Tuesday February 22

Weeks have passed since Bert Hills was last seen. He has disappeared without a trace. He is out of our hands, but remains in God’s hands and God always brings his children home. This is the comfort that we hold on to. This does not mean it is not hard, waiting is difficult. As a community we have come together to talk about it, to pray and to simply be together. It is amazing to see that in this difficult time God has surrounded us with people who love, and share and struggle together. Many people have asked about Bert, offered to help, and above all people have lifted prayers to our Almighty God.

We ask that you continue to do so. Please pray for peace in hearts that are heavy, please pray for patience that goes beyond understanding and please continue to pray that Bert may be found soon.

from a much loved hymn at Streetlight:

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

Tuesday February 15

This is part of a video that was made for Streetlight in October of 2009.

Watching Bert speak might trigger different feelings. A reminder of how much we miss our brother in Christ and at the same time a feeling of encouragement - on the throne of Bert's heart is God, his loving Father.



"..we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf."

Hebrews 16:18-20a

In this storm may Jesus Christ be the anchor.

Lisa was interviewed by the Hamilton Spectator. Here is the article:

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/484902--wife-concerned-as-police-continues-search-for-husband

Monday February 14

Yesterday marked the second week of Bert's disappearance. In the evening service we had an opportunity for silent prayer for Bert, we will continue this until Bert is found.

Prayer is very powerful and very much necessary for God's people. It is the way in which we can lay before God our worries, our troubles but it is also a way in which we can give thanks. Some time ago at a men's bible study we looked at Romans 8 where the Apostle Paul speaks in verse 26 about the groaning of the Holy Spirit. When we don't know what to pray the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. He ensures that the prayers of our heart are brought before the throne of God. He brings them before the throne of God with groaning that cannot be understood. What a comfort to know that even if we don't know what to pray, God will hear us.

We ended our time of prayer with the prayer that Jesus taught us. It is through Him that we may call upon God as our Father in Heaven. We have a Father in heaven who knows what is best for His Children. We don't always understand why things happen in our lives. But we know for certain that God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. And that He does not allow even a hear to fall from our head without his will.

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:19-20)


- Rob Bonefaas

Friday February 11


Another week has passed and our hopes for news about Bert is still high.
There have been several churches offering to send teams downtown to look for him. Others call for updates so that they might keep their congregations informed for accurate prayers.

The love which many have for Bert and Lisa is amazing. The only love for Bert and Lisa greater than this is the love of God for them. We take much comfort in that.

God has engraved Bert on the palms of his hands (Isa 49:16).

Wednesday February 9

The investigating team have been extremely thorough. Many people connected to the Streetlight Church have been contacted. We are told that the investigation continues 24/7, however, there has not been any strong evidence to lead investigators to solving this case. Many reports as to his whereabouts have been followed up on; at one point, Jackson Square was in a virtual lock down because it was thought he was sighted there. The sighting turned out to be another person.

We are deeply troubled by this event and find refuge only in prayer. Sunday evening, the Streetlight church reflected on Psalm 27 "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and wait for the Lord."
That is what we do. Please continue to pray that God blesses the search for Bert so that we find him.

Wednesday February 9


Bert and his wife Lisa at a Streetlight retreat in 2008.

Bert and Lisa are a very involved couple. They love helping out wherever they can. Their love for God and the people around them is so very evident by their hearts of service.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Sunday February 6

Bert kissed his wife Lisa on Sunday (January 30) at 4 in the afternoon, and went to the variety store nearby, saying he’d be right back. He has still not returned home. The next day, at 4 pm, Lisa filed a missing person report with the police and by Monday night, the police had launched a full investigation to locate Bert. On Tuesday, they searched intensively through the areas where it was thought that Bert might be. Officers on foot and officers with dogs failed to find him. No leads or clues to date have given any significant hope.

The investigating team have been extremely thorough. Anyone connected to the Streetlight Church has been contacted, so police have often been the ones to inform people of Bert’s disappearance.

We don’t know where Bert is. But God does. He is in his care. For Bert, it remains true that underneath are the everlasting arms. Please pray that God blesses the search for Bert so that we find him.

Please pray also for Lisa, and Bert’s three children: John, Paul and Kelley, that God give them hope and rest. God’s ways are not our ways, but his ways are always best.

Hamilton Police looking for Missing Hamilton man

The Hamilton Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a missing Hamilton man.
Albert HILLS, 62 yrs., of Hamilton was last seen on January 30th, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Albert HILLS resides in the downtown core area and was last seen by his wife prior to leaving his home to go to a downtown area business. Albert HILLS’ family is concerned for his well being as this behaviour is out of character for him. Albert HILLS suffers a medical condition that requires medication.


Albert HILLS is described as:
• male• white• 5’ 7” • thin build • approximately 110 lbs.• short gray hair• goatee• brown eyes


*******Updated Clothing description*******
It is now believed that HILLS was wearing a cotton plaid dress shirt, dark green cargo style pants, a black bomber style coat with a hood and white writing and brown and red shoes.

Hamilton Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Albert HILLS to contact the Division One S/Sgt’s office at 905-546-4725 or Central Reception at 905-546-4771.

UPDATE…….February 2nd, 2011
Hamilton Police continue to search for missing person Albert HILLS.Investigators are asking homeowners to check their properties, outbuildings and sheds and anyone with information on the whereabouts of HILLS is asked to contact the Division One S/Sgt’s office at 905-546-4725 or Central Reception at 905-546-4771.