A Reformed Monthly 76th Year of Publication | August 9, 2021 | No. 3128 $5.00

Theme: TIME Christ-centred. Creative. Canadian.

INDIAN CHURCH TODAY

Viewing Emily Carr’s 1929 painting alongside current events. | Calum Robertson

EMILY CARR, ONE OF CANADA’S ous peoples who lived along the most beloved and renowned art- Coast and islands. To a unique- ists, lived through a transitional ly Canadian subject matter she period in Canadian history. She brought developing European was born into a staunchly Vic- ideas of Modernist and Post-Im- torian world in 1871 and lived pressionist styles. She merged through the development of Canadian and European ideas Canada’s sense of self during and imagery; she also merged both World Wars, dying in 1945. mediums, being a prolific writer Her art was deeply reflective of as well as painter. West Coast landscapes and of At age 16, I found a copy of her friendships with the Indigen- Continued on page 3

“Given Space” by Maaike Vandermeer (oil painting with gold leaf) depicts the sacred space given by God to women in ministry which is, in turn, freely extended to others. CREATING SPACE

The unique gifts ordained women bring to the body of Christ. Cheryl Mahaffy

AMANDA BAKALE CAN STILL PICTURE THE FIRST TIME she saw a call. That relationship continues woman step up to the pulpit to preach, her long lavender skirt swish- today – and Bakale is paying it ing in the silence of the sanctuary. “I remember the movement of her forward, mentoring others in her skirt,” Bakale recounts, years later. “Not a suit, but a beautiful, flow- wake. For ordained women in ing skirt. And a body that looked like mine.” the Christian Reformed Church Bakale was studying at Calvin Theological Seminary at the time; (CRC), “me” is becoming “we.” the pastor’s name and message have long since faded. But her very presence in that place affirmed Bakale’s call. “Every woman in min- MENTORING MODELS istry knows the answer to this question,” she muses: “When was the Amanda Bakale graduated from first time you saw a woman lead and said, ‘That’s for me’?” Calvin Theological Seminary in Back in class at Calvin, a Barbara Brown Taylor video left Bakale 2010, a decade and a half after the saying, “That’s one of the best sermons I ever heard, and a lady did CRC ordained its first woman. By that.” Another affirmation: That can be me. 2010, about 100 women had taken During four years of waiting for a parish, Bakale relied on the men- up the challenge. As the denomin- Where are the Indigenous peoples in Carr’s Indian Church? torship of Vicki Cok, an ordained woman who steadfastly affirmed her Continued on page 2

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GIFTS CONTINUED LIFE REFLECTIONS Meyers pondered entering sem- does 25 years give us? It gives Deb Koster grew up in a church where women could not vote in inary and discovered how much us 25 years of women doing this congregational meetings, let alone hold office or enter the pulpit. She Zwart loved her work, including work,” she says. worked as an RN and was almost 40 when she heard Ruth Boven the preaching. “She was one of “Even if you are theologically preach in the Calvin Seminary chapel, depicting a mother as an essen- very few women I had witnessed against it, you have to acknow- tial timekeeper during her children’s preschool rush. “It was finally a leading a church and I was cap- ledge the Spirit is at work: there sermon illustration from my own life experience!” she recalls. “What tivated by her honesty, candour, is some good fruit happening a delight to have an illustration that was not rooted in sports.” enthusiasm and joy,” she recalls. through women’s leadership. Ruth Boven became Koster’s mentor through seminary, one of sev- “Willemina helped me to be able That wasn’t possible 25 years eral women on campus she experienced as gifted models and spiritual to see myself as a pastor.” ago. It was possible to argue leaders. Since graduating from Calvin Seminary in 2018, Koster has Like others who responded to about the theological ground- continued Family Fire, a ministry begun with her clergy husband in the Christian Courier survey, ings; it was possible to write an 2010. Besides producing marriage and family resources for the de- van de Hoef Meyers treasures overture about it; it was possible nomination, she runs an inn in Grand Rapids, Michigan and leads mar- the “solidarity and creativity” to leave the church over it. What riage retreats. It was while leading a retreat, in fact, that she recognized of the ordained women she has we have now is 25 years of rich- the call to ordination. “The Holy Spirit is persistent!” she says. “I hope met, whether in person or via a ness of experience and stories. Of that as more girls see women in the pulpit they will be encouraged to Facebook group of CRC female women seeing other women do follow the calling to ministry that God places on their lives.” clergy. “The support and encour- the work.” agement, the space to lament and Cheryl Mahaffy MODELING MINISTRY share joys,” she writes, “It’s a Jennifer Burnett, learning to be Kathy Vana also grew up without seeing women as deacons, elders beautiful thing to witness and in Cheryl is an Edmon- an online pastor (2020). ton-based writer who or pastors in her church. For her and other survey respondents, the which to participate.” worships at Fellowship ation marks the 25th anniversary behaviour and support of men in leadership roles became doubly Bakale, too, rejoices in that Christian Reformed of opening the office of clergy to important. Vana found inspiration in her pastor, Keith Mannes: “His expanding circle of care among Church. This article is third in a series that will women, that number has doubled. gifts of creativity, pastoral care, love for people and the Lord created the CRC’s clergy women. “What wrap up in the fall. Those women bring insights and a hunger in me to pursue ministry more fully.” abilities to ministry (see sidebar) Now it’s Vana’s turn to model that sort of ministry. The day after that have been missing or down- she graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary, her home church played in the past. Equally im- voted to allow women as pastors. Rehoboth Reformed Church, where METAPHORS FOR MINISTERING portant, women such as Bakale she now serves as connections and engagement pastor, voted in its Gardener. Guide. Bridge. Midwife. Sheepdog. Shepherd. Innkeep- serve as role models for others first female consistory member last fall. “I never raised the issue but er. Sojourner. seeking to discern how best to rather just desired to love people well and let them come to their own Sitting alongside. Walking with. Nurturing. Encouraging. use their gifts. Those images, offered by ordained women as metaphors for their “In the last 12 years, while roles, describe leadership that invites rather than commands. Au- here in Classis Huron and really thority that opens doors. Ministering that actively meets people imbedded in church leadership, where they’re at. Ardean Brock, counseling chaplain at Holland I’ve seen the growing network of Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, puts it this way: “I see myself women ministers,” says Bakale, as a spiritual parent inviting people to come with me for a while to who pastors Community CRC sit near to the heart of God.” in Kitchener, Ontario. “There’s Several women see themselves as creators or holders of sacred been an explosion of mentoring space. “Space for conversation, space for God, space for safety and between women.” bravery, space for community,” in the words of Heidi De Jonge, Bakale and the congregation’s who pastors Westside Fellowship CRC in Kingston, Ontario. Space interim pastor, Betsy DeVries, that allows patients, family and staff to “fully be themselves in are mentoring Rebecca Bokma, whatever they’re going through at the moment” and “experience a member who attends Calvin God’s holy, healing presence and power,” says Erika Dekker, chap- seminary from a distance. Bokma lain at Continuing Care Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. says her career choice is affirmed Even before giving birth, Amanda Bakale saw herself as a mid- every week by the duo’s presence Heather Stroobosscher (right) at her Calvin Seminary Graduation wife, aiding in the Spirit’s work. “I get to help in labour and bear with Professor Mary VandenBerg, May 2013. in the pulpit. “It’s so important witness to the new creation God is doing all the time,” she says. for young women in ministry, place with women serving in ministry,” she says. “That’s also what I do every week in the sermon. I wrestle with and I think for girls growing up, Several women responding to CC’s survey rejoice in those pockets scripture, do the labour of it, and hopefully it speaks to God’s peo- to see themselves in that place of of the denomination – churches, classes, regions – where ordained ple. It’s active, but I’m not the main doer.” reverence and leadership,” she women are flourishing, their status no longer questioned. Places Campus minister Sara DeMoor and her colleagues compare says. where they feel mentored and supported by both women and men. themselves to innkeepers who offer students a warm, hospitable Bokma salutes the earli- For chaplain Erika Dekker, one such place is Sherman Street CRC, the community while realizing they are not at their final destination. er women who “cut away the calling church for several ordained women, including herself. “We feed these travelers – literally – and provide opportunities for brush and forged a path” through “This body has been intentional about using the gifts of all mem- refreshment, rest, and significant conversations.” She adds, “I also seminary, making it a friendli- bers, female and male, not according to their gender, but according to consider myself a fellow sojourner, walking alongside and getting er place for her. When she does their giftedness,” Dekker reports. “Women in church office is not an into the stride of our students, encouraging and supporting them as feel pushed aside because of her ‘issue’ in my church home. It’s not even a ‘non-issue.’ Rather, women they continue their race/journey.” gender, she knows she can turn and men serving together is simply the way things are. And I believe Elizabeth Guillaume-Koene, chaplain at Durham Christian to Bakale for understanding and that this is one step closer to living out God’s kingdom here on earth.” Homes in Ontario, speaks of climbing a mountain, guiding travel- care. “We have this incredible lers ascending other peaks. “It is not that I have everything figured bond,” Bokma says. “Hopefully GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT out,” she says, but “from where I am on my mountain, I can see someday a young girl asks me For Lynette van de Hoef Meyers, who graduated from Calvin this things on other people’s mountains that they may not be able to see. to be a mentor and goes off to spring, Willemina Zwart became the source of encouragement I companion with people in their journey.” seminary, and I can support her.” and wisdom. The relationship began over dinner as van de Hoef

2 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News

CARR CONTINUED Twitter Sonny Assu.

motion and sway of Carr’s leaves. Emily Carr. It is the church that is vanishing now. Emily Carr’s (now problematic- We are invited to walk through ally named) Indian Church in a that AGO door, holding togeth- stack of other art prints in my er the beauty of Carr’s paint- parent’s basement. I shook off the ings with hidden violence, and dust and stuck it on my wall. For the amplification of Indigenous years it rested alongside a David voices in the wake of suppression.

Bowie poster, comic book clip- Matthew Tenbrugge Listen to the leaves swaying in a A memorial to Indigenous teen Tina Fontaine (1999-2014) alongside pings, calendar photos of rural Winnipeg’s Red River, where her body was found. sea-breeze. Listen to the elders’ England and a metal Don Quix- stories. Listen to survivors’ testi- ote-themed plate. Eventually, my modern viewer can interact with her across time and experience whis- I, in wanting to support my In- monies. Listen to the silence of tastes in decor changed, but I still pers of her life and personality, we must remember that the mirror digenous neighbours, tear up the the dead. Situate yourself in the have Indian Church. I also have is tinted with the historical context and norms of a robustly British painting and never look at Carr’s dialogue of past and present, set- two copies of Klee Wyck, Carr’s colonial Dominion of Canada a century ago. works again? No. Carr was sym- tlers and survivors, context and memoir of her adventures among So we approach Carr’s work, particularly Indian Church, with pathetic to her Indigenous friends (re)conciliation. We are walking Indigenous West Coast commun- nuance. Her work has a deep spiritual component but it also has dark- and the communities she visited; through complex, emotional- ities. That pair of books and the er, more questionable elements. Where are the Indigenous peoples she Klee Wyck shows Carr’s genuine ly vivid and ultimately sacred print hint at a complex, slightly revered, even loved in a strange, paternalistic manner? Their absence love and respect for the people of stories, lives and deaths. We are conflicting image of Carr and her screams from the painting into the conversations we’re having today Haida Gwaii. I suggest that in- experiencing soul-to-soul inter- nuanced relationships with the about systematic attempts to erase Indigenous identities. stead we let both opposing forces action with Creation, Creator First People of “Turtle Island” inform our understanding of In- God and all the diverse peoples (North America). THE CHURCH STANDS ALONE dian Church and Carr’s greater who now live with, not on, Turtle The only “Indian” in this painting is in the title. It plays into the body of work. Island. We owe it to the missing, APPROACHING “Vanishing Race” trope of the 19th and 20th centuries, made famous That’s what the Art Gallery of the murdered and the grieving CARR’S WORK by Edward Curtis’ 1904 photograph where a line of Navajo nation Ontario has done. In its Fudger to walk carefully, considerately, At 16, I was sauntering my merry members ride away into the horizon to disappear into the desert. It Rotunda, Gallery 126, there is a and to listen. Hold Carr next to way along the precipice between suggested that Indigenous peoples were “dying out” – culturally, if doorway. On one side, the ori- Assu, not in opposition, but in the the self-decided faith of adult- not physically, and seemingly “naturally.” This convenient myth ob- ginal Indian Church rests. On combined understanding of their hood and the ingrained, taught scured the truth of government systems, such as residential schools, the other, Re-Invaders: Digital weighty dialogue. faith of childhood. I was look- denying Indigenous people the rights to vote or to own property and Intervention on an Emily Carr Go. Walk through that door. ing for a god I could believe in generally to erase Indigenous identity. Painting (Indian Church, 1929) amidst the various features of the While the romance of this trope appealed to many artists, the dark by Indigenous artist Sonny Assu. Calum Robertson God my parents believed in and truth remains: here was a poetic treatment of Indigenous peoples In bright purple and pink hues, Calum is a full-time my church talked about. Some- which was willfully ignorant of colonialism and aggressive assimila- Assu has added a lively Indigen- tea-drinker, part-time where within the thickly smeared tion tactics. There was no place for “Indians” in Carr’s church. In 2018, ous presence to Carr’s painting day-dreamer from Cal- gary, Canada. Their poet- green leaves and the worn white the Art Gallery of Ontario changed the painting’s name to Church at through 3D Kwakwaka’wakw ry has appeared in Bour- wood walls of Carr’s painting, Yuquot Village, which at least restores the specific context and peoples designs. Assu’s race has not van- geon Online Magazine, Coven Edition’s death- I saw a glimpse of a God who lost in Carr’s original title. ished; they have always been cap, Tofu Ink Arts Press, was both who I sought and who Note too that the church stands alone in the forest. The white cross- here. Assu’s designs repeat the nod, and In Parentheses. I knew, and so, so much more. es in the churchyard starkly stare in mute testament to suspiciously Indian Church showed me a vi- high death rates. We often think of colonization as something of the brant, living, abundant God who past, reconciliation as a present righting of past wrongs. But it is not was felt and experienced within solely history, as the colonial system of assimilation and oppression GRAVES AND GRIEF Creation – not a God who is Cre- lives on under modern guises in Canadian politics. To enjoy Indian With the ongoing discoveries of unmarked graves at former resi- ation, but a Creation that reflects Church without acknowledging this violent, tragic truth is to be com- dential schools, the church and white grave markers in Carr’s paint- its Maker as art reflects the artist. plicit in the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples by the Canadian ing have a sorrowful resonance. We feel the grief of generations As Indian Church reflects Emily government. and must take time to listen to the hurt, to the anger, and to the hope Carr. of Indigenous communities. The tension we walk through now has It is worth noting that just as ENTERING THE DIALOGUE deepened but it has not changed. The truth is more clear, and so too God is not Creation, Carr is not So. Here we reach a conflict of two opposing forces: the spiritual joy is our role as settlers: to listen, to grieve, to share and to love. her painting(s). While we the I receive from Carr’s painting and the gory truth it masks. Should

