VOLUME 31/1 FEBRUARY 2004
“Do you not give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?” Job 39:19 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
CONTENTS Editorial Whose party are you going to? Uncovering a very present danger 3 It was some years ago that a minister was overhearing several colleagues at a minister’s conference speaking about several high-powered revival meetings Not satisfied with Jesus? When faith is not alone 7 they had experienced. They spoke in glowing terms of how warmly they felt and how much everyone there shared a wonderful spiritual unity. Sons of encouragement 8 This minister shared with them his own experience of a meeting he had come World News 9 from the night before he flew over. He detailed the feelings he had when over Breakthrough 40,000 sang the same songs, held hands, and came away with a truly The lesson in life 11 unforgetable event. Missions in focus His colleagues now were completely captivated by his story. This was something Growing the church in Karamoja extraordinary. And to hear all this from this man who otherwise you would think Prayer points RCNZ food aid to Malawi 12 was the last to be open to such a move of the Spirit! They had to ask him who was the cause for this incredible time. Which special person’s meeting was it? Surfing the Net The upside & downside of the Internet 15 “Oh,” the minister replied, “it was a Paul McCartney concert.” Naturally, those ministers felt somewhat taken in. And, indeed, they and many Church News Gleanings in focus 17 like them have been taken in. Because it has been the world that has stepped right in with such a theology of worship. A theology and practice that thorough Books in focus Preaching with spiritual vigour 18 researchers as Hank Hanegraaf and Daniel R. McConnell have shown to be quite clearly taken from a different basis than Scripture. And those authors are Home mission in focus Dunedin, Wellington 20 themselves pentecostal! It’s this increasingly dangerous attack of the subtle serpent that this issue leads off with. The ‘worship wars’ are becoming fiercer. And as those very much All correspondence regarding editorial content and advertising should be sent to: in this battle for the Bible - because that’s what it’s all about - let’s make sure we’re fully equipped. The sword of Spirit is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The Editor: Sjirk Bajema 17 Phoenix Place, Papatoetoe, Auckland. Ph/Fax: +64 9 277 9360 Email: [email protected] “Error makes the circuit of the globe Reformed Churches Home Page http://www.reformed-churches.org.nz while Truth is pulling on her boots.”
Copy Deadline: Orestes Brownson Six weeks preceding the month of publication.
All correspondence regarding distribution and payment of subscriptions to: The Secretary: Mrs Nicola Wharekawa 79 McLeod Street Upper Hutt
Subscription per volume: $40.00 (eleven issues) Bulk Rate: $35.00 Overseas: $60.00 The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered the official position Electronically Mailed (overseas only): $40 of the Reformed Churches of NZ unless they expound the Biblical system of doctrine contained in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dordt, Production Staff: or the Westminster Confession of Faith, or reflect the successive Acts of Synod of the Distribution: M. & D. van der Zwaag Reformed Churches of NZ. On the other hand, care is taken to ensure that articles and Design & Layout: Matrix Typography opinions do not directly contradict the official position of the Reformed Churches as Printed by: Flying Colours contained in the above sources without attention being called to that fact.
2 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
Whose party are you going to? Uncovering a very present danger
Sjirk Bajema that huge attendance there are many from trapped in an excuse mentality. He says that Reformed and Presbyterian churches, if we want to move on and up in the world We can easily be deceived about how the including their ministers and other leaders we have to learn to come clean about the devil operates. When we think of him being from local churches. past. And excuses are the very things that engaged in this ongoing battle against our His church — Hillsong Church in Sydney, stop us. Lord and us as Christians, we can get the Australia — is also one of the largest He writes, “This parable gives three idea that it’s quite an obvious thing. Christian music publishers within common excuses and typical defences why Something like in Matthew 4 when Satan was Australasia. Their songs are very popular with so many don’t enter God’s purpose and quite up-front about tempting the Lord, and young people. This includes young adults and destiny for their life.” The first excuse is isn’t that, after all, how the apostle Peter not-so-young adults from confessional concerning ‘possessions’ in verse 18. A man describes the devil? In his first letter chapter Calvinistic churches. And then there are his had brought some land, and wanted to go 5, verse 8, he says that he is prowling around television programmes. Thousands more and see it. like a roaring lion looking for someone to watch him on Sunday mornings and other The pastor goes on, “If you have brought devour. times for the worship and teaching of his property, you will know how often you feel When we hear or read the latest ranting church. compelled to drive by and look at it. I know from Bishop John Spong, we think we’ve when I’ve been involved in building projects seen how Satan’s working, because there’s (either our own home or the church property) a man who obviously doesn’t believe the I find myself absorbed with watching the Bible. He’s written many books and articles construction process, willing the workers to declaring his heretical views. Everyone knows make faster progress. During the first phase he doesn’t believe in the virgin birth of Jesus of our church building, no matter where I was Christ, His resurrection, and personal sin. going, I always found some reason to drive Yet when a lion attacks, does its victim by the land.” know he’s been coming? Of course not — He draws out the meaning and concludes otherwise he would have got out of there that while there’s nothing wrong with quick-smart! purchases and investments, trouble begins when they become the pursuits that draw Being caught unawares you away from the things of God. He The testimony of Scripture is that the real challenges his audience as to whether or not danger is not a full-frontal attack by the devil, their possessions are a help or a hindrance but something which catches us unawares. to the cause of the Kingdom. In fact, it is so subtle that even after it A fair comment. Surely we can’t disagree happens we might not realise. with that? In the psalms the most hurtful attack David spoke of came from one who was like Seems to make sense a brother to him (cf. Ps.35:14). They had Next, he deals with the second excuse. This once been so close, but now he’s suddenly is about ‘business,’ in verse 19. This man and viciously turned on David! had bought some oxen and wanted to check Satan has worked so terribly in his attack them out. So the lesson is that your vocation against the Body of Christ in the past, and and career can become the excuse you use that attack is still with us today — indeed, to miss the mark. This is what happens when it’s very dangerous right now. That’s because people say, “I can’t come, I have to work.” we’re not seeing it! In fact, as the story of He points to where the Bible says that we the serpent in Genesis 3 shows us, the Brian Houston wrote a book called, “You have to work to have the food we need to attack will most likely be in something we Can Change The Future.”. Its back-cover eat. But we have to check out that our work wish for. promotes it as suitable for anyone who wants lines up with the word of God, and unless You may well be wondering now: What’s more to life than a mundane, futile existence, we’re using our gifts and talents for God going on? and wonders how to achieve it. It says, “You we’re doing things to suit ourselves. It all have the capacity to live a powerful, effective sounds pretty logical, doesn’t it? The ‘Christian-focused’ perspective life that goes way beyond yourself. Take up And so we come to the third excuse. In There has come into evangelical Christianity the challenge of going beyond the limitations verse 20 another man says, “I’ve just got a movement which we could term the of the past, the excuses that may hold you married, so I can’t come.” ‘Christian-focused’ perspective. To illustrate back and begin to change the story of your Ah, the pastor says, this is about this, let me tell of how a major Christian life today.” ‘relationships’. And here is a sad one. This leader teaches concerning a parable of our In the section in the book entitled ‘Change couple have made time for the other Lord. This senior pastor, Brian Houston, who the Power of your Excuses,’ there is a chapter important aspects in their lives. In fact, is also the present leader of his named ‘Change your excuses’. In this what’s happening, he says, is that one of denomination, runs a conference each year chapter you find his teaching about the the spouses here has an unhealthy control in his church, which attracts 18,000 parable of ‘The Great Banquet’ in Luke over the other. They aren’t allowing time for Christians from around the globe. And within 14:15-24. This parable is really about being others, especially the Lord.
