About Us
As a family we are passionate about using our gifts and abilities to serve the Lord. It was while serving in a Mennonite colony setting some years ago that our eyes were opened to the power of music in communicating the Gospel message. It crossed the cultural and religious barriers more effectively than any other evangelistic tool available to us.
We also realized very quickly the shortage of any kind of resources in the Low German language. This was a problem because our work was primarily with Low German speaking people.
Our Mission
Since returning to Canada, we have been heavily involved in a bilingual music ministry. We travel much, singing and preaching in either Einglish or Low German. We write and translate many songs, as well as create radio programs, evangelistic tracts, devotional books, children’s story books, Sunday School material, Bible study materials and the list goes on. It is our desire, and we believe we are led by God, to do our best to help provide the people and the missionaries who are ministering to them with as many resources as possible.
Our Team
Diedrich & Nettie
Diedrich and Nettie have been playing music together since before they got married! Over the years they have served in many different church and missionary roles, and as the kids came along they just started helping too! They use their unique gifts and experiences to write and translate music and Christian resources in Low German and English as well as travel around the world, singing, teaching and preaching. They create kid’s devotional material, and Sunday School curriculum in Low German. As the founders of D’Friesens they bring direction and guidance to the rest of the team.
Andrew & Deanna
Living in La Crete, Alberta, Andrew and Deanna are heavily involved in music and teaching. Having grown up in a musical missionary family, Andrew is familiar with the work his parents do. Together they join Diedrich and Nettie on longer international trips, as well as sharing and singing in their home area. They also write and translate music and resources, and Andrew creates a weekly Low German radio program. They are the proud parents of two small boys, Eli and Jade.
Jason & Teya
Jason started full time in mission work in 2021. Together he, his wife Teya, and their daughter Soren live in Winkler, Manibota. Jason does all kinds of random stuff, like tech support, graphic design, photography, music, writing bible study, and making guitar lesson videos. He can’t make up his mind!
Matthew & Nikki
While Matthew isn’t officially a member of D’Friesens, he’s a part of the family, and in mission work that is the same thing in many ways! Matthew helps out occasionally at live performances playing bass guitar. He also enjoys working on the sound board which is super handy! His wife Nikki joined our team in late 2022, and helps with live performances, accounting and administrative work, social media, and much more.
Mark
The youngest of all the boys, Mark joined D’Friesens full time in 2020. He keeps busy finding and editing pictures for coloring books, helping with live performances, recording and maintenance. He’s also pretty handy in the kitchen and loves spending time with his niece and nephews.
Partner with us in our mission
All the work we do is made possible by generous donors like you. We believe in this ministry, and if you feel led to, please partner with us in prayer, or make a donation. If you would like to be added to our newsletter email list, please send us an email in the subscription form below, and let us know which teams you would like to hear from. Thank you for your support!