A substantial gift by the late Jan Suurmond continues his legacy of gratitude and generosity through the work of Mission and Service
In Seoul, South Korea, I met a remarkable global partner, Rev. Hsiu Yin Chan (Showin) of the Asia Women’s Resource Centre. Showin took a courageous step in hosting an LGBTQIA+ conference in November of last year—a bold act of faith and justice in a context where such initiatives face fierce resistance. In Korea, the LGBTQIA+ community has been under intense attack, especially by conservative churches wielding considerable influence and financial resources.
And yet, despite the risks, the conference was a profound success. LGBTQIA+ conference participants found safety, solidarity, and a sacred space to share their stories—stories filled with both pain and resilience—in an atmosphere of deep respect and affirmation.
During our conversation, I shared with Showin the reality facing The United Church of Canada: declining membership and dwindling financial resources. These challenges mean inevitable cuts—to staff, and to programs like our global partnerships. Showin expressed sadness. After doing something so prophetic and pastoral, the prospect of diminishing support was difficult to bear. Still, she remains committed. Next year, she plans to host another conference—this time in Thailand, to amplify the voices of Myanmar women—with the help of modest Mission and Service funding. I promised her that we would do all we could to continue our support—with faith, and with hope.
That very evening, back at my hotel, I checked my email—and what I read almost moved me to tears. An elderly man who became blind had donated the vast majority of his entire estate to The United Church of Canada, specifically to the Global Partnership Program. It felt like a miracle. A sign of grace.
The generous donor was Mr. Jan (pronounced Yan) Suurmond. He had immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in his late teens, alone. He became a teacher—a well-read, deeply thoughtful intellectual, who loved nature and photography, a kind, and generous soul. Never married, he loved and appreciated his numerous family members in Holland. Over time, Jan came to a profound spiritual insight: that humanity is one. We are all interconnected. That awareness became the foundation of his life’s philosophy. He felt a profound sense of gratitude and a strong duty to serve others.
In his retirement, Jan volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society, driving patients to their appointments. He later discovered that he was losing his sight due to a rare medical condition, and he began volunteering with the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind). As he reflected on his life and wrote his will, he expressed immense gratitude: giving $100,000 to the Government of Canada for welcoming him, and another $100,000 to the Government of Ontario for providing excellent healthcare.
Karen Seunarine, the Individual Giving Lead on the Philanthropy Team of the General Council Office fondly remembers him:
“When I first met Jan in July of 2019, he immediately struck me as a theologian—a thoughtful, well-read teacher with a deep love for people. He believed that every person has a longing to belong, himself included. I remember him speaking passionately about how our modern society values competition over cooperation, and how he longed for something more grounded in mutual care and connection.
Jan was someone who loved deeply and wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable. He believed in building what he called a “society of interdependency,” where people supported one another as part of a shared human family. It was this love for others and his commitment to our shared humanity that drew him to The United Church of Canada.
As it says in Galatians 3:28, “We are all one in Christ.” Jan embraced that truth, and he loved that the United Church truly lived it—bringing people together for the good of all. I give thanks to God for the gift of Jan’s life—a life marked by compassion, wisdom, and a deep love for both God and all of God’s children.”
Jan deeply appreciated the faith of The United Church of Canada—its progressive theology, global partnership work, and its welcome of people who are often excluded: refugees, racialized individuals, and 2S and LGBTQIA+ peoples. He felt the United Church, more than other churches, understood and embraced the view that humanity is one. So, he gave the rest of his estate to the church, specifically to the work of Global Partnership.
The Church in Mission Unit of the General Council Office embraces the interconnectedness of all people as we seek to live out mutual radical accompaniment with around 100 partners around the world. The United Church has historically helped to establish hospitals, medical schools, and schools for girls in places where girls were denied education. Today, we continue to work with partner churches and organizations on initiatives focused on human rights, peacebuilding, climate justice, food security, safe houses for girls escaping human trafficking, Indigenous rights, and interfaith collaboration—all for the flourishing of human life.
Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Executive Minister of the General Council’s Church in Mission Unit said, “All people of God deserve to live in dignity, for all were created in the image of God. As Jesus said, 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full' (John 10:10). Mr. Suurmond’s generous gift to the church helps to facilitate this across the world.”
The heart of Mr. Suurmond’s deep spirituality resonates with what Albert Einstein once said: “Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Because of the support of Mr. Suurmond and numerous donors, the United Church will continue the work God is calling us to do—work that respects all people and all Creation, and that recognizes how truly interconnected we are.
Thank you, Mr. Suurmond, for your extraordinary generosity and your profound faith. Your legacy will help shape a world where love, justice, and dignity are made real for all.
If you, too, feel inspired to leave a legacy, please consider donating to Mission and Service. Please contact Karen Seunarine, Individual Giving Lead on the Philanthropy team, to learn how your gift can help build a more compassionate world (kseunarine@united-church.ca, 437-290-0703, or 1-800-268-3781).
—Rev. Won Hur works as the Global Partnership Program Coordinator for Asia in the General Council’s Church in Mission Unit.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.