3 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
It’s about changing your lifestyle focused perspective’ is because it could, just known.” He concludes that possessions, work and as easily, be a secular-focused perspective. There it was! Her clear call to go on the relationships are typical of the reasons that The purpose revolves around what you can mission field! She was being called out of hold people back today. But they are just do. His approach to this parable is only one the midst — the middle — of the years. She, excuses to stop them receiving God’s of many different ways it could be used. who was middle-aged! blessing. They use excuses because it Indeed these verses have been used in We know she was not wondering at all; it means they don’t have to change their various ways, depending on how people want was only just looking for an excuse! lifestyle. to use them. All sounds like pretty good sense, doesn’t Scripture then becomes the place you go The ‘textually-related’ informative it? I mean, Christianity is about a positive to after you’ve got your idea on what you This is all about taking texts out of context. attitude towards things. Faith makes the want to do. Just like this pastor has done What sounds okay to begin with is taking us most sense! We are drawn into Houston’s with the secular quotes which are used away from what the Bible is really saying. up-beat, straight-forward advice. throughout the book to prove his point. This is what we find when we look properly Houston goes on to the rest of the This shows us how the devil is distracting at our Lord’s parable, because then we see parable, “The excuses made by the property- us. It is not treating the Word of God as God’s that it isn’t about the process involved in owner, the business man and the married Word. changing our own futures. The excuses in man justified why they couldn’t — or wouldn’t You can hear that in many people’s Luke 14 have nothing to do with being — attend. Consequently, those invited to the testimonies. That’s another things that’s examples of those who won’t succeed in life. party were the lame, the maimed and the become so popular amongst evangelical In fact, if anything, those giving the excuses blind. I’ve noticed that many who succeed churches. People ‘share’. You can hear some in this parable represent the most successful in life are not necessarily the most gifted, or amazing stories of conversions or sudden people in Jesus’ day, as we observed in the talented, or the best at what they do. Instead, blessings these days. earlier verses of Luke 14. For there, Jesus it is those who symbolically represent the And it will be all from Scripture. You’ll be is dining with the Pharisees. lame, the maimed and the blind who have told that those churches are ‘standing on Now, if anyone was motivated the refused to live under the grip of an excuse- God’s Word,’ but what they mean is shown Pharisees were. They certainly knew how they mentality, who receive the rewards.” by their use of the Scriptures. What they could change their future! And it was actually This is how he uses this parable in his mean is that you don’t change your mind through doing the kinds of things that teaching. This is the testimony of many people when you’ve asked for healing or something. Houston brings out in his book. For they he’s known who have taken hold of their lives You say, “I’m not going to give in, I believe accounted for every day and every minute in and become incredible success stories — what God said, and I believe I’m healed (or each day. They were vision-driven, and they people who’ve turned financial disasters into whatever)”. To them, standing on God’s Word certainly had power! corporate success, and people who have and keeping on standing on it means that The first verse of our text, verse 15, has changed from physical or mental wrecks into God will be sure you have what you say. one of these men openly stating this. For healthy, self-confident individuals. This was illustrated by a situation where when that Pharisee says, “Blessed is the a woman aged 38 years wondered whether man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom Noticed anything yet? the Lord meant for her to go on the mission of God,” he’s referring to himself and other Have you begun to pick it up yet? Does it field. She was particularly concerned ‘respectable’ Jews having a part in the help that the company which published the because at that age she felt middle-aged and Messianic celebrations. He hasn’t got the book is called ‘Maximised Leadership? How a little old for missions. Well, in that time point of what Jesus has said so far. So, Jesus about its Dewey library classification being the Lord spoke to her. And He spoke to her tells this parable. 158 instead of 248? That puts it in the using the words of the prophet Habakkuk. Because this parable is about the Gospel. general self-help category rather than in Habakkuk 3:2 in the King James says, “O It’s the warning that if they don’t accept His personal Christian growth. LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the invitation they could miss the blessings of The reason why this is the ‘Christian- years; in the midst of the years make it the kingdom of God. Those making excuses
4 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
in verses 18 to 20 are those who have discovered the cross, the fulfilment of Christ. led down a pathway of growing insecurity and already heard the Gospel. They represent He says that grace discovered him. He says, ultimate failure. Many churches today are those who, for thousands of years, have been “in discovering the truth, the absolute truth falling into that same trap. Bullock notes, the recipients of God’s special favour — they that God had come, God did have grace, God “They are singing, “I will lift up my voice”, “I symbolise the Jewish people. did have mercy, that God’s attitude towards will worship”, “I will bow down”, “I will not These men have had the Gospel me had not changed one iota by my best let go”, “I will hold on”, “I surrender”. But proclaimed to them. The prophets have work or by my worst, I was no more loved, I they’re only trying to convince themselves brought God’s Word to them. At the time of was no less loved, then suddenly everything that it’s up to them to get God there. They this parable they had the Old Testament I wanted to write was about what God had have to plead for God’s presence as if they scriptures, also written in Greek. done, not about what I will or would do.” haven’t got it. They have to plead for God’s The Jewish custom was to have two favour as though they haven’t got it. They invitations to important occasions. They had The ‘Christ-centred’ directive plead for everything because it’s easier to received the first invitation, and now came This is actually what this parable is about. the second. The venue and time of this great For the Lord here doesn’t teach the banquet is spelt out clearly. ‘Christian-focused’ perspective, but the But Israel doesn’t want to know. Those ‘Christ-centred’ directive. Far from being a who are in the know have got somewhere passage which can be taken any which way else to go! They don’t want a bar of God’s you want, these verses say only one thing Son and the salvation found in His Name — the very thing that matters for everything! alone! They reject the final invitation given The teaching of our Lord here is what through John the Baptist, and by Jesus gripped the apostle Paul in Ephesians Himself. chapter 2. There he is absolutely clear that In accordance with biblical prophecy, then, it is what Jesus Christ has done on the cross the invitation now goes out to the least likely. that has brought the Gentiles into the Church. The very ones in society who have no way at As he says in verse 13, “now in Christ Jesus all of succeeding. Unlike our time, when the you who once were far away have been handicapped are able to get out of “the grip brought near through the blood of Christ.” of an excuse-mentality,” disabled people in Isn’t that exactly what Jesus is saying in first-century Palestine were considered verse 23? The servant there has brought in cursed. They or their parents were believed people despised in Jewish society. He has to have done something terribly wrong in their fulfilled what Romans 1 verse 16 says about lives. The poor fit in here as well — they’re the Gospel being brought first to the Jew. the ones who haven’t done anything with But now the servant tells his Master there’s their lives! still room. And he is ordered, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them One clear meaning come in, so that my house will be full.” After A parable generally has one clear meaning. the Jews have rejected the Good News it plead, and then when they feel like they’ve If this parable is about the Gospel invitation goes out to the Gentiles. earned the answer everyone wants to lift their now going to outside of the ‘righteous’ Jews We can certainly notice this often in hands and sing something and feel God’s — whether economically or ethnically — how Luke’s Gospel. He, the Gentile Doctor, shows response.” does it come to be used in this new and a deep concern for other gentiles to be They connect what they have done with different way? healed — eternally! God’s response. This account comes from Well, it’s not actually a new way. We saw Take note that those coming in are made a member of a Reformed church at that that when we realised the devil has been to come in. This is no conscious choice. In mega-church’s Conference: “People sung pulling this trick for thousands of years fact, if it were left up to us there is no way with so much gusto that you could see their already. But it does come with this modern we would come to faith. But it’s what God faces shine with joy while worshipping the mask. For what could be more contemporary has done — through Jesus Christ His Son! Lord in song. International speakers taught that being part of a motivational package? It’s Christ’s Spirit who makes His Word spring with so much passion we all cheered for them It’s missed the true meaning, though. We to life in our hearts and lives. to go on.” have to wonder how the Lord Jesus fits in, Brian Houston spoke about the need to What they don’t realise is that God’s because in the book by Brian Houston, Christ make your mark on life. But the only mark response is constant. He’s going to respond is really only an add-on. At the most, His you can put on your life is when you believe whether you lift your hands and sing or not. Name is some kind of magical mantra. in a blood-stained cross and an empty grave. But then they’re probably trapped. “Because This demands that we confess our you think that by singing more and by raising A different testimony sinfulness. We cried out, “Crucify him, crucify hands more God has to respond more, you’re This was shown through what happened in him!” We condemned Him to die — we left stuck if He doesn’t. Then you feel guilty and the life of the person who was formerly the Him hanging there. This humbles us - it broken-hearted.” musical director at this mega-church — Geoff leaves us so very, very low. We have Sadly, instead of that making them realise Bullock. He was responsible for many of absolutely nothing. how wrong that approach is, many of these those musical productions and publications. This is the ‘Christ-centred’ directive. It mega-church pastors are telling them it’s Some of his songs from his time continue to makes all the difference to the way we because they’re not doing enough. Like a be very popular in evangelical churches. worship and serve God, because Christ’s vicious circle it goes on and on. A circle which He came to believe that he was caught cross hangs right in the middle. is like a vortex, because it takes you down up in a works-based, music-focused theology. The Pharisees of Jesus’ time mistakenly and down and down. So down, in fact, that it He speaks as someone formerly bound by believed that what they did made them right can lead you right away from the very Gospel Old Testament ritual practice who has with God. That didn’t satisfy God, but only itself
5 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
Whose party? Whose party are you going to? Is it your one? You know, the party you get because you Church On Fire have changed your future? The party that’s the celebration of how well you’ve done in this world? The Holy Spirit is here and His power is real Or are you going to the party you don’t Anything can happen and it probably will deserve to go to, but a party you simply cannot get away from? The doing and dying Something very good something very good is going on around here of Jesus Christ has had so great an impact on you that there’s no way you can stay away! There’s a light that shine to make the dark disappear You see, you know He’s got it all. Without A power at work but there’s nothing to fear Him you’re convinced you would fall! Something very good something very good is going on around here Now — who’s really standing tall? This is a church on fire 1 The Rev. Geoff van Schie, Editor of ‘Trowel & Sword’ wrote extensively of this Conference, which he This is the Holy Spirit flame attended this year, in the September 2003 issue - ‘Hillsong Conference 2003 - Understanding A We have a burning desire remarkable Event’ on pp.6-10. (“Trowel & Sword” To lift up Jesus’ name is published for The Reformed Churches Publishing House, Willetton, Western Australia.) Let the fire burn in every heart 2 “You Can Change The Future: Living Beyond Today and Impacting the Generations Ahead,” by Brian To light the way, defeat the dark Houston, Maximised Leadership Inc., Sydney, Let the flame of love burn higher Australia, 2000 3 Quote from RHEMA LIFE, the Church Newsletter of This is a church the Rhema Church, Perth, Western Australia, 1989 4 ‘Geoff Bullock changes his mind on worship’ , pp.- This is a church on fire 12 in “The Briefing”, April 29, 1999 (“The Briefing” is published by Matthias Media, P.O. Box 225, Kingsford, NSW, Australia) (c) Australia Hillsongs Lyrics 5 ‘Hillsong Conference - A Vocalist’s Perspective’, p11 in “Trowel & Sword”, September 2003 op.cit. 6 Bullock, ibid
A pentecostal himself, McConnell shows notes I’ve made about a few: much research in exposing the roots of the latest and most heretical teaching to impact “You need more money” (pub. 1999) – A on pentecostal churches and, through their book that is built around one verse (Eccl. great influence, on the wider Christian 10:19) which says “money is the answer to community. everything”. I haven’t had access to a copy Here is one passage from his book which but see a thorough critique of the book at shows the ‘new’ teaching clearly, through its http://member.ozemail.com.au/~rseaborn/ founding father, Kenneth Hagin, Sr: “‘It used houstons_problem.html. to bother me,’ explains Hagin, ‘when I’d see unsaved people getting results. Then it “Get a Life - The Possibility for success and dawned on me what the sinners were doing: enjoyment in every area of life” (pub. 1999) they were co-operating with the law of God - Glowing endorsements by owners or C.E.O.s the law of faith.’ Since the law of faith is of large, some well known, multi million dollar impersonal, just like the law of gravity, it businesses -none of whom express any works regardless of who the person is or commitment to Christ where he or she stands with Christ. To get these “results,” the Faith teachers often Topics covered are “Discover your destiny - recommend “little formulas” to follow for Fight negativity - Be a dreamer - Be an whatever a person needs from God. Fred overcomer” Price, for instance, teaches that Rom.10:10 is a “formula” and that anybody ‘could put It quotes some handy sayings from Ancient anything in there [the formula] you want - Greek thinkers and contemporary secular healing, your needs met, new job, car, home, thinkers with a sprinkling of verses from whatever you need.’ Formulas such as these Ecclesiastes & Proverbs …but the gospel is will, for anybody who uses them, place the definitely not central! In his book, “A Different Gospel”, D.R. resources of the world, heaven, and the McConnell has a deep and thorough analysis universe at one’s disposal.” “I’ll Have What She’s Having”, by Bobbie of the Modern Faith Movement, the very Compare this with what the Rev. Terry Houston, is a nauseating piece of self theology undergirding the ‘health-and-wealth’ Flanagan notes: “One only has to peruse congratulation about Bobbie, and her theology openly advocated by Brian Houston, Brian and Bobbie Hoston’s books to see glamorous life, complete with glamour shots. Brian Tamaki, Ray MacCauley, and the like. what they promote. Here are some brief And since God has told her she is his “little
6 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
princess” why not throw in the photo of her Word of God are being perverted into bad with a sword as “the warrior princess”? The mythology - and all the while Christianity is gospel is definitely sidelined in this book. hurtling at breakneck speed into a crisis of unparalleled proportions. There’s not enough space in this letter Is Hanegraaf being somewhat to relate in full how the money mentality is melodramatic? Many church leaders in then exercised, such as at CLC outreach America and around the world will tell you services where money and giving were centre so. But then again they would - it’s this very stage and prayer for the youth who attended cultic teaching Hanegraaf exposes so clearly was not for their conversion but that the Lord in this book which they so strongly promote! would lay it on their hearts to give the pocket Like D.R. McConnell, Hanegraaf himself money they’d brought along … because the is a pentecostal, and all the more concerned program the Church ran was not cheap. because of what he sees as the biblical roots of pentecostalism being so radically wiped “A Different Gospel: A Historical and Biblical Analysis out by the teaching of Kenneth Copeland, of the Modern Faith Movement”, by D.R.McConnell, Morris Cerullo, Benny Hinn, Rodney Howard- 1988, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Massachusetts. Browne, and the late Kenneth E. Hagin, Sr.. Under sections entitled ‘Turning the Truth into Mythology’, ‘Faith in Faith’, ‘Little Gods or Little Frauds’, ‘Atonement Atrocities’, ‘Wealth and Want’, ‘Sickness and Suffering’, At the beginning of his book, “Christianity in and ‘Back to Basics’, Hanegraaf brings out Crisis”, Hank Hanegraaf issues this strong the key areas of heresy in the ‘health-and- warning, Under the banner “Jesus is Lord,” wealth’ gospel. multitudes are being duped by a gospel of This is the book to have have a reference greed and are embracing doctrines straight book. With its 377 pages (more if you have from the metaphysical cults. While convinced the study guide included), it will serve as a that what they hear is the real thing, they valuable ally when you interact with those “Christianity in Crisis”, by Hank Hanegraaf, are in fact turning on to nothing more than a impacted by the devastating ministry of these is published by Harvest House Publishers, cheap counterfeit. Eternal truths from the television evangelists. Eugene, Oregon, 1997.
