Called to serve

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Peter Timmerman’s journey into international development began with a heart for service and a deep sense of calling. Now stepping into a leadership role at World Renew Canada, Peter reflects on the experiences that shaped him, the challenges facing the sector and the hope that continues to fuel his work.

Bula: Peter, can you tell us a little about your journey and how it led you to World Renew?

Timmerman: I’ve known about the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee – now World Renew – for as long as I can remember. It’s always been close to my heart. My first real step into the sector was as an intern in Tanzania back in 1994. That experience was life-changing. It helped me to find and define my vocation and my calling. Since then, I’ve worked with several non-government organizations across sub-Saharan Africa, Canada, and Latin America. I thought I’d spend my whole life in Africa, but God had other plans. Some of those plans were difficult and unexpected, but they led me back to Canada, and ultimately, back to World Renew.

Bula: What did you learn during your time in Tanzania?

Timmerman: I often say that internship was my “Master’s and PhD” in international development. I did later earn a Master of Science in Rural Planning from the University of Guelph, but Tanzania taught me things no classroom ever could. I learned that people are not defined by poverty and how complex its causes and solutions are. I also discovered that I was good at the work, which matters! You need more than passion and good intentions to succeed. You need to be aware of your own skills and limitations and how they connect to the opportunities God might have in store. That experience helped me understand that many of the absolutes I grew up with don’t hold when it comes to poverty and life, particularly in different contexts and cultures. Internships should raise questions, not just provide answers. That’s what mine did.

Bula: What drives your passion for this work?

Timmerman: I love facilitating change, whether in systems, structures or people. You can’t legislate transformation; it has to be cultivated. Seeing communities come together, experiencing those “aha” moments and watching real change happen: That’s the heart of World Renew. I believe that every square centimetre of this world already belongs to God. Our role is to learn about and work with people, not to start from scratch. We’re not the heroes; we’re partners in what God is already doing.

Bula: What does it mean to serve God at World Renew?

Timmermans: At World Renew, we recognize that we are all made in the image of God, and it is our sinful and unjust world that has twisted that. Our calling is not just to “help” but to address the systemic injustices that cause that inequality. We take our lead from Christ, who came as a servant for all and expressed that those with power and privilege have a special measure of responsibility to the poor and oppressed.

Bula: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the sector today?

Timmermans: There are many. One is increasing fragility in vulnerable regions. Conflict is worsening, and global polarization is causing countries to look inward. That’s happening at a time when we need to be looking outward more than ever. Funding is also declining – major donors are pulling back, including the Canadian government. These trends make our work more urgent and more difficult. But they also call us to be more innovative and better at what we do.

Bula: What keeps you motivated when the work gets tough?

Timmermans: Personal stories. The people I’ve met over the years keep me going. Those connections are powerful. Not everyone gets to travel and see the impact firsthand, so I think it’s important to share those stories and remind our team that the work truly matters. I’ve seen lives changed. I’ve seen communities transformed. That’s what keeps me going.

Bula: What excites you about being part of World Renew Canada?

Timmermans: It feels like coming home. I’ve worked with World Renew before, and I believe Canada has a unique opportunity to make a global impact – especially now, when many are turning inward. The Christian Reformed Church’s history with refugee resettlement is also something I’m proud to be connected to. I think Canada is a place where we can make a real difference in the world.

Bula: What’s your favourite item from the World Renew Gift Catalogue?

Timmermans: I love the smaller animals, especially chickens! I’ve seen chicken programs work really well. They’re easy to manage, propagate quickly, and the required infrastructure costs are low. They’re practical and they make an impact.

Bula: What’s your hope for the future of this work?

Timmermans: That we continue to be faithful. That we keep showing up. That we keep asking hard questions, that we listen well, and that we are willing to innovate and adapt. We must remain rooted in our faith and open to God’s leading. The challenges are real, but so is the hope. And I believe that hope is what we’re called to renew.