Louis grew up in the Netherlands in a nearly 100%  Catholic part of the country, attended Catholic kindy, primary and high schools. Religious education during the last years at high school awakened his interest in other Christian denominations, other religions and non religious philosophy. Louis studied engineering at the University of Technolgy in Eindhoven and worked in the manufacturing industry until his retirement from paid employment in 2014. In the 1980's and early 90's  Louis was involved in ecumenical groups first in Zeist in the Netherlands and later in Hamilton (he emigrated with his family to New Zealand in 1987). In the Netherlands he was a representative at the local World Council of Churches and in Hamilton for two years a member of the Hamilton Council of Churches
In the early 90's  the course "Walk by Faith" and the shift to Te Pahu set him on a different path and became actively involved in the local Te Pahu Inter-Denominational Community Church and he now is a member of the St. Stephen's Presbyterian Parish in Hamilton as well. A chance meeting again awakened his interest in other religions and he joined WIFCO in 2010.
 

Faith Community: Christian