Not satisfied with Jesus? When faith is not alone
Bob Vincent across the street a little over fifteen years is all brick. ago just went through a thirteen-million-dollar All this business is so deeply troubling. It is expansion. They now have an upscale The sounds that seduce simply incomprehensible to me that anyone restaurant in their building. In their massive Across town from us is the largest church in who would profess to hold to the truth of the children’s section is a huge McDonald’s-type Central Louisiana, maybe the largest in the Bible would deny such an important Biblical piece of playground equipment for children state. Bill Clinton made two pilgrimages to it truth as salvation by faith alone. Over the to climb on—it’s over two storeys high and while he was President. It’s a Jesus Only, past year or so, I have frequently lamented built inside is what looks like a child’s version Oneness, United Pentecostal Church, where my bewilderment to my wife. Her response of Noah’s Ark, complete with gigantic aquaria you’ve got to be baptised by immersion in has always been something like, “It just surrounding the entrances. Jesus’ name and speak in tongues in order shows they’re not satisfied with Jesus.” I suppose that I can’t condemn having to go to heaven. I understand that they have “What do you mean?” I asked the first something like that if you can afford it, but it invested over a million dollars in their sound time she said it. seems to be a parable for the programmes and light equipment. “People sometimes get to a point where of that church: different styles of Sunday How can we compete with all that? they aren’t happy simply in knowing Jesus. worship, surrounded by a plethora of self- “How’re you gonna keep ‘em down on the They’re not content. They want something help groups, Divorce Recovery being a really farm after they’ve seen Par-ee?” All I have more. So they go after something else, effective one. to offer people is Bible preaching about because they’re not satisfied with Jesus.” We recently lost a family to them—at least Jesus, unvarnished and plain, trying Not given to flights of loquacity, that’s what they went over to another Evangelical church. faithfully to stick to the biblical text —Jesus, she said. So I sat and mulled her words and The father told me, “They’ve got a better the eternal Son of the eternal Father, truly thought about the ecclesiastical world around children’s programme.” Maybe they do, but God and truly man, in one Person forever— me. I honestly believe that he was simply dazzled Jesus, Who lived a sinless life and died on by that Ark—I know I was! Our church is the cross for our sins, once for all time, The sights that dazzle dominated by cheaply-constructed, wood- securing our salvation, taking away our sins The huge Southern Baptist Church that frame buildings where we house a Christian and putting His own righteousness to our moved from downtown to a vacant spot school, K-12. The church across the street account—Jesus, our only hero, who
7 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
in the original languages, but nobody is dazzled by my new insights and perspectives on anything. Other preachers don’t flock to sit at my feet and drink from my fountain of knowledge or learn the secrets of my success. I don’t preach with wall charts of Bible prophecy and current events in the Middle East. Nobody comes to me to learn how to become a millionaire. Everything that I ever say has been better said by somebody else; nothing’s original. I’m not into liturgics, nor am I a movie critic; nobody invites me to lecture on the Civil War, and we don’t have an annual ball to pine away after bygone days. We’re not the local headquarters of the Christian Coalition. Our musicians are excellent, but we don’t produce CDs of our services. I sometimes say something funny in a sermon, but nobody is slain by laughter hysteria, and people don’t get gold dust in their hair, or conquered death and hell, rose from the problems...depression and bitterness, cavities filled, during our prayer meetings. dead and now sits at God’s right hand— too...but many of those people had already Yes, I think that I understand what my wife Jesus, Whom we receive by faith alone as been baptised, made professions of faith said. People are not satisfied with just He’s offered in the Gospel—Jesus, Who by and were regular church attendees, even Jesus. His Holy Spirit gives us the desire and the though a few came from outside the visible power to live for Him. church. So I’ve pretty much always been Robert Benn Vincent is minister of Grace People seem to want something more! embarrassed when I see our statistics Presbyterian Church - [email protected] They want the bigger barns; they want to feel compared with other churches. good about themselves and their I’m grateful for a college and seminary This was taken from the website of the circumstances. They want to go beyond education and the ability to read the Bible Presbyterian Church of America Jesus. Recently, I visited with the pastor of a really successful church in our presbytery who had well over ten thousand people attend at least one of their Easter weekend services. Talk about dazzling me! Sons of encouragement The gospel plus I told this pastor about a small, two-day Ian Hamilton ‘name’; it will, however, make you a precious pastors’ retreat that I had set up: it was instrument for good to your fellow believers. going to be free, the food cost taken care The church of Christ is full of unsung heroes. Why are ‘sons [and daughters] of of by someone, held on a Mississippi They do not, on the whole, possess the kind encouragement’ so rare in our churches plantation, courtesy of one of our members. of spiritual gifts that get them noticed and (granted that your church may be an The guest speaker was going to be each of give them a ‘name’. They are, at least in exception)? A number of reasons spring to us sharing from the Scriptures. We would my experience, rarely the most intellectually mind. have time to ourselves...time to walk in the able or theologically articulate Christians in woods, read our Bible and pray. Several days a congregation. And yet, they give their Encouragers Put the Needs of Others before, people started cancelling out, congregations a spiritual lustre that is First leaving just one other pastor. So I called nothing less than a divine benediction. The first is, too many of us are taken up with him and told him we weren’t going to do it. Perhaps you are already wondering just who ourselves, our needs, our concerns, our I asked the guru of success about this, these people are; let me tell you - they are problems, our struggles. Encouragers, by, and he told me, “You had nothing value the spiritual seed of ‘Barnabas’, the proto- definition, think more about the needs of added.” “Value added?” I asked. “Yes, you typical ‘Son of Encouragement’ (Acts 4:36). others than about their own needs. should have offered something extra, like The grace of encouragement is a precious Encouragers are not free of personal chartering a large, deep sea fishing boat. and much-to-be-prized grace. It is a grace struggles and trials; but they put the needs Then nobody would have cancelled.” that owes its origin, as all graces do, to the of others before their own needs. They heed I wandered off, mulling his comments...if indwelling presence of the divine Encourager, the apostolic command to ‘look not only to I’ve got to pay people to pray with me, I’d the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is your own interests, but also to the interests rather just pray with folks in my church and called the ‘Paraclete’, the One who comes of others’ (Phil. 2:4). In doing this, they the handful of Black pastors that I meet with alongside to minister the grace of Christ to display the selflessness of the Saviour. once a week. On a deep sea fishing trip, I’d his needy, wounded, limping servants. To be be on my knees all right, barfing my guts an encourager, is to be the Holy Spirit’s Encouragers Minister the Consolation out. I don’t have anything more to offer than chosen instrument to minister God’s grace of Christ Jesus. People do come to Christ, and we’ve to his often-beleaguered saints. This is surely A second reason is that too many of us are seen some marriages put back together and a grace to which all Christians should aspire. primed to search out weaknesses and flaws people get victory over alcohol and sexual It may not, and probably will not, get you a in other Christians, rather than being primed
8 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
to minister the consolation of Christ. church because we do not take as seriously grows in the fertile soil of humility. A kind Encouragers have Christ-like sight and a as we should the present High-Priestly and thoughtful word, a few lines on a note Christ-like heart. They are not blind to the ministry of our Saviour. As he exercises his (NOT an e-mail!), an assurance of prayer, sins and weaknesses in fellow Christians, heavenly ministry from the throne of grace, an unexpected visit, a smile, a thoughtful but they recognize that ‘love builds up’. This, our Lord Jesus ‘sympathises with our enquiry after some major event. None of no doubt, can become an excuse to neglect weaknesses’ (Heb. 4:15). He never forgets these require you to have read Calvin, Owen, the grace of rebuke. But the rebukes that that we are dust. He knows perfectly our Edwards or Lloyd-Jones. They do require you make their God-ordained mark on our lives flaws and failures, but he deals with us to have drunk deeply of the grace of the Lord are those rebukes administered by the compassionately and mercifully. There is a Jesus Christ. May it please the Lord to adorn church’s encouragers - it is the wounds of tender humanity about our majestic Saviour. our churches with encouragers. Our friends that are most taken to heart. Too Encouragers are often our great High Priest’s fellowships will be the sweeter and more often in the church, those who are most means of ministering his divine sympathy to wholesome. eagle-eyed at pointing out what is wrong are our bruised and lacerated souls. the very people who should never do the You do not need a degree in theology to The Rev. Ian Hamilton is the minister of pointing out. Our Lord Jesus memorably be an encourager. You do, however, need a the Cambridge Presbyterian Church, impressed this on us with his teaching on Christ-like spirit. You do not need to be a England ‘specks’ and ‘planks’ (See Matt. 7:3-5). gifted speaker or an extrovert personality to be an encourager. You do, however, need a (Re-printed from the Banner of Truth Encouragers Minister Christ’s humble spirit, that doesn’t wait for others to Magazine) Sympathy do good to you before you do good to them. Thirdly, encouragers appear to be few in the Indeed, the grace of encouragement only
World in focus