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | AUGUST 9, 2021 3 Guest Editorial

ding presents nearly 40 years ago, and the food processor entering AN ODE TO MILLENNIALS its third decade. It can be annoying. But they buy me better knives and tell me about this product and that breakthrough that I should try. Steve Mathonnet-VanderWell Mom and dad buy hybrid cars and are dedicated recyclers at the prod- Founded in 1945 Steve and his wife, Sophie, are the pastors at the Second Reformed Church in ding of their adult kids. Pella, Iowa. Before coming to Iowa, he lived and served as a pastor in upstate Christian Courier’s independent New York. This piece was first posted online in the Reformed Journal at blog. I didn’t have a pair of blue jeans for two or three years because I Canadian journalism inspires action, reformedjournal.com. couldn’t get my kids to advise me on what cut and color I should wear. builds community and influences So many adult children of good friends are talented, amateur mixol- culture for Christ ogists, introducing their sheltered parents to all sorts of concoctions. Then there is the music and streaming services they share with us. EDITORIAL TEAM & What little I know about Fleet Foxes, Phoebe Bridgers, Chance the PRODUCTION STAFF Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick Rapper or Ramy is all the gift of my children. [email protected] Assistant Editor: Maaike VanderMeer GENERATIONAL SHIFTS [email protected] Features Editor: Amy MacLachlan As a pastor, I am especially keen to see the way these young people [email protected] do/do not plug into church, their attitudes and values, and especially Reviews Editor: Brian Bork how they influence their parents’ faith – often unknowingly yet pro- [email protected] Contributing Editor: Michael Buma foundly. [email protected] I heard a historian once observe that the primary social function of Contributing Editor: Peter Schuurman the Reformed Church in America is to be a bridge between an eth- [email protected] Circulation: Sarah Smith nic Dutch identity and contemporary American society. He said, only [email protected] semi-humorously, that the generational progression usually moves Admin: Heather Snippe from Christian Reformed to Reformed to Episcopalian to jogger. [email protected] Development: Jennifer Neutel Some overachievers can make the entire four-generation jump in a [email protected]

Lightstock single bound! Website: Maaike VanderMeer Very few adult children of my friends are involved in Reformed or [email protected] Layout and design: Kevin Tamming MY TWO ADULT CHILDREN ARE BOTH IN THEIR EARLY THIRTIES, mar- Christian Reformed congregations. This may be somewhat due to the [email protected] ried, with kids. relatively small geographic footprint of these churches. Boston, Aus- Layout and Ad design: Naomi Francois Whenever I visit them I leave with my head spinning, my heart full, tin, Tucson, Portland, Atlanta aren’t places with a strong Reformed collidemedia.ca concerned, admiring and grateful. presence. This is my ode, not simply to my children, but to so many of their The adult children that are involved in local churches include a Christian Courier is published by the age, the much-maligned millennials, for the gift that they are. couple of Lutherans (ELCA), a couple of United Church of Christ, Board of Reformed Faith Witness: James Dekker (Chair), Peter Elgersma, Yes, of course, adult children and their kids and dogs and stories and a few Presbyterians (PCUSA). Episcopalians are the most num- Sylvan Gerritsma, Ron Rupke, Emma bring smiles and deep joy. But increasingly, I realize how much they erous. Obviously, none of what I’m saying is a broad, scientific sam- Winter, Jaime Spyksma, Noah Van influence, really teach, stretch, witness to and bless their parents. It is, pling. They are anecdotes from a handful of friends. Brenk and Sarah van der Ende I suppose, the beginning of the gradual reversal of roles on the tee- And of course, many adult children of my friends aren’t part of any The publication of comments, ter-totter of life. Not yet do I need my kids to oversee my finances or church. I don’t know of any hostile atheists or those who have re- opinions or advertising does not accompany me on doctor’s visits. But what they give me – and again jected faith flamboyantly. They are simply wary, uncertain, abstain- imply agreement or endorsement by I’m really speaking more broadly than my children and I – is much ing. Raised in very active church families, they know first-hand the Christian Courier or the publisher. more important than setting up my TV. demands and the hypocrisy of the church. Or maybe they just didn’t The paper is published on the second Looking in from the outside, their life is a whirlwind. The dish- find a place to land that felt right, and now they’ve given up. Monday of each month. washer breaks. The dog has a strange lump on her muzzle. A tire goes CANADA MAIL flat. The preschool reports a case of lice. Dance lessons. Swimming Publications Mail Agreement lessons. Birthday parties. Working from home. Zooming an important Thank you, adult children, for the ways No. 40009999 work meeting from an empty kitchen table that belies the chaos all Return undeliverable addresses to: you bless your parents. Christian Courier around. In the midst of it, meals and baths and bedtimes must con- PO Box 124 tinue. Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0 How to help, lighten the load, and be of assistance? When visiting, A BETTER FUTURE (ISSN 1192-3415) my most productive roles seem to be playmate, dogwalker, lawnmow- Whether active, marginal or not-at-all active, I see how much their er, sometimes pancake-maker. Staying out of the way, trying not to now-adult-faith impacts their parents. I watch my friends change – SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe, disrupt their own peculiar rhythms, these too are important roles. almost always for the better – and I chalk it up to their children’s in- email [email protected] I want to tell them to slow down. Do less. Have less stuff. Don’t fluence. As their adult children leave behind a church that they experi- or call 1-800-275-9185. push so hard. Easy for me to say. My memories of their stage in life enced as confining or shallow, I see their parents paying attention. Not One year (12 issues): $60. Six months (6 issues): $30. Two years (24 issues): $110 aren’t so long ago. I remember the expectations, the drive to succeed, infrequently, five or 10 years later the parents make a similar move. Please contact circulation if you cannot the career pressure, the legitimate endeavors. It all feels inevitable and For almost all of these young adults, full acceptance of LGBTQ afford the subscription price but would overwhelming. persons is a given, a no-brainer, as normal as breathing. In all likeli- like to receive Christian Courier. “The days are long but the years are short,” declares a proverb. A hood this has something to do with a trajectory their parents set them CHRISTIAN COURIER deep sigh of relief goes up when the grandkids go to bed. Still, we upon. But I also see how these adult children have shared, explained PO Box 124 don’t want to wish these precious times away. and changed their parents’ minds about things like the use of non-trad- Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0 itional pronouns, non-binary persons, and deeper understandings of 1-800-275-9185 GADGETS & FASHION racism. Mom and dad might have been inclined in that way, but just christiancourier.ca All of this makes me quadruply grateful to the people in that stage of as easily might have been mildly skeptical, even resistant, without the life who serve in any way in our church. I don’t want “church” to be witness and instigation of their children. Parents become energized by We acknowledge the financial one more thing on their already over-taxed to-do list. How can the their adult children’s passionate commitments. support of the Government of church bless, not burden, these people? Thank you, adult children, especially millennials! Have forbearance Yes, life is fast and furious for them. But even more, what I notice is for your parents’ old-school kitchen gadgets and gentleness toward the way adult children influence and change their parents. their fashion faux pas. You are teaching them, witnessing to them. You Printed in Canada When they come for a visit, they mock our knives that were wed- are blessing us with a glimpse of a better future.

4 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Letters

THE CHURCH IS NOT A DEMOCRACY couple for decades. This was an- Reformed polity has an interesting process and history of dealing with other “wow” moment for me. issues coming to Synod. After years of discussion and then via circu- Yes, as you said, the CRC Hu- itous routes, issues come to a Synod and by majority vote a decision man Sexuality Report will bring is made. There are usually no winners. (That may not be true if you great dividedness. My best girl- consider “the evil one.”) The Church is not a democracy. friend is in total opposition to my The Human Sexuality Report (re: Verhoef, “Five Major Concerns,” own thoughts on LGBTQ issue. May 10 and others) is of special interest because those who wrote it So we just don’t talk about it, for were chosen on the basis that they could affirm the Christian Reformed the sake of our love for each oth- Church’s current teachings, which I think was a wise idea. Those who er. I feel that love trumps: “Above believe gay marriage is scriptural should use the rules of the Church all hold unfailing your love for Order to make their case and if that does not find support, leave and one another” (I Peter 4:8). Issues seek a church community that aligns with their beliefs. outside of the Apostles Creed are The sexuality issue in the CRCNA may result in 25 percent of church not foundational issues, not worth members/pastors leaving if the report is adopted as presented or 25 per- the cost of schisms. And they are cent leaving if the report is not adopted. Either way, some 250 Pastors not necessary for our salvation in may have their jobs redefined. If the CRCNA follows the pattern of Christ. 1992 and “deposes” 250 Pastors, the human resource issues and pub- With you, we will hope to “seek licity will become a disaster of unimaginable proportions. unity in Christ now and in the af- EDITOR’S NOTE The CRCNA has a full year to look at this potential impact and figure termath of our collective libera- In between church news, national news and COVID news, this is- out how to mitigate potential fallout of a synod decision, pro or con. I tion from lockdown.” sue of Christian Courier dives into the theme of TIME. You al- also wonder how each Classis in the CRCNA will handle the selection Name withheld by request ready got a taste of it on the front page, as Calum uses a 92-year-old of delegates to the 2022 Synod? I might suggest lots be used. Each painting to reflect on current events and as Cheryl celebrates 25 Classis makes a list of three times the delegates needed by regulation WHAT WILL COUNT IN years of women in Christian Reformed Church ministry. On page and draw lots for number that are needed. Take the voting out of it. THE NEW CREATION? 4, our guest editorial highlights that season of life where adult chil- Harry Boessenkool The issue of LGBTQI (in “His- dren begin to bless their parents – in areas beyond tech and fashion. Lethbridge, Alta. toric Moment in the PCC,” by “This summer is a ‘Kairos moment’ for Canada,” Reconcili- Jennifer Neutel, July 12) reminds ation and Indigenous Justice Animator Lori Ransom says in her NOT WORTH SPLITTING OVER me of Galatians 6: 15: “Neither feature on page Except for 10 years with the United Church in rural Quebec, I’ve been circumcision nor uncircumcision 12. But change is TWO GREEK WORDS FOR ‘TIME’ a “cradle” CRC member. And thankful for that. For years and years I means anything; what counts is a slow: in 30-plus Chronos: measurable units of time such as patiently waited on the sidelines as Synod repeatedly rejected having new creation.” years of working minutes, hours women in office. What rejoicing, for so many of us, as that has been Transposed to today I could on Indigenous is- Kairos: the “right” time, an opportune mo- rescinded, already years ago. say, “Neither heterosexual nor ho- sues, “how many ment or due season And now, with this new issue facing our denomination? What an mosexual means anything; what times have I heard incredible article – “A Plea for Unity in the Church During Covid” counts is a new creation,” which that?” she laments. Will the discovery of over a thousand unmarked (Angela Reitsma Bick, April 12). Yes, now we have our own landmin- makes me wonder whether there graves (and counting) finally prompt concrete action? es. I actually feel very sad about it. Let me share some of the evolving will be sex in the New Creation. Kathy Vandergrift also reflects on Kairos time in relation to the thinking I have had on the issue of same sex marriage. Bert Hielema next federal election, while Lloyd Rang gives us three political Being 72 years old, I never even knew there was such a thing as Tweed, Ont. questions to ask friends and neighbours that keep the conversation same-sex attraction until my mid-20s. What began to change my productive (page 15). stance? Actually a few articles in the CC. One was by Nick Loenen SHARING RELEVANT Feeling contemplative? Look at the stars and ponder eternity about a sister in Holland and a brother in Canada that, from early child- CC COLUMNS with Heidi VanderSlikke, or look at a Rembrandt painting and con- hood, displayed some characteristics; this opened my eyes to the fact Thank you so much for putting sider this fleeting life with Katie Munnik (page 16). that genes are also involved. Nick was totally accepting and loving together each issue of Christian What time is it for God? Bob Bruinsma asks that question on towards them both. Courier. I appreciate the colum- page 20, while Brian Bork celebrates liturgy and the “sacred order Another article in CC that helped to change my perspective was by nists who write monthly. Often of things” on page 19. Bert Witvoet. He related a story about travelling with Alice to B.C. by I find their insights valuable to Finally, on the back page, meet Shannon Brink – a Canadian liv- train and having many long talks with a few gentlemen on the same share with others. For example: ing in Malawi with insomnia. But those sleepless nights are not lost trip. At the end of the trip, it came out that they had been a same sex I sent Bob Bruinsma’s column time. She’s using the hours to stretch new muscles of discipleship “Why Get Schooled” (July 12) and to draw closer to God, the one who never slumbers or sleeps. to my son in Iowa, to share with “When we stand at the end of one season and the starting edge his son trying to sort out what he of the next,” Emily P. Freeman writes in her book The Next Right wants to do after high school. I Thing, “it’s tempting to race right into the future without consid- sent Sara Pot’s column “Hoping ering the season we’ve just moved through.” What does that mean for Renewal” (July 12) to the li- for us, at the end of COVID and the beginning of whatever is next? brarian who replaced us at Telk- What is God up to, in this moment of time? Join us as we explore wa Community Church when those questions throughout this issue! And send your thoughts to we moved. Sara had suggestions [email protected]. for good books that might be – Angela Reitsma Bick considered. And I shared Tanner Johnson’s article “A Well Plant- ed Life” (July 12) with Millie at THEOLOGY OF THE FIGHT Elim Village here in Chilliwack. Do Christians know how to fight well in a distinctly Christian way? She has done a marvelous job of That’s the question Brian Bork asked last month (July 12) and we’d creating a condo garden. love to hear your thoughts! We invite anyone who has insight here to John Franken write 400 words in response. Send that to [email protected] Chilliwack, B.C. by August 30 and help us define “the theology of the fight.”

