Dear family,
Your father/grandfather served on the YFCI Board (Youth for Christ International) from 1989 to 2007. He was the Board Treasurer from 1997 to 2007. Marius was one of the most competent Treasurers the YFCI Board ever had and provided the YFCI Board at the moment of his resignation with another very competent Treasurer. I had the priviledge to serve with him on that Board for 13 years. At the moment of his resignation from the YFCI Board, Marius was 79. The reason he gave for his stepping down was that he believed nobody at the age of 80 should serve on a YFC Board. :)
At that time there was no moment that Marius wasn’t fully alert at every Board Meeting. Even at the age of 79, jet-lag didn’t seem to affect him at all.
Marius was a very kind person. Even when he criticized, his remarks where tender.
He wasn’t afraid though to speak up whenever he felt the need. His mind was very sharp especially when financial and governance matters were concerned.
His greatest interest in Board meetings though where that ministry was achieved and that young people were reached with the person of Jesus Christ. Beyond that, his greatest concern was that all of his family would follow Jesus.
I have always stayed in regular contact with Marius by phone. Those conversations have always been a pleasure. It was typical for him, not to talk so much about himself, but to ask how I and others were doing.
I have lost a real friend. Even at his old age, Marius would always ask me how one of my boys was doing, who didn't follow Jesus yet? He prayed for him and for our family on a regular base. When my first wife died, Marius travelled all the way from the Netherlands to be at the funeral. I really appreciated that!
I will miss him, but rejoice at the same time, that he is with the Lord.
The Lord may comfort you in this knowledge.
Alfons and Claudia Hildebrandt
Former National Director Youth for Christ Germany,
Member of the Board of YFCI