Contact with churches in Evangelical pastor assassinated has been appointed a Fellow of The King’s Brazil An evangelical Christian pastor on his way to University and Rakoczi Christian Research The Canadian Reformed Clerk of Synod 2001, a prayer service was assassinated near the Institute in Hungary. Rev. G. Ph. Van Popta, informed the body that town of San Juan Chamula in Mexico’s This new Reformed and evangelical he had communicated Synod Neerlandia’s troubled southern state of Chiapas. Mariano institution is recruiting scholars from many decision regarding IRB [Reformed Church of Daz Endez, 38, a minister of the indigenous nations to assist in creating an academically- Brazil] to the Brazilian churches. The Tzotzil Evangelical Church, was travelling near superior university committed to Biblical committee interpreted Synod’s decision “to the village of Botatul on 24 October when principles and a Christian philosophy of higher offer a relationship of ecclesiastical fellowship heavily-armed assailants stopped his education. to the IRB” to mean: to enter into such a automobile. Witnesses said it appeared that Dr. McGoldrick will serve as a reader and relationship with these churches, since Synod Diaz got out of the car and attempted to evade evaluator of theses and dissertations Neerlandia accepted their offer. Two printed his attackers before they shot him to death. submitted to the university for advanced copies of Acts Synod 2001 were sent to them. Diaz is the second evangelical pastor to die degrees in history, philosophy, and theology. in the space of two weeks. + Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, PO The IRB (Igreja Reformadas Do Brasil) Box 690, 418 East Main, St., Taylors, SC 29687 consists of two Regional synods. The Southern + Compass Direct, PO Box 27250, Santa Ana, CA 92799 (864)322-2717 Regional Synod includes the churches of Colombo and Unai. The Northern Regional Amyraldianism — is it Evangelists beaten as Islam Synod includes the churches in North-eastern rises Brazil. In contrast to the churches of the modified Calvinism? “Amyraldianism” by Ian Hamilton, minister of On 23 October Yakup Cindilli, a Turkish Southern Regional Synod, these churches, convert to Christianity, was hospitalised after which form the North-eastern Regional Synod, the Cambridge Presbyterian Church (EPCEW), addresses the teaching of Mose Amyraut being beaten for distributing New Testaments also come together as a classis. in his hometown of Orhangazi in northwestern The committee felt that in the initial stage (1596-1664) which is being actively promoted again. It is sometimes called “Four-Point Turkey. Cindilli’s condition is now critical, as of official relationship with IRB, it would be he has slipped into a coma. Tufan Orhan, most beneficial to involve the Canadian Calvinism.” This 28-page booklet challenges that heresy. It is the text and supporting Cindilli’s companion, was also beaten. Local churches conducting mission in Brazil. police have identified and detained three It is reported by brother A. Nap who footnotes of an address given at the EPCEW Leaders Conference in 2002 and is available suspects in the crime. travelled to Brazil in September 2002 as a + World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), PO Box 1839, representative that IRB has enjoyed growth for US$2.00 per copy. Send check payable to Edmonds, WA 98020, (425) 778-5513 since 1976. The membership now stands at EPCEW to the address below. + Clerk of Presbytery, Evangelical Presbyterian Church about 500. Synod decided to publish a final of England and Wales, 15 Key Ave., Worcester, WR4 Crackdown on converts to version of their Psalter (150 Psalms and 200 OLT, UK Christianity hymns) in four years. Reformed literature is Egypt’s state security police arrested and being translated into Portuguese and works of McGoldrick to assist new tortured a Christian couple of Muslim theologians such as VanBruggen, Douma, Hungarian University background, along with 11 other Egyptian Trimp, Doekes, and Velema/VanGenderen. Professor of Church History at Greenville citizens accused of forging Christian identity + Canadian and American Reformed Churches, 26 Inverness Crescent, ST. Albert, AB T8N 513 Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Taylors, papers for former Muslims. Mohammed [email protected] South Carolina, Dr. James Edward McGoldrick, Ahmed Imam Kordy and his wife Sahar El-
9 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
Sayed Abdel Ghany were arrested in Alexandria long investigation, on 30 October 2003 the Vietnamese Christian leader on 18 Oct. Hungarian police unit announced that the arrested, extradited The wife was implicated in a complaint stolen Bible had been found in the attic of the On 29 November Vietnamese authorities extorted under police torture that she had home of one of the thieves. This Bible was extradited Ma Van Bay from Binh Phuoc helped another Egyptian woman secure false translated by Gaspar Karoli in 1590 and was province in the Central Highlands to his former identity papers. At least 10 more Christians the first Bible to be translated in its entirety home in Ha Giang province on the Chinese have since been detained and subjected to into Hungarian. There are only 15 original border. Christians who know the brutality of torture. volumes all over the world. This Bible is government authorities in Ha Giang fear Bay, + Compass Direct, PO Box 27250, Santa Ana, CA considered to be priceless.” The Bible was 92799 a key Hmong Christian leader arrested on 17 kept in a glass case in the Protestant church November, will face serious abuse. A Christian in the small village of Vizsoly in northern They found the Bible! since the early 1990s, Bay emerged as a Hungary, close to the border with Slovakia, leader of the rapidly growing Christian The newsletter of the Magyar Reformed Church when it was stolen. community in his home province. In 1997, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey (HRCA), Rev. Dr. + Magyar Reformed Church, 493 Amboy Ave., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 (732) 442-7799 authorities accused him of “stealing money Attila Kocsis pastor, carried the following great from the citizens for personal gain” and news: “Almost two years ago the famous illegally propagating the Christian religion. Hungarian Visoly Bible was stolen from the Saudi bombing “aimed at” Badly beaten and facing up to 12 years in local church where it was exhibited. After a Lebanese Christians prison, Bay escaped custody and received help A massive suicide bombing of a residential from Christians of another minority group in compound in Riyadh that killed 17 people and the Central Highlands. On 1 July police in Ha Rejoice in the Lord always. injured over 120 others recently was aimed at Giang beat to death another Hmong Christian, I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil 4:4 Lebanese Christians, a human rights watch- Vang Seo Giao, and disposed of his body in dog revealed Friday, November 28. a river. A journalist in Hanoi who questioned With grateful hearts and with real joy The well-informed Barnabas Fund, which Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the we are happy to announce the investigates the plight of Christians in mainly murder was informed that Giao had “drowned Muslim nations, said it has learned from a crossing a stream while drunk.” spokesman of the international terrorist + Compass Direct, PO Box 27250, Santa Ana CA 50TH WEDDING network Al-Qaida that the bombers “were 92799-7250 targeting mainly Americans and Christians.” ANNIVERSARY “Months of surveillance had revealed (to Al- International Anglican churches of our parents, grand parents and Qaida) that the inhabitants (of the al-Muhaya expel Episcopal Church (USA) great grand parents residential complex) were mainly Americans Leaders of America’s wealthy Episcopal and Lebanese Christians. Both groups were Church (USA) have grown accustomed to deemed legitimate targets as enemies of getting their way. No one took action when Islam,” the Barnabas Fund said. New Jersey bishop Spong repudiated every Nic & Atie “Of the seventeen people killed (among major doctrine of historic Anglicanism. The them five children), seven were Lebanese international Anglican community also OOSTERBAAN while among the 122 injured some 90 were accepted women’s ordination to the Lebanese,” the organisation discovered. priesthood. Observers expected similar www.assistnews.net acquiescence to homosexual ordination. Initial reports from an international meeting to deal Jesus may not be welcome in with American revisionism indicated one more America round of silent acceptance. This time however, reports of complacency George Barna finds a mere nine percent of were premature. From Nigeria and Uganda to self-affirming born-again Christians hold a Singapore, the largest Anglican communities Biblical worldview. The number falls to two have broken fellowship with the Americans percent in the denominations hemorrhaging declaring America to be open mission territory Married in Wellington members. The study, which contacted 2,033 and offering assistance to Americans 18 January 1954 people, projected a standard four percent interested in staying with the international compliance with a classical Biblical worldview. family rather than the national hierarchy. Even non-denominational independents only Ingrid (deceased) & Stan American bishops unwilling to endorse reached 13 percent congruence. Barry, Shane, Daniel + Gina homosexual bishops now have a viable For the purposes of the research, a Biblical Cole, Savana alternative to the organisation directed by worldview was defined as believing that Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold. Nick & Claire absolute moral truths exist; that such truth is Nikki, Jason The Orthodox churches have similarly defined by the Bible; and firm belief in six placed all relations with the Americans on hold Ed & Joke specific religious views. Those views were that and the largest of them, the Russian Orthodox Jennifer, Kim Jesus Christ lived a sinless life; God is the all- Church, even questioned continued powerful and all-knowing Creator of the Gary & Brenda participation in the World Council of Churches universe and He still rules it today; salvation Edward, Carena, Anton, Benson if the Americans remain members. Roman is a gift from God and cannot be earned; Catholics demanded and obtained the Diane & Jurgen Satan is real; a Christian has a responsibility Mitchel, Maxime resignation of Griswold from the Anglican to share faith in Christ with other people; and Roman Catholic International Commission, the Bible is accurate in all of its teachings. 4 Volga Street, Island Bay, Wellington + Barna Research Group, Ltd., 5528 Everglades St., which has been negotiating relations between Ventura, California 93003 (805) 658-8885 Canterbury and Rome.