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al affair rather than a communal distinctives; but in our secular HEARING FROM THE ‘MODERATES’ value. This has done little to posi- world, I wish that the CRC would tively shape conversations across focus more on celebrating the Five pastors in the ‘middle’ examine the goals & tone behind the CRC’s Human the country, which seem to fol- breadth of God’s kingdom and low a similar path: “Here is what defining our role as catalysts for Sexuality Report. | Adrian deLange I believe; how are you going to disciple-making. The energy and flex to make room for me?” But time we put into deciding what such interactions do not work is “clear” and how high to raise in community. More important- the bar for office-bearers is en- ly, this is not how God interacts ergy and time we cannot spend with us. He incarnates his pres- inviting people humbly to join ence and love among us – even us on the journey of discipleship. calling us to love our enemies. “When I look at the people in Simply put, if we are in covenant the CRC who I respect for being relationship with one another; we wise, Spirit-filled and on mission; are all covenant breakers in one they are saying, ‘let’s get out way or another. Moreover, Re- and love people and help them formed Christians don’t celebrate to know Jesus and help them to our repentance (or return to God); be transformed by the Spirit and we celebrate God’s perennial re- the Gospel.’” We would be better turn to us: God’s preservation of served inviting others to the jour- his saints. This tone is missing in ney of discipleship alongside us, the HSR, which goes so far as to rather than adding to our list of conclude with a list of sexual sins certainties. which “threaten a person’s sal- vation” (148); but in its entirety THE CRC’S REFORMED Luke Van Zyl, Unsplash Zyl, Van Luke omits any reference to the grave HERITAGE “I CAN’T GET TWO PEOPLE ALONE in a room together, let alone worry discussing the whole of human responsibility of teachers (cf. The CRC has historically avoid- about what they’re going to be doing with each other.” sexuality when we are, in fact, Mt. 18:6), ignoring clergy abuse; ed interdenominational labels: This tongue-in-cheek remark kicked off an online conversation be- doing something very different. and neglects any self-reflection we are not fully fundamentalist, tween five Christian Reformed (CRC) pastors from across the U.S. Our online group noted high on the “plank in [our] own eye” evangelical or mainline. Histor- and Canada this summer, all feeling stuck between revisionist and levels of fear and anxiety pres- (Mt. 7:3). The HSR fails to in- ically, we are a denomination traditional voices in the CRCNA and alienated by some aspects of ent across our denomination: clude theological exploration of of slow plodders and prophetic the denomination’s “Report Articulating a Theological Foundation of “Right now, the diversity of opin- total depravity’s effects on gen- in our critique of and example Human Sexuality” (HSR). I’ve taken it upon myself to gather together ion might be uncomfortable, but der roles or on all people’s sex- to other denominations. We still some of our comments. I don’t understand why we can’t ual desires. We would be better need to do a better job of culti- Full disclosure: I hold the theological position that God’s best for stay there,” said one among us. equipped with tools to engage vating space to hold things in ten- Christian marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a wom- Could it be that the desire to people in and outside of our com- sion, because it’s going to take a an, with Christ as their head. However, I also believe that every mar- name the contents of the report as munities who have already made while to walk through this topic riage which meets that definition simultaneously falls short of that “already having confessional sta- life-altering decisions about their together and get to the other side. mark. Further, I believe that God’s best for his people is not Christian tus” is an anxious response sim- sexuality; we would be wiser to From a historical perspective, marriage, but union with Christ. As a result, my criticism of the HSR ply to be done with an uncomfort- create space to discuss how we we do not all have to agree 100 below falls (generally in order) along theological, pastoral and prac- able conversation? “I don’t think might do our best to walk along- percent on every single topic: “I tical lines. we’re anywhere near the end of side all kinds of people, model- hear some people saying, ‘If we this conversation as pastors in ing for them life in God’s diverse really believe it, we have to make MISTAKING THE BIOLOGICAL FAMILY the work that we do with people family and pointing ourselves it confessional!’ But we are not AS THE BIBLICAL IDEAL every day. I’m upset that people and others to God’s redemptive fundamentalists! We do not have It seems to me that the HSR holds up straight families (mom, dad, want to end the conversation be- work partnering with broken peo- to believe everything we believe kids) as an ideal which single people, couples and same-sex attracted cause we haven’t even had it par- ple in our broken world. at the same level. How poorly people benefit from and alternately try or refuse to live up to. (Addi- ticularly well yet.” Furthermore, catechised have we become that tionally: divorced people, infertile couples, those who have chosen we dishonour those in our com- TONE we don’t understand it’s okay to not to have children, intersex individuals and the rest of the LGBTQ+ munities to whom the theological The group that gathered online believe different things at differ- community). However, if the proliferation of the biological family is conclusions of the report are not also felt uncomfortable with the ent levels?” Perhaps, while we our ideal, then Christ, a single man, is not. God’s best for humanity as “clear” as the report claims; simplistic and sometimes dismis- hold the tension, keeping this in cannot be that we get married to someone from the opposite gender we multiply sin and grief by our sive tone of the report: “One of the pastoral guidance category of and have children together. At best, the HSR omits any extended focus unwillingness to sit a while lon- the things I lament about the HSR 1973 makes sense. on socially acceptable sin within heterosexual marriage and at worse ger with them in their discomfort, is how often it uses the words it confuses heterosexual marriage with sanctification. In either case, it missing a godly opportunity to ‘clear’ and ‘clearly.’ We seem to neglects covenantal theology which places Christ as the head of each be formed by the Spirit in shared have departed drastically from Adrian deLange home. Along the way, it minimizes single people only as hurting; it ig- suffering. the work we did in 1973, which Adrian is Pastor of Preaching, Care and Spiritual Formation nores what families with heterosexual parents might learn from those left room for disagreement and at River Park Church (CRC) in struggling with same-sex attraction; and assumes the primary end of OUR COVENANTAL further study. How is it, 40 years Calgary. marriage is childbirth. In sum, the HSR falls far short of a compelling AND COMMUNAL IDENTITY later, we are (and scripture is) so “Foundation-Laying Theology of Human Sexuality.” Instead, the re- Reformed theology is covenant clear about all of this?” Four other pastors, partici- pants in the zoom call and port seems to function more as a reaction against revisionist theology. and communal theology. The It makes sense, in the age of quoted in this article, have Perhaps it’s no surprise that this report is being viewed as a referen- HSR, however, takes a strongly Christendom, that denominations asked to remain anonymous. dum on same-sex marriage. Such a referendum might well be needed, individualistic approach, framing busy themselves with creating but the CRCNA ought not to deceive ourselves into thinking we are human sexuality as an individu- increasingly fine theological

6 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News

decades to end his tenure with a deep sense of frustration in the CRC- needs explanation,” Vandergrift A TROUBLING PATTERN NA’s administrative structures. says. “What is the new vision for Some Canadians think the recently released Structure and Leader- Canadian ministry and how is it ship Task Force (SALT) report going to Synod 2022 outlines a differ- different from the plans for bi- Roorda is the fourth Canadian Ministries Director ent vision for governance than the “full partnership” between Canada nationality that Synod approved dismissed in the past 20 years. and the U.S. that Roorda had been working on. The SALT report also and Darren was working hard to appears to veer away from the best goals of the “Cultivating Bination- implement?” Peter Schuurman & Angela Reitsma Bick ality” report that Synod passed in 2013. Many in the Canadian CRC see Roorda’s termination as a symptom of a much larger problem that STRUCTURAL TENSION has been brewing for over 30 years and through four frustrated lead- Christian Courier asked Andy ers. DeRuyter to clarify how Roor- Others, such as John Tamming, Classis delegate from Owen Sound, da’s vision for the future of the Ontario to the cancelled CRC Synod of 2020, view recent events as CRC in Canada differed from the difficult but important measures needed to keep the bi-national de- Board’s. While sharing “similar nomination together. “Those who argued for ‘separate national opera- visions about fostering great- tions’ on the one hand and continued shared ‘ecclesiastical functions’ er direction and control within on the other no longer need to square that circle,” he says. Canada,” […] “we had different understandings of the scope and VISION & MINISTRY degree to which this should be After the July 6 announcement, Rev. Richard Bodini of Heritage Fel- implemented,” he said. “We felt lowship CRC in Brampton, Ontario, received emails from pastors that we could not continue to across Canada asking, “What are we going to do?” He met with a move forward together.” small group of pastors over Zoom and decided to respond with a let- Where the CRCNA’s bi-nation- ter to COD before its next meeting. The letter expressed concern and al partnership is moving is yet to Reverend Dr. Darren Roorda. confusion at Roorda’s abrupt termination, naming him as a “capable be clarified. Some do not see full leader” who has done “an outstanding job.” It asks for particulars binational partnership as the out- ON JULY 6 IT WAS ANNOUNCED on the Christian Reformed Church about the “difference in vision” cited as the reason for the dismissal, come here, calling for the SALT in North America (CRCNA) website that Rev. Dr. Darren Roorda had describes an eroding trust with the board, and asks for a pause on pro- report to be tabled, vetted and re- been dismissed from his position as Canadian Ministries Director by ceedings with the dismissal that might allow for more discernment, vised. the Canadian section of denomination’s Council of Delegates (COD). consultation and conversation at “a critical place in history” with re- “I am concerned for the future “We want to express our deepest gratitude to Darren for his 22 years of gards to ministry in Canada. of the church,” Vandergrift adds. service to the denomination,” COD Chair Andy DeRuyter said, “and A separate group prepared a lament as part of its response (see page “More years of internal struggle, especially for the last seven in his role as Canadian Ministries director. 21 for that lament which, full disclosure, Peter Schuurman was in- using spirit and energy that we We have been shaped and blessed by his leadership and have no doubt volved with). These initiatives, according to Kathy Vandergrift, Chair need for other challenges.” that God will continue to use him in amazing ways in the future.” of the CRC Board of Trustees before it was the COD, “reflect the kind News of this termination came as a shock to many members of the of local leadership that Darren worked to foster. They also show that A longer version of this article CRC in Canada, not only because he was seen as a capable and pas- we have capable, responsible leadership in the Canadian CRC.” was posted online at christian- sionate leader but because he is the fourth Canadian director in two “The rationale that he and the Board differ on the way forward courier.ca on July 19.

Christian Reformed World Relief a Co-Directorate administering ‘FRUSTRATED, ANGRY, DISILLUSIONED’ Committee. Deacons, an import- International Programming. I was ant ministry component of the the Canadian arm of that co-di- Canadian CRC, were involved rectorate from 1989 to 1996. What’s it like to run the Canadian side of the binational CRC? from the outset when the aid and The co-director model is a dis- Two former Canadian Ministries Directors speak up. development arm of the denom- tinct leadership model in the CRC ination was established in 1962. but it’s not unique to World Re- There has been strong Canadian new. Numerous non-profits have support for the ministry since that had co-directors work successful- OUR CHURCH GOVERNANCE CRISIS ganized the Canadian Council of time. The Canadian government ly. At World Renew, it required Christian Reformed Churches to gives high recognition to the the graciousness of the American Ray Elgersma oversee national ministries and to work of World Renew and has Director to share leadership and participate in ecumenical organi- provided tens of millions of dol- decision-making responsibilities. I AM WRITING AT A TIME OF LAMENT in the Christian Reformed Church zations such as the Evangelical lars to its work over many years. Communication, consultation, (CRC) about the immediate firing of our most recent Canadian Minis- Fellowship of Canada and Proj- At one point, with millions of collaboration, cooperation and tries Director, Darren Roorda – the fourth consecutive person to leave ect Ploughshares. The Canadian dollars being funneled annually servant leadership were key fac- this position under a cloud of frustration and anger since 2000. It’s Council’s General Secretary did from Canada to World Renew’s tors in making this work. It meant also a lament about the health of our denomination’s leadership, its not have standing at the CRC’s U.S. office, the Canada Revenue no unilateral decision-making impact on the well-being of our churches, and why strong Canadian annual Synod and was given Agency began to question wheth- in international programming. leadership is not working in the binational church structure we have. minimal time to share the work er programming supported by There were conflicts and we re- The Canadian CRC began in the early 1900s as a mission post of the Canadian Council. It was these charitable dollars was being solved them, determined to make served by American Home Missionaries, tirelessly working to help almost seen as an “illegitimate supervised, directed and admin- our ministries effective. The poor Dutch immigrants settle in Canada. After the Second World War, child” in the denomination. istered by Canadians. In 1989, model has had three sets of co-di- a wave of immigration brought a huge influx of new members and new responses to these queries led rectors over the last 30 years. It Dutch pastors with a Reformed world and life view. As the Canadian SUCCESSFUL MODELS to the establishment of a World has been an effective sustainable church matured and its leadership developed, there was little change One area of strong Canadian Renew-Canada Board, a World leadership model. In Beyond the in the denomination’s centralized decision-making model. Headquar- leadership in the denomination Renew-Canada Director, and an Bottom Line, authors Sender and ters remained in Grand Rapids. In the late 60s, pastors in Canada or- is World Renew, formerly the organizational structure that had Continued on page 8

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CRISIS CONTINUED SALT report is not a “fix”; it’s manded for bringing up Canadian another step backward in its rec- concerns. So, with profound re- Hudson describe their discovery ommendations regarding a lead- gret, I submitted my resignation, that “where power sharing is most ership structure, and, I would which was promptly accepted. complete, overall performance is submit, has a high risk of dam- During the watches of the night, most outstanding […] Co-direct- age to the denomination’s rela- I still wonder if I should have ing an organization is the stron- tionship to the Canadian church. dug in my heels and fought for a gest possible demonstration of a I started with the history of Jackowski, Pixabay Arek healthier and more effective place commitment to power sharing.” I leadership in our denomination for the CRC in Canada within the believe that to be World Renew’s because I believe that history WHEN CANADIAN REALITIES denominational fellowship. If my experience. has shaped our denominational resignation prevented the denom- structure with Home Missionar- ARE IGNORED ination to deal with the pressing 1999: CANADIAN ies providing “outside” leader- Bruce Adema issues of national contextualiza- MINISTRIES BEGINS ship. There has been tremendous tion in ministry, I apologize. During the 1990s the Christian change in both countries, partic- IN 2006 I BEGAN MY SERVICE as the Director of Canadian Ministries Before I was appointed DCM, Reformed Church looked seri- ularly in the past 50 years. The (DCM) for the Christian Reformed Church, a position I held until I served for nine years as a mis- ously at what it means to be bi- Canadian church community has 2012. It was a tremendous honour and privilege to serve the Lord and sionary with Christian Reformed national. A study about church matured and grown strong; it’s his Church in that way, while at the same time being the most chal- World Missions (now Resonate structure in Canada was prepared visionary, competent and capa- lenging and frustrating calling of my career. Global Mission) in the Philip- and submitted to the Synod of ble. The new SALT report does I knew there would be challenges. In 2002, a wonderful gathering of pines. Years before I arrived in 1999. It examined culture, orga- not empower leadership or min- CRC people from across Canada met in Edmonton for the “Canadian that beautiful country, Christian nization and ecclesiology in our istry in Canada. Four visionary Ministry Forum” and developed Canada-specific goals and strategies Reformed missionaries laboured respective countries and church- Canadian Ministry Directors, for Church Development, Leadership Development, Children and faithfully and participated in the es, and made recommendations committed to the empowerment Youth, and Outreach and Discipling. These ambitions were specific, formation of the Christian Re- to Synod that were overwhelm- of the church in Canada, with measurable, Kingdom-building, and visionary. If they had been em- formed Church in the Philippines ingly approved. A Canadian Min- stellar careers outside the de- braced, the impact would have been powerful. However, at that same (CRCP). The CRCP became a istries Board was established. I nomination, have left church em- time the denomination was beginning the task of writing a denomi- denomination in “Ecclesiasti- was hired as the first Canadian ployment disillusioned and “beat national ministry plan – so it was decided by the Grand Rapids lead- cal Fellowship” with the CRC Ministries Director. Over the up.” It’s simply unacceptable to ership that the Canadian document would be thrown out in favour of in North America. It has its own next year, the Canadian office continue with a leadership mod- what was being created for the entire denomination. What eventually leaders and develops its own min- began envisioning effective min- el that hasn’t worked. Can you resulted was a denominational ministry plan consisting of generalities istry plan based on its own con- istry activity here. We planned imagine a scenario where U.S. and truisms, none of which were measurable or actionable. This left text. CRCNA missionaries only an Indigenous Ministries Forum churches would submit to ulti- many in the Canadian part of the denomination disappointed and dis- go to that country at the invitation in Edmonton for June 2001. We mate decision-making authority illusioned. of the CRCP. The relationship be- felt that we were an integral part by a parent organization in Mexi- Clearly, I had my work cut out for me. tween our denominations is that of the denominational structure co? Why does a Canadian church For the first several years, I felt that there were some positive ac- of siblings, not parent-child, cer- and ministry. This was all acted submit to decisions made in a complishments. The Executive Director of the CRCNA at the time – a tainly not the Philippine Church on with the expectation that the foreign country? Frankly I see U.S. citizen based in Grand Rapids – who was my supervisor, clearly being a subsidiary of a U.S.-dom- report on structure would be ap- this SALT report as “not worth appreciated the Canadian expression of the CRC, and empowered me inated denomination. proved at Synod 2000, moving its salt.” to function in ways that were at times more akin to my being the Exec- My experience, both as mis- towards a co-director leadership The CRCNA needs to reflect utive Director of the CRC in Canada. I felt that the trajectory was to- sionary and as Director of Cana- model. on the struggles leaders in our ward the Canadian and United States parts of the CRC demonstrating dian Ministries, leads me to con- But in June 2000, the restruc- church have had these past 20 healthy and respectful denominational binationality. Not that we had clude that the Philippines model turing report didn’t pass. There years and build on previous gov- arrived at that, or that there was consensus even between myself and is much better than the current was a strong lobby, particular- ernance reports that gave a stron- the ED on what the CRC could look like structurally, but movement Canadian one. Being sibling de- ly by U.S. agency directors and ger, more mutually acceptable was definitely in the right direction. nominations would allow us to their agency board members, to structure and leadership model remain connected in a wonderful reject it. Much of the collabora- than what is being recommended TWO COUNTRIES, ONE CHURCH unity in Christ, where “ecclesi- tive work in Canada the previ- now. A truly healthy and vibrant After that Executive Director was removed from office, however, astical fellowship” encourages ous year needed to be unraveled. binational and legally compliant CRC leadership had a very different attitude toward the binational the churches in Canada and the In January 2001, I gave my six church can be stronger, more ef- reality of the denomination. I perceived that rather than speaking of United States to develop ministry months’ notice of resignation, fective and respected when we “two countries in one Church,” the emphasis became “one Church in plans that are appropriate for the feeling frustrated and angry. The recognize our different cultural two countries.” One Church would have one way of operating in both unique contexts of our nations. Canadian Ministries Board di- contexts, and when we cooper- countries, ignoring cultural, political and historical distinctives. Since The current proposal, found in rected me to leave by the end of ate and collaborate because we the larger part of the CRC is in the United States, and the power centre the SALT document, is not ap- the month. want to – not because one part- of the denomination is in Grand Rapids, the ministry plan, with its propriate, not helpful, does not ner holds final decision-making ministry values, reflected U.S. priorities and sensitivities. Canadian advance good strategic planning, THE 2022 REPORT authority. A truly healthy vibrant realities were overlooked or ignored. and likely would not satisfy Ca- SOLVES NOTHING binational church demands noth- This put me in an untenable and unhealthy situation. I was repri- nadian charity law. It should be I see strong parallels between ing less. rejected, and a better way – per- the rejection of the Restructuring haps like the one I suggest! – Ray Elgersma Task Force Report in 2000 and THE BRETHEREN EXAMPLE found. what is being proposed by the Ray is retired after 42 Previously in CC, Peter Schuurman wrote about a similar dynam- years of organizational Bruce Adema current Structure and Leadership leadership in the public, ic within the Brethren in Christ (BIC) denomination: specifical- Taskforce (SALT; see adjacent private and voluntary ly, how the Canadian Conference asserted independence from its Bruce served as Director of article). The Christian Reformed sector. Now he grows gar- American parent organization and became a fraternal institution in Canadian Ministries for the lic and potatoes, cuts fire- CRCNA from 2006-2012. church in Canada has struggled wood and attends Calvin the global BIC, now called BIC Canada (Sept.22, 2014). with this issue for 21 years. This CRC in Ottawa.

