Volume 41/11 December 2014

Christmas Day 1814 Contents Editorial

Glad Tidings of Great Joy! (1) : The Road to Rangihoua 3 The name Samuel Marsden is well known in New Zealand for a variety of Glad Tidings of Great Joy! (2) reasons. One of those could be because there are a number of schools that The and Beyond 6 bear his name. There are sites, plaques, memorials and buildings which are synonymous with the visits by Samuel Marsden. The major reason, however, is Feminine focus the early Christian missions associated with the Church Missionary Society and Contentment or covetousness 11 the preaching of the gospel to Maori in New Zealand. On Christmas Day in 1814, just 200 years ago, Samuel Marsden preached Do you see the angels? the gospel in English and led the first Christian worship service for a congregation Christmas meditation 13 of 400 Maori, through his translator, . The place where this event took place in the Bay of Islands is marked by Books in focus 15 a memorial with the engraving “On Christmas Day, 1814, the first Christian service in NZ was held on this spot by the Rev. Samuel Marsden.” World in focus 16 Just imagine the scene: “Marsden standing on the shore of Oihi Bay, Rangihoua, Bay of Islands, in a makeshift pulpit, draped with a woven cloth, Focus on home preaching to a large group of Maori and Pakeha. His translator, Ruatara, can Gleanings be seen to his right, while Hongi and Korokoro, in their regimental uniforms, South Island Presbytery report 20 are at the heads of their iwi or hapu behind the party of settlers. War canoes are drawn up on the beach behind the preacher, and Marsden’s ship, the brig Letter to the Editor 22 Active, is moored in the stream in the distance”. (Alexander Turnbull Library). It could be the scene from any epic book or movie. Three ways to know you are For many New Zealanders, this history is either lost or insignificant, mainly a missionary too? 23 because what is Christian is of no interest to them. Yet, the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is of the highest significance in any part of the world. It The RTC Distance Education Programme 24 will have an effect and it will transform people and nations. While I don’t believe we could call New Zealand a Christian nation, nonetheless, it is hugely significant that the gospel had a very positive impact on the settling of this country that we call God’s Own. Let us celebrate 200 years of the gospel in New Zealand and rejoice in the All correspondence regarding editorial content and One who is the all-conquering King – Jesus Christ our Lord. advertising should be sent to:

The Editor: Mrs Sally Davey writes about Samuel Marsden’s road to Rangihoua. Walter Walraven Mr John Haverland reflects on the growth of Christianity beyond the Bay of 7 Winchester Avenue, Pinehaven Upper Hutt 5019 Islands Email: [email protected] Mrs Jenny Waldron gives some thought to what contentment is. Reformed Churches Home Page In our Christmas meditation, Mr Allen Harris (retired OPC minister) considers http://www.rcnz.org.nz the angels in the message of salvation. Copy Deadline: Mr Tim Challies reviews The New Calvinism Considered, by Jeremy Walker. Six weeks preceding the month of publication. Mrs Harriet Haverland reports interesting bits ’n pieces from around the Church and family notices are free, subject to churches. sufficient space and editorial acceptance. Mr H David Schuringa, of CBI gives a glimpse of what makes a missionary.

All correspondence regarding distribution and payment of subscriptions to: Cover image: Clark, Russell Stuart 1905-1966: Samuel Marsden’s first service in New Zealand. The Gospel of Jesus Christ first proclaimed on these shores The Secretary: by the Rev. Samuel Marsden at Oihi, Bay of Islands, Christmas Day, 1814 Mrs Nicola Wharekawa [Christchurch] N.Z. Church Missionary Society [1964]. Alexander Turnbull 79 McLeod Street Upper Hutt Library, Wellington. Ref: B-077-006 Email: [email protected]

Subscription per volume: The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered the official position of the $40.00 (eleven issues) Reformed Churches of NZ unless they expound the Biblical system of doctrine contained in Bulk Rate: $35.00 the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dordt, or the Westminster Overseas: $60.00 Confession of Faith, or reflect the successive Acts of Synod of the Reformed Churches of NZ. Electronically Mailed (overseas only): $40 On the other hand, care is taken to ensure that articles and opinions do not directly contradict the official position of the Reformed Churches as contained in the above sources without Production Staff: attention being called to that fact. Distribution: M. & D. van der Zwaag NB: In line with common publishing practice Faith in Focus reserves the right to publish the Design & Layout: Matrix Typography names of all contributors with their articles, unless compelling reasons are given to the editor Printed by: Flying Colours for not doing so. This applies to both print and online versions.

2 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 Glad Tidings of Great Joy! (1)

Samuel Marsden: The Road to Rangihoua

Sally Davey the like. Both his parents were known friend; encouraging him, supporting him as people of integrity and godliness; in prayer and connecting him with men Some particular moments in church being associated with the ministry of and funds when most needed. Simeon’s history have a special significance; and the Wesleyan Methodists. He and his usefulness in Christ’s kingdom in these perhaps few are more significant than family were simple, honest Yorkshire folk years cannot be overestimated; and we the first proclamation of the gospel to a who shared the characteristic Yorkshire should be forever grateful that a man people who have never heard it before. bluff frankness and lack of pretension. trained by him became so instrumental We are remembering such a moment this Later, William Wilberforce, himself a in the establishment of the church in year, on Christmas Day. Two hundred Yorkshireman, was to write that he was New Zealand. years ago, on 25th December 1814, “a Man of solid Sense, of great Good It was while he was still at Cam- Church Missionary Society missionary temper tho’ not refin’d in his Notions bridge – even before he finished his Samuel Marsden preached the very first or Manners, & capable of being made degree – that he received an offer from sermon ever delivered in New Zealand; eminently useful.”2 It was as a black- the government to take up an assistant to Maori people gathered at Rangihoua smith’s labourer, at the age of 21, that chaplaincy in the territory of New South in the Bay of Islands. Marsden’s own Christian character and Wales. This meant he would be serving Marsden was very aware of the im- desire for learning attracted the attention what was largely a military and penal mensity of the occasion, and equally of Samuel Stone, an evangelical curate colony, together with the existing chap- aware that he was but an ordinary man. in the Church of England. Stone invited lain, Richard Johnson. This offer came We so often assume that the people him to live in his household, and gave through the agency of William Wilber- God calls to do something great must him the beginnings of his formal educa- force and his friends, who were particu- somehow be great themselves – an “ex- tion. From there, through the help of the larly anxious to see that an evangelical traordinary leader” or some such thing. Elland Clerical Society (a group of evan- But Marsden, according to his first bi- gelical clergymen who channelled funds ographer, was anything but: “His life … to young men of promise to enable was not ennobled by birth or rank, nor their further education) he went was he greatly distinguished by splendid on to Hull Grammar School and talents. Yet he was, in the true sense, finally entered St John’s College a great man; and he was an instance, at Cambridge University. one of the most striking [of the middle nineteenth century, when the biography Well connected was written], of the vast results which The sponsorship of the may be accomplished when an honest Elland Society connected heart, a clear head, and a resolute mind Marsden with an influen- and purpose, are directed, under the tial group of fine, evan- influence of the grace of God, to the gelical men. One of them, attainment of a noble object.”1 This is Charles Simeon, was Vicar a good observation, and one bound to of Holy Trinity Church in encourage the rest of us who are only Cambridge, and a fellow of too conscious of how ordinary we are. King’s College. Through his How, then, did God so order the life long ministry there Simeon of this man to bring him to the Bay of discipled many young men Islands on Christmas Day, 1814? headed for the preaching min- Samuel Marsden was born on the istry at home and mission work 28th of July 1764, the son of a York- abroad. Marsden got to know shire tradesman; and his early life was Simeon at Cambridge, and throughout spent among his extended family of Marsden’s work in the Antipodes Simeon weavers, blacksmiths, small farmers and corresponded faithfully with his younger