10 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
What makes homosexual ordination trends in imperial fashion. America’s leftwing York Times to Virtuosity Digest will find more different from the ordination of women in a leadership cannot do anything in private. entertaining material, but will still have the community which confessionally restricts Commercial media indicated that the two-hour daily reading slot amply filled with ordination to men? recent English peace convention ended with text. This time, however, the paper is free and Knowledgeable observers trace the answer the leader of the largest Anglican community it comes neatly packaged on the Internet. to the Internet. Until recently, outsiders walking out and returning to Africa. Virtuosity Learn more at http://www.virtuosityonline.org/ digest.html depended on officially-controlled information Digest stated that Archbishop Akinola left + Dr. Edwin P. Elliott, Editor Presbyterians-Week streams. This time, the 80,000 circulation under guard after death threats. Virtuosity Digest does daily documentation of Anyone who wants to switch from the New
Breakthrough The lesson in life
Patricia van Laar the dentist, who confirmed that indeed lying awake in bed, by imagining into being a something was wrong, The two teeth had large hotel in the fields over the road, where God has His own wonderful way of dealing no enamel. Three months of daily trips into everyone nice to me was my guest, and the with us as individuals. Each of us has special town by tram followed, while Mr. Jones horrid ones were all cooks, bottle-washers, needs of our own, ‘hang-ups’ of which perhaps painted on a protective coating against wind cleaners and chambermaids! even our nearest and dearest have no idea. and cold, both of which made the teeth Puzzling everything over, I concluded My own story in itself is of no particular ache. people did not like something in my significance or value, except that under God, What I did not foresee was the years of personality, an assumption carried into my it may help some with their own problems to social effect my teeth would have. Unable teen years. Incredibly the real reason never face. It is told for the honour of God, and with to bite with them meant embarrassing occurred to me, even when a girl told me I gratitude to Him for what He has crumbs, crumbs, crumbs; but worse, their stank because my teeth were rotten. I knew accomplished in my life, rather than a ‘baring colour was a dull tan. Children, thoughtless I did not stink; I knew my teeth were not of my soul’ for misplaced sympathy! So with but not deliberately cruel, always asked, rotten, but argue? I shrivelled up and closed this apology for a personal testimony, I tell of “What’s wrong with your teeth?” Reply my mouth. That is how it was. incidents from nearly fifty and sixty years ago. patiently and explain, over and over again. Boys were no worry. In the 1930s, Supposedly writing a letter, I perched on (They had no idea of the structure of a schoolboys ignored girls (on the surface my straw palliasse, gazing over rows of camp tooth.) Answers seemingly accepted, if not anyway!) One at Intermediate would talk to beds set up as a temporary dormitory in a quite understood. me if no one else was around, and make me long, one-roomed building in the grounds of Yet – rejection! “Why am I so unpopular?” laugh. The boys in my street (I was the only a Canterbury rural high school. I was at a If teams were needed, I was the last chosen. girl), familiar with my defect, ignored it, ‘Crusader Camp’ (as the Secondary School Birthday parties came and went without an welcoming a ‘Minnehaha’ when playing Christian Fellowship was then called). invitation. My opinions were nothing. I cowboys and Indians, especially as I could Sunshine streamed through an unglazed pondered the problem, sometimes crying hit a broom handle with home-made bow and window running along the length of the room, myself to sleep. Or I would take my revenge arrow as well as any of them. Adults, warming my body after a crisp morning run perhaps, never noticed — I was adept at to the main building for ablutions and talking with my mouth closed. Visitors fussed breakfast. But nothing, it seemed, could over my attractive young brother, who did not warm my coldness of spirit. slink away from them, but stayed to chat. In reality, I was having a ding-dong Yes, something in my nature was argument. To win this would make me; to displeasing. lose it would break me. The argument was When I was twelve, despite World War II, between my two selves, the ‘am’ and the a German doctor employed by the Health ‘would be’. I was just fifteen years old. Department came to the intermediate school to check pupils’ general health. What When it began qualifications she had is beyond my It had all started eight years earlier. Shortly knowledge, but her competence with teeth before my youngest uncle’s wedding, my two was questionable! Lining us up she tested front top teeth fell out. As flower girl, I was sight and hearing, and looked into our told I’d have to keep my mouth closed, mouths. My turn. especially for the all-important photographs. I cringed when she shouted in front of The wedding day came, rain poured down; everyone, even the class teacher, “What shadow of tears to come? Little did I guess, dreadful ‘tees’. You should see a dentist at keeping my mouth closed was to become vunce.” I, who since I was seven had lived my life. at the dentist! It never occurred to me that a As soon as the new teeth poked through doctor would not recognise that here was the gums my Dad said, “There’s something not neglect, but a genetic, medical problem. wrong with those teeth.” Off to Jack Jones The teacher looked up from his work and
11 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
stared at me but said nothing. I flushed and “I can’t…and yet…how I’d love to…” unfailing love. For John 3:16. For the lessons said nothing. “Well, go and see what happens.” I learnt from the whole experience. For how Mother, furious when she heard, biked So I did. It was the simplest thing I have He took me, and made me His. to school to protest, but by then the doctor ever done; the bravest thing I have ever done. And I thank and praise God for the had already gone. I was disappointed she I stood up and walked the length of that room courage He gave me to take the first step. A escaped a ‘telling off’. A year or two later to join those girls. breakthrough of the wall I had been building came a rumour that she had been put into a What did they do? Moved back a little to around myself. A tremendous breakthrough. concentration camp. My revengeful little make room for me. No one stared, no one What He did for me, He can do for you in heart fervently hoped so. glared, no one stopped talking. They just your own particular need. All Honour and Jack Jones went to war. My new dentist, stepped back a little, to make room for me! Glory to His Name. Dr Every, had studied the latest technology That small incident was the turning point in the USA. in my life. Oh, yes, I still had a long way to A note for parents He planned to crown my teeth with a new go, battles to win, but it marked the start; a My plea to parents whose child has any material (plastic) when my mouth had fully new confidence, the healing of mind and physical problem that would cause difficulties developed. Meantime, just after I began spirit, the understanding that being accepted with fellow pupils is to make sure every secondary school, he gave them a white front in the Lord, I was also accepted by His teacher knows of the problem and its cause, covering; still faulty, but the horrible tan was people, and the dawn of finding acceptance and ask that it be explained to the class. In gone. I had succeeded during my first few by the world in general. my case, it would have been the opportunity weeks at the new school in keeping my So it proved. Gradually I gained the for a splendid lesson on the structure and mouth closed, so girls I met there for the confidence to develop leadership qualities. care of teeth. Such an action would have first time had not noticed anything. But my I went to Teachers’ College, taught Sunday helped save me much anguish. social fear of girls remained. School, began a youth club, and by the time But I do not blame my splendid parents I was 21, had organised and run a couple of at all. They were fantastic; supportive and At the camp small youth camps. Later, special training sacrificial. Times were hard and they could Two years later I sat on my palliasse at the for church service led to my conducting not really afford the dentist fees. Teachers camp. A circle of girls was standing at the children’s and occasionally adult choirs, were not as approachable in those days as far end of our makeshift dormitory. Watching organising charity concerts, training Sunday now, and anyway, it would not have occurred the group talking to each other, I felt a longing School teachers, running larger camps, home to them to do so; I had never told them what to share. Back and forth went the silent visiting and addressing meetings of was happening at school. I don’t think they argument: sometimes several hundred people. All this knew I sometimes cried myself to sleep, and “Get up, join them.” from a person too shy, as my parents certainly not that I otherwise avenged myself “Don’t be silly. They won’t want me.” thought, to go to Teacher’s College! by lying awake, imagining the hotel. “Of course they will. They won’t mind!” Thank God for the blessing of Christian Thank God for my parents, who were “Yes they will. Girls don’t like me.” camps. Praise Him for the love of fellow determined if possible to save my teeth. I “How have these girls treated you? Christian Christians. Thank Him for the worth He still have them (crowned) today. girls? At a Christian camp? Go and join them.” places on us. I praise and thank Him for His
Mission in focus Growing the church in Karamoja
The following article was published by the led a life of stealing and killing as a cattle Orthodox Presbyterian Church in the United rustler. But many months ago, we saw the States, reporting on the progress of their Lord begin to change him as Pastor Tony work in the South Karamoja region, Uganda. Curto began preaching the word in Nakaale. It is a report by missionary David Okken, On this Lord’s Day, Felix stood up and describing the Lord’s blessing on the work, professed his faith in Jesus and promised, which was specially marked on September in dependence upon the grace of the Holy 13, 2003…. Spirit, to seek to live for His honour and glory. The Scriptures tell us that the angels in With tears in his eyes, Pastor Tony had the heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents. privilege of baptising Felix. In Nakaale, the saints were rejoicing with The Mission was rejoicing that the Lord them this past Lord’s Day. It was our first had been pleased to use us, such unprofitable baptismal service and reception of new servants, in the lives of so many in members. What a blessing it was to see the Karamojong. One of the most clear coming to fruition of that for which we have professions of faith came from Lokwii Zakary, laboured so many months! a young student whom nurse Kristie Scott had Many stood up and made profession of spent hours helping to learn and memorise their faith in Jesus. Among them was the children’s catechism. What a privilege it Lomongin Felix, a man who had previously was for me personally to baptise him.
12 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
professions and be baptised. Also, [name withheld] has done a good job as a servant of the session of Yanji Christian Church, preparing three of the thirty-one students he disciples for public profession of faith and baptism on November 23.”