8 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER @ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | AUGUST 9, 2021 9 Reviews PETERSON’S THEOLOGICAL RESONANCES

Mike Wagenman

DURING THE 2018-2019 ACADEMIC YEAR, I was startled by the large Peterson.” There are a range of both Peterson and Solzhenitsyn, number of students discussing Jordan Peterson, professor of psych- explanations offered, from Peter- the nature and endurability of ology at the University of Toronto. Everywhere I turned, Muslims, son being perceived “as a person good and evil is analyzed with Christians and atheists were discussing and debating the socio-polit- of integrity” to Peterson’s claim far more nuance than is perceived ical perspectives and the mytho-poetic analyses that Peterson offered that we can be “hopeful that here by this author. via YouTube, his book 12 Rules for Life, and his worldwide speaking [suffering] does not preclude an To summarize, I think I ex- tour. All of a sudden, it had become trendy to discuss the opening individual from living in such a pected more from this collection chapters of Genesis in mixed company – just as it had become danger- way as to experience the good- than it was able to deliver. The so- ous to weigh in on pronoun usage. It was a weird turn of events. ness of Being.” cial dynamics of our day, includ- Myth and Meaning in Jordan Peterson is a collection of ten short es- This all being said, I still wish ing the political, philosophical, says which explore the philosophical, theological and political aspects for a deeper and more penetrat- and theological underpinnings of of Jordan Peterson’s system of thought from his books and lectures. ing analysis at both the philo- our present context, are so mas- The editor, Ron Dart, is a professor at the University of the Fraser Val- sophical and theological levels. sively complex, it can be hard to MYTH AND MEANING IN ley and roughly half of the contributors are also Canadians, including For example, one author claims know where to start any explan- JORDAN PETERSON: A former students from UFV. that “the threat of cultural relativ- ation or analysis. But since there CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE The various authors adopt a range of postures toward Peterson, from ism and nihilism spreading from is so little critical engagement Edited by Ron Dart deeply appreciative to somewhat critical. None are as dismissive or as the postmodern spirit of critic- with these ideas as they come Lexham Press, 2020. caustic as one encounters in online forums. As the subtitle suggests, al deconstruction plucks at the to expression in Jordan Peter- there is a general Christian perspective that is evident to varying de- [golden] thread [of the canvas of son beyond social media, I hope grees. Some readers may wish that the Christian framework utilized Western civilization] with the in- this book contributes to further in these pages provided a more critical lens for engaging Peterson’s tent of tearing the tapestry apart reflection on the state of society thought. But, unlike some simplistic evaluations of Peterson which altogether.” It should suffice in North America and the contri- either praise him for repackaging the Bible’s message for a contem- here to say that the philosophical butions that Peterson, and others porary audience or condemn him for being nothing more than a wolf (much less, existential) situation who transcend the outdated left/ in sheep’s clothing, none here write from such limited perspectives. is far more complex than this al- right dichotomy, are making. For a general reader looking for somewhere to begin in reflecting upon lows for. At the theological level, Mike Wagenman Peterson in a constructive mode that doesn’t automatically bracket out another author makes the cava- Mike is the Christian Re- Christianity, this is one of the few resources available to date. lier comment that Peterson, via formed campus minister at A thread that runs through all the essays is mentioned by Dart in the Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, believes Western University in Lon- don, Ont., where he is also Introduction: “This book is an attempt to understand from a Chris- that “Evil is permanently part of a professor of theology and tian perspective what has caused so many people to resonate with the human condition.” Again, for culture.

HISTORY AND ADVOCACY

Rebecca Bokma

DR. BETH ALLISON BARR’S The Making of Biblical Womanhood takes tions that look at opinions from Free?” Why do we need to be the reader on a journey of the Christian woman through historical scholars, both male and female, honest about the abuse women facts, clever quotes and heart-wrenching stories. As a professor of historical facts, and biblical text, face in the church? Because it is medieval, women’s and church history at Baylor University, Barr is before returning to a modern-day time to stop it. Why should we more than qualified to lead us on this entertaining and knowledge- example. Throughout, Barr stand up for women in leader- able exploration into why we view biblical womanhood the way that explores some big questions: ship in the church? Because it we do. was patriarchy divinely creat- is time for women to be where Barr frames this exploration into what constitutes “Biblical” ed? Why does the Apostle Paul God is calling them. Why do womanhood around her own experience with the role of women in the evoke such strong feelings? Why we need to talk about this topic? church. Growing up Southern Baptist, Barr has seen first-hand how is historical context important Because it is time for us to re- complementarianism (a view of how men and women were created when translating the Greek and member that we are not alone. to complement each other) goes hand in hand with misogyny and the Hebrew texts? Because it is time for us to stand submission of women. Using the story of how her husband was fired The most important part of this together across race, gender, or THE MAKING OF BIBLICAL from his job as a pastor for supporting women in leadership roles book is the question “so what”? class. To remember and cele- WOMANHOOD: HOW THE in the church, we are taken through the stories of Christian women This is a question I learned to ask brate women’s leadership in the SUBJUGATION OF WOMEN who have been written out of Church history for the sake of keeping in high school when considering church throughout history and BECAME GOSPEL TRUTH men in charge. Barr artfully weaves in the stories of women such as teaching anyone about any topic. today. Beth Allison Barr Junia the apostle, Margery Kempe, a powerful speaker endorsed by So what? Why should someone Rebecca Bokma Brazos Press, 2021. the Archbishop of York, and Christine de Pizan, a professional writer want to read about this topic? and advocate for woman’s speech and many more from early Chris- Why is this so important that Rebecca is a student at Cal- vin Theological Seminary tians to present day activists. someone wrote a book about it? pursuing a Master of Divinity Each chapter begins with a present-day example or story to con- Barr answers this “so what” degree with the hope of be- ing ordained in the Christian nect the reader with the chapter’s particular question about biblical question in her final chapter Reformed church after grad- womanhood. Following that, Barr breaks down the question into sec- “Isn’t it Time to Set Women uation.

10 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Reviews ENGAGING OUR SECULAR WORLD

David Mitchell

IN WISDOM FROM BABYLON, Gordon T. Smith tackles the question, greater clarity of definition and “What does it mean to provide leadership for the church in an increas- critique to secularism (and ‘secu- ingly secular context?” Smith is president of Ambrose University and larity’) itself, since that world- Seminary in Calgary, a long time Teaching Fellow of Regent College, view is at the heart of the book’s and author of several books on spirituality and vocation. argument. Amidst the brilliant The book is written for leaders of Christian training institutions to range of conversation partners offer them guidance on theological education and formation that is in Wisdom from Babylon, I can’t consistent with the times, but also has emerging leaders themselves recall one female voice; I doubt and church leadership teams in mind. Smith’s primary focus is west- that’s because no woman has ern English-speaking societies “that are in the midst of the shift to a spoken as clearly to the topic as secular society,” with the European scene less in view, as he considers her male peers. Smith provoca- that shift to be largely complete in Europe. tively argues that we need to ex- Wisdom from Babylon comprises two parts. Part One focuses on change battling over abortion and WISDOM FROM BABYLON: reading and understanding the times. Part Two is about forming an sexuality (legitimate concerns LEADERSHIP FOR THE alternative community that can weather a secular environment. In Part notwithstanding) for a commit- CHURCH IN A SECULAR AGE One, Smith provides an analysis of secularism followed by a descrip- ment to defend principled plur- Gordon T. Smith tion of four main Christian responses to it: accommodation, retreat, alism in the public square and IVP Academic, 2020. warfare, and engagement (his favoured response). In each of the fol- economic justice for the poor. lowing four chapters, he selects key voices who have experienced He says Ambrose referred to the Author Gordon T. Smith what it is to be a minority believing group in their respective cultures. church as the conscience of the He essentially invites them to sit down with us and share their stories state; while Ambrose may have Christ but needs to experience and insights as a way of speaking into our Christian experience as been for pluralism and certainly him. However, we cannot pit a minority living amidst secular culture. This is where Smith’s wide for the poor, I am not sure Am- doctrine against experience, least reading and engagement really shines. He introduces us to exilic and brose, if he lived in our society, of all gospel doctrine. Why does post-exilic prophets, church fathers, historic minority churches out- could agree to be quiet about our experience have substance? side of the West, and Christian voices from secular Europe. In their abortion. It is because of the historical and own words, the prophet Jeremiah, church father Ambrose of Milan, doctrinal realities of the person Lebanese seminarian Martin Accad, and 20th century French philoso- WHAT ABOUT EVANGELISM? and work of Christ. In St. Paul’s pher Jacques Ellul join a chorus of others to describe how they have My main concern is Smith’s dis- words, “faith comes from the navigated faith and life in similar circumstances to ours. Having sat cussion of mission and gospel. word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). at the table with these great thinkers, Smith circles back to the four First, mission. On the one hand, That is, as a rule, our existential Christian responses to secular culture, analysing them in turn: does in the chapter on the catechumen- experience of faith cannot be div- this response help us keep our distinct identity and also be present as ate he envisages spiritual seekers ided from doctrine and derives a witness? turning up in church whom we from it. What God has joined may welcome, teach, and lead on together, I won’t say Smith is NECESSARY ECUMENISM a conversion journey. Very good. pulling apart, but he seems un- Part Two seeks to make the theory of Part One practical, asking what Yet the entire chapter on “mis- helpfully close to it. kind of alternative community, with its associated competencies and sion” does not touch the subject Gordon Smith has written a dispositions, do we need in order to maintain our distinct identity in of evangelism. Mission is envis- very helpful book for twenty- such times? Chapters eight through ten make the case for develop- aged in terms of political pres- first century church leadership in ing leadership for a church that is liturgical (helping people encounter ence, peacemaking, and being a the West, though I feel there is a Christ), catechetical (teaching folk to think Christianly), and mission- gentle influence. “Preaching for fundamental gap in the discus- al (intentionally witnessing to the reign of Christ). Smith believes that Monday morning” boils down to sion on mission, and I wish he to thrive we must embrace the theological and practical necessity of “[equipping] men and women to was clearer on the gospel. Never- ecumenism, learning from and working with the church outside our be agents of peace” in the world. theless, discerning educators, tradition. Additionally, we must cultivate interiority, following the I wish this were an overstate- church leaders, and lay readers monastic wisdom of being rooted in Christ through spiritual habits. ment, but it seems Jeremiah 29:7 will find much useful insight Finally, he presents hospitality as an ideal posture from which to en- has replaced Matthew 28:18-20 worth chewing on and discuss- gage the world. as the church’s commission. ing. Not least, they will discov- Smith says we need to accept secularity as the new reality. I think He also states, “For the church er a range of conversation part- he makes a fair point: I don’t see us going back to Christendom, to be shaped by the gospel re- ners, ancient and modern, whose nor would that necessarily be a good thing. He is skillful at drawing fers not to its ideas or theology works they may soon be reading together the wisdom of various voices and applying their insights to or doctrine so much as that the as well, thanks to Smith’s effort the present day. Identifying and evaluating the four possible responses people know it is the encounter to gather them together at the to secularism is a helpful exercise. Balancing analysis with an outline with the ascended Christ in real leadership table. of specific practices makes the book useful. The recommended practi- time that defines them and their ces span liturgy, catechesis and mission – heart, head, and hands; they shared life.” I must disagree. also call us to move wider, deeper, and more generously – it’s a very I find this statement odd since holistic vision of leadership. Smith spends so much time else- David Mitchell

where in the book emphasizing David is a Canadian mission- MISSING PIECES the importance of theological ary and pastor in Scotland. He serves with Into All the Much as I loved this book’s insight, writing style, and breadth, I have teaching for the church. Yes, the World and is pastor at Con- a few critiques and concerns. I would have liked to see Smith give church must not simply know of nect Church, Kirkcaldy.

