Bart & Alice Velthuizen - Hosting Newcomers Has Enriched Our Lives

Over the last couple of years, my wife and I have hosted several newcomers to Canada through Open Homes. Before we began this activity of hospitality, admittedly we had reservations: How much of our own privacy would we have to forfeit? Would there ever be any risk to our safety? How much of our time would this cost us?

We no longer have any reservations. The blessings we have received from opening our home to newcomers to Canada have far outweighed any costs in terms of privacy, time, or finances. Making relationships with folk from different parts of the world, learning interesting features of different cultures while providing shelter and a home for people in need has been very enriching.

The Open Homes ministry is very well organized. There is plenty of support. Hosts are given as much flexibility as needed. “House Rules” are agreed upon. My wife and I have not had any problem protecting the time of privacy we like to have. The length of time each guest stays is understood on all sides. When we need the guestrooms for our children or other purposes, we are able to declare our home to be unavailable to Open Homes guests for a period of time.

While trying to be blessing to others, my wife and I have been blessed even more in return. We recommend to anyone with an extra bedroom or in-law suite to consider hosting a guest through Open Homes.