Dennis Vander Kraats was born in Canada. He was a fitness fanatic who loved ice hockey. He attended Notre Dame University in Indiana, USA. In 1982, upon graduation, Dennis decided to take a holiday in Australia, after which he planned to return to Canada to attend medical school.

 

But God had other plans for Dennis. He met Marion when they were drivers in the last two cars to board the Princess of Tasmania to Melbourne. They both made it with little time to spare. After just five months, they were married. Dennis never made it back to Canada or to medical school.

 

In Melbourne, Dennis studied degree courses in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine. At one of these courses, he met Andrew Verity who introduced him to a member of the Frankston church.

 

Dennis and Marion began a Bible study with Geoff Pollard. Marion’s family was very active in the Catholic church but in 1986 they were both baptised by Geoff Pollard in the bathtub of their family home in Frankston.

 

Dennis and Marion were blessed with two sons, Rob and Tim. The family moved to Perth in 1995 and became members of the City Beach church. They were of great encouragement to the brethren there in their support of others, both physically and spiritually. Their home was always open and their love for others quietly displayed through their kind generosity, generated through God’s Spirit (Matthew 6:1–4).

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Dennis applied both his knowledge gained at university and his knowledge of God’s Word to assist many people. He was a no-fuss guy, blessed by God and, assisted by Marion, wholeheartedly shared his joy and love with others. (Philippians 4:4–9).

 

In 2009, as a member of the newly-established congregation at Malaga, Dennis agreed to serve as a Shepherd, together with six others. Over the following years the congregation grew in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and many believed in Him and were added to Christ’s body.

 

Dennis continued to faithfully serve the church until his son Rob suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm. Consequently, Dennis had to refocus his available strength on his own family. Rob was treated in the ICU and a large group of brethren spent days praying together in the hospital chapel with the family.

 

Rob spent six months in hospital and a further two years in intensive rehabilitation at home, assisted by Dennis, Marion, and Tim. Rob then returned to work as a physiotherapist. Although unable to walk, his wheelchair raises him to a standing position which enables him to treat patients. Rob already had a Masters degree in Sports Physio and this year he completed his PhD. Following the example of his parents, Rob continues to assist others, both physically and spiritually.

 

Feeling that the needs of his family prevented him from having a full understanding of the needs of members, Dennis stepped back from being an active member of the shepherding group but remained a Shepherd in an advisory capacity.

 

However, still looking for ways to serve others, he worked in partnership with fellow Shepherds, David Atchley, and Wilbert Sibanda, to support the Children in Need Trust in Zimbabwe which places orphans in Christian homes, where they are able to attend school and learn about God.

 

In the last five years Dennis experienced his own health challenges but in true Dennis style he never wanted attention or fuss. He continued to attend worship, always assisting Rob to stand for singing and to participate in teaching God’s Word.

 

By employing the gifts and blessings granted through God’s Spirit, Dennis and Marion have changed the lives of many. Through their kindness, I too have personally received many blessings in life. Although for a while we are separated, Dennis’ legacy of faith continues. (James 1:12).

 

Please pray for our sister Marion and for Rob and Tim, as they negotiate life without Dennis – their special person.​