awww…those kids are so cute!” may have
been thoughts that entered your mind when our last ELIM
Connection arrived in your hands.
Meet Jurgen—or Jack—Logemann; Independent Living
resident (Kootenay building) at Elim Village Fleetwood.
Jack was born in Germany and trained as a cabinet maker
before coming to Canada at the age of 21. Making his way
to Winnipeg, he became a husband while there, having
met his sweetheart Hanna at a local church. The winters,
though, were cold and long, driving the young couple
further west, where they settled in Burnaby in 1956. Jack
became ‘Dad’ to three girls, and over the years became
‘Opi’ to four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Two of those great-grandchildren are little Hudson and
Henry has continued to craft walking sticks, giving
them freely to family, friends, and even gifting
miniature ones to children. Today, he ventures to
the Vedder River to gather wood, peel back the
bark, and use his pyrography pen to tailor each
walking stick to the person receiving it, just like the
one pictured above.
If your life was captured on a walking stick, what
designs or words would you like it to bear?
EVERY DAY
IS A NEW DAY
ISSUE 19 SUMMER 2023
SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 1
Forest—the very two from the photo. When
visiting their Opi, they like to see the big fish in the
pond, so Opi picks them up, plunks them on his
walker, and off they go, seeking patterned poisson
in the watery depths.
Another person along for these adventures is
Brandon—grandson to Jack, and dad to the boys.
This “Behind the Cover” doubles as a “behind the
lens” tale, as Brandon is the one who captured
our wonderful cover shot for the last edition.
He has also captured many more ELIM moments
over the last decade and will be recognizable to
many readers. As an organization, ELIM works
with hundreds of contractors, everything from
allied health professionals to architects to creatives,
like Brandon. The extent of connections within the
ELIM community never ceases to amaze me (just
the other week a resident in Garrison Crossing
told me she was the aunt of a staff person in
Fleetwood; case in point!), so I shouldn’t have
been surprised to learn that Brandon—naturally
—has a relative living with us.
“I always liked the sea,”
Jack said, “so, I built a
sailboat.”
While Brandon was onside for a recent
photoshoot, we snuck in a quick interview with his
Opi. While the three of us sat together, there were
a few “Isn’t it obvious?” moments (it wasn’t obvious
to me). Like, for example, learning of their family’s
Christmas tradition of eating slices of a marzipan
bar as a special treat, which is an almond mixture
covered in chocolate. For many readers this will be
a familiar treat, but incredibly I’d never heard of it;
possibly because my own family favours a different
Christmas sweet, called halva—a sesame paste
(and the clear sister to marzipan in the nutty/seed
delicacy world)!
Brandon pulled a marzipan bar out of his pocket
when we arrived and it was promptly unwrapped
and shared. I savoured my inaugural slice as I
listened to the two stroll down memory lane. I
learned that Brandon’s most prominent childhood
memories of his Opi included listening to him play
trumpet at church. I learned that, sadly, Hanna
had passed away due to a stroke many years prior
(and although dearly missed, the memory of her
remains strong, including her wonderful sense of
humour!) I also learned that Jack had built a sailboat
in life (this was the second, “isn’t it obvious?”
moment of our visit). “I always liked the sea,” Jack
said, “so, I built a sailboat.” He said this so casually,
that an astounded exclamation sprang from my lips.
“Well,” he replied matter-of-factly, “I was a cabinet
maker” (as though all cabinet makers double as
shipwrights!) He constructed the 15-foot, fourperson
sailboat right in his carport, and frequently
went out on the water with Hanna for a sail. He
had also built the grandfather clock which adorns
the corner of his living room (and which Brandon
plans to keep in the family).
It was a very lovely visit, illuminating again the
depth of community at ELIM, the importance of
family, and the unique story and talents of each
person’s life.
12 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2023 WINTER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 13