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time to act in order to prevent than 1,000 bodies (and counting) more deaths. in unmarked graves at the sites of four former residential schools. THE TIME IS NOW Most of these remains are of This is a kairos moment for Can- Indigenous children who went ada. How many times have I to the schools, buried without heard that in my 30-plus years of ceremony, away from home and working on Indigenous issues? the presence of family and com- When I started my career in the munity. Maybe this effrontery to late 1980s, there was a great deal decency, maybe this time, will of public emphasis on supporting result in real action and change. Indigenous self-government, in- cluding implementation of the PATIENTLY WAITING Penner report’s recommendations. Faced with the challenges of im- (Keith Penner, M.P., chaired a plementing Indigenous rights, Special Committee of the House the incremental pace at which of Commons which issued the change occurs despite repeated report, “Indian Self-government studies and recommendations, in Canada” in 1983.) The mem- and my own experience, I carry ber churches of KAIROS Canada, Margaret’s words with me be- including Presbyterians and the cause it’s easy to forgot the ur- Christian Reformed Church of gency of the need for progress. North America, had just signed It’s easy to forget, as well, how “A New Covenant: Towards the patient Indigenous people have Constitutional Recognition and been. In large measure, they

Vivian Ketchum Vivian Protection of Aboriginal Self-gov- have waited peacefully for Can- A mural with handprints memorializing friends and loved ones hangs in Place of Hope Church, Winnipeg. ernment in Canada” (1987). The adian society to address the many Rev. Margaret Mullin is on the right. Oka Crisis (a 78-day resistance wrongs that have been well docu- over contested land slated for mented, and to implement the development that included a Mo- many recommendations for how TIME FOR RECONCILIATION hawk burial ground) a few years to make things right. The few later led to the publication of the instances of conflict which have We’ve put off working towards real change for decades, while Canada’s Report of the Royal Commission arisen in recent years, be they at on Aboriginal Peoples in 1996. Oka or Burnt Church, Ipperwash Indigenous peoples wait for action. | Lori Ransom It asked for an Inquiry into Indi- or Gustafsen Lake, Caledonia or an residential schools among its We’suwet’en, should be under- 440 recommendations. Another standable when contrasted with IN THE FALL OF 2006, I WAS APPOINTED as the first Healing and Rec- words speak to the urgency of 12 years would pass before Can- the incredible patience Indigen- onciliation program Animator for The Presbyterian Church in Can- addressing problems facing In- ada’s TRC came into being. The ous peoples have shown as they ada. I was baptized Presbyterian at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in digenous peoples. They speak TRC’s report is now six years old. wait for change. Ottawa and am a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First to the urgency of implementing And my people, Rev. Margaret’s I am reminded of the residen- Nation. I am of mixed Indigenous and European heritage, and have the Calls to Action of the Truth people, our people, continue to tial school survivors who spoke lived off-reserve all of my life. and Reconciliation Commission die tragically and at young ages. to the TRC about their experien- Early in my new ministry, I travelled to Manitoba to visit a Presby- of Canada (TRC), and the Calls In other words, theirs are prevent- ces. Many gave their statements terian Indigenous outreach ministry, Winnipeg Inner City Missions to Justice of the National Inquiry able deaths. Fast forward to early surrounded by family members. (WICM). Serving the Indigenous community of Winnipeg, WICM into Missing and Murdered In- summer of 2021, when people They explained that they had the provides several services including transitional housing, advocacy digenous Women and Girls. In- are speaking of another kairos courage to go on the record be- and counselling; youth and children’s ministry through Flora House; digenous people are dying. It’s moment: the discovery of more cause they wanted a better future and worship through Place of Hope Church. WICM’s then-executive director, Rev. Margaret Mullin, gave me a tour of the ministry’s facilities. We paused by a large mural. It was covered in water-coloured hand prints, in a variety of colours and siz- es – looking something like a piece of art one might find in an ele- mentary school. However, in this space, its meaning was sobering. Margaret explained that the hands represented individuals known to the ministry who had died. Many had died quite young; children’s hands were clearly visible on the mural. The reasons the individuals had died varied, but many of the deaths could be traced to the ongoing impacts of colonialism and racism on Canada’s Indigenous commun- ity: Poverty precipitated by barriers to education and employment; substance abuse due to hopelessness over a lack of opportunities or inability to provide for family members; fetal alcohol syndrome; men- tal health issues resulting from time at residential school; or violence resulting from any of these circumstances or from overt racism on the streets where they lived. “My people are dying,” Rev. Margaret said.

I have carried her words and the image of the hand prints with Wikipedia. me now for 15 years as I work on healing and reconciliation. Her Kamloops Residential School, Kamloops, B.C., 1930.

12 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Features for their children and grandchil- on these issues remains a dream. I worked for the Government of dren. They did not have an expect- That sense of urgency in the pub- Canada at the time of one such ation that the TRC would solve lic sphere comes and goes, like effort. In 2002, the government of things for them in their own life- waves on a beach. I feel it in my the day introduced a proposal for times. They had heard too many own work, waxing and waning a First Nations Governance Act. promises, read too many reports, depending on the day. If only the This legislation would not have re- and witnessed too many “kairos same sense of urgency and recog- placed the entire Indian Act but, as moments” to expect otherwise. nition that lives are at stake which its name implied, proposed a num- I contrast this, with deepest re- motivated international responses ber of changes to the governance spect, with the enthusiasm and en- to the COVID-19 pandemic, in- provisions of the Act which would couraging statement I heard at an- cluding the rapid development of apply to all First Nations not under other TRC event when then-Lieu- vaccines, could be applied to ad- self-government agreements. In tenant Governor of Ontario, David dressing Indigenous issues in Can- my personal view, some of the pro- ada. Then, Onley’s vision of mak- posed changes were positive. The ing reconciliation a reality in his proposed legislation, for example, life and mine would have a chance. would have allowed members of my community to elect Chiefs and HOW WE VIEW TIME Councils to four-year terms, instead The Indian Act is now widely of the current two-year terms under elections again. I submit that this take issue with decision-making recognized as a piece of coloni- the existing Indian Act. This would is an inadequate amount of time to processes on matters of critical al legislation that needs to be re- have saved us, and the Crown, the carry out the kind of consultation importance to their communities placed. Many Canadians are un- expense of frequent elections and with First Nations on something which could leave out almost half aware of the ways in which this is allow our First Nation’s adminis- as fundamental as changes to the of their people. They seek to find happening, bit by bit. Every ne- tration a longer period of time to Indian Act. It will take courage solutions through a process of gotiated self-government agree- develop and implement plans for and leadership to recognize that consensus, hearing the voices of ment with First Nations leads to our community before facing a we have to throw out an arbitrary all, and do not worry about the a standalone piece of legislation new election. However, the legis- timeline linked to the length of any time it takes to arrive at such solu- that replaces the Indian Act for lation failed for a number of rea- given government’s time in office, tions, valuing processes that pri- the First Nations who sign a sons, including failures to consult and approach the replacement oritize inclusiveness over speed; self-government agreement with adequately on the content of the of the Indian Act with an under- people over process. Decisions of

Wikipedia. the Government of Canada. This Bill with Indigenous peoples. standing that it’s likely going to great import need to pass the sev- Children at All Saints Residential School, process of replacing the Indian I am of the view that in order take more than one government’s en-generation test: will members Shingle Point, Yukon, 1930. Act through such agreements has for Canada to do justice to the mandate to get the job done. of the community seven gener- been agonizingly slow. In part consultation with First Nations ations into the future see the de- this is because federal self-gov- that is required to replace the In- TIME TO CHANGE OUR VALUES cision as having been a wise one ernment policy, which continues dian Act, Canadians and Canadian The subject of consultation has for them? In my experience, many to evolve, has not been seen by governments will have to adopt been a tough one for many Can- non-Indigenous peoples long for all First Nations as adequate. a different approach to how they adians. Most have been raised to such approaches on the issues that Those negotiations which occur think about time. Typically, fed- think it is efficient to make de- mean the most to them. can span decades given the chal- eral governments have a two or cisions through “majority rule” Those of us in the church need lenges of the policy. My own at best three-year window to de- and that setting “deadlines” is to think through what our faith community of Pikwakanagan, velop, draft, and pass legislation the key to success. tells us to value most when we which did not sign or adhere to a before they have to worry about Indigenous peoples, by contrast, consider decision-making pro- treaty, submitted a land claim and cesses, as well as the time needed began negotiating a comprehen- to work towards respectful rela- sive self-government agreement tions and what we believe about in the mid-1980s. We continue to inclusion over exclusion as we wait for a final agreement. build community. Our hope is Some First Nations have signed in the eternal. And we have been Vivian Ketchum Vivian partial self-government agree- given time, lifetimes, to build Red hand prints cover what's left of the Queen Victoria statue at the ments in areas of jurisdiction such right relationships and reconcile Manitoba Legislature. as education, which take them out with others as we have been rec- of the Indian Act provisions for onciled to God through Christ. Onley, a TRC Honorary Witness, that area. Other First Nations have challenged the notion that recon- “opted in” to various amendments ciliation could not happen in our to the Indian Act which have been lifetime. I am grateful for Onley’s offered in recent decades, such as commitment, leadership and drive with respect to land management. Lori Ransom to make reconciliation a reality. My own First Nation voted in Lori serves as a Recon- (CC’s Editor spoke with the Honor- favour of implementing its own ciliation and Indigenous able David Onley earlier this sum- Land Code under such legislation Justice Animator for mer about another one of his pas- in 2019. the United Church of sions, disability awareness). Un- The practice of giving First Na- Canada. She resides in Toronto on Dish with One fortunately, I remain cautious, even tions the choice to opt out of por- Spoon Treaty territory, skeptical, about the likelihood for tions of the Indian Act, as they see most recently home to the success realizing his vision of rec- fit, has arisen in light of the repeat- Mississaugas of the Credit.

onciliation. It seems that focused, ed failure of wholesale efforts to Ketchum Vivian unrelenting, committed leadership amend or replace the Indian Act. Gifts left at the residential schools monument in Kamloops, B.C.

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time of vicious attack on Chris- and economic divides make this A HINGE MOMENT? tianity, a time to hunker down, a hinge moment in the history defend boundaries and basics, of Canada? A hinge moment is Kathy Vandergrift | [email protected] and preserve the faith for a bet- a time when forces come to- Kathy, a public policy analyst, brings experience in government, social ter day. This finds expression in gether to cause a fundamental justice work and a Master’s Degree in Public Ethics to her reflections. laments for a past that felt like a change of direction, such as more Christian society, rallying World War II. If it is, Christians around a few flagship issues, and churches would do well to BETWEEN THE WRITING and the to live wisely and draw down and using freedom of religion to discuss and discern what this reading of this column, a federal something of heaven to earth fight for what we value. Focus- hinge moment means in Kairos election may be launched – or through our collective witness. ing on persecution of the church time and how we best engage not. Timing is a critical factor Conversely, the public witness in public discussion of residen- in this historical shift, instead in election planning, and some- by Christians can be damaged by tial schools, for example, is a of worrying so much about the times it determines the outcome. actions that fail to understand the reflection of this approach to number of bums in seats and the Political leaders who choose an context or misread how the cur- reading our times. At the other survival of individual churches. advantageous time to call an rent moment fits into God’s work end are calls to seize this mo- As citizens, preparing for an election are criticized for being of care and redemption of God’s ment to make dramatic changes election includes discerning opportunistic, but frankly, we creation, Kairos time. in line with a future Kingdom what time it is for our coun- do the same in all areas of our vision. These are often pitted try and what direction Canada lives. I try to pick the best time GOD’S TIME against each other and elevated should take, as well as what to plant my beans but seem to At this point in historical time, as differences in belief; it might election promises would bene- misread timing when it comes there is significant disagree- be more helpful to think about fit us or who supports specific to investments. Good timing ment about what time it is in these approaches as being in moral issues as tests of faith. is also important for missions, God’s time, and that hinders our different Kairos time zones. Kairos time is more important public witness, and working for public witness. In my ecumeni- than September or October for justice and peace. cal work, I sense a spectrum of HISTORICAL SHIFTS our participation in the next Reading the times well is a time zones, like a global clock, Does the combination of the election. challenge. It is a skill we need with greater weight at each end. pandemic, climate change, and to hone as Christians who want At one end, today is seen as a heightened awareness of racial Becerra. Unsplash Manny

er, as free people, to solve problems for dealing with it. Where this the Liberals” or “shoot all the Con- HOW TO ASK THE RIGHT in our society. gets a bit tricky is if someone says servatives into the sun,” which, of So here are three questions we something loaded like “immigra- course, isn’t helpful. Sometimes POLITICAL QUESTIONS can ask each other that re-frame tion.” Where someone brings up you have to keep asking follow-up political debates and differences in something controversial, digging questions that transcend political a way that’s positive. down with follow-up questions sloganeering – and get closer to the Lloyd Rang | [email protected] like “and why is that important to real issues. Lloyd works in communications and is a member of Rehoboth “WHAT ARE THE MOST IM- you?” can help uncover the deep- CRC in Bowmanville, Ont. PORTANT PROBLEMS THAT er concerns behind a politically “I DISAGREE WITH THAT WE NEED TO SOLVE, IN YOUR charged position. AND SEE THINGS DIFFER- OPINION?” ENTLY. WHAT COULD I SAY IT’S ELECTION SEASON AGAIN IN CANADA. Focusing on the problems that “WHAT’S THE BEST WAY THAT WOULD CHANGE YOUR You can tell, because the robocalls have started, the requests for dona- need to be solved rather than on THAT WE CAN DO GOOD FOR MIND?” tions are more urgent, and politicians across the country have bought some the positions that various parties EACH OTHER, AND HELP It’s important to have debates, of new shoes for door-knocking. take lets you start from a place of EACH OTHER OUT?” course, but if someone isn’t open This should be a happy time for Canadians. We are champions of “peace, agreement. If someone says “pov- Asking this question gets at the to changing their mind or learning order and good government,” which is why having a free and open debate erty,” for example, we can talk heart of what politics is supposed from you, you’re not going to get about the issues that matter to us is so important. about why this is an important is- to be about. Of course, someone very far. If a person responds to Of course, politics these days isn’t a very happy place. I don’t think sue and compare the various plans might answer with “get rid of all this question with “facts” or “ex- people have ever been so polarized in their views, and so unshakeable amples,” you have a decent shot in their beliefs. at a good conversation. If they say Lots of other commentators have theorized about why we now see poli- “nothing,” you have just saved tics as a tribal team sport. Some think it’s thanks to social media like Face- yourself hours of aggravation. book and Twitter. Others blame the corporately owned traditional media like the National Post. Others blame state-funded media like the CBC. THE BOTTOM LINE And still others point to churches becoming increasingly political from the Dalton McGuinty used to say that pulpit as a cause of all the toxicity. if you walked around any town Rather than pointing fingers, I think it’s more important to do two anywhere in the world and asked things: admit that our political discourse is broken, and take personal re- people what was most important sponsibility for fixing it. Because it’s hard to be a democracy if we shout to them, they’d all say the same each other down, and hard to be a country that does good if we can’t be thing: “clean air to breathe, clean good to each other. water to drink, and a great, happy One way we can fix a damaged political conversation is to ask each future for our kids.” other questions that go beyond political party lines, past the spin and the Maybe, in this election season, slogans, and get at the heart of the problems government is supposed to we should all focus on what’s truly solve. Because when you strip away the different coloured signs and plat- important, to all of us. forms, that’s what politics is really all about: it’s the way we come togeth- Unsplash Charles Deluvio.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | AUGUST 9, 2021 15 Columns IT’S ABOUT TIME

Heidi VanderSlikke | [email protected]

Heidi lives in Mapleton Township, Ont. Her life and writing centre on faith, family and farm life.

AMONG MY FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES are summer nights spent sprawled flat out on the lawn, studying the starry sky with my father. He showed me how to find the Big Dipper, Little Dipper and the North Star (his personal favourite). Pa claimed you could always Unsplash Niclas Lundin. find your way home if you knew which way was north. I wasn’t sure why that would be helpful, but if he said so, it must be true. remain well above my finite intelligence and therefore are still worthy to get the job done or to squeeze While crickets provided background music, I imagined the stars as of deep contemplation. in just one more task before bed- diamonds strewn across a swatch of black velvet. With childish rea- time. Life will be the perfect bal- soning I pondered lofty concepts. If the heavens ended somewhere THE REAL ILLUSION ance of rest and activity. Ageing beyond my line of vision, what would be beyond that? It had to be Time is one of my favourite topics. Einstein said that time is an illusion. won’t be an issue – no need for more space, even if it was empty. Hmmm . . . that must be infinity. Who am I to argue with genius? Still, after this many years on the plan- vain attempts to cling to youth My thoughts turned theological. Christian teachers in various set- et, I’m convinced time is real. Control is the illusion. No matter how when time has expired and death tings taught me that God created the universe. Sometimes I wondered, well planned the day or week, there are always factors that change the is vanquished. then who created God? And who made that who? And who made the course of my intended activities and alter my desired goals. Summer always passes so who that made the who? Before long I concluded that God must be I’m still a sucker for articles and books on so-called time management, quickly. It’s about time I do some complete in himself somehow, not created by anyone. (In my forties I possibly because I was raised with the adage that lost time is never found star-gazing again. I’ll be investing learned that’s called the aseity of God.) again. But experience has taught me that trying to actually save time or time (as opposed to spending it) in Obviously God had been around since the beginning. Wait – he had to even effectively manage it, is like trying to catch the wind. Time saved is consideration of the Timeless One have been there before the beginning if he created everything that exists. only spent elsewhere. As for management – it’s time (or lack of it), that who made all those lights, named Time itself is his creation. What was there before time? What will there most often establishes my priorities for me, not vice-versa. them and called each one into be after time ends? That, I reckoned, must be what they meant by eternity. Time is the context in which we live. It’s the framework for the story its place. Time and eternity hold Even without an extensive vocabulary, it’s amazing how quickly a of our lives. No wonder we can’t hang onto it – we’re not supposed to! no mysteries for him. In fact, he child’s mind draws toward the infinite, eternal and divine. I may be Sometimes I like to imagine what eternity will be like without clocks, holds my time in his hands. And if able to better express my thoughts these days, but frankly the concepts calendars or to-do-lists. No deadlines or best-before dates, no pressure he said it, I know it’s true.