The days and weeks leading up to the Things became even more difficult when all Pray for Kevin and Machi Rietveld, serving event were quite exhausting, as I was the other Health Units in the district ran out in the Solomon Islands with the Christian spending so much time meeting the many of medicine, so that all the patients in the Reformed Churches of Australia. Kevin who had expressed interest in church larger area began coming to Nakaale. On one reports that Jack and Trudy Visser, from membership. It took a lot of work not only to day this week, the clinic saw 115 patients Queensland, have been appointed to replace discern credible professions of faith, but also by noontime. Pray for the many sick and for the De Hoog family on the mission field. They to provide instruction about what was Dr. Prawius and the staff as they labour to will be arriving, Lord willing, this month. involved in church membership. Of course, keep up with all of this. Please pray for a good transition into the in a polygamous culture there were many We, the Okken family in particular, are work, and the safe arrival of their personal complicated situations to sort through. I was doing well. The Lord has been gracious to goods which have been shipped to the island. thankful to have a plurality of elders involved protect little Caleb from malaria. Sunshine Also, pray for Jack as he continues with a in the process before receiving any into has had it once, and I have had it twice this Christian School Library project that was membership. season. Yet the Lord has been gracious to started by Frank late last year. Pray for Machi In the end, we had assembled quite a sustain us through this as well. Rietveld as she deals with the busy requests team of pastors to participate in the service. Thank you so much for your many prayers for school sponsorship support in the It was a joy to see Bugandan pastors and support. The Lord has truly done great beginning of the year. baptising Karamojong believers, a testimony things, and we praise His name. of the way the Gospel breaks down tribal Rev Stephen and Dorinda ‘t Hart have rivalries and unites men into one body under recently returned to Papua New Guinea from one Head, the Lord Jesus. By the end of the MIF prayer notes a 6-week break in Australia to spend time day, fifty-one individuals had made with family. Please pray for them as they profession of faith and been received as Pray for the Prawis family who have been settle into the work again. Shortly before the members of the church: forty-six of those serving with the OPC in Uganda. After years publication deadline for this issue, we were baptised, nineteen adults and twenty- of watching their twelve-year-old daughter, learned that Rev ‘t Hart had his study in Ekoro seven children. We are thankful for each soul, Sarah, struggle with recurring bouts of broken into, and his computer and a lot of which the Lord has been pleased to bring malaria, despite numerous unsuccessful equipment stolen. This was a grave setback, unto Himself and into our fold. Please pray trials of antimalarial medications, the family and many ministry resources were lost. While that this congregation will grow strong in the has decided to return to the States to get it happened several months ago (October), grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus her out of the malaria zone. Pray for God’s I’m sure he’s still feeling the loss; please Christ. comfort for the family as they make this pray for the Lord’s protection of his We give thanks not only for a good difficult decision, and also for the work in equipment and also that of Hagoorts. spiritual harvest, but also for the recent good Karamojong which suffers a great setback rains that have brought a bountiful harvest with the loss of Dr Prawius from the medical Wally and Jeannette Hagoort from Hukanui of maize, sorghum, sunflower, g-nuts, etc. clinic (see article above). congregation arrived in Papua New Guinea There is plenty of food these days. Our a few weeks ago. They have just started the storehouse is filling up as we continue to Give praise for the Lord’s working through Pacific Orientation Course (POC), which lasts harvest our own fields. the ministry of OPC missionaries in China. three months and is extremely intensive. The negative effect of much rain, however, Sam Folta reports: “We rejoice in much good Please pray for them, as they get used to is that it brings out the mosquitoes. There news coming out of Yanji, China! First, [name the hot climate, and as they learn about the has been much malaria among the members withheld] reports that two college girls she culture and language of PNG. Pray that the of our Mission and the general community. has been leading through an exploratory Lord would bless their language acquisition The medical clinic has seen record numbers study of the Bible have repented and and help them to quickly learn to this season. We had already been seeing professed faith in Jesus Christ. Please pray communicate proficiently. Pray also for their about as many patients as we could handle. for them now as they prepare to make public health and endurance! As part of the POC,
13 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
Wally and Jeannette and have to undertake appreciation to aid-donors in the form of a exceptional regional drought. But others were up to three day hikes, in wet, very slippery prayer. The other was of a grateful and unaffordable agricultural supplies (seed and and steep terrain. smiling (not to say relieved) woman leaving fertilizer), an empty strategic grain reserve, such a centre with a sack of grain. and increasing poverty. The disaster was Janice Reid is still busy in Cambodia with Such photos capture something of the further exacerbated by the role of HIV and the development of training materials for material and the mechanics of relief work. It Aids reducing the labour pool for agriculture missionary radio stations. At time of writing, is not so easy to catch the inner emotions and placing a strain on limited household/ Janice and her colleague, Jean-luc Lebrun, and responses of the heart to such charitable farmlet resources. are planning a first test of their introductory work. In fact we may never know until eternity We assisted three connected projects training course to be held in early February. the way God has employed such actions. Do through our gifts. The beneficiaries in the Please pray that these materials would help we need to know? Do we know the affect of regions selected were poor farmer participants learn key radio skills to help sowing the seed of the Gospel in other households who had no other income source them in their work for the harvest. Pray also contexts? Well often, if not mostly, we do than their own crop production. Of them the for Janice and Jean-luc as they evaluate the not. It is the responsibility of the Church of most vulnerable were selected for supply, results of the training, and modify the training Jesus Christ to act in the Name of Jesus i.e. families with young weaned children who materials as needed, to make them even and for His honour, to “cast her bread upon could not get enough to eat, pregnant or more effective. the waters” committing the outcome breast-feeding women, the chronically ill, prayerfully to our heavenly Father. those suffering from HIV/AIDS, the elderly As this is written, a report is just to hand and the handicapped. Two orphanages RCNZ Food Aid to from the agency through which NDC directed received food, the Mchinji Orphanage and our RCNZ aid to the Church in Malawi, the the House of Hope, where 408 orphans were Malawi Christian Reformed World Relief Committee served. The September 2003 F in F issue showed (CRWRC). The report is mostly about the One project distributed 1,000 MT (metric two photos capturing aspects of the food where, the to whom, and the how. tons) of food to 3854 households plus the crisis effort to Malawi. One was of a banner The serious 2002/03 food crisis affecting children in the two orphanages. Another used held by two indigenous workers outside a countries in Southern Africa was caused by 1,000 MT of food grain (grain that may have distribution centre carrying a message of several factors. For Malawi, one was the been mixed with GMO product, which, while in transit, was rejected by Zambia) to supply 2990 households for six months. A third project provided seed and planting stock for 5,930 families, families already assisted with food, to enable planting for the 2003/ 04 harvest season. We thank the CRWRC for allowing us to join them in this programme, but above all we thank our Heavenly Father for the resources entrusted to us and the opportunity to reflect His graciousness in this way, with the prayer that He may use this relief work to change attitudes and hearts and turn them to look upon His glorious Son. Please continue to pray that the affect of such Christian relief may make a lasting impact for eternity.
14 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
Country profile: Vietnam
Many westerners know Vietnam as the war the Americans lost when churches, and especially among the mountain tribal peoples of central they intervened in the southern part of the country during the height of and southern Vietnam. Praise the Lord of the harvest for this great the Cold War, to stop the spread of communism from the north. Vietnam blessing, and pray for strength, perseverance and growth for these has changed a lot from those days, and is a much more open country brothers and sisters in Christ with a thriving market economy, and many popular tourist spots. But 2. Vietnam has one of the world’s highest abortion rates: two abortions Vietnam is still communist. It still jams missionary radio broadcasts— for every live birth. Pray that the ideological and moral darkness over it still goes to extremes to oppress those who seek to worship the Lord this nation might be banished by the light of the Gospel of Truth. 3. Vietnam remains one of the worst persecutors of Christians There are a number of different religions in Vietnam, with Buddhism (especially tribal believers). Pray for: claiming only 54% of the population as adherents. Twenty-one percent a. Those in prison for their faith claim to be non-religious; just over 8% are Christian (from several different b. Registered churches, to stand strong in the face of unrelenting denominations). With well over 3 million members, the Roman Catholic government pressure. Meetings are only permitted in the few church has over six times more adherents than the next largest remaining recognised church buildings—the majority have been denominational grouping. closed or destroyed c. Unregistered churches, which are harassed by the police, have their meetings frequently broken up and leaders arrested d. Mountain tribes in the area near the borders between Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia: Several of these have seen people-group movements as whole communities come to Christ. Severe persecution is often the result. Pray for these groups, for strength in their faith, and growth in truth, as some are beset by false teachings. Many people from these tribes have no Christian leaders, and nothing but missionary radio broadcasts from FEBC to guide them in their spiritual growth. 4. Vietnamese people in other countries, that they would come in contact with the Gospel message, and take it back to their homeland 5. Unreached groups within Vietnam, including the Muslim Cham and the Buddhist Khmer of the Mekong Delta; where only a handful have believed 6. The spread of the Scriptures. The Bible was officially printed inside Vietnam for the first time, in 1995. Many ethnic minorities do not have the Bible in their language and at least 45 languages are in need of translation projects 7. Missionary radio broadcasts have had a remarkable effect. FEBC broadcasts 26 hours/week in Vietnamese, and has twice/weekly broadcasts in 21 other tribal languages. Trans World Radio (TWR) adds a further 10 hours/week in Vietnamese. Pray for Vietnam: 1. Operation World reported in 2001, that a large-scale and sustained Information from Operation World CD-ROM, Copyright ©2001 Patrick turning to God is taking place, in both registered and unregistered Johnstone. Used with permission.
Surfing the Net The upside & downside of the Internet
J. Visscher begin to surf or to ride on electronic waves. in an instant it is sent and received on the He or she has the means at their disposal other side of the world. The title of this editorial may puzzle some of to consult with people around the globe. It may be that in addition to writing a letter, our readers — however, I am sure that many you want to send some pictures. No problem! of you will recognize it immediately. Instant communication Take out your digital camera, snap your Specifically, it has to do with the Internet. For example, if today you do not feel like pictures, download them electronically to More generally, it also has to do with the taking out pen and paper to write a letter to your computer and with a few clicks of your world of computers and modern a distant relative or friend, mailing it at a mouse, they are on their way. communication. When a person has a certain cost and waiting days or weeks to computer and that computer is connected get a reply, you have an alternative. You can Keeping up contact by either telephone line or satellite hook-up sit behind your computer, type a letter on Or perhaps you have friends or relatives living to the world-wide web, then that person can the keyboard in front of you, hit a button and in different parts of the world and you want
15 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
not involved in any of this, we should think again. I happen to be a “lurker,” which is a term used to describe someone who is a member of one or more discussion groups on the web, reads what comes along but rarely interacts. What strikes me when I am lurking, and so often deleting too, is that some women are no less adept than men when it comes to using the net as a major time consumer. All in all, it begs the question: what are people doing with their time? Even more, it makes one wonder whether Christians who live their lives on the net are living as they should. Surely, it behooves all of us as believers to step back occasionally and to ask ourselves what we are doing with the gift of time that God has so graciously given to us?
