Introducing to you...the Core Team, amazing people!

Fieneke Peters

Why are you involved with Serve the City?
I like organizing and feel a lot of compassion for people who are not so fortunate as most of us. For instance people who come from problematic backgrounds which caused them to never have a real chance to make healthy choices in their lives. I feel that I am not better than they are, in any way, I just had more chances. It is great to see that the Serve the City projects can contribute something to their lives in a short period. And above that, stimulate people to do voluntary work. I hope it will make them realize that it is fun to do and that giving is great!

Can you give us a glimpse of “who” you are? 
I like cooking a lot. I even made my profession of it and I cook at Dwaze Zaken and have my own (small) catering company. I also like eating (not always a good combination:-), so I enjoy having dinner somewhere from time to time, especially in small foreign restaurants with their interesting flavors. And spending quality time with friends is always good, as is cocooning at home while reading or watching a dvd.
   
In what way does your faith motivates you?
It has been around 5 years ago now since I became a Christian. If someone would have told me 10 years ago that I would become a Christian (and a cook) I would have never believed it. I always felt that there was more to life than what we see, and have been searching answers and exploring many ways. But trying to find the truth in yourself is never fulfilling I experiencd. Then I read about Jesus and his radical views considering serving others and that really got to me. I then decided to want to know more about this Jesus. And went to church...which put my life upside down....God does exist...Jesus did die for us... I knew that it is God that I was always looking for and now He showed me that He had been there all along.


 

Linda Kitchen

Why are you involved with Serve the City?
I believe the Bible is clear that we should “love our neighbors” (Mark 12:31) and show “mercy” (Luke 6:36) and acts of “kindness” (Ephesians 4:32).  It seems that helping or serving those in need, whether I know them or not is one way to do that.  In addition, being a part of Serve the City allows me the opportunity of being involved in a city-wide culture of sharing God’s love with others.  

Can you give us a glimpse of “who” you are?
Nature, sports, animals, and reading – I’ve cycled coast-to-coast across the United States of America twiceIn

In what way does your faith motivates you?
Through understanding Jesus’ love for me I have developed a deep sense of peace that He is good and is my care taker, even when difficult times arise like spiritual battle or when the timing of life’s circumstances don’t happen the way I’ve hoped, like being married and having children. 
 

Margreet Heij

Why do you participate in Serve the City?
Because I like the Serve the City flyers so much. Ha-ha. But also because I am really convinced that God intends for us to live differently in this world.  In our country and our city there is also poverty, loneliness and grief. Sometimes we make such a mess of each other.

I like people and Serve the City offers the possibility to actually do something meaningful for each other, actually in a way that our society is unfortunately no longer taking for granted. I hope the people we meet, volunteers, residents of Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam companies are all ignited with the light and the love of Jesus.

What do you enjoy in your daily life to do?
I enjoy my work including organizing events or even just our neighborhood party. I love to meet (new) people. And, of course I also love to relax. For example, by going to the theater, reading, cooking for family or friends or having lunch with my sister. Unfortunately, I hate sports.

In what way faith plays a role in your life?
"On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand". This is a text that continues to haunt me and yet remains so, so true. Through Jesus I can live with an open view. Therefore I am very grateful!