For the past 50 years, the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation has facilitated discussions about science and Christian faith in Canada. As part of our 50th-anniversary celebrations, we asked 50 CSCA members to comment on their personal connections to science, scripture, and Canadian scenery. We will share these contributions throughout 2023 in the hope that you will find them engaging and encouraging.
CSCA member of the week: Valerie Sikkema, Horticulturist at Van Belle Nursery
1. Why did you choose your scientific discipline?
I grew up surrounded by plants at my parents’ garden centre, and I loved science, so it just made sense for me to study horticulture at university.
2. What is one of your favourite Bible verses and why?
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.'”
—Matt 11:4-5
This is the gospel and describes what Jesus did and what he calls us to do.
3. Which Canadian city or landscape do you love exploring and why?
Golden Ears Park near Maple Ridge in BC is one of my favourite places in the world. The trees are big, the creeks are cold and clear, the sky is dark at night, and there is no cell service or internet access.