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 3 man was given the post. Marsden at his journal, “with evil-disposed persons, rough” or were enticed into all kinds of first refused, in humility feeling himself thieves, adulterers and blasphemers. May immoral situations (women were very not up to the task, and wanting to com- God keep me from evil, that I may not scarce in the colony, and military and plete his degree. However, when asked be tainted by the evil practices of those administrative officials often cohabited again, he agreed so long as no one amongst whom I live.” with female convicts). Domestic service more suited were found. This settled, Marsden, however, did not waste a was almost their only avenue for honest he was appointed, and being ordained moment in his aim to be a preacher who work. Harvests were not always good, shortly afterward, went back to York- brought the lost to the Saviour. Imme- and there was sometimes a shortage shire to prepare for his departure. He diately placed in his new station – the of food. married Elizabeth Tristan of Hull a few “barracks” of Parramatta, a few miles months later, in April 1793. She was to inland from Sydney – he preached his Lawlessness abounding prove a very faithful and helpful wife. first Sunday in the colony on Revelation In addition to his preaching and pastoral They were to have a large household 6: “Behold the great day of his wrath is work, Marsden found himself propelled – and many visitors. A practical, well-or- come; and who shall be able to stand?” much against his wishes and the advice ganised woman, Elizabeth took care of As he was returning home, a young man of his friends at home – into serving as a a great many things and left Marsden followed him into the woods, and told magistrate. There was a genuine shortage free to achieve a prodigious amount in him how he was distressed about the of men to fill this role, and with law- his busy, crowded life. state of his soul. Marsden believed he lessness abounding, there were always was truly convicted of his sin, and re- criminal cases to be dealt with. In addi- Opposition pentant. It was a promising beginning. tion, Marsden could see that service as a Their passage to Sydney was on a In his new role, however, he was to magistrate was one of the few opportuni- convict ship. It was not a comfortable face many difficulties, and much opposi- ties he would have apart from preaching voyage (Marsden was almost always af- tion. At first the junior of two chaplains, the gospel to materially affect the course flicted with awful sea-sickness); but the after 6 years he found himself the sole of society for good. As it turned out, he most difficult part was the indifference clergyman when Richard Johnson de- was to serve for more than 20 years in – even opposition – of the captain to parted for good in 1800. There were this role. It often placed him in serious Marsden’s desire to encourage spiritu- many problems in the colony: the con- difficulties with autocratic governors; he al life on board the ship. However, he victs were a difficult bunch to administer, was misunderstood, blamed for troubles persevered, and by the third Sunday and all forms of vice abounded. Many of with the aborigines and Irish convicts; he was permitted to lead worship. He them were very reluctant to darken the and in general, it was a thankless task. found encouragement by reading David doors of the church; though they were He was altogether a hard-pressed Brainerd’s accounts of his work among compelled to attend worship. The men man; but one sphere of his life afford- the American Indians. His interactions were housed in barracks and worked in ed him immense satisfaction. Granted with the convicts readied him for what organised groups on farms or wherever various packages of land by succes- he would soon encounter in New South they were needed. The women did not sive governors, Marsden became a very Wales: “I am surrounded,” he wrote in have proper housing, and many “slept successful farmer – even pioneering in the breeding of merino sheep and dif- ferent breeds of cattle. He also grew arable crops, producing excellent har- vests. Perhaps it was his rural Yorkshire background, or even his strong consti- tution which helped, but he loved the farming life. The colony provided him with convict labour; and built him a large and comfortable vicarage in Parramatta. Physically, he and his family were well- provided for, and he was very alive to the future possibilities for agriculture in Australia. Attention on New Zealand The Marsden family always had visitors in their home; sometimes many at one time. Among them were numbers of New Zealand Maori who visited New South Wales from time to time. Marsden came to respect the intelligence and capacity of these people to learn; and began to wonder about the possibility of mission work in New Zealand. He had already had dealings with the London Missionary Society (Methodist) missionaries serving in various Pacific islands; and the Maori Marsden’s parsonage. thirst for knowledge and their general