Bad manners Another problem that is connected with the net is an increase in bad manners. What do I mean? I am thinking of the fact that some people use the net to air their complaints recklessly. Take the case of the church member who disagrees with Sunday’s sermon. In the past if he or she might felt to keep up contact with all of them; but time seem to be these two sides to whatever man compelled to approach the offending pastor, is lacking and the postage costs are invents. they would do so politely and during the prohibitive. This too is a minor matter. Write The same also goes for the Internet. I week. Now what seems to happen all too your letter on the computer, add your pictures have just mentioned a few of the positives, often is that people come home from church and then send it to as many people as you but I would derelict in my duties if I did not in a huff, get behind their computers, pound want all at once. It’s just that easy. also mention some of the negatives. What out a complaint and fire it off right away. It is are they? so much easier to vent your frustrations at a Searching everywhere metal box than to deal with a human face. Another scenario comes to mind. You have Wasting time Or what about apologies? Common to do research on a certain subject. Perhaps Now, some will say that the fact that certain courtesy demands that when you wrong it has to do with a school assignment or a people spend a lot of time surfing the net is someone you go to them and make your work project. Again, you power up your nothing to worry about. It is a novelty that excuses. Modern modems, however, allow computer, connect it to the web, go to one will soon wear off. And no doubt in many you to send a lame message via computer of its many search engines — Google, cases it does. For some people, however, in a very detached and impersonal manner. Altavista, Yahoo or the like — type in your the hobby becomes an addiction. They seem Hence my advice to all you net users is: mind subject and with blazing speed all kinds of to spend a lot of their free time glued to your manners! Just because you have this sources are identified and many can be keyboard and screen. new invention at your disposal does not give accessed. Most of you are familiar with the you the right to blaze away with abandon and What this brief introduction shows you is expression “golf widow.” It describes a wife to retract with glibness. Loving your that computers plus the Internet open up all who is married but who rarely sees her neighbour has electronic implications too. sorts of wonderful opportunities. Never husband because he is out on the links every before has so much information been at the chance he gets. In line with this we now have Violence beck and call of so many, so cheaply and so another kind of widow: a “computer widow.” Wasting time and poor manners, however, quickly. Hubby is so wrapped up in this electronic are not the only downsides of the net. There marvel that she is forced to take a backseat is also the issue of violence. This often rears The downside to a thing of metal and wires. its ugly head in the area of computer games. Nevertheless, along with the good there is Should you ask what hubby or teenage Many of these games are violent, and some also the bad. Indeed, as is the case with son or daughter is doing on the net, then are violent to the extreme. Males, and young almost every human invention, it has the different answers are forthcoming. Father males in particular, activate certain games ability to be used either for good or evil. The John may well be part of a discussion group and then get sadistic satisfaction from the telephone was invented and while it allowed where the debates are raging fast and ever increasing number of people they can families to keep in close contact, it also furious. Son Bill may be playing strategy kill on the screen. allowed gossip to spread like wildfire. The games with his friends and seeing who can Of course I realize that these are not real radio came along and people were exposed win the battle or the war that is being fought. kills—nevertheless, one has to ask some to both religious and secular broadcasting. Daughter Betty may be on one or other chat serious questions about the spiritual level Television hit the market and human eyes line telling her friends about the latest flame of Christians who get their thrills out of took in both pictures of great beauty and in her life. zapping imaginary people. Does it not images of grotesque violence. So often there Oh, and lest we think that Mother Alice is desensitize them to real violence? Is it not,
16 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
in spirit at least, a violation of the sixth become an instrument of the devil. well as to so many other things in life, is commandment and the call to love our As a result, we all need to be on our guard. what we find in Philippians 4:8, 9. Listen: neighbour? If someone in your household spends a lot “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, of time on the computer they must agree to whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever Pornography be answerable to the other members of the is admirable – if anything is excellent or Still, of all of these misuses, the most household for what they are doing on it. If praiseworthy – think about such things. serious one remains to be mentioned — there is a computer with Internet access in Whatever you have learned or received or pornography. You may be employing the net your home and it is behind closed doors, heard from me, or seen in me – put it into in a perfectly innocent and legitimate way get it out into the open. If a family member practice. And the God of peace will be with and suddenly a message pops up on your is monopolising it, set reasonable time limits. you.” screen inviting you to visit a sexually explicit From time to time check the history window site. In a moment of weakness, you may to see which sites family members are The Rev. J. Visscher is a minister in the surf where no one should really surf at all visiting. In short, hold one another Canadian Reformed Churches. and end up in a world of lust, perversion, accountable. cruelty and degradation. So easily this In summary, the best standard when it This article originally appeared in ‘Clarion’, invention that has such great uses can comes to the proper use of this medium, as their denominational magazine.
Focus on home
children. The baptism of Charlotte will take this sign and seal of her place as a covenant Gleanings place next Sunday morning. child in the church. This morning we have the privilege of Bucklands Beach from our witnessing the baptism of Charlotte Emma We offer warm congratulations to Ruud and Amersfoort. We rejoice with Ronald and Linde Betsie Storm as they celebrate 50 years of Marie and their wider families in this gift of marriage. On 14 November 1953 the Rev bulletins… another daughter and grand-daughter and in Deenick married them in a Service of the
Andrew Reinders The 2003 RTC Biblical Avondale We congratulate the Alexander family. Mrs Preaching Workshop (2&3 October) Saskia gave birth, albeit a little early, to a healthy son, Jeremiah Thomas. God’s “Preaching Christ from Old Testament wonderful blessings continue to be Stories” experienced by us. (The Gospel in the Book of Judges) Bishopdale CD(MP3) of Proceedings A Men’s Breakfast will be held from 7.30 – (CD(MP3) captures the entire proceedings on one CD !! th MP3 is compatible with most PCs, and modern DVDs but not 9 am on Saturday 8 of November at the compatible with ordinary CD players) Reformed Church of Bishopdale. Our guest speaker will be from the Maxim Institute ORDER FORM speaking about current trends relating to the Price: $25 includes GST & Postage. family and society in New Zealand and a Please supply Christian response to these. Cost $5. Invite your friends and workmates. Please contact …….2003 CDs @ $25 each = $………...... Peter Heeringa or Murray Dalley if you are …….2002 CDs @ $25 each = $………...... planning to come. TOTAL = $………...... Name…………………………………………………………………... Wedding: The wedding of Gideon van Schalkwyk and Tineke van Ameyde will take Address………………………………………………………………… th place at 1 pm on Friday 14 of November in ………………………………………………….Ph………………… the Reformed Church of Bishopdale. All are welcome to this joyful occasion. SEND ORDER FORM PLUS CHEQUE, OR ENDORSE CARD DETAILS No. …….. …….. …….. …….., exp date:……...... , Two baby girls were born to church families this last week: Charlotte Emma to Ronald Signature………………...... and Linde Marie Amersfoort last Sunday Name on Card:………………………………………...……..... evening and Hannah Elizabeth to Tim and Leanne Kuipers on Tuesday morning. We give PREACHINGWORKSHOPSCDADNLIFE thanks to God for the safe arrival of these To RTC, 125 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Vic 3216
17 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
Reformed Church of Auckland in Mt Eden. pigeonhole for further details. R.S.V.P by 2003. He arrived at 3.48am and ‘weighed May the Lord give you many more years of TODAY. - Social Committee. in’ at 4.68kg or 10lb 5oz. A big boy. blessing together. Antoinette and baby are doing well. John and Masterton Antoinette Koolaard Christchurch Pastoral Notes: Andre and Annelies de Leeuw We give thanks for the safe birth of Isaac were blessed with a healthy son, Janneil, early Silverstream Matthias Klazinga, born this past Friday on Thursday morning. We give thanks to the Church BBQ On Saturday 22 November there morning. Mother and son are doing well Lord for blessing Andre and Annelies and our will be a Church BBQ (weather permitting). recovering at Burwood hospital. Please pray congregation with another covenant child. Please keep this date free and more details for Julie and myself, for Isaac, and for all our will follow. children, that we may have wisdom in raising Palmerston North these precious gifts in the fear of the Lord, We rejoice in announcing we have been Wellington and that they may serve their faithful Father blessed by the safe birth of Benjamin Andrew Cadet & Calvinette Mission Project. The in Heaven and know of His work and His Theodore de Klerk at 1.55PM last Tuesday Cadets and Calvinettes wish to thank the grace in their lives. by caesarean section - weighing in at 4.25kg congregation for their support in the Dear brothers and sisters, we thank you for (9lb 5oz). Lucy and Ben are doing well. Theo fundraising for the Mission project. Through everything; in particular for your concern and and Lucy the children’s sponsored work sheets and prayers after a cancer was removed from my the Cake Auction we were able to raise eyelid and it had to be reconstructed. Church Camp 2004. The Church camp will enough funds for 44 mosquito nets for the Especially the many visits of our minister, now be held over Wellington Anniversary ‘t Harts to distribute in Papua New Guinea. prayers and talks for which we are very weekend Friday 16th until Monday 19th thankful. As we are very shortly moving to January at Foxton Beach Bible Camp. Please Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. On Thursday 13th Hamilton, we are aware of the many ties we note these dates if you intend to come along. November the Cadets and Calvinettes are have with this congregation of which we have Information forms should be out by going on a twilight tour of the Karori Wildlife been a part for so many years — we thank December which will give further details of Sanctuary. This is a great time of day to visit, you all. We leave with many fond memories topics, program etc. Let us know if you have as many birds return to the sanctuary for of our time with you all and pray for the Lords any suggestions for a topic/entertainment the night and also we can see the glow blessing on you for the many years to come etc. The van Seventers and Huizingas worms. Meet at the Hall as normal. The tour and till we meet again. In Christ, Chris and will start at 7.45pm. If anyone else is Nelly Dorlas. With thankfulness in our hearts to God, we interested in joining us, please ask one of announce the arrival of Ethan on 16 Nov the Counsellors for more details. Dunedin Hearty congratulations to Ron and Tani Newton with the safe arrival of Nathanael George Herbert Newton on Friday 24 October by caesarean. Mother and child are doing well, thanks be to God. Books in focus
