Roots and Wings of Faith

Although personal ancestry and DNA history are popular today, few have the desire to search for their “values heritage” or find answers to relevant questions; such as, what did their ancestors believe, what principles guided their lives, what impact did this heritage have on their life? This book records part of my search to discover my heritage and to answer the question: what effect did my roots of faith and family heritage have on my life and career?
The Reformation, as a valuable source of that heritage, and its great value arises from the way it happened and the pathway of struggle with a formidable world power – a power that seemed invincible. For many years the populace was discouraged by that power from possessing Holy Scripture on their own, especially in their own language.* The main intent claimed for these restrictions was to prevent heresy due to incorrect translations, but the reformers did not accept this explanation. The iron chains of these restrictions were permanently broken by the Reformation. ___________*Decree of the Council of Toulouse (1229 C.E.): “We prohibit also that the laity should be permitted to have the books of the Old or New Testament; but we most strictly forbid their having any translation of these books.
Your heritage may be lost or not what you wish it to be, but God, by His grace and because of His love for you, may provide a new heritage, a new birth of freedom. Past history will not change, but you can begin a new and lasting legacy of faith for your family and generations to come, one that will prevail and not pass away.
In searching for my past, a heritage was found that could not be ignored or destroyed. It was a Dutch heritage, a spiritual one filled with meaning, hard truths, surprising blessings, and eternal values. A great thing developed in my life, something that has occurred in every life – a personal heritage. It is true and has meaning and purpose. You will find part of my spiritual heritage in the this book.