4 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 Zealand their second work. around the end of 1809, the ship Boyd, Each Marsden was of the view (he was not in Whangaroa Harbour to purchase ❝ on his own in this) that civilisation should spars, had been burned and most of its generation precede the preaching of the gospel. So, occupants killed and eaten in retalia- with the help of these evangelical friends tion for ill-treatment of a chief’s son by must commit he arranged for two tradesmen and their the captain of the ship. This struck fear wives, and later a schoolmaster, to go into most Europeans; and no one would itself anew to New Zealand and establish them- venture to New Zealand for some years selves in farming and their own trades. afterward. Consequently, Marsden’s plans to the task, The idea was that they would share the to start a New Zealand mission had to gospel with the local Maori at every op- be shelved. and ask: portunity. Later, however, the CMS came In the meantime, Marsden hosted to the conclusion that this was not the several Maori chiefs in his home, and how have right policy. In their instructions to John purchased the brig Active (with his own Butler, their first ordained missionary money) as few companies were prepared we furthered to New Zealand they wrote: “Do not to risk their own vessels in a trip to New imagine when heathens are raised in in- Zealand’s shores. He also foresaw the Christ’s tellect, in the knowledge of the arts and value of the CMS having its own trans- outward decencies, above their fellow- port. Finally, in November 1814, after a kingdom in countrymen, that they are Christians, and trial voyage to New Zealand in which therefore rest content as if your proper Hall, King and Kendall (the three laymen this land and work were accomplished.”3 who were to be the first missionaries sta- tioned in New Zealand) returned with in this time Maori connection three of the Maori chiefs instrumental Marsden and his family set sail back to in the mission’s establishment there, that he has Australia in August 1809. Providential- Marsden set off himself. ly, also on board was Ruatara, a young Governor Macquarie had been gen- appointed for Maori chief who had served on board erous; providing the chiefs with military various ships in search of adventure, but uniforms and the nucleus of a herd of us? who had been badly treated. Marsden cattle to add to the stallion and two ❞ befriended him and took care of him; mares Marsden himself had provided. and in return Ruatara gave him lessons The chiefs were much gratified, and were interest in the gospel when compared in the Maori language. On arrival in kindly disposed to the whole mission to the Australian aborigines, turned his Sydney, Marsden took Ruatara to his effort. They themselves had helped thoughts to missionary work in New home, where he stayed for six months. Marsden learn more of the Maori lan- Zealand. This, coupled with the many He was to prove an invaluable help in guage; and together the party looked difficulties facing gospel work in Sydney, the establishment of the mission in the forward to landing again in New Zealand. drew his attention across the Tasman. Bay of Islands. By the 16th of December they had In 1807 the Marsdens left for England Circumstances, however, made a sighted the Three Kings islands, and on to recruit in person, if possible, clergy- quick beginning impossible. Sometime the 17th the Active moored off North men and schoolmasters for New South Wales – efforts by correspondence having been singularly unsuccessful. He also hoped to win the support of the newly- formed Church Missionary Society for a mission to the Maori in New Zealand. The Society was a favourite project of many of Marsden’s evangelical friends, especially Charles Simeon, who was an ardent supporter of efforts to take the gospel to indigenous peoples. They were away for three years; and in that time had many important interactions with their Christian friends that were to bear great fruit for gospel work in New Zealand. (Never let us underestimate the value of like-minded, one-hearted friendship in gospel causes). Marsden met with Wilberforce, and addressed the board of the Colonial Office and various mission societies soon after his arrival in London. He was successful in persuad- ing the CMS to make a mission to New St John’s Church, Parramatta, where Marsden served.

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 5 Cape. Visits were exchanged between landed, to the amazement of the Maori. As Marsden wrote later in his journal, the three chiefs and parties of local Marsden himself rode one of the horses, “In this manner, the gospel has been Maori who came on board; and Marsden creating a heroic image in the minds of introduced into New Zealand; and I assured them of his and the Governor’s those who saw him and remembered fervently pray that the glory of it may desire to see Maori receive protection him for many years after. Ruatara spent never depart from its inhabitants till time from abuse by visiting European traders. the rest of the day preparing for the shall be no more.”5 He was fully aware (Macquarie had appointed Kendall as celebration of the mission station’s first of the immensity of the occasion, and Magistrate in the Bay of Islands). The ever Lord’s Day and Christmas Day. Half the possibilities for future expansion of local Maori agreed to prepare a cargo an acre of land was fenced, and a pulpit the gospel. But as his words indicate, of flax for the chaplain to buy on his was raised in the centre, six feet above he was also aware how easily it could way home. the ground. A reading desk was placed all be lost, as Judges 2:10 so hauntingly nearby and some upended canoes for reminds us. Good intentions the Europeans to sit on. A flag was then On 20th December they landed at raised above the village, which was to Our response? Matauri Bay, and Marsden, despite there be hoisted regularly to mark the Lord’s How, then, should we respond, today? having been some local warfare since the Day as a day of rest and worship. By realising that we have work to do, time of the Boyd massacre, spent time in The next morning, Marsden went too. One man and his faithful band of discussion about the massacre with the ashore to find Ruatara, Korokoro and missionaries first brought the gospel to Whangaparoa Maori who came to meet dressed in their regimen- New Zealand; but it is our responsibil- him. It helped a great deal that he had tals, with their people drawn up ready ity to keep building on his foundation shown hospitality at Parramatta to one to march into the enclosure for worship. and see that the gospel flourishes. Are of the chiefs, known to the Europeans When everyone had taken their places, our hearts and minds as dedicated to as George. Both he and John Nicholas, a solemn silence settled on the scene. the task as Marsden’s? Are our lives as a private gentleman on board the ship, Marsden began by singing Psalm 100, committed to the glory of the gospel as spent the night on shore, completely un- the “Old Hundredth”, and went on to his was? Each generation must commit protected by weaponry. Exhibiting con- read the order of service from the Prayer itself anew to the task, and ask: how siderable faith and personal courage, his Book; Korokoro indicating with a switch have we furthered Christ’s kingdom in desire was to instill confidence in the when the people should sit and stand. this land and in this time that he has good intentions of the Europeans, es- Since it was Christmas Day, and the first appointed for us6? pecially the missionaries. Marsden wrote time the news of the gospel had reached in his journal: “I viewed our present these shores, Marsden preached on Luke Notes situation with new sensations and feel- 2:10, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings 1 J.B. Marsden, memoirs of the Life and Labours ings that I cannot express. Surrounded of great joy”. Step by step, in his own of the Rev. Samuel Marsden of Paramatta (orig. published 1858; reprinted Cambridge Uni- by cannibals, who had massacred and good time, Jesus Christ had brought his versity Press, 2011), p.1 (The author was not devoured our countrymen, I wondered wonderful news of salvation to a pagan related to Samuel Marsden). much at the mysteries of Providence, people who had never heard it before 2 A. T. Yarwood, Samuel Marsden: The Great Survi- and how these things could be.”4 on their native soil. Fittingly, it was vor (Melbourne University Press, 1977), p. 195 The following day the Active sailed Ruatara, who had assisted this mission 3 Marsden, p. 59 4 Marsden, p. 99 slowly to the Bay of Islands; and on work so much, who then explained what 5 Marsden, p. 103 th Saturday 24 the horses and cattle were Marsden had said in their own language. 6 Acts 17:26

Glad Tidings of Great Joy! (2)

