Gary Hinde

I'm extremely thankful that God blessed me with the most amazing, loving, parents, Ted and Marion Hinde, who led me to faith in Jesus at a young age.  Over the years, they knew God and nourished my spiritual growth. 

Starting in my mid-teens, I was active in the leadership of various youth groups, a small Christian band, and worked as a summer bible camp counselor. At the age of 18, I went to Aix-en-Provence, France to do volunteer construction work at a bible training camp called L'eau Vive. I also held weekly bible studies for American University students there. Back in Canada, I started a junior teens youth group, and led home bible studies. One summer I worked in the construction of the original sanctuary (now the café) of Lambrick Park Church. Years later, I served on and chaired the Board of Deacons at Lambrick.  

My career was in the field of real estate negotiation and appraisal for the Province of BC and the Capital Regional District. My post-secondary education was in Business Administration followed by Urban Land Economics - Real Estate Appraisal from the University of British Columbia. I served as Chair of the Victoria Chapter of the Real Estate Institute of BC, and a member of the Victoria Chapter Committee of the Real Estate Institute of Canada. I retired in 2010 and used my newfound free time to become a passionate unofficial student, studying and learning about God. 

My wife Bobbie is a committed follower of the Lord. We've been members of Lambrick for approximately 47 years. We were married in 1980 in the original sanctuary at Lambrick. Fun fact - Pastor Scott Anderson's dad Keith, sung at our wedding! Later, we were blessed with two awesome kids, Jason and Kelsey. Today, they are both married to wonderful people. 

A number of years ago Mel and Chris Zurchowski invited me to help facilitate a home bible study that they had nurtured at Lambrick for many years. Since Mel and Chris have gone to be with the Lord, we have carried on with that weekly, 'Zurchowski' study named in their honor. 

Aside from studying, God has given me a passion for writing and encouraging others to pursue their trust in God. I write short, devotional-style essays and little notes to family and friends about some of the things God is teaching me through my daily devotions and Christian books. I pray and hope that if something has helped and encouraged me, it might do the same for someone else. 

For a number of years, I've facilitated two, small bible study groups of 3 to 5 men to encourage spiritual growth and discipleship. Believing that community is vital to spiritual growth, I also organize a few men's coffee groups to foster friendship and connections. I've discovered that contributing my time at a grass roots level within my church community blesses both me and those I serve.