Didi Companjen

I was born in a Christian family where it was quite normal to go to church every Sunday. Although I knew about God and Jesus, I did not have a personal relationship with Him. He was the God of anger and punishment - too holy for me as just a human being, full of sin. I am thankful that God never forsake me and He was knocking at the door of my heart till I found Him as my personal Saviour and Father. Singing was part of our family - and has been my passion over the years. I am married and my husband and I have 3 children and 11 grandchildren.

For 30 years we have been serving the Suffering Church through the mission agency Open Doors with Brother Andrew. After being a member of a number of choirs for many years I started to sing solo and took voice training at the music school for 9 years.. After Leen was present while I had to perform at a festival, he invited me to attend Christian Artists and later on to take part in the organisation Continental Art as a singer. I performed not only in churches here in Holland, but was also invited by a Polish gospelband to come over to Poland and take part in their tour as a guest singer. This event continued for several years - I went once a year. Beside performing in churches I also performed in prisons, clubs and for students.

In the meantime I studied social work and finished the study succesfully. In our home church I have been the leader of the worship team for about 25 years and I am trained in leading worship and training bands. Slowly my role changed from singing in coaching and teaching groups about worship. Also now I am asked to train people not only in Holland but also outside of Holland, like in Greece, Romania, Rwanda.

Still after 27 years I attend CA. A lot has changed over the years, but it still feels as ‘coming home’ every year. During this event I am responsible for the chapel worship in the morning and I am also teaching at the CA seminar.