The Bay of Islands and Beyond

John Haverland “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great Christ is good news for all peoples and joy.” He had been learning the Maori was good news for the large gathering The Good News about Jesus Christ language from those who had come to of Maori on that Christmas Day. Without was first proclaimed in Aotearoa New stay with him in Parramatta and may true faith in Christ the people of the Zealand on Christmas Day, a Sunday, well have preached some of his sermon world live in darkness and after death 1814 when the Rev. Samuel Marsden in Maori. face an eternal punishment in hell. That preached the first Christian sermon in This was a most appropriate text for was true of the Maori people in the early New Zealand. His text was Luke 2:10; the occasion. The message about Jesus 1800s. They worshipped their own gods

6 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 (atua), treated their slaves and captives aries sowed the seed of God’s word and 1825. In addition to his preaching, teach- of war cruelly, and practised tradition- waited patiently for their work to bear ing and travels he became an authority al tribal customs of revenge (utu) and fruit. Their initial work was among the on the Maori language. His brother com- cannibalism. They, like all the peoples of children and the slaves of the Maori. In mented; “He ... appears not to learn it; the world, needed to be rescued “from the first five years there were no con- it seems to flow naturally from him.”4 the dominion of darkness and brought verts. William Williams wrote about this In addition to his many other responsi- into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in time; “Many years of anxious toil were bilities he gave himself to the work of whom we have redemption, the forgive- to be passed. The bread was to be cast translating the Scriptures into the Maori ness of sins” (Col 1:13f). They needed upon the waters, but it was not to be language. to hear the “glad tidings of great joy”. found until after many days.”2 In 1827 a small book was printed con- During the next few decades many taining Genesis 1-3, Exodus 20, Matthew Christian missionaries preached and Strong leadership 5 and John 1. Translation work was ad- taught the gospel of Christ to the Maori In 1823 the Rev. Henry Williams arrived vanced by the combined efforts of the people and witnessed a remarkable in the Bay of Islands. He replaced Wesleyan and CMS missionaries under harvest! In September of 1814, just prior John Butler as the Superintendent of the leadership of William. By 1833 half to heading for New Zealand, Marsden the Mission in New Zealand. Marsden the New Testament was completed and wrote about his desire for this country; had asked Butler to resign his position in 1837 the entire New Testament was “I hope to erect the Standard of Christ’s because all the other missionaries dis- published (Hawenata Hou).5 “Soon Te Kingdom there, and to hear the sacred liked him and because his behaviour Rongopai or the ‘Good News’ was being Trumpet sound the Glad Tidings of Sal- and unwise leadership generated many studied, memorised, copied and shared vation... Faith and prayer will again tensions among them; he was regarded across the land.”6 build the walls of Jerusalem, even if as “hasty and injudicious, warm in his The first translations were printed in we are obliged to hold the Trowel in temper and unstable.”3 The strong and Australia. Later William Colenso arrived one Hand, and the Sword in another.”1 decisive leadership of Henry Williams with printing equipment and this acceler- Those early missionaries had to hold a brought stability and a much needed ated the output of portions of Scripture.

The site of the first Christian worship service at Oihi Bay, Rangihoua, Bay of Islands.

Trowel in one hand in order to support sense of direction to the mission work. As the Good News spread the demand themselves while holding the Sword of From 1823 to 1840 he led this mission became so great that larger print runs the Word of God in the other as they with energy, courage and ability. God were needed and were handled by the proclaimed the gospel. This bi-centenary greatly used him to further this work. British and Foreign Bible Society presses year of that first proclamation gives us He also worked hard to reduce inter- in London. an opportunity to reflect on the blessing tribal warfare among the Maori people. These Scriptures were highly sought of God on this early missionary work. Many times he risked his life, putting after and demand far exceeded supply. himself between forces about to join As a result many literate Maori copied A slow start battle and insisting that he be allowed portions of the Scriptures for themselves Initially the mission work did not go well. to act as mediator. and passed these on to others. They re- Part of that was due to the European garded a portion of the Bible as a pre- traders already working in the country. The Scriptures in Maori cious possession (taonga). The reading Sealers and whalers had left Europe as One of the most significant reasons for and study of the Bible brought many adventurers and, on the whole, were not the success of this mission was the accu- Maori to a saving faith in Jesus. particularly pious. They did not respond rate translation of the Scriptures into the One of the many moving accounts well to the appeal of the missionaries Maori language and the widespread dis- of the effect of these Scriptures is that to set a good example to the Maori tribution of portions of these Scriptures. of Tarore and her small Gospel of Luke, people. The missionaries, however, were William Williams (1800-1876), the given to her by the Rev. Alfred and Mrs not always the best examples and were brother of Henry, was instrumental in Charlotte Brown. Tarore wore this in a sometimes quarrelling among themselves. this. He was first educated in medicine flax basket (kete) around her neck. One The Rev. Thomas Kendal had an affair and then studied for the ministry. A godly day she was murdered by a raiding party with his servant girl Tungaroa, and as a and scholarly man, he was ordained to from Te Arawa. One of the warriors took result was dismissed from the society. Church of England ministry and shortly from her the kete with the book, read For the first fifteen years the mission- after went to New Zealand, arriving in the Gospel of Luke, and was converted.