STAFF SPOTLIGHT
FOR THE BIRDS
WRITTEN BY
ALBERT ZEHR,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
VICKY
Hi, I’m Vikashni, but you can
call me Vicky! I started my
journey with Elim Village Fleetwood back in 2017,
and since then I’ve taken on various roles. First,
I was a dietary aide and then I worked my way up
to my current role—Food Supervisor for Assisted
Living at The Emerald. If you’ve seen me at events
around the Fleetwood village, it’s because I’m also
a supervisor for catered events.
At work, I strive to give my best each day to bring
joy to residents. Providing top-notch service is my
goal, and I take pride in being a team player, ready
to assist anyone in any way I can. What also makes
work a joy is my strong and reliable team mates;
I consider them to be my second family.
I love every opportunity I get to work with the
residents here—they remind me to smile. Even
though life may have its ups and downs, a smile can
make a difference. I also enjoy catering their meals
to their special diets. Taking the opportunity to sit
down and connect with them is a time I cherish.
Outside of work, my life is bustling with four kids,
three dogs, and my mother-in-law who lives with
us. I enjoy spending time with them, watching
movies (especially suspenseful ones!), and baking
and cooking. Just as I ensure no resident goes
without a satisfying meal, my home is always open
for people to enjoy a meal!
JODI
Hello, I’m Jodi Sunshine Belzer (yes,
my middle name really is Sunshine!) I’ve
been a part of ELIM for the past two years, and time
has flown by in the blink of an eye. I hold a license as
a Practical Nurse and currently serve as the Home
Care Coordinator at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.
In the workplace, I aspire to embody qualities of
friendliness, helpfulness, kindness, advocacy, and
to be a perpetual seeker of the positive in any
situation. What makes ELIM truly special for me is
the incredible team of staff. They are all excellent to
work with, learn from, and grow with.
The appreciation we receive from residents for our
hard work is heartwarming. It’s the little victories
that make a big difference. Through them, I’ve
learned the impact small decisions have on one’s
life—the good and the bad. Hearing their stories,
witnessing the lives they’ve led and continue to lead,
is inspiring. We have some incredible seniors here
that I admire and learn from daily!
In my spare time, you’ll find me immersed in nature,
whether it’s kayaking, biking, or walking in forests,
trails, or on beaches. I’m also a proud ‘nana’ to
four grandchildren who live next door on our small
property. I love caring for our chickens, dogs, cat,
and tending to our veggie gardens. Just as I love
supporting my family, I enjoy supporting ELIM
residents in this chapter of their lives too.
When we were children we had a song, “Here
we sit like birds in the wilderness, waiting to be
fed.” At our age, many of us may feel at times
that those lyrics are becoming our experience.
Meanwhile, we hear much about sowing and
reaping. How, though, can one expect to reap
if they don’t sow? However, in a certain stage
of life, perhaps sowing is not so easy anymore.
Matthew 6:26 is a very interesting verse,
which reads, “Look at the birds of the air, for
they neither sow nor reap nor gather into
barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not of more value than they?” Very
seldom have I noticed and considered that the
birds do not reap nor sow, and yet God takes
care of them. From this we can be assured that
even if we are unable to sow or reap, He still
cares for us and will take care of us. Maybe
that’s a good thought for our age group.
In further consideration of the birds, it’s
interesting to note the way they feed and
nourish the little birds of the next generation—
first they digest food themselves, and then use
that same food to feed their young. Perhaps
as “older birds” we can learn from this and be
encouraged that we too can still feed others,
as based on our own nourishment.
Some years ago, I was privileged to have with
me a pastor friend from Africa. We went
together to visit Pastor Birch, who was a man
I greatly admired. Pastor Birch shared with us
his reflection that morning from Jeremiah 13,
which is the passage where Jeremiah is told to
bury a sash which he earlier had around his
waist. He is told to take it and hide it in a hole.
After many days, he retrieves it and finds it
decayed and useless.
Pastor Birch interpreted the passage for us,
which is the need to remain close to the Lord’s
heart in order to remain useful; our usefulness
can be lost if we simply go and hide in a hole.
My African friend, who was quite deeply moved
by this, later told me that he took great personal
insight from this and was able to nourish his
congregation for several weeks because of it.
Even though Pastor Birch was no longer
travelling at that time and doing what we
consider as “sowing”, he digested food—truth
—and imparted it to us, the next generation,
just like the birds feed their young. In the same
way, we too can digest the word and also
nourish the body.
WINTER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 15

IN LOVING MEMORY
FROM AUGUST 16 TH to DECEMBER 5 TH , 2023
* Resident has a spouse living at Elim Village ^ Prior IL or AL resident
Residents from Garrison Crossing represented by (GC)
I QUIETLY TRUST
WRITTEN BY
FLORLI NEMETH,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
I quietly trust in the love of my King
He favours me constantly, makes my heart sing
He carries me in His arms, takes all my pain
Forgives me and heals me again and again
I come to my Father, find rest in His care
His presence unchanging, His love everywhere
His goodness and mercy abound everyday
I yield to my Father and I’ve chosen His way
I bring all my life, my moments, my days
Surrender my all to His beauty, His gaze
I quiet my heart in the peace that He gives
Relax in His presence, the Father who lives
FULL CARE
Anna Aere
Johanna Baars ^
Johanna Barneveld
Paris Chronopoulos
Martin den Haan * ^
Joy Floyd
Margaret Forsyth
Clarence Gereau
Sherman Krause
Dale Meers
David Methven ^
Ki Pak
Velta Roberts
Edo Schaafsma ^
Karnail Singh
Len Taylor ^
Janny Van Eyk * ^
Jimmy Wakabayashi
William Windhorst
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Fred Bartel (GC) *
Marilyn Biccum (GC) *
Bob Dodds (GC) *
Eva Embree *
Velma Ens (GC) *
Katherine Klassen *
Ella Nissen
ASSISTED LIVING
Terri Cousins
Lily Fox
Jean Robinson
INDEPENDENT PLUS (GC)
Hermie Lynch
The Saviour who died for me carries my heart
He’s promised His presence will never depart
I give Him my sorrows, my pain and my fears
He gives me His presence and wipes all my tears
O Jesus my Shepherd, my Lover Thou art
I rest in Your arms, know You’ll never depart
I’ll worship forever the One I adore
And live in Your presence, alive evermore!
16 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2023

CHRISTMAS REFLECTION
WRITTEN BY
RON PIKE,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
When I reflect on my childhood Christmas’ I can vividly remember the feelings
of anticipation and excitement. Granted, there was a portion of this focused on
presents, however, I also fondly remember waiting for family to arrive for Christmas
Day lunch. Seeing my grandpa walk up the driveway, playing with my cousins, and then
of course enjoying my grandma’s cooking and baking—it gave me a feeling of comfort
and warmth.
Christmas time was not always easy though. In 1981 my grandfather passed away on
Christmas Eve. It was a tough time for my whole family, and yet it was our family and
faith traditions that kept us going.
In the end, I learned that there is nothing like family and community to surround you
with love and support through both good and tough times. At ELIM, I am so grateful
to be part of one such community. We often hear stories that demonstrate the
depth of relationships within our villages, as residents welcome one another, help one
another, or just intentionally check in to make sure everything is okay. We know this
community support is especially strong at this time of year, with the hope of Christ
in our hearts. And how could it not? The advent of the greatest love to the world
provides the deepest inspiration of all.
Merry Christmas!
18 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2023

A UNIQUE CHRISTIAN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
9025 160 Street
Surrey, BC V4N 2X7
Phone 604.583.3546 Email info@elimvillage.com
www.elimvillage.com