PAINTING TIME blind poet. In the painting, the years since my dad bought that print chain Aristotle wears is decorat- and had it framed. He was a young ed with a medallion commem- man then, buying furniture for his Katie Munnik | [email protected] orating his pupil Alexander the new family home and thinking his Katie is an Ottawa writer living in Cardiff with her spouse and three growing Great, but his contemplative gaze own deep thoughts about the rich- children. You can also find Katie on twitter @messy_table. seems to turn away from this po- es of time. He told me later that he litical success and towards the loved how Rembrandt used light lasting consolation of literature. and shadow to express the depths WHEN I WAS A CHILD, we owned of miles of fabric that hang in Rembrandt’s composition sug- of human character. When I went an oil painting like something folds. I imagined he was a proph- gests a quiet wisdom that draws to Amsterdam a few years ago to from the Old Testament. It hung et, listening to God, lamenting us away from the glitz of decora- see an exhibit of Rembrandt’s later darkly over the green chesterfield the sins on the people. He wore tion and towards an older, deeper work, he asked me to send him a in the living room, its complicat- a golden chain across his chest source of light. postcard. Something wonderful, he ed gold frame both beautiful and that made me think of the chain said, with good faces. worrisome. On days when I was that hung from our lamp by the THIS FLEETING LIFE It’s often said that still life home from school with a bad bookshelf. I would stand beside it Rembrandt himself owned a bust painting depicts the passage of cold, I would lie on that chester- in the corner of the room, tracing of Homer; it was listed on his time. A bowl of perfect fruit, a "Aristotle with a bust of Homer" by Rembrandt. field, looking up at the painting, its shining links one by one. But 1656 bankruptcy inventory. This crumpled tablecloth, a vase of and think about what would hap- the painted man wasn’t paying painting was completed three flowers. These things do not last, pen if it fell on me. That serious any attention to his chain, nor years before that, when his studio so capturing them on canvas be- NEW EXHIBIT face suddenly so close to mine. to the books on the table beside was still full, his works and col- comes an ironic reminder of the The frame looked heavy. The him. Instead, his hand rested on lected pieces not yet auctioned brevity of life itself. But I prefer Until Sept. 6, 2021, paint looked so thick it might the head of a statue and his eyes off. I wonder what inspiration faces. They, too, pass away, and still be wet. focussed away as if he was see- Rembrandt found in Homer’s even their expressions are fleet- the National Gallery of Years later, my dad explained ing something unseen or thinking face. Did he watch the afternoon ing, yet, in paint, they last. They Canada is featuring an it was a museum print – not a deep thoughts. light shift across the stone? What continue. In their stillness, we exhibit in Ottawa called real oil painting at all – and that This central figure is thought ways of seeing did he find re- recognise our own feelings and the painter was a Dutch man to be Aristotle, the famed philos- flected there? What did the paint- begin to see new ways of being. “Rembrandt in Amster- named Rembrandt who lived a opher from Ancient Greece, and er see in the blind poet’s face? Time may hang in the many folds dam”; find out more at long time ago. The man in the the statue represents Homer. Five Between Aristotle and Rem- of cloth that catch the light, but in gallery.ca. centre of the painting looked old hundred years separated them brandt, there are over 2,000 years. a shared moment, we are brought fashioned, too, wearing a dark – this philosopher who elevated Between Rembrandt and us, not together. The past can be closer robe with bright sleeves made sight amongst the senses and the quite 400 years. And it’s over 50 than we think.

16 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

COVID BORDER CROSSING the first Calvin classes taught from Canada; however, a letter Derek Schuurman | [email protected] from CC Reader Anne De Rooy recounted an earlier time when Derek is a Canadian expat and professor at Calvin University in her son, Leonard, also taught Grand Rapids, Michigan. Calvin classes from Canada!)

TRYING TO DECODE PAGES of Niagara Falls. Despite the excel- SELF-CONSCIOUS TRAVELERS government protocols. Pacing a lent wedding photos this perch All our border crossings were un- suburban backyard like a caged would offer, this idea didn’t gain eventful, but it was eerie to cross animal. Being nervous driving much traction. Instead, we were the normally bustling Bluewater with Michigan license plates in able to quarantine in a friend’s Bridge to Sarnia and to arrive Ontario. Crossing a nearly de- basement apartment in Hamilton at a lone security booth with no serted Bluewater bridge. Emerg- for two weeks prior to a scaled- line ups. It was also the first time ing joyfully from a basement down wedding. For 14 days we I was nervous driving in Ontar- We did not experience any hostility while driving in Canada, but I apartment after enduring a 14- paced the small boundary of the io with Michigan license plates. sensed our plates did raise some eyebrows. day quarantine. These are some backyard – one that was tanta- A sketch from CBC’s This Hour of my experiences as an expat lizingly close to the Bruce trail, Has 22 Minutes depicted a trio of NEW RULES ONCE AGAIN trying to conscientiously navi- which appeared like forbidden happy, friendly Canadians stroll- The anticipation of new border crossing protocols was a keen topic of gate the rules for returning home fruit just over a fence line. ing six feet apart singing “It’s a conversation at a July 1st Canada Day gathering of Canadians hosted to Canada during the pandemic. Our next visit to Canada was beautiful day in Canada” when in our backyard this year. On July 5, 2021, the rigid border restrictions early in December of 2020. The they suddenly stop in their tracks gave way to a new set of rules that removed the need to quarantine QUARANTINE miracle of modern internet com- at the sight of car with American for fully-vaccinated Canadians. Soon after that, my wife and I left for Our first visit travelling from munications became our umbil- plates. Their demeanor chang- a short visit to Canada. The new rules include having a COVID-19 Michigan to Ontario was during ical cord to the outside world es instantly as they menacingly test prior to arriving in Canada, undergoing another test at the border, the summer of 2020 to attend our as we hibernated for another 14 approach the hapless car owner and registering with ArriveCan, a government website for entering son’s wedding. In the spring of days in a basement apartment who pleads to no avail that he has detailed travel information and uploading scans of vaccination cards. 2020, the very possibility of trav- near Peterborough, Ontario. The quarantined and followed proto- Despite the hassles, observing border protocols during a pandemic el to Canada seemed uncertain. internet allowed me to continue col. This sketch was funny, but is one way to show love to neighbor. Perhaps vaccination records and So I suggested that my son and teaching my classes at Calvin sadly CBC news reported real health monitoring will become a normal part of crossing borders going future daughter-in-law hold their University and to conduct online events of vandalism and harass- forward. In the meantime, we are thankful for declining COVID-19 wedding on the border in the exams remotely. (I speculated in ment of drivers with American rates which will enable many Canadian expats to return home – some middle of the Rainbow Bridge in a prior column that these were plates from fellow Canadians. for the first time in over a year.

things about summer. There has provided lungs and air. When another street!), I can be a pres- is something so comfortable we love, as Kierkegaard says, ence to reassure and bring peace. and familiar about the com- God is the deep well of love from bination of warm days, open which all love has its source. Our INDEBTED windows and the melanchol- infinite indebtedness to God, we Of course if we humans are resis- ic, woody tones of the bassoon. can add, is expressed precisely tant to anything, it is the idea of There is more to this moment, in our indebtedness to one an- being indebted to others. When however, than my being beauti- other – God’s provision for us we first moved into this cul- fully serenaded. This experience is almost always through others. de-sac, a neighbour lent me his also reminds me that our lives as It is no stretch to say that life lawn mower to cut the grass. He neighbours always overlap more in a neighbourhood, or a cul- offered: “You don’t need to buy than we realize. The music that de-sac, is partly about learn- one. Feel free to use this one any drifts into our lives, the language ing to live in this indebted- time.” And what did I do the next into which we’re apprenticed, ness; to acknowledge and live week but go out and buy a lawn the care we receive and give, and these overlapping lives. It can mower! As much as anyone, I re- almost every other dimension of happen in the simplest ways. sist the idea of being indebted or THE BASSOON NEXT DOOR our lives, point to our need of one When there isn’t quite enough feeling like I owe someone some- another and our indebtedness to rhubarb in my garden to make thing. How easy it is to forget that Roland De Vries | [email protected] one another. While our culture is that strawberry-rhubarb crisp, I already owe others everything! preoccupied with individualism there is usually enough in Mo- All of this cannot be reduced Roland teaches at The Presbyterian College, Montreal. He likes and self-sufficiency, it is worth nique’s garden to complete it. to mere moralism, as in: “You to explore culture and play with words. remembering we don’t have our When I neglect my sourdough should be a good neighbour!” lives alone as individuals or even starter to the point that it dies, Rather, it is about recognizing ON A SUMMER AFTERNOON I WALK INTO our cul-de-sac and hear merely as families. I can usually get a fresh batch the nature of human existence the familiar, rich tones of a bassoon. The music is drifting from the from Julie or Elaine. When I within God’s good creation. open window of our neighbour’s house. Marty plays in the Orchestre OVERLAPPING LIVES badly overestimate how much In every moment we belong to symphonique de Montréal, and is practicing on the second floor of In his Works of Love, Søren soil I need to top-dress my lawn, and with one another; we can- his home. The bassoon doesn’t always have the most melodic lines Kierkegaard speaks of our in- Vincent (whose wheelbarrow I not live or find fulfillment with- on the score, but what I’m hearing is both lyrical and lovely. Turns finite indebtedness to God. When borrowed) will take some off my out others. Strange as it may be, out it is from Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony. “Tchaikovsky always we take a step, God has placed hands. When one of the kids on the sounds of a bassoon practice writes great bassoon parts!” says Marty when I ask him about it later. the solid ground where our foot the street is getting yelled at by session are helping me embrace The sounds of a bassoon practice session are one of my favourite will land. When we breathe, God a cantankerous neighbour (from my indebtedness.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | AUGUST 9, 2021 17 Columns

COVID FATIGUE ber, according to plans made earli- to visit my widowed mother tion has been on so many of our er last year. I might have returned during that time. Last month we lips over the past year and a half. David T. Koyzis | [email protected] to Brazil to deliver a lecture or drove up to spend a few hours I feel numb these days, as if I’m two. But, no, I remain in my of- with a dear friend who co-owns watching all this happen to some- David is a Global Scholar with Global Scholars Canada. His book, fice in the basement of our home, a brewery north of Toronto. We one else. I’ve wept very little, Political Visions and Illusions (2019) is now out in a second speaking to people all over the thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, somewhat to my surprise. Perhaps Brazilian edition and will soon be published in Spanish as well. world via one of the many online sitting on a patio drinking beer this is a natural coping mechanism communication platforms. in the sunshine. A taste of nor- that has surfaced to enable me to WHEN FEBRUARY TURNED to thought to be two weeks, I thought mality went down along with get through each day. Patience is March last year, few of us had any that would be the length of the ‘HOW LONG, O LORD?’ the drafts. not something which comes easily notion of what was in store. I was all lockdowns. Of course, that was Quite honestly, I am weary. The In my current work with the to me. But patience is what we all set to fly to North Carolina to teach not what happened. past nearly two years have been Psalms, I have noticed how many need at present. a session of political philosophy to Since then we have experienced difficult for so many of us. Our contain this plaintive phrase: Last month our family finally students at Southeastern Baptist several waves of COVID infection. daughter lost three of her grand- “How long, O LORD?” (Psalms received our second doses of the Seminary. I had my lectures printed Each of us knows family mem- parents, and we’ve not been able 6, 13, 35, 74, 79, &c.) This ques- Pfizer vaccine. Side effects were out and was ready for what prom- bers and friends who have been few, other than – in my case – ised to be a stimulating experience, hospitalized with it. One of my stiffness in the upper back and with bright students eager for the sisters suffered a very mild- ver neck, along with a slight increase conversations we would be having. sion in January of this year, while in emotional volatility. We are My plane ticket had been purchased, my elderly mother-in-law died in grateful that God has given his and I was busily packing for several December shortly after contract- human image-bearers the ability days away from home. ing the illness in a long-term care to develop such powerful means That all changed suddenly. The facility. I know people who have to combat a pandemic. following week quarantines were spent weeks in hospital fighting for In the meantime, we wait. We imposed across the globe as the their lives. In the meantime, many wait for enough people to be vac- COVID-19 coronavirus made its of us who have been COVID-free cinated that life might return to way from east Asia into Europe, have been working from home, normal. And we pray. Our pray- North America and elsewhere. venturing out cautiously to the ers take the form of petition that At that point we could scarcely supermarket, or ordering groceries God might end the pandemic and imagine how long the lockdowns online for delivery. thanksgiving for the inroads that would last. Given that the incu- I would love to have gone to have been made in mitigating the bation period for the virus was Germany and Finland in Novem- worst of its effects.

ly many individuals have recovered COVID-19 with people who had died from other causes, like influenza. It BRAIN FOG & LONG COVID from the illness, what longer-term appears (the number of individuals studied was small) that brain damage is Rudy Eikelboom | [email protected] consequences are they experien- not directly due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as there were no traces of the cing? Doctors and researchers are virus in individuals’ brains. Instead, effects on the brain, which unfortu- Rudy, blessed to have received two doses of the vaccine, is a pastoral finding that for a certain percent- nately were profound, seemed due to the secondary impacts of COVID-19. elder at Waterloo Christian Reformed Church and a retired psychology age of people, COVID-19 has In particular, the inflammation that the disease induces causes damage to professor. long-lasting adverse effects, most the brain that parallels changes seen in various neurodegenerative diseases, notably “brain fog.” Brain fog is like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s. This damage was THIS PANDEMIC HAS BEEN A ROLLER COASTER. Don’t wear masks – an inability to think clearly or con- especially evident in cells providing support for the neurons of the brain. no, wear masks. Sanitize everything – no, that’s just hygiene theatre. centrate on tasks that are mentally These findings are concerning, but note they were made in patients whose Get this vaccine – no, get this other one. Welcome to science in real demanding. Memory problems COVID-19 was severe enough to cause their death. time, with knowledge changing seemingly every day. Each new study and fatigue often accompany it. The second study looked at neurological disorders in the six months af- gives us a new window on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the resulting dis- These long-term effects raise the ter recovery in patients who survived COVID-19. The researchers found ease, our vaccines, or best ways to treat patients. At the exact same question: how does the virus affect that about 33 percent had some neurological or psychiatric diagnosis in time, the virus itself changes, with new variants that make it more the brain? And further, what might this period, and for 13 percent it was their first such diagnosis. For patients contagious and perhaps more deadly. lie in the future for people who re- admitted to the ICU with more severe COVID-19, the numbers jumped to One area we’re learning more about is lingering effects. While thankful- cover from COVID-19? 46 percent and 26 percent for a first diagnosis. These numbers were high- Since the first case of er than for patients who experienced influenzas or other respiratory-tract COVID-19 only occurred about a disorders. While this data needs further confirmation, it seems evident that year and a half ago, it is impos- COVID-19 can have significant long-term consequences for our brains. sible to know all the consequences These findings are further proof we should be doing all we can to stamp of the virus. Still, last month a out this disorder as soon as possible. We can all take a few steps to protect few studies reported initial in- ourselves, those we love, and everyone around us. It is now clear that formation on how COVID-19 the primary way COVID-19 spreads is by aerosol transmission, so social impacts the brain. One looked distancing and mask wearing remain essential. For those who can get it, at the brains of patients who had vaccination is crucial, and getting the two recommended injections has died from the disorder. The other proved necessary to reducing the impact of the new delta variant. looked at outcomes in about We are in a race that pits our evolving scientific knowledge against 235,000 survivors. mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Science, through the grace of God, has given us powerful tools to care for our neighbours and our- NEW FINDINGS selves. I can’t wait till the vaccines are tested and approved for chil- The first study compared brain tis- dren under twelve, like my two granddaughters. And I pray vaccines sue of individuals who died from reach all areas of our world suffering from this disease.