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 7 He went to Tarore’s father, Ngakuku, and the books is intense. The arrival caused Christmas Day 1814. His was the first asked forgiveness for killing his daugh- great joy. Already I have had applicants of thousands of sermons preached by ter. Eventually Tarore’s little book ended from seven, ten and thirty miles distant missionaries to Maori, both by the CMS up in Otaki and was instrumental in and they say, ‘Let me have a book! Let and the Wesleyans. They preached in the conversion of the warrior chief Te me have a book! Let me have one for the open air and in churches they built; Rauparaha.7 my wife, my sister, my brother … . ’ Never they preached in situations of great con- Another account comes from the Wes- did such a precious case reach this place flict and danger and in times of peace leyan minister James Watkin who wrote before. Cases of clothing, useful and nec- and calm; they preached to those who about the response to the arrival of sup- essary, but this, this good thing, the better, were hostile and abusive and to those plies and Bibles to his mission station in the best thing that any ship has yet, or can who were attentive and appreciative. Waikouiti: “It would, I am sure, very much possibly bring them – the word of life.”8 Henry Williams rejected Marsden’s please that blessed British and Foreign view that Maori should be educated Bible Society to see the pleasure that their Preaching and civilised as a preliminary to con- noble gift of the New Testament affords Samuel Marsden preached the first version. Rather he was convinced that in this distant place ... . The anxiety for Christian sermon in New Zealand on the gospel needed to be preached first and that trades and agriculture would follow after that. The mission work was concentrated in Northland for some years but then began to spread through the rest of the North Island. Maori tribes became interested in the gospel and requested that mission sta- tions be established on their land. Just as with the Scriptures the demand for mis- sionaries exceeded their supply. The first minister to preach in the South Island was the Rev. William White in April 1836.9 In 1840 a Wesleyan min- ister, the Rev.. James Watkin, arrived in Waikouaiti (Karitane) on the east coast of the South Island with his wife Martha and five children, the youngest of whom was only ten months old. He preached his first sermon there on the 17 of May, the day after he arrived. Later he re- ported to the Wesleyan Mission Board in London; “This day I held a service in English which was pretty well at- tended by the men from the whaling gang, some of the agriculturalists ... , and a considerable number of the natives who, of course, could not understand me. I opened my commission in New Zealand by preaching from the old- fashioned text, 1st Timothy 1:15. This is a faithful saying (and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief) etc. The attention was great. May the word spoken not have been in vain.”10 Prior to this Watkin had been a mis- sionary in Tonga and had shown a great ability in learning the language. After arriving in the South Island he quickly learnt Maori and within four months was able to preach in the southern dialect. He translated the gospel of Matthew in South Island Maori and sent that to Sydney for printing. Through his preach- ing, teaching and widespread travels, and through the practical love and care of Memorial marking the first Christian worship service at Oihi Bay, Rangihoua, Bay of Islands. Photo by Rebecca Borger. his wife for the Maori women and chil-

8 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 themselves. Similar stories were told of during the 1820s and 30s. They devel- [The the work of converted slaves who had oped a generally good relationship with ❝ returned to their own tribes. the Maori who treated them kindly and In 1838 William Williams went with respect and seemed to appreciate missionaries] through the Waiapu district and was having them live among them. They con- astonished to find that he was not tinued to establish schools for Maori chil- laboured for preaching to unbelievers but to people dren and these were well attended and who already had a basic knowledge of had a good effect on the people. Teach- ten years Christianity. He wrote, “A great work ing centred on learning language through has been accomplished in which the the words of the Bible. As a result chil- before the hand of God has been signally manifest. dren learned to read the Bible, the An- It has not been through the labour of glican Prayer Book and the Catechism. first convert your missionaries; for the word has only The first baptism of a Maori convert been preached by Native teachers. We took place in 1824. An old man, Rangi, was baptised have literally stood still to see the salva- was approaching his death and came to tion of God.”12 a saving faith in Christ. This cheered the In 1839 Henry Williams began trav- drooping spirits of the missionaries who and for elling back from Waikanae on “his his- were often discouraged by the lack of toric 300 mile trek back to the Bay of response to the gospel. fifteen years Islands”. As he went north he “found the After 15 years of patient work the mis- gospel message had preceded him just sionaries began to see the fruit of their before they about everywhere he went, although no work. The Lord blessed their labour and white man had been there before him.”13 there were many conversions. In 1831, saw much During his three and a half years of at the beginning of this spiritual harvest, ministry in Otago, James Watkin had William Williams wrote; “I trust that our fruit from trained 26 Maori pastors and teachers children and grandchildren will behold to pass on the Christian faith to their for years to come, with pleasure and ad- their work. own people. miration, those exquisite pieces of work Today the indigenous people (the which our forefathers accomplished in tangata whenua) say, “The missionaries the infant state of things in this land.”15 Yet they brought Christianity to this country, but A year later he reported that “the seed it was our people who gave it to each which had been scattered was beginning pressed on other.”14 to vegetate … . At Waimate the chapel was far too small for the congregation… and did not God’s blessing At Ohaiawai there was an average at- give up. ❞ A steady stream of missionaries arrived tendance of from sixty to seventy … . dren, they had a very effective ministry in that region.11

Maori to Maori We should not underestimate the effect of the preaching of the gospel by the missionaries, but the good news about Jesus was also passed on by the Maori people themselves, person to person. For a long time the work had been confined to the Bay of Islands but in the 1830s the missionaries sought to es- tablish mission stations in other parts of the country. A group of them sailed to Thames and went up the Waihou River. There they gathered a group of 150 to 200 natives and began to lead a service. They were astounded when the assembly joined in the singing and made responses to the prayer in unison! Later they dis- covered that these people have received instruction from three youths who had lived with mission families in and had then moved away as missionaries St James Church in , one of the many churches built with the expansion of the gospel.

