November, 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

It is a true blessing to be able to send you greetings and share with you the beginning of an exciting chapter in our lives. As I (Liz) reflect on the last 9 months, I find myself dwelling on the word ‘life’ and search for its truth and meaning. Without getting too technical, I asked Webster for his definition and I was given ‘life: a period from birth to death’—simple and to the point, as many people prefer. However, this explanation comes up short and I resolve, “Praise the Lord. We know better.”

As a lover of language, let me share with you my thoughts and realizations on life. The word ‘life’ is a noun—defined and finite, with a beginning, an end, and certain limitations between. It’s thrown around with very little depth and meaning. But, when changed to a verb, to live, we see something entirely different. Living is an action and is always changing. It involves initiation and being intentional, not to mention discipline, evaluation and resolve. And as followers of Christ, we are continually called to live for our Lord and to live out our calling.

Bob Reynen, whom many of you knew, lived to serve the Lord. He carried on a legacy passed down by those before him—one of servant hood, leadership, generosity, wisdom, obedience and selflessness. His legacy was one of commitment and dedication to glorify God in every aspect of his life. Now that dad is rejoicing in heaven, we are left with a legacy to embrace and to pass on.

As a way to honor our dad and his life of service, we have created the Bob Reynen Memorial Scholarship. Bob, as you well know, was heavily involved in the Northwestern community and the Reformed Church of America. He not only worked with and among pastors, but had once said, “If someone had encouraged me to consider seminary, I think I would have been a pastor.” We now want to encourage others as they seek a life of Christian service and award them financial assistance in their pursuit. The Bob Reynen Memorial Scholarship will be a yearly $1,000 scholarship awarded to a Junior or Senior at Northwestern College, with a preference of Reformed denomination and the student’s intentions of attending seminary.

We are asking for your consideration in partnering with our family and continuing to honor Bob and his legacy through this scholarship fund. Our desire is to grow the fund to $20,000 with hopes to endow it, allowing the fund to annually support itself. Please pray that God will open doors for the growth of this scholarship and we ask you to seek His guidance in sharing in this opportunity. Thank you for your support and blessing our family.

If you are interested in contributing to this fund, please contact the Advancement office at Northwestern College.

In His Mighty Hand,

Liz Reynen Sharon Reynen