18 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

MAKING TIME per minute using my TouchTalker the word disability? The answers that says the words for me, while might be telling, possibly revealing most people talk at a rate of about a deficit-based lens many of us still Sara Pot | [email protected] 120 words a minute (p. 10-11).” use to view disability. Stories like The Pot family story includes daughters Rachel and Janneke Bill’s remind us that disability is not who are severely disabled but radiate joy and grace. ON BEING HUMAN a tragedy nor is it confined to one Bill died on December 13, 2004, definition. Though it is not with- leaving behind a legacy of work re- out its challenges, disability is also IN SEPTEMBER 2017, I WROTE ABOUT the concept of time as it relates lated to disability awareness in the about opportunity for possibilities. to disability and discipleship, seen through the lens of disability theo- state of Nebraska and beyond. He We live in a culture that has logian John Swinton’s book Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, was determined to see a mindshift created deceptions about time. Timefullness and Gentle Discipleship. It’s four years later, and I am still in state government that would al- We forget that speed isn’t always recommending that book (and that column). low persons with disabilities to live the telling factor with efficiency full lives, according to their cap- and productivity. Rather, it is in ADD TO THE BOOK LIST acity – instead of being institution- the pause we have to give when I have another book to suggest, one that introduced me to the work of alized. He and Christine were also waiting for a response in conver- an American disability advocate and his supportive Canadian wife. Our determined to create change that would allow them to be married and sation, in the extra time needed to Life Our Way: A Memoir of Active Faith, Profound Love and Cour- enjoy life together, a right previously assumed only for the able-bodied. open doors, and in the time spent ageous Disability Rights was written by William (Bill) Rush and his As I read through the book, it was difficult to fathom how many limit- learning from others that we cre- wife Christine Robinson. Bill was born with cerebral palsy and was ations were placed on persons with disabilities, and how hard Bill had ate a better way to do life togeth- the first person with quadriplegia CP to graduate with honours from to fight to create change, to prove his place in humanity with both his er. We were not created to be in- the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in journalism. His mind and his body. dependent of each other but to be determination to show dignity for persons with disabilities shone clear- As a mom of two disabled children, I have a lot to learn about disabil- interdependent with each other. ly through his tenacity to communicate with a device, teaching others ity rights and disability awareness. I know the supports that are avail- Time will tell if we’ve learned about patience and authentic listening in conversation. able to our girls are a result of significant advocacy by others who went this well. “When people look at me, all they can see is my large power wheel- before us, particularly with regards to communication. Learning from More information about William chair, my large wheelchair tray, my communication device and my disability advocates such as Bill is both humbling and motivating. (Bill) L. Rush and his wife Chris- welder’s helmet liner that I wear on my head to hold my headstick,” he tine F. Robinson can be found on- says. “One of the biggest differences when communicating with me is WHAT DO YOU SEE? line chrisrobinson.ca, where the the speed of conversation. My fastest communication is at eight words What if I asked you to share what honestly comes to mind when you hear book is also found.

A HOME BEYOND TIME craving a haunting, ancient litur- these days, to make our home in gy, which has been hard to come an ever-anxious now, layering by over the course of this pandem- urgency onto every moment, al- Brian Bork | [email protected] ic. Zoom worship doesn’t exactly lowing ourselves to be provoked hum with mystery, you know? In by every political crisis, by every Brian is CC’s Review Editor and a CRC chaplain at the University fact it often seems to do the op- salvo in a never-ending culture of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. posite, hewing more closely to the war. We are relentlessly present, rest of my life, which is one that’s and so are our preoccupations. IT’S PRETTY HARD TO PASS up a thing about how Christians ought lived by the laptop, and all the ur- Allowing ourselves to be drawn good homecoming story, and the to live in time. As he closes his gencies that come along with it. out of that would do us much good, writer Paul Kingsnorth unspooled reflection on his conversion, both spiritually and psychologi- a particularly potent one in the pag- Kingsnorth writes: THE BEAUTY OF LITURGY cally. I suppose that might sound es of the Roman Catholic magazine “How can I feel I have arrived But I’m after more than just aes- kind of escapist. I’d say it’s just First Things recently. Kingsnorth home in something that is in thetics of icons glowing in the the opposite. As I understand it, tells the story of his conversion to many ways so foreign­ to me? And half light. I’m after the experi- these old liturgies seek to draw us Christianity over the past year – he yet beneath the surface it is not ence of the world made possible out of time as we typically experi- was baptized in the freezing wa- foreign at all, but a reversion to by rituals such as these. An expe- ence it, so that we might learn to ters of the River Shannon, into the the sacred order of things. I sit in rience of the world where time live more appropriately within it. A Writer Paul Kingsnorth converted to Romanian Orthodox Church, in a monastery chapel before dawn. isn’t just a flat, relentlesstick and brush with eternity lends us a kind Christianity during COVID. January. Before that, he’d been on There is snow on the ground out- tock that measures out one thing of temporal heft, a sturdiness that’s quite the journey, in terms of meta- side. The priest murmurs the lit- after another. We’re encouraged, resistant to the frantic pace of life that we can so often mistake for re- physical affiliation, trading radical urgy by the light of the lampadas, ality. The Bible tells us people will environmentalism for Zen Bud- the dark silhouettes of two nuns know we are Christians by our love dhism, and then for Wicca, before chant the antiphon. There is in- for each other, but I like to think discovering that “the abyss inside” cense in the air. The icons glow they’ll know we are Christians by him could only be truly inhabited, in the half light. This could be our equanimity, too. and indeed filled, by Jesus. a thousand years in the past or Here’s hoping that as things open I’ve been blessedly haunted the future, for in here, there is up again, and the times become by his piece since I read it a no time. Home is beyond time, I more typical, we might not just re- couple months ago. It is at once think now. I can’t explain any of vert back to the way things were, hopeful and elegiac, assertive- it, and it is best that I do not try.” but instead seek that “reversion to ly prophetic, yet suffused with I don’t know how well I can ex- the sacred order of things.” That a humble repose and surrender. plain it either, but I do find it to be each moment, as it passes, might You should read it. a rather enchanting collection of point beyond itself to that reality It also captures, I think, some- images. It could be that I’m just that is from age to age the same.

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is literally timeless. Our concepts WHAT TIME IS IT FOR GOD? of past-present-future are all in- cluded in God’s always present. Bob Bruinsma | [email protected]

Bob wonders (present tense) whether any readers remember that OUR LIMITATIONS he’s written (past tense) a previous column about the topic of time, Unlike God, we humans are and whether they hope (future tense) he won’t do so again. time-bound creatures, meaning we are literally bound or tied “But do not ignore this one fact, reminds us that this is a wrong to time. It is almost impossible beloved, that with the Lord one kind of nonsensical question. for us to conceive of a time-less day is like a thousand years, and God, explains, Augustine, exists world. Like the early Christians a thousand years are like one separately from time. There is no we are eager to know the time of day” (2 Pet. 3:8). “before” or “after” for God. God Jesus’ return, and like them we created time but is not subject to think that the fulfillment of the “What then is time? If no one it (unless as in the case of Jesus, promise of Christ’s return seems asks me, I know what it is. If I wish God chooses to subject Godself an awfully long time coming. St. to explain it to him who asks, I do to time). Since there is no time Peter realized that God does not not know” (St. Augustine). before the creation of time, it is experience time as we do and so nonsensical to ask what God was he warns us to be careful not to THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE, doing “then” because there was bind God to our concept of exis- like all languages, is time-bound no “then”! There is no past that tence. As time-bound creatures with verb tenses (times) that de- God has left behind and is pow- we should accept our creaturely scribe our temporal experience. erless to change, and no future limitations and serve God, our in terms of our human experience of time. Such doctrines will always But time is a creature, that is, it where God as yet has no influ- fellow humans and creation as fail to adequately account for God’s mysterious, timeless way of be- is one of God’s creations. Gen- ence. God precedes time but does best we can within the framework ing and will usually result in mind-numbing, nonsense. For example, esis tells us that “in the begin- not proceed in time. Rather, it is of time to which we are subject. debates about predestination versus free will, or about when creation ning” God created the heavens in the divine eternity, “which is God’s timelessness should cau- began are fruitless and should be avoided. As a result, there would be and the earth. This raises the supreme over time because it is tion us is to make sure we don’t far fewer meaningless theological arguments between Christians, and question of what God was do- in a never-ending present” that get all caught up in controversial we could more confidently live our lives before the face of our gracious, ing before creation. Augustine God exists. In other words, God doctrines that try to explain God timeless God, as the responsible, time-bound creatures that we are.

PATTERNS may eat and drink and find satis- faction in all their toil – this is the gift of God” (Eccl. 3:12–13). Tom Wolthuis | [email protected]

Tom is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church and the CYCLES Director of Geneva Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa. In the newer movie version of The Lion King Pumbaa and Ti- “Time keeps on slipping . . . into the future” (“Fly Like an Eagle,” mon wrestle with time. Is it a line Steve Miller Band, 1976). that just ends in death or a spiral or circle of life? Disneyism opti- HAVE WE LOST A YEAR? The pandemic has disturbed our patterns and mistically celebrates the circle of sense of time. life, but Hinduism and Buddhism Immanuel Kant argued that the human mind imposes structures of seek to escape Samsara, the kar- time and space. The Biblical creation account depicts time and space as mic suffering cycle of death and “To everything, turn, turn, turn," Pete Seeger sang, "there is a season". God’s structures. Light gives us the cycle of day and night and the lights rebirth, to enter Nirvana (also a give us the patterns of seasons, days, and years (Gen. 1), and it is good. more iconoclastic rock group). A The week in Scripture is pat- the time of spring harvest. Taber- person loses their sense of indi- terned to lead to a culmination, nacles, the great national campout, ECCLESIASTES vidualistic being, entering either a celebration. There is a time for celebrates the last yearly harvest. The Byrds sang of this order in 1965 with Turn, Turn, Turn!, turn- non-being or all-being. Time is to work and a time for rest, a time to Seasons celebrated their history. ing Pete Seeger’s song into a #1 hit. Putting Ecclesiastes 3 to music be escaped. till and a time to be still. Then there The Christian church year does they proclaim the patterns of our experiences and plead for peace. is newness again, a new first day. the same. We begin in Advent at Although most words are borrowed from Ecclesiastes for this song of PATTERNS There are new beginnings, hope the end of the year preparing for hope, they are taken out of context. Biblical tradition celebrates time. and excitement. Resurrection. the new. We celebrate the new be- Ecclesiastes recognizes order, but it cries out because people do not Biblical narrative surrounds the ginnings in Christ Jesus. Lent leads know what time it is. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He frustrations of Ecclesiastes giving SEASONS to longing for winter’s end, and has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what it context. The story starts with The Hebrews tied the seasons to Easter to new life. Pentecost initi- God has done from beginning to end” (3:11). As Chicago sang, “Does the patterns of creation. Darkness their religious history. The year ates a summer of growth. anybody really know what time it is? Does anyone really care? If so, I and light are ordered. The Jewish starts with preparations of Rosh May we find our patterns again, can’t imagine why. We’ve all got time enough to cry.” day starts in darkness at sunset and Hashanah leading to the Day of patterns of day, weeks, and sea- This is Ecclesiastes’ frustration. We do not know the time, nor leads to light. We follow the Egyp- Atonement and then the Sukkot or sons. “And God said, ‘Let there be do we control it. We sense patterns, but we do not understand what tians, Greeks and Romans starting Tabernacles pilgrimage. Passover is lights in the vault of the sky to sep- God is doing. This is time without God. “Meaningless! Meaningless! the day in the meaningless middle the people’s deliverance celebrated arate the day from the night, and let Everything is meaningless” (Eccl. 1:2, 12:8). of the darkness, the opposite of the in the Spring at the start of the plant- them serve as signs to mark sacred How then shall we live? “I know that there is nothing better for peo- noon high point of the day. The ing season. Shavuot or Pentecost times, and days and years’” (Gen. ple than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them Hebrews gave time meaning. celebrates the giving of the Law at 1:14).

20 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content: The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the for enabling contextualized ministry in the CRCNA in Canada. Some of its flaws include: authors and do not necessarily represent the editorial perspective of Christian Courier. • It fails to recognize the CRCNA (Canada) as a full partner in ministry, by subjugating the Canadian CRC ministry to a Grand Rapids-based administrator. A LAMENT FOR OUR CANADIAN • It rolls back years of progress made by Synod, the board of trustees, and documents like the “Cultivating Bi-nationality” report from 2014. CHURCH IN THE CRCNA • It ignores the better binational models offered us, such as that developed by World Renew and the Canadian Restructuring Team. July 2021 • It risks a critical review by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) because full “direction and control” of Canadian ministry still does not rest with the Canadian staff or board. After careful and collaborative deliberation, we, the undersigned, offer this lament as our • It does not recognize or reconcile the concerns named by Canadian leaders and fervent prayer to God, who we know hears the cries of all who seek him in their hour of fails to move towards mutual trust and respect. need. We also offer it to fellow Christian Reformed members and leaders, who we hope might pray with us in this time of denominational crisis, and turn prayer to action. What In light of these concerns, we request the SALT report be tabled pending further review follows we feel are our essential petitions, stated as concisely as possible, many of them and revision. longstanding frustrations, but some of them more acutely felt at this particular time. 4. We deeply value and are committed to our partnership with our American brothers and sis- 1. We lament that Rev. Dr. Roorda is the fourth Canadian director to end their tenure in ters and so we continue to be saddened by the decades-long difficulty we have had in being able the role in deep frustration with the CRCNA administrative structures. These structures to freely contextualize ministry in Canada for our congregations and denominational agencies. have consistently limited the flourishing of the ministry of the Canadian church within the It isn’t working: the partnership is structured poorly, and we long for a relationally structured CRCNA. We cry, “Enough!” Our plea is that a third party investigate this dysfunctional system that empowers us for ministry within our national culture and among its citizens. pattern of frustration so that ministry of the CRCNA can be more fruitful. Matters of deep hurt need recognition and reconciliation. This is not a comprehensive list of our petitions, but it names some of our foundational concerns as laments. We hope and pray to God that our grief will be heard, and that it 2. We are deeply grieved by the Canada Corp’s recent abrupt dismissal of Rev. Dr. Darren will turn to action within the CRCNA and lead to real, substantial change grounded in Roorda as Director of Canadian Ministries. This dismissal reflects the dysfunctional na- a truly mutual partnership. ture of our CRCNA structures. The sudden dismissal is inconsistent with his many years of faithful service documented in the CRC News article posted on July 7th, 2021, and we In light of the turmoil we find ourselves in, we shall be encouraging our brothers and grieve his removal from this position of servant leadership and the deep distress that it has sisters in the CRCNA to join us in this lament and in hope for reconciliation and healing. caused within the church. It is unclear that appropriate HR policies and processes were ad- hered to, and to be at peace with our consciences we need to see an impartial, independent In love of Christ’s Church, review to ensure that proper HR procedures were followed. Gary VanArragon Kathy VanderGrift Ed Den Haan Dan Tigchelaar 3. Related to the above systemic problem, we are seriously dismayed that the SALT report’s Peter Schuurman Ray Elgersma process and its content are so clearly inadequate to addressing the desperate organizational need Bruce Adema