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 9 more than 30,000, not counting those dedicated and godly men and women We seem converted through the Wesleyan mission. to bring many Maori to a saving faith ❝ in Jesus and so turn them away from a Final reflections lifestyle of fighting and revenge to one to be in It is worth noting that the first mission of love and peace. We give thanks to work in New Zealand was focused on the God for the pioneering work done by a time of translation, distribution and preaching of these faithful and godly missionaries and the Bible. The CMS and Wesleyan mis- their wives and for his rich blessing on cultivating sionaries were convinced of the authority their labour. Let’s pray that God may and power of the Bible and put time and raise up more workers, both among the the ground money into translating and printing the Maori people and among all the people Scriptures and teaching people to read it. of New Zealand, and that we may see and sowing We have already noted the work William a similar great work take place in the Williams did in translating the New Testa- future. the seed ment into Maori. This is in striking contrast to the Roman Catholic mission strategy Notes rather than which concentrated on printing books of 1 Keith Newman, Bible and Treaty, Penguin Books, Roman Catholic prayers and writings of 2010, p. 29 of reaping the church fathers. The CMS missionar- 2 William Williams, Christianity Among the New ies, however, believed that the Holy Spirit Zealanders, Banner of Truth, p. 30 would use the Scriptures to convert un- 3 Williams, Christianity Among the New Zealand- a harvest. ❞ ers, p. 33 believers and build new believers in the 4 Newman, Bible and Treaty, p. 67. faith, and the Spirit certainly blessed this At Kerikeri the desire on the part of work. He also blessed their faithful and 5 In 1844 William Williams also published a Dic- tionary of the New Zealand Language. the natives to read the Scriptures was courageous preaching of the good news increasing. Those who made a profes- 6 Keith Newman, Beyond Betrayal, Penguin, about the Lord Jesus Christ. 2013, p. 17. sion of faith discovered great earnestness, The work of these early missionaries 7 This story has been wonderfully written for chil- and the senior baptised natives rendered brought the gospel to New Zealand but dren by Joy Cowley and is beautifully illustrat- 16 much assistance in giving instruction.” it was the Maori people themselves who ed. Tarore and Her Book has been published Keith Newman wrote, “From around passed this on to their own people. This by the Bible Society of New Zealand (2009) 1836 the impact of the Christian message has been the pattern through much of and is available on request. was so dramatic that New Zealand was the history of the New Testament church. 8 Newman, Bible and Treaty, p168f considered one of the most successful In the first century the early believers 9 Newman, Bible and Treaty, p. 164 mission fields in the world.”17 were forced out of Jerusalem by a severe 10 Newman, Bible and Treaty, p. 165 In 1837 Samuel Marsden made his persecution; the apostles remained in 11 Newman, Bible and Treaty, pages 164ff for an seventh and final visit to New Zealand. the city but those who were scattered encouraging description of their work. At the age of 73 he was still mentally spoke about the good news wherever 12 Williams, Christianity Among the New Zea- vigorous but could no longer travel far they went (Acts 8:4). Studies conducted landers, p.290 by foot. The Maori people, whether over the past few decades have shown 13 Newman, Bible and Treaty, p. 132f Christians or not, regarded this old man that by far the majority of people who 14 Cowley, Tarore and Her Book, p. 13 as a father and a friend and insisted on are converted come to faith through the 15 Nola Easdale, Missionary and Maori, Te Waihora carrying him in a litter from Hokianga to witness of someone they know, a family Press, 1991, p. 10. Waimate. He visited all the mission sta- member, friend or workmate. 16 Williams, Christianity Among the New Zea- tions in the Bay of Islands. “This veteran We should also note the patience landers, p.146. soldier of Christ was permitted to see a and perseverance of these early mis- 17 Newman, Beyond Betrayal, p.17 large body of Christians in every locality sionaries. They laboured for ten years 18 Williams, Christianity Among the New Zea- he came to, while the New Testament before the first convert was baptised and landers, p 251 was coming into circulation, and ac- for fifteen years before they saw much 19 Williams, Christianity Among the New Zea- complishing that sure and certain work fruit from their work. Yet they pressed landers, p. 260 which God had appointed.”18 on and did not give up. They believed In 1839 William Williams described a they were doing the Lord’s work and time of great harvest; “God had poured that he would prosper their efforts in out his Holy Spirit, and has inclined great his time, and so it was. We seem to be numbers to listen to the invitation given in a time of cultivating the ground and to them. At all the old mission stations sowing the seed rather than of reaping in the north there was a great increase a harvest (John 4:37f). We too need to in the congregations, and in six months persevere with this hard work, praying two hundred and twenty nine persons that one day the Lord will bring about a were received into the church.”19 Those harvest, as he did in the 1830s and 40s. who were converted witnessed to their Today we can look back on this relatives, seeking to bring them to Christ. period of mission work as one of the By 1840 Williams estimated the total bright spots in the church history of number of attendants at worship to be New Zealand. The Holy Spirit used these

10 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 Feminine focus Jenny Waldron

Contentment or covetousness

Jenny Waldron why “Do not covet” was one of the Ten create an idol in our hearts and minds, Commandments. To me, it seemed at the and we become discontented with what How we think affects the way we live time, coveting something wasn’t that big we have or who we are. our lives. That is a statement that seems a deal, not all that serious and certainly I have to confess that I am a bit of so obvious that it doesn’t need saying, wasn’t as bad as killing someone! After a petrol head, and recently, on the way and yet it is one we often forget. We all, we have all admired things that our to church no less, I spotted a red 1928 can find ourselves in all sorts of strife neighbours own (from their dolls and Ford Model A coupe hot-rod with a because of the way we think and per- Lego collections to their new BBQ, newly 327 Chev motor (I looked up the details ceive things in life. As Christian women decorated kitchen or their vast craft col- purely as research for this article!). There we easily find ourselves with wrong lection) and wished they were our own. would have been a time when I would thought patterns which manifest them- However, as these desires possess our have coveted such a car. I would have selves in our lives; and one of these is minds to the point where we can barely dreamed about it and made (very) strong being discontent with our lot. think of anything else, desire becomes suggestions to my husband (who is not As a child I could never comprehend coveting. When we covet something we interested in cars at all) to purchase

