"As one gets older, one gives thanks particularly for two things: friends and good health. In both respects I have been wonderfully blessed. So I thank you, my friends, toward that end, and thank God for having so many good friends, good health, and above all, for the privilege of being a minister of the gospel" (John Hesselink, Christmas Letter, 1997). It is a rare privilege to be invited to write the introductory essay to the festschrift issue of the Reformed Review concerning John Hesselink. When friendship has endured for five decades, it is impossible to write an impersonal, objective essay. The temptations of nostalgia and reminiscences obstruct more objective reflections concerning the honoree's accomplishments and contributions. John's own words, quoted above, serve as a bridge from nostalgia to a measure of objectivity.