Brother Martien van Leeuwen MHM Granted Royal Award

The day preceding April 27 – ‘King’s Day’ in the Netherlands – traditionally features royal award giving ceremonies in municipalities all over the countyry. Colloquially this yearly event goes by the name of ‘lintjes regen’ – awards ‘rain’.

Local citizens who have distinguished themselves in their service to the community are granted a royal award.

This year our very own Mill Hill Brother Martien van Leeuwen was one of the elect.

The mayor of Renkum, Ms Agnes Schaap, awarded him the title of ‘Knight of the Order of Oranje Nassau’ at an award giving ceremony at the town hall.

In her congratulatory remarks the mayor highlighted among other merits Brother Martien’s missionary involvement in Kenya and his distinguished services to the Mill Hill community in The Netherlands.

Martien reacted to this – for him – totally unexpected distinction with characteristic generosity and aplomb dedicating the award to the entire membership of the Mill Hill Missionary Society in The Netherlands.

Another ten inhabitants of the municipality were equally granted an award, among them several blind persons.

Fons Eppink MHM

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