BONNY Hills local Dennis van der Velde and his wife Tammi are planting a new church in their area.
“I guess you could say that we are bringing an expression of what we already do and are,” Dennis said.
Dennis said each week he and Tammi have been meeting in homes where people come from all walks of life to share a meal, enjoy great fellowship and seek to understand life and God.
“We call this organic life a free-range church,” he said.
“As we experience God’s love and forgiveness it’s an opportunity to express his love to a broken humanity.
“It’s real, authentic and wonderful. It’s raw, it’s organic.”
They have now decided to formalise their group as a church and hold meetings regularly every Saturday at 5.33pm.
Both Dennis and Tammi have had their fair share of tragedies.
Dennis lost his dad in a farming accident when he was 12 and literally escaped with his life.
Tammi’s mum struggled with alcohol addiction and Tammi to this day does not know who her biological dad is.
Both Dennis and Tammi love family, love the company of others and are doing all they know, to see that expression of love and a strong family unit reach into the lives of others.
Dennis’s day job is as a postie, where he enjoys the interaction with the community on a daily basis.
Tammi is a gym instructor and absolutely loves her job. She has also trained as a nurse.
They are no strangers to church, having been involved since they were teenagers. They have helped plant churches and worked with different missions.
“There’s a huge mission field in our back yard,” Dennis said.
“We need to live with conviction and walk humbly with integrity.
“People are hungry for truth and authenticity.”
For more information go to www.church33.com.
