Elim Sustainers all have their own Elim story. This is Alvin’s

July 31, 2020

Alvin Bosma remembers when Elim started at First and Second Christian Reformed Churches of Englewood in Chicago, Illinois.  “Alvin Bouma, one of Elim’s first Board Members, was instrumental in getting me to volunteer at Elim,” recalls Alvin, “He got me a job maintaining the grass at Elim when I was young and two of my cousins, Chris and Henrietta Vanderlaan, were hired as two of Elim’s first teachers!”

Alvin and Marilyn Bosma

Even before he started working at Elim, Alvin had been a working man and continued to be one until he retired 25 years ago at the age of 63.  “I wasn’t a business owner, I was a working man, but always gave some to Elim. Even though none of my children have disabilities, I always have had a heart for individuals with disabilities,” he says.

Alvin and his first wife Estelle, went to a meeting years ago, with Denny Hoekstra, the first Executive Director of the Barnabas Foundation.  Some years later, Alvin and Estelle “adopted” a fifth child, named “CHARITY.” They have chosen over a dozen various organizations that they are passionate about, including Elim Christian Services.

Al and his second wife, Marilyn, have a combined total of 8 children, 41 grandchildren, and 30 great children, and their legacy continues with the Barnabas Foundation.

If you’re unsure of how you can support Elim and other organizations you’re passionate about or if you want to learn more about how you can become an Elim Sustainer like Alvin, call Bob Marsh at 630.290.2388 or email Bob.Marsh@elimcs.org.