August VanRyn

August VanRyn
One of the most memorable personalities among Brethren workers in the early and middle years of the 20th century was August Van Ryn. August was the eighth of twelve children born to the Dutch family of Van Ryn senior. At the age of seventeen, August left the Netherlands for the United States. Two brothers and a sister had preceded him by this time. August was never to see his mother again this side of heaven. After three years of ministry in Albany, New York, August joined his brothers and sister in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At this time he did attend meetings, but was unmoved by the Gospel. Then on Sunday, May 1st 1910, August was led to the Lord by his brother Louis.

August soon became involved in open air preaching. Approximately two years later, he was asked to minister at the Sunday evening service. His message was brief, and needed to be finished by his brother. After this start, the following two years were spent in gaining solid experience in preaching the Word. Next he was invited to assist with the ministry in a tent campaign held by a "seasoned preacher." August related how God seemed to delight in using "those of us who feel they are not fit."

Soon thereafter he quit his secular employment and began a sixty five year "plus" career of preaching the gospel and teaching the principles of the Christian faith. On the last day of 1916 after being invited, August left the states for Nassau, Bahamas. There he met the lady who was later to become his bride, Ms. Persis Roberts. Persis was the sister-in-law of Bob Stratton, whom had previously come from New Jersey to the Bahamas to preach the gospel. It was love at first sight for August and Persis. A few months later they were married, and made their home in March Harbor.

In October 1926, a tidal wave was to destroy their home, and very nearly took their lives. A baby girl was lost but three children survived, Elliot, Lorraine and Belle. A year later the Lord gave them a baby boy named Carroll. In 1930, after living in the islands for thirteen years, the Van Ryn family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. For the next three and one-half years August itinerated among the assemblies. In 1933 they moved once again, this time to Florida where they spent the rest of their lives.

An autobiography by August Van Ryn has been written, and is entitled "Sixty Years In His Service." The man and his wonderful ministry were both a tribute to his God and King.