1928 Ford Model A hotrod. www.wallpaperhere.com

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 11 one. Now, however, I can appreciate we had five children squeezed into the ed to be thankful4 in all circumstances the beauty, work and power of such a various rooms, a flushing toilet, a shower and to make God’s deeds and good- car without having to own one and I and a wood burner. We have many very ness known to others. If we are thank- am very thankful for the Toyota car/van happy memories of the time we lived ful, instead of complaining, about the thing the church has provided for us. there and I am still thankful for flushing weather (have to work on that one) or How does covetousness creep into our toilets and a hot shower! the house we live in or the clothes we lives? We certainly don’t walk around It isn’t always easy being content, for wear or our poor health, we will become looking for it, and yet it steals into our example, when your husband has been more and more content. hearts. We compare ourselves and our laid off and can’t find work, or when All things come from God and when lives with others. House and garden type the pay check doesn’t stretch to pay for we complain, we are complaining about magazines, whilst good for ideas, can a visit to the doctor or when you feel God’s provision for us. Instead we should make us dissatisfied with our own homes too embarrassed to invite people over be thankful for God’s abundant supply and gardens. Junk mail and other adver- because the house renovations aren’t and his many, many blessings to us. This tising are designed to make us discon- or can’t get finished. But it can also be has many ramifications for our lives. Not tented with what we have, or look like, difficult to be content when you have only will this affect how we live today, and the desire grows to buy whatever a spacious house filled with fine furni- but it also will affect how we are in old it is that they are selling, on special of ture, you have a late model car (or a age when our patterns of living and think- course. Love stories (even Christian ones) hot-rod) and expensive clothing. None ing become more and more obvious. If can make us compare our husbands with of these things satisfy for long, so we we have lived a life of thankfulness and the “hero” of the book or film and we continually look for the next thing that contentment, our older years will reflect can find our man lacking. Everywhere will give us that buzz that feels so good that but if we have lived a life of com- we look there are traps we can fall into. (for such a short time). That buzz is not plaining and being discontent, we will Being tempted in and of itself is not a contentment, it just masks the discontent- reap a harvest of bitterness and loneli- sin, but allowing our desires to entice us ment until something new comes along. ness in our latter years. and lure us, is. The desire becomes sin However, we can learn to be content, Many years ago I met a lady, Mary, as we set an idol in our hearts.1 whether in low circumstances or high, (not her real name). She had been Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:6, “Now because Christ will strengthen us. brought up in Zimbabwe and had come there is great gain in godliness with con- In Linda Dillow’s book, Calm My to live in NZ with her husband, mother tentment. For we brought nothing into Anxious Heart, she tells the story of the and only son. She was beautiful, in- the world, and we cannot take any- mother of a friend: telligent, hard-working and articulate. thing out of the world. But if we have “Ella [the mother] worked as a mission- However, her ungrateful attitude began food and clothing, with these we will ary with the pygmies in Africa for fifty- early in life. She was bitter about the be content.” And in Philippians 4:11-12 two years. She had left her country, her fact that her sister had an English edu- … “I have learned in whatever situation family and all that was familiar. Primi- cation while, due to financial constraints, I am to be content. I know how to be tive doesn’t even begin to describe her she had been educated in Africa. Mary’s brought low, and I know how to abound. living conditions in the scorching heat move to NZ was not her first choice, In any and every circumstance, I have and humidity of the African bush. But and her home was never as grand as learned the secret of facing plenty and Ella found no relief because electricity, she would have liked it to be. Nothing hunger, abundance and need.” And the air conditioning, and other modern con- seemed to satisfy. When her husband secret to his learning contentment is? veniences were only a dream. Some days left her when their son was 3, she had “I can do all things through him who it was so unbearably hot that she had to to go out to work to support her son strengthens me.” bring the thermometer inside because it and mother and she certainly had not One of the things I love about Paul’s couldn’t register past 120 degrees F (48.8 planned on that. As the years passed writings is that he is so practical. And he degrees C) without breaking.” she became more and more bitter about doesn’t leave us guessing or wondering In Ella’s diary her daughter discov- life. Sadly, to date, Mary doesn’t know how to achieve greater godliness. In this ered her mother’s prescription for con- God and the comfort He could bring. case, Paul learned contentment through tentment: Instead, she has nurtured her hurts and depending on Jesus Christ and we, too, • Never allow yourself to complain griefs, and now lives a lonely existence can rely on Him to strengthen us today. about anything – not even the weather craving close relationships with those We can learn contentment! It is • Never picture yourself in any other around her, and yet bewildered as to something we can practice and learn, circumstance or someplace else why her son and his family don’t want by capturing every thought2 and relying • Never compare your lot with another’s to spend time with her. on Christ for his strength.3 • Never allow yourself to wish this or Learn to be content, now, before Everything we have comes from the that had been otherwise you find yourself lonely and bitter in hand of God. We are all blessed with • Never dwell on tomorrow – remem- your old age. many things that we can be thankful ber that tomorrow is God’s, not ours. But, you may ask, how can I be to God for. How challenging is this? Not even the content when… my child turns away For many years we lived in a small weather? But as we practice these things, from the Lord? Or my husband has died two-bedroomed wooden cottage. When they will help us to learn to be content and left me all alone? Or I haven’t been we moved in, it only had an outside in whatever situation we find ourselves. able to find a husband or now that I am toilet (a long drop), two hopeless open I would add one more thing. married we haven’t been able to have a fires and the bath would take about an • Be thankful in every circumstance! baby? And the list goes on. These can hour to fill. When we finally moved out Throughout the Bible, we are exhort- be hard providences indeed and yet,

12 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 even in the times of great difficulty, we God. Perhaps we can ask ourselves these cumstance and situation, gaining greater can trust the Lord. There is a place for questions; (a) “Do we really believe that godliness.5 grief and sadness in these very difficult God is in control of everything?” (b)” circumstances and, as Christians, it is Do all things work together for good to 1 James 1:13-17 often at times like these that our faith those who believe in Christ Jesus?” and 2 Romans 12:2 3 Phil 4:12 is tested to the max – yet our Lord has (c )”What is it that I can be thankful for 4 e.g. 1 Chr 16:8, 1 Thes 5:18 promised to never leave us nor forsake in this particular circumstance?” 5 Recommended Reading: us. We can be either built up and As we practice being thankful, telling Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow strengthened in our walk with the Lord others of God’s goodness to us, praying Compared to Her… How To Experience True Con- or we become discontented and put all that the Lord would strengthen us and tentment by Sophie de Witt Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh de Moss sorts of idols (including family, husbands help us not to covet, we will become or houses) in our hearts in place of our more and more content in every cir-

Christmas meditation Do you see the angels?

Allen Harris hard to distinguish what you cannot end. It opens our eyes to the world we see from fantasy. This is true especially cannot see, to give us hope in the suf- If you are a genuine believer in Jesus in hard times, when God seems to be fering of this world. Christ, not simply a religious person absent and it feels as if this world is all This dual perspective is nowhere more who is sympathetic to Christianity, then there is. evident than in the Christmas story. Let you live simultaneously in two worlds. The Book of Revelation was written us examine that familiar story from these You, of course, live in the world you to Christians in hard times to reveal two perspectives. First, we shall consid- can see and touch, like everyone else. what we cannot see: the cosmic battle er the world of what Mary and Joseph But, unlike unbelievers, you are aware going on between God and Satan in this saw and felt when it seemed that God of a world you cannot see, a heavenly world. It portrays what sometimes seems had abandoned them. Then we shall see reality you know only by faith. so unlikely to us, that Jesus is Lord of how the Bible gives us a glimpse of the You affirm this, but sometimes it is all history, and that he will win in the heavenly reality and involvement.

The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1472-75. en.wikipedia.org

