Inspire, Fall 2007

10 Fall 2007 Feature : Harry ’ 96 and Echo Tuinstra VanderWal ’ 96 The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Bible. It is the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to the Apostles, but beyond that, it is a special calling from Jesus to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is the starting point of action for all Christians. Dr. Harry ’96 and Echo Tuinstra VanderWal ’96 met during their sophomore year of college and soon realized that they both wanted to be medical missionaries. Their identical life callings soon blossomed into love for each other. They also shared an overwhelming desire to serve Africans, both medically and spiritually. The two transferred to Cedarville at the beginning of their junior year because of CU’s Christian foundation and the strength of the science department. Several professors, including Dan Wetzel, Terry Phipps ’70, Larry Helmick ’63, Don Baumann, and Dave Warren ’64, were instrumental in training and encouraging both in their goal to be medical missionaries. “Words will never express the ways these men have affected our lives and now our ministry in Africa,” the two said. Harry and Echo are certainly making disciples. But while they are ministering to the souls of Africans, they are also meeting health needs. In 2004, one of Harry’s colleagues in Dayton, Ohio, introduced Harry and Echo to the small country of Swaziland (slightly smaller than New Jersey) in southern Africa. They first visited in 2004. The medical need was great, and the spiritual need was even greater. Not wanting to draw attention to the VanderWal name, but instead to God, Harry and Echo decided to start The Luke Commission (TLC), a name based on gospel writer Luke, the New Testament physician–historian. TLC is now busy pulling trailers loaded with medical supplies through the African bush. In 2006, Harry and Echo traveled 8,000 miles within Swaziland to reach those who have little or no health care. They gave new clothes to more than 4,100 needy people — many orphaned by AIDS. Another 2,430 new mothers were presented with new clothes for their babies. To Africa with Love by Kara Niemotka Gibbs ’96 “This is our passion and calling. Nothing else in life brings contentment — not happiness, but contentment — like being with Africans in the bush.”