I met Jitske at one Mothers and Babies Support Group at Amani Cafe. We saw each other in similar occasions a few times and shared thoughts and experiences about our children. I remember her friendly smile and kind attitude. Although I never had the opportunity to become close to her, the news of her premature death feels me with deep sadness. I did not know she had felt sick and the fact that she gave birth to little Jesse just two weeks before passing away is to me an example of how brave, strong and faithful she was. I truly admire her. My thoughts and sympathy go to her family - especially to her husband and sweet children. May your faith in God and the support of all your friends give you the strength to overcome these difficult times. One thing for sure: Jitske is in peace now and she will continue to be with you and to look after you. Life is not taken but transformed... Angela Cotroneo with Huyghen and Alexander

I met Jitke towards the end of 2008 in Nairobi. I was introduced to her bible study group by a friend of mine, (bernard majani). I soon became a member of the bible study group in Riara road. Jitke was the sort that mixed freely with everyone. Inher home, every wednesday evening, we could go and just feel free to worship GOD and have the bible study. She gave us freedom to go to her kitchen and warm the bread in the in the microwave. i only remember toasting it once. One time, i remeber Joep saying how amazing it was to meet her coz one important thing he wanted in his wife was a woman who would agree to come and live and work in Africa. Am paraphrasing "she was sent from heaven". the time i knew her in nairobi, she was part of an NGO that was working in Somalia, serving humanity, She had a heart of service, like her master who washed the feet of his desciples. She used to combine being a mother, a wife and still with the little time she had, she was working in the NGO. THEN THE EMAILS: Jitke used to keep the diary for the bible study group. she kept the email list. she circulated the prayers, she kept everyone imformed. she was free with people. she had a humble heart. she lived her faith. her life was a genuine life. she lived honestly, the way GOD would want her live. i drove with her in the car wen we went for angelas wedding. we went together to kibera wen we wen for outreach. one evening, joep had walked out of the bible study room and wen he came back, we asked him on the topic that we were discussing. joep gave the exact thoughts that she had given, so she joked: "we just need one of us here." i bet they became identical twins. one time i wanted to borrow a book, joep told, "she is the one one who looks after those books." i got the book i wanted. she was the sort that never wanted to pliz people for the sake of it, she just gave you her honest thots. wen i learnt of her early departure, my facebook update read: Just lost a friend. Father, comfort our hearts. She was a gud lady. How precious in the sight of God is the death of the righteous. in jitke, we lost a mate, a great mother, a great wife, a servant of The Lord, has been called home. Your were a blessing. a huge blessing. you left too too early, but stil, our lives were touched and your memory lives on. because of ABRAHAM's obedience, THE LORD has committed, throughout history, to bless his people Israel. May he also bless Joep, Noah Malije AND Jesse, because of your loyalt to him. ona lighter note: i always noticed how she struggled with words that had SH, like "she", shirt, short. i never asked if its a normal accent for dutch guys. Your life was un example. till we meet. R.I. P.

I met Jitske at the Riara Road Fellowship and at that time I had just two valuable members of my family… my dad and my baby boy, in a span of 3 weeks. She really made me understand God’s character in all my anger and bitterness and even frustration at when my pain would ever end. Jitske was a strong pillar of strength to me. Both her and Joep were one of the most important people in my life when we separated with the father of my children. My last born baby, Savai and Marie are born three weeks apart, my daughter being the older one. And so this means that we were both expecting at the same time, however, even in her busy schedule of having Noah and expecting, she took time to visit with me and comfort me. She even called every so often to check on me. There was even a time when the Van Bir… paid my rent (when I lost my job). I cannot even record enough of what Jitske has been to me. Its not possible to write all that she has done in my life, how much I have admired her tenacity and steadfast love for Jesus Christ. It saddens me so much and really like I mentioned above, I cannot quantify the love I felt from Jitske… its just not possible! And so as she is resting with our God, I am sure glad to have met her , to have listened to her advice and to have been her friend. It was such an honor to be around her. She definitely has left a huge gap in all of us who knew her.

Jitske was a great person. If I was to write it all it would fill up books. I knew her for close to 4 years and though we werent related she was like a sister to me. She was there for me in ways that only family can be. Its amazing how kind a person can be. She taught me alot about life just by how she lived hers. She was a great wife, mum and Bible study leader, friend and most of all a great woman of God. She walked and talked her faith and took every opportunity to share it with others. Will miss her loads. I thank God she was a believer so I know I will see her again in Heaven. Barikiwa [Be blessed] Lorna Abwonji

I have never met you but from what i have read you where a beautiful lady inside and out...to your children the loving memory of your mum will always be with you...even to little jesse your mum will be a gardian angel to you and whatever you do and where every you go your loving mum will be with you...I know the feeling of losing a loved one but i am sure with prayer and and strengeth of the family around you...things will become easier with time.... My deepest condolances from Cristina Ricci and family

I knew Jitske to be a wonderful lady. I met her at the Nairobi Chapel Church in Nairobi Kenya. When I worshiped as a Praise and Worship member at the Nairobi Chapel, Jitske and Joep were members and were incredible. At the Nairobi Chapel, Jitske started the Adiya Book Club which was a fantastic idea. Jitske, you were a great person, wife, mom and friend. We will dearly miss you. My prayers for your kids and husband and family. May God continually shine on them.

many people give and make a big deal of it or give expecting something back - jitske was always thoughtful to me (and many other people) without making a show of it or making you feel a 'burden of gratitude' she kept an open house which benefitted many of the children in the neighbourhood and in her soft spoken yet authoritative way you understood she would be there for you if you needed her. we will continue to remember her fondly.