Handel’s Messiah. The Ladies’ Fellowship is organising bookings for the performance Preaching With Spiritual Vigour of Handel’s Messiah at the Town Hall on Tuesday 9 December at 7:30 pm. If anyone Murray Capill, (Published by Christian Focus Publications, 2003.) in the congregation, or beyond, would like to join us please speak to Liz Jurgens as soon as possible. Bulk booking price per ticket is Reviewed by Chris Kavanagh the tumultuous years of the Civil War, the $18.00. Please give Liz the money for the Commonwealth and the Restoration, with its tickets when booking. The sooner we book, This book by Rev Murray Capill has been following persecution of Nonconformists. He the better our seats will be. produced by him from his doctoral thesis, was ordained at age 22, and served a on the preaching of Richard Baxter. Unlike congregation in Bridgnorth for two years until Hastings some other doctoral theses turned into 1640, before moving to nearby Church Camp Waitangi Weekend Interested? books that I have read, Rev Capill has done Kidderminster. Here he served till 1660. He We are contemplating a church camp on an admirable job of making it accessible for married in 1662, and he and his wife moved Waitangi weekend and need to know if people the non-academic reader. The book is packed to London, there to carry on his preaching are interested so that we can confirm our with information content that requires and writing ministry, suffering arrest four booking. Please see notice in your reflection, and needs to be returned to now times for his activities. and again to fully appreciate it. For minister, Baxter is best known for his work in it can only offer challenge, as Baxter’s well- Kidderminster. It was then a small market known book, “The Reformed Pastor,”* does town, his parish consisting of the town itself Advertise your Happenings and was intended to do. For office bearers, and 20 surrounding villages, with a total and Church events in and other interested members of population of about 2000 adults, or 800 congregations, it can give an insightful look households. Baxter visited each of these into the work of the ministry. every year, and though he did have an assistant during his time there, his visiting Based on Baxter accounted for the majority of his time every Baxter was born in 1615, and died at the week. He considered his preaching ministry age of 75 in 1691. His adult life spanned to go hand-in-hand with his pastoral ministry,
18 Volume 31/1, February 2004 faith in focus
and in a way to be an extension of it. “the quality of the sinners of the place”, His visits were of a teaching nature – he and noted that they were on the whole called it catechising. He aimed for spiritual bad. In other words, he had some real, benefit for his congregation from his pastoral obvious sinners to minister to. work. Of course he lived in a different world 7. In conjunction with the last reason, we from ours. He had a parish, that is a note that he practised church discipline geographical “patch” in which to work, and faithfully. where he would be well-known as the parish 8. He preached the truth to the parish, minister. People would expect to welcome and brought the truth to them in ways him into their houses, and he would be a and words according to their needs. respected member of the community. Within His preaching was practical as well the parish would be all sorts of people – a as doctrinal, which it could only be by real cross-section of life – everyone you would his knowing his parish well. expect to meet in a market town and its 9. The people were not rich. He gave satellite villages. practical help to those in need, and especially he loved to give books. Reasons for Baxter’s success He was also called upon for medical Remarkable strides were made for the advice, which he had a good store Gospel in Kidderminster. When Baxter first of from his own chronic illnesses. arrived there he notes: “there was about one 10. Baxter considered the long length family in a street that worshipped God and of his ministry to be a factor in the called on his name, and when I came away success of the Gospel in there were some streets where there was Kidderminster. not past one family in a side of a street that I am left doubting if the conditions did not [do] so; and [who did] not, by in any of our RCNZ congregations professing serious godliness, give us hope could come up to Kidderminster ?? of their sincerity”. What can the remarkable change be attributed to? The work of the Holy Two models for ministry was evangelistic – given the parish system, Spirit – yes, and as a Puritan, Baxter would About two-thirds of the book is an analysis and the “top quality of the sinners” he visited be the first to acknowledge this. But he of what Rev Capill calls “preaching with and preached to. His system probably cannot himself sets out ten reasons for the success spiritual vigour,” in the way that Baxter did, be transferred whole and complete to 21st in Kidderminster, which are recounted on and using Baxter as a model, but century New Zealand, and our church polity. pages 20 – 25 of the book. They are – in remembering that hand-inand with his However, Rev Capill suggests three principles slightly amended form: preaching went Baxter’s pastoral work. Rev which can be derived from the type of 1. The congregation at Kidderminster was Capill contrasts two models for ministry in pastoral work Baxter undertook (p83): not sermon-proof. Its previous minister, chapter 3 – “Shepherding Souls.” One is the 1. The priority of spiritual pastoral work. who had been there since 1628, was minister as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) 2. The importance of the breadth of notoriously unspiritual, worldly and slack of a big company. The other is the minister pastoral contact with all sections of the in his work. The congregation had not as shepherd. The CEO model is much to the church. heard preaching for 12 years at least. fore in some denominations. It depends on 3. This pastoral work to aim to be spiritually 2. Baxter was a naturally gifted speaker, having a big congregation (the so-called significant. and a gifted preacher, and although mega-church), where the minister organises, often sick, he threw himself into the leads, “empowers”, is a charismatic leader A caveat work. His motto was: “I preached as who manages his team, communicates, and I have majored on the first few chapters of never sure to preach again, and as a motivates his people to reach defined goals. the book, which deal with Baxter himself, and dying man to dying men”. Whatever value these practices may or may his pastoral work, and the relationship 3. He had a peaceful congregation at not have in the business world, they are out between this work and his preaching. I’ve Kidderminster, not torn by strife, of place in the Church. Under this model said that a good part of the book is unorthodox teaching , special interest small churches are intent on becoming as concerned with preaching itself, and the book groups, or contention. He said of large as possible, and struggle if they do not. is very well worth reading for that also. This Kidderminster as a whole: “Not a Their ministers are expected to be everything book is a must read for anyone concerned Separatist, Anabaptist, Antinomian, etc the mega-church team is – “vision caster, in preaching – either as a provider or in town”. He could devote his whole administrator, marketer, counsellor, youth consumer (there goes that business energies to the work of the Gospel, and group leader, and somewhere along the line, language again). One caveat I have is this: not be dragged into issues. the preacher” (p64). The minister as CEO that we do not become discouraged in our 4. His congregation had time to consider “is not so much the shepherd of a small flock work for the Lord by considering the giants the things of which he taught. They were but the owner of a massive sheep station, of the past. Baxter surely was a giant, and mostly tradespeople, and as such were with many farmhands under him” (p64). Kidderminster an extremely rare confluence not over-occupied with their own affairs of circumstances, graces and gifts. Yet, we or the affairs of the world. Three principles for pstoral work cannot but be challenged by the example. 5. Baxter was single. He was able to “take Baxter’s strategy of personal catechising was May Rev Capill’s book be to our generation his people for his children”. He had time a cornerstone of his shepherding of God’s what Baxter’s “Reformed Pastor” was to his for them. flock. It is outlined on page 81. They were own. 6. The sixth reason sounds rather odd – teaching visits, not simply running through a but, as Rev Capill put it, “they were top catechism, but directed to the spiritual needs * Reprinted and published by Banner of quality sinners”. Baxter comments on of the families he saw. Much of the work Truth
19 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004
Home mission in focus
Dunedin Sundays. The purpose is to give overseas undergo some training with Prison Fellowship Greetings from the picturesque, grand, students a positive experience of Christian before hand. There is also some opportunity University city of old Dunedin. Whilst most family life so that when they return home to for follow-up work with released prisoners and people “up north” struggle and strive with their native land they will be more favorably their families. So far we’ve had good traffic congestion, rat-race stress, pollution disposed towards Christianity or even be responses from those who attend and the and high prices, here we are in dear old willing to spread the word. Since many work is appreciated by prison officials. ‘Dunners’ thoroughly enjoying the relaxed overseas students come from Asia or the We encourage our people to evangelise pace, cultural stimulation, beautiful Middle East where Christianity is not the one to one. In order to help facilitate that, architecture, gorgeous scenery and close predominant religion, Operation Friendship we have introduced the congregation to proximity to every imaginable convenience. provides a tremendous opportunity to Christianity Explained (Scripture Union) as a Why does not all of New Zealand live here? conduct ‘overseas mission’ without going tool to introduce newcomers to the faith. Oh yes! I’m meant to be writing about our overseas. Furthermore we are make use of the Living evangelistic efforts. Well here in Dunedin, More recently nine of our people have Proof Evangelism Training Course (Nav Press) which by the way as far as cities goes is the helped out with prison visitation. This designed to help equip people with skills for world’s best kept secret, we have a number involves working with other churches under pre-evangelism, i.e. befriending people and of ‘irons in the home missions fires’ some the auspices of Prison Fellowship and in co- introducing matters of faith in everyday waxing, others waning as the opportunities operation with prison chaplains and wardens conversation in a winsome manner. We have and needs arise. to conduct devotions every Wednesday found this a very helpful program and plan Over the last 10 years a number of our evening and Bible studies on Friday evenings. to run it again in 2004. John Haverland has folk have been involved in Operation Four local churches participate in prison written a brief evaluation of the course in Friendship, forming friendships with overseas visitation which means we take a devotion the February 2003 edition of FiF. The March university Students. This involves meeting once every month and lead or take part in 2003 issue has an evaluation of Christianity with them on a regular basis by inviting them weekly Bible studies. Each church goes in Explained. home for dinner, on outings or to church on with its own members but visitors must Hans Vaatstra
Wellington puppets shows back to back. One about the version of the pamphlet included an invitation Every year the community of Brooklyn close wise men following the star and the other to our Christmas service. off the main street for one day in November about Christmas being more than receiving All money raised from donations for the to hold the Brooklyn Festival. The last 4 years presents, and the greatest present of all – face painting and game were for the the Wellington church has had a stall there Gods son who came to redeem us. Wellington City mission. It was really great selling plants, pots and Christian books. This The weather was great on the day and to see so many of our youth involved and year we decided to do something a little the puppets were a real hit with the kids. representing our church in the local different and so the youthclub organized a We also handed out pamphlets from the community. We are looking forward to being puppet show, face painting, a game and Bible society about the wise men story as back at the Brooklyn Festival again next year. colouring in for the children. The theme was well as information about the Sunday school We would encourage all the other churches “the real meaning of Christmas”. We ran two and the Cadets and Calvinettes. The adult to consider doing this in their local community. It is a great way to raise awareness of our denomination in our own neighbourhood.
Marianne Bos – Home & Overseas Mission Evangelism Committee
20