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ANNIVERSARIES

VAN GEEST, Adrian and Jean With grateful hearts, we celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of our parents, Adrian and Jean Van Geest, on August 25, 2021. We rejoice with them for the many years in which God has blessed them. With love from your children and grandchil- dren: Jim, Sally, Fred and Susan, Annette and James, Julia, Mitchell, Luke, Jason, and Holden. Correspondence: 259-261 Stone Church Rd. E., Hamilton, Ontario L9B 2X3 BIRTHDAY

QUARTEL, Jack Celebrating 90 years for Pastor Jack Quar- tel. Hinke Quartel, along with Pastor Jack's daughters - Jane (Jerry), Judy (Jake), Evelyn (Gary) and Susan (Wolf), grandchildren and great grandchildren - celebrated Pastor Jack's 90th birthday in July. We are grateful for God's leading and provision and for the way he has faithfully led God's people for so Hulse & English BAKKER many years. We love you, Dad, Opa, Great Funeral Home Opa. Correspondence: J. Quartel, 45 Charles BARRISTER & SOLICITOR St., Clinton, ON L0M 1L0 75 Church St. St. Catharines 1 Keefer Road 905-684-6346 - 24 Hours St. Catharines ON L2M 6K4 Email: [email protected] hulseandenglish.com CLASSIFIEDS East of Lock 1 - on site parking Holly Rousseau - Managing Director Submit online at christiancourier.ca or 905-688-9352 email [email protected]. Serving the community over150 years Albert J Bakker Next issue date: September 13 Deadline: August 25 [email protected] RAMAKER'S IMPORTS INC. St Catharines > 905.646.0199 Beamsville > 905.563.7374 We specialize in MEESTER Meester Burlington > 905.643.6978 DUTCH FOOD / CHEESE / INSURANCE CENTRE Insurance Centre CHOCOLATE / TEXTILES & GIFTS 579 Ontario St., St. Catharines ON L2N 4N8 Home • Auto • Farm • Business • Life Fax: 905-934-3344 905-934-6454 o/b P.V.& V. Insurance Centre Ltd. The Village Square [email protected] www.dykstrabros.com Regional Rd 20, P.O. Box 299 DYKSTRA BROS ROOFING LTD, R.R.#1 BEAMSVILLE ON L0R 1B1 ramakersimports.com Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 Tel: 905.957.2333 • Fax: 905.957.2599 Toll Free: 1.800.465.8256

Serving Beamsville GARY VAN EYK CPA,CMA and area since 1969 Chartered Professional Accountant Accounting - Tax - Financial Consulting Complete Collision Repairs Quality Refinishing 201- 50 Lakeport Rd., St. Catharines ON L2N 4P7 Jerry Gerritsen 5529 Regional Rd. #81 Ph: 905-646-7331 Fax: 905-646-0951 Alan Gerritsen Beamsville ON L0R 1B3 Phone/Fax: 905-563-7702 E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected] Serving Beamsville St Catharines > 905.646.0199 Meester and area since 1969 Beamsville > 905.563.7374 Insurance Centre Burlington > 905.643.6978 European Deli and Gifts European Deli and Gifts Complete Collision Repairs 118 Wyndham St. N. Guelph Home • Auto • Farm • Business • Life 118 WyndhamQuality Refinishing St. N. Guelph o/b P.V.& V. Insurance Centre Ltd. 519-822-4690 5529 Regional Rd. #81 Jerry Gerritsen519-822-4690 760 Upper James St., Hamilton The Village Square Alan Gerritsen Beamsville ON L0R 1B3 Regional Rd 20, P.O. Box 299 760 Upper James St., Hamilton 905-383-2981 Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 Phone/Fax: 905-563-7702 www.dykstrabros.com 905-383-2981 DYKSTRA BROS ROOFING LTD, R.R.#1 BEAMSVILLE ON L0R 1B1 Tel: 905.957.2333 meesterinsurance.com • Fax: 905.957.2599 Toll Free: 1.800.465.8256 22 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER

The business directory ads are 2.4068 by 1.6708 inches - can that be simplified? Will send individually and also greyscale ones in proper .pdfs when I know these are ok. They are currently for the second issue of the month but can put 4 in one issue and 4 in another or so when there are two issues in the month. Classifieds

OBITUARIES

REINDERS, Roelof “Ralph” JONKER, Roland June 15, 1932 – July 17, 2021 Roland passed away July 6th, 2021 in the company of dear Following a full, active life, Ralph Reinders of Ospringe, ON friends, at the family cottage where he invested time and love went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 17. Predeceased to help build a legacy to enjoy and share with others. A de- by his wife Gelmina in March 2009. Survived by his children voted Grandpa and Dad, he will be very missed and lovingly Betty (Rick Stahlbaum) of Lion’s Head, Helen (Nick) Kuipery remembered by son David, daughter-in-law Heather Kuipers, of Acton, Mike Reinders of Acton, Harry (Henrietta) Reinders and grandchildren Micah, Avril, Naomi and Harrison Smith. He of Rockwood, Fred Reinders of Acton, Jay (Lisa) Reinders of was 76. Ballinafad. He will be missed by the grandchildren: Kathleen Roland was an architect and longtime leader in socially pro- Stahlbaum, Olivia Stahlbaum, Nicole (Scott) Hansma, Mike (Michelle) Kuipery, Shannon gressive building projects, specializing in communities for seniors, schools and faith groups (Josh) Nafziger, Amanda Reinders, Nate (Cassandra) Reinders, Jared (Lucinda) Reinders, across Ontario and BC. With Coby, his beloved wife of more than fifty years, he shared a Kirk Reinders, Sara Reinders and Kate Reinders. Each of his 11 great-grandchildren were love of travel, creative ideas and projects, and a humble, proactive care for others. He was a so special to him that he proudly had their names embroidered on his winter coat. prolific artist, sharing his talents in the production of many designs and artworks for family Ralph was born in Drachten, Friesland, in The Netherlands. The youngest of five children, and his community. His most recent works included five large paintings for a new facility he had a boisterous and adventurous youth, even during the occupied years in WW II. There at Holland Christian Homes to help orient residents with cognitive decline to their home were stories of risk and difficulty during those times. In 1952, he came to Canada seeking ad- floors. venture and a better life. While in Canada, he began corresponding back home with Gelmina A small group of family and friends gathered for a service to celebrate Roland’s life on July Hessels (Mina). He eventually returned to marry her in 1956 and together they came to Can- 22nd. His ashes will be interred in Mississauga alongside Coby’s (1945-2019) at the grave ada. They first worked on a farm in Alliston, followed by many other farming opportunities, of his firstborn son, Michael (1970-1980). different jobs and a number of house moves. During those years, they had five children. In Correspondence: 65 Kingswood Road, Toronto ON M4E 3N4 1968, he joined forces with his brother Fred at Maple Engineering & Construction Canada. “In My Father’s house are many mansions… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will In 1976, Ralph and Mina sold the house they’d been living in and bought another in order come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14: 2,3 to raise funds to start R&M Construction (using the initials of their names). With determi- nation, some family employees, and the willingness to take risks, R&M developed into a reputable company that specializes in creek, coastal erosion and wetland construction. The BOUWERS, Arthur family owned company continues to operate and is now in its 46th year. After transitioning Arthur “Art” Bouwers, 81, recently of Poland Twp., Ohio, R&M to the next generation, Ralph reconnected with his farming roots and bought and sold and formerly (for over four decades) of South Beaver Twp. some farms in Western Ontario. During this time, he connected with many Amish and Men- PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, July 4, 2021. nonite farmers and thoroughly enjoyed visiting and doing business with them. In his later Born on June 25, 1940, in Beilen, Drente, The Netherlands, he years, these road trips, visiting all his connections throughout Western Ontario, were the was the son of the late Johannes and Jantje (Flokstra) Bouwers. best part of the week for him. He had many good years doing this until early this year when He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife of 56 years, his health began to fail and travel became limited. Jacoba “Coby” Bouwers; his children, Joy (Carl) Miedema, A private family service and interment was held at Fairview Cemetery. Delia (Robert) Bianchin, Rosalie (Edward) Heida, Leo (Ruth) In lieu of flowers, donations to Acton Bethel Church would be appreciated by the family as Bouwers, and Shawna (Michael) Koprucki; 12 grandchildren, Micah Carleton, Liane church and his church family were important to him. (Seth) Miedema Brown and Aaron & Ian Miedema, Joel & Annelise Heida, Julia & Simon Bianchin, Eric & Shawn Bouwers, Peter & Clare Koprucki; his brothers, Henk Bouwers, Online condolences may be made at www.mackinnonfamilyfuneralhome.com, or via Albert (Gertie) Bouwers, and John (Anne) Bouwers. MacKinnon Family Funeral Home: (519) 853-0350 or 1-877-421-9860 (toll free). He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Lukas Bouwers, Kornelius “Cor” TAMMINGA, Jean Bouwers, Frederickus “Fred” Bouwers, Riek Breimer, and Hanna Weima Bakker. Art emigrated from The Netherlands at the age of nine, coming to North America with his Jean Tamminga, 86, passed away on July 13, 2021 in Grand family after World War II. He met his wife at a youth group meeting in Hamilton, Ontario. Rapids, MI. Jean was born on December 24, 1934 in Cha- He traveled back to Holland to meet and win over her parents, convincing them and her tham, ON to Timon and Catherine (Horlings) Hagen. As a that she should marry him. He was compelling and they married in July of 1965. child she lived in Canada and The Netherlands, landing post- WWII in Holland Marsh, ON where met the love of her life, Art received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Calvin College and his Master’s Degree in Louis Tamminga, who had also recently emigrated. They Education from Edinboro University. He spent his professional life as a crisis intervention were married in Holland Marsh on June 18, 1954. Their 67- therapist, retiring from UPMC Beaver Valley after 31 years of dedicated service. He was year partnership was infused with faith, hope, and love – an good at being with people in times of need. Art had many interests but through them all he inspiration to their family and all who were blessed to know them. Jean was preceded in had a deep love for God, for His Word and a desire to share the Word of God with others. death by her parents and sons, Ben and David. She is survived by her beloved husband Art loved his family, friends, and neighbors, yet also loved to meet new people wherever Louis and children, Tim (Sandra Guay and children Mark and Andrea); Karen (Dale Pa- he was with his enormous and engaging smile. He was a builder and a farmer, and was ton and children, Carley Paton & Kevinton Brown and son, Jayden; Mollie and Kestrel); known for his love of books, lively philosophical discussions and competitive game play- Mark (Joany Verschuuren); Ken (Nancy Hofland and children, Meredith Tamminga & ing…He was an inspiration and will be sorely missed by many; but we rejoice he is with Daniel Singer; Aaron Tamminga & Danielle McEachern; Mila Tamminga & Peter Maple); the Lord. grand-daughter, Nicolette Jurgens-Tamminga (Jason Vander Meer and son Lieuwe); sister, Pat Claus (daughters Cathy, Joanne, Michelle and Elaine and families). Memorial contribu- The funeral service was held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Christ Presbyterian Church, Beaver tions may be made to World Renew’s Covid response in India. Falls, PA. Correspondence can be directed to Coby Bouwers, 7260 Forest Hill Ave, Poland, OH VACATION 44514-3729

Holiday accommodation in Holland with vehicle rentals and tours. chestnutlane.nl

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | AUGUST 9, 2021 23 News

ful space of waiting. But it’s not lasting. Waiting time provides the ence of your own grief fresh in WHEN TIME STANDS STILL lost time, or time where God is resistance our faith muscles need. your mind? absent. I can think of all the hours I’ve Waiting can be the birthplace A NEW EMPATHY lost from sleeplessness and get An insomniac’s guide to waiting well in a pandemic. of transformation. Finally, waiting expands our angry and bitter. I can imagine Shannon Brink First, waiting exposes all the community. As a bedside nurse, the parent, the nurse, the wife, the areas I have been self-sufficient. I thought I knew suffering. I had missionary, I could be if I was just I can do many things; I am ca- borne witness and held hands with more rested! But I believe as never pable and in control, but that self it for years. But I did not know before that the waiting times have reliance crumbles like a wall of what suffering felt like. My en- strengthened my trust and belief in cards when I don’t sleep. Sud- durance of insomnia has changed who God is more than any other. denly, I am vulnerable, broken everything about the way I relate There is much to be grieved in and weak; this is when I actual- to others. How much more can what I perceive as lost time, but ly call out to God for strength. we relate to our fellow believers much to hope for in all that God With tense emotion, heavy eyes around the world than before this has done and continues to do in and fresh fears, I rush to call his pandemic? We have been separ- me through these “lost” hours. name. Scripture becomes alive ated from family; we have lost Even more: maybe God is ac- when I experience anew that “his opportunities and jobs; we have tually waiting for you. Waiting for strength is made perfect in weak- lost loved ones unexpectedly, and you to come to him, to call on him, ness” (2 Cor. 12:8-10). What has in all the ways we thought we to be comforted by him, and to see God been revealing about your were secure, we found out we are all that he has for you right here posture towards him during the not. How much greater can we and right now in your waiting. pandemic? Where we feel most understand our brothers’ and sis- When life moves at a snail’s pace. A giant snail in Malawi. exposed might be God putting a ters’ experiences in places where Shannon Brink finger on that which we’ve- ele they have never had that kind of ANOTHER HOUR TICKS BY. Shannon is a missionary vated above him, or depended on control? How might you under- nurse from Vancouver I am still not sleeping. I wander dark hallways and watch my chil- instead of him. Our grief, longing stand the plight of the refugee, the currently serving in Ma- dren sleep. I sigh and groan and toss and turn. Every hour of lost and lack of control can lead us sick, the isolated elderly in your lawi. She is a mother of sleep is a subtraction from the energy and fortitude I will need for the towards God for greater comfort community with this pandemic four children, a home- following day. and teach us greater dependency not yet in your rear-view mirror? schooler and currently trying to publish her first I am not a stranger to insomnia. Over the last 10 years as an in- on him. How can you reach out to them book (shannonbrink. somniac, as a shift-working nurse and a mother of four, I envy the differently with the acute experi- org). well-slept. Yet I don’t wish away the lessons I’ve gleaned in the hours FAITH MUSCLES I’ve waited for sleep. Much of what I know about who God is, I’ve Second, in the nighttime, when I learned through waiting on him. And I have fallen back on these les- am fumbling around as my family sons through this pandemic. Even now, after years of being away from sleeps, I recognize how little I family as a missionary nurse overseas, waiting is a fresh experience can do without light. I need other when we cannot be reunited because of closed borders. It seems the senses to lead me. I need to feel Lord isn’t finished teaching me all I need to learn. around my bedroom, use my Waiting? We have all learned patience over these long and arduous muscle memory to avoid furni- months as the world shifted and changed. Many of us have waited for ture and strain my ears for cues borders to open, for rules to change, for restrictions to be lifted. For to navigate in the dark: the whir many, the wait is finally over. For my family in Malawi, however, the of the fridge, the tick of the clock. wait continues as we still have not been reunited with family in Can- When we are waiting, we need ada. Waiting holds a special grief. different faith muscles: hope, trust in God’s promises, looking ahead THE BIRTHPLACE OF TRANSFORMATION to the joy of heaven. These mus- In sleeplessness, and in longing for reunification with family during cles may not have been exercised the pandemic, I must force myself to lean into this awkward, pain- in a while. In times of waiting, we realize how these muscles atrophy in times of comfort and control. We need to work on them again. I have to grind fresh truth into my feeble emotions like a mortar and pestle when another wave of in- somnia hits me. “God is faithful to his promises,” I whisper in the dark. So it is with all of us. Exercising muscles of faith takes strenuous effort. When we watch our busi- nesses fall, dreams shatter and opportunities slide just out of our grip, we have to remind ourselves that’s God’s truth never changes: he will never leave or forsake us, he will finish what he has started On a mountaintop in Malawi. in us and lead us in the way ever-

24 AUGUST 9, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER