Big impact from second-hand treasures: Bonaire’s new thrift store is winning hearts and bringing people and the Church together.
Bright and cheerful in vibrant yellow, the new home of the New Apostolic Church’s second-hand store on Bonaire shines almost as brightly as the Caribbean sun itself. Located on the Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela, the new Magazina Kaminda Djabou officially opened its doors on Saturday, 18 April 2026, welcoming a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, keeping the shop pleasantly busy. But how did this project come to life in the first place?
A boon for the island
For nearly three decades, the nonprofit foundation Stichting Corantijn in the Netherlands—an initiative of the New Apostolic Church—has been supporting communities in the South American country of Suriname in a variety of ways. One successful example is the thrift store operated by the Dutch Regional Church right next to the church building, benefitting not only the local people but also enriching church life itself.
Inspired by this model, the small congregation on the island of Bonaire launched its own second-hand store on the Church grounds three years ago. Operating under the auspices of the Church, the project is coordinated by Bishop Ruud Vis.
The first shop was more like a warehouse, from which the shop was run. The new combined shop and warehouse offer considerably more space. The former warehouse has been incorporated into the shop, significantly increasing the floor area. As a result, the range of goods on offer has also expanded. And what kinds of things can you buy there?
A container full of possibilities
The store offers a wide selection of items: furniture, household goods, electronic devices, books, clothing, toys, shoes, bedding, and tools. The merchandise is sourced from the Netherlands. A few times a year, a container is filled with second-hand items and shipped to Bonaire.
In the Netherlands, the container is placed next to one of our churches, and anyone who wishes can drop items off and support the initiative. Bishop Ruud Vis reports: “This provides congregations in the Netherlands with a platform and a reason to make themselves visible in their village or town.”
In Bonaire, the shop is run by a team of volunteers from the congregation and supervised by the delegate of the rector. The shop is open every Saturday. People can take their time and have a leisurely browse. “Many also come to hunt for bargains,” says Bishop Ruud Vis. One practical improvement has made shopping even easier: customers can now pay by debit card.
From shopping bag to church door
The proceeds from the shop are used to provide financial support for the congregation. “The presence of the shop next to the church creates a steady flow of visitors and helps make our church more visible and better known on the island,” the Bishop explains. “The shop has already brought some people into the church, searching not only for material things but also spiritual guidance.” The successful launch of the new store gives the congregation every reason to look to the future with confidence.
Photo: NAK Nederland