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 13 in the barn.” It was probably a cave in heavenly reality. We look the nearby limestone hills where animals In Luke 1, we read that Zechariah was ❝ were sheltered. an aged priest – ordinary, but faithful. not to the So “she gave birth to her firstborn An angel appeared to him to announce son and wrapped him in swaddling that his wife, Elizabeth, would give mi- things that cloths and laid him in a manger, because raculous birth to a son, John. Then an there was no place for them in the inn” angel announced the birth of the Messiah are seen but (Luke 2:7). She wrapped him; she laid to Mary, his mother. So she knew that him. She did not receive help from any whatever would happen, God would to the things other woman. All she had was Joseph, be with her. and you women can tell us how much Elizabeth rejoiced when Mary, her that are help a man is at that point! relative, came to visit her, because Eliz- Did she wonder, “Where are you, abeth’s baby, John, leapt in her womb unseen. For Lord?” Could she comprehend that he at Jesus’ presence. was right there – lying in the manger?! Mary was given a song, which she the things They tried to settle down after the sang to Elizabeth. Mary was no doubt birth. They were dog-tired, and the smart and spiritual, but what Galilean that are seen animals were no help. Suddenly, as they teenager could have crafted “the Mag- were drifting off to sleep, they heard nificat” extemporaneously? The song are transient, the rough voices of shepherds outside: must have encouraged Mary as much “Is there a baby in here?” I can hear as it has encouraged countless believ- but the things Joseph: “You gotta be kidding! Do we ers down through the ages. have to move?” Remember that Mary Then an angel, in a dream, vindicated that are and Joseph had not gotten the memo Mary to Joseph and assured him of her from the angels about shepherds coming innocence and supernatural pregnancy unseen are to worship. (Matt. 1:20 –25). They decided to stay in Bethlehem An angel announced the birth of the eternal. and try to make a new life there. It must Messiah to some shepherds, and was ❞ have been difficult to find a home and then joined in a heavenly chorus. (I start up a carpentry business in a new know the Greek says they “said” [Luke The earthly perspective area.We know at least that before too 2:13], but could such a pronouncement Mary got pregnant before her marriage long they had a house to live in, since have been without melodic crescendo?) to Joseph. Imagine the awkwardness and Matthew mentions that the magi came Luke tells us that after the shep- humiliation she must have felt. There to visit them there (Matt. 2:11). herds reported to her what they had was no way to convince people that she But then Joseph learned that Herod seen and heard, “Mary treasured up all was innocent. Those must have been was out to kill his son, so they were these things and pondered them in her very lonely days for her. Joseph serious- uprooted again and took a hasty, long heart” (Luke 2:19). Surely she was given ly considered a private divorce to spare journey as refugees to Egypt.While they a glimpse of the Lord who was indeed her further shame. Did she think, “Lord, were there, they heard that Herod’s sol- with her, and she was comforted. why don’t you vindicate me?” diers had slaughtered all the baby boys One or two years later, as they began He did vindicate her, at least to in the environs of Bethlehem two years their life in Bethlehem, some strangers Joseph, but then she heard that the old and under – probably about twenty in rich garb came to their door from the Roman government required them to infants. That was about the same number east and said a light had led them to travel eighty miles to Bethlehem for a of children that were gunned down in this house, where the king of the Jews census. Did she think, “This does not Newtown, Connecticut, eleven days was living. The visitors then presented seem like very good timing, Lord”? before Christmas last year (2012). Re- extravagant gifts. Mary and Joseph did Having to walk eighty miles when she member the horror we felt about that not know that these were God’s pro- was nearly due to deliver her son did child massacre. visions for a long trip that they would not suggest that God was in control, but Mary and Joseph certainly knew those soon need to make. This was another rather Caesar Augustus. Well, at least she families. They probably knew some of evidence that he was with them. would be spared the shame of family em- them well. Jesus may have played with Again an angel appeared to Joseph barrassment at the birth. Small comfort. some who were killed because of him. and warned him of Herod’s nefarious So they arrived at Bethlehem. The Surely Mary and Joseph felt deep grief plan. God warned, delivered, and pro- “inn” that Luke speaks of was a half- and possibly guilt. “God, what are you tected them. And in another year or so, open enclosure. It was first come, first doing? This world is so full of pain.Where this dreadful man was dead. served. Were there relatives living there are you?” In the coming years, Mary would see who had heard of Mary’s pregnancy and her Son be misunderstood, mistreated, refused hospitality to such a shameful The heavenly perspective and then crucified. She didn’t see that woman? We are not told. All we know Before our hearts are too weighed it would be in his moment of deepest is that no one made room for her when down, let us look at the same story agony, at Gethsemane, that God would she went into labor. Joseph undoubted- from the heavenly perspective. God again reveal the unseen reality with an ly pleaded her case: “Please, my wife is reveals himself again and again – largely angel’s comfort (Luke 22:43). having a baby!” Response: “Go have it through angels, those messengers of Jesus’ crucifixion crushed all hope

14 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 for his disciples. God seemed to them cended to heaven, where he is no longer the Christmas story. Realise that there is to be totally absent. Evil appeared to seen. He is now seated at God’s “right always a dual drama unfolding – one that have won the day, and it was hard to hand in the heavenly places, far above we can see, and one that we cannot. imagine going on. But on the third day, all rule and authority” (Eph. 1:20–21). When you focus on the manger, do Mary, together with other women, would And God has even “raised us up with not forget to look at the angels and have the resurrection of Jesus announced him and seated us with him in the heav- see heaven breaking through. Then, like to them by angels (Matt. 28:2–7; Mark enly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). Paul, you will not lose heart because 16:5–7; Luke 24:4–7; John 20:12–13). Our true life is “hidden with Christ in you know that “this slight momentary Again the unseen inhabitants of our God” (Col. 3:3).You cannot see that any affliction is preparing for us an eternal world disclosed the reality we so need more than you can see the angels, but weight of glory beyond all comparison.” to perceive in our darkest hours. They it is as real as the chair you are sitting We look “not to the things that are seen announced the power and presence of in. Ah, but “when Christ who is your but to the things that are unseen. For God in a way that changed everything, life appears, then you also will appear the things that are seen are transient, but transforming the very world that seeks with him in glory” (Col. 3:4). This is that the things that are unseen are eternal” to erase him from our thoughts. No enduring reality of which this world is (2 Cor. 4:17–18). matter how grim your circumstances, only shadows. the resurrection of Jesus is your window Yes, we live in a suffering world.When The author is a retired OP minister. into that reality and hope. you feel overwhelmed by your trials and He quotes the ESV. New Horizons The risen Christ appeared to many wonder where in the world God is, I ask December, 2012. over the next forty days. Then he as- you, as strange as it sounds, to look at

Books in focus

The New Calvinism Considered ment that encompasses myself and so his criticism. Finally, he wants the reader by Jeremy Walker many others. to know that the New Calvinism is not reviewed by Tim Challies The New Calvinism is the subject of monolithic and, therefore, he cannot Jeremy Walker’s new book The New Cal- speak to every corner and nuance of They call it the New Calvinism. It is a vinism Considered: A Personal and Pasto- the movement. relatively new movement that has dis- ral Assessment. Behind that rather austere With those caveats in place, he ad- covered some old theology and brought title is a very accessible book that does vances to chapter two, “Characteristics it into the mainstream. It is a movement exactly what the title claims: it shines a of the New Calvinism.” Here he pro- titled after its theology, but one formed spotlight on this theological movement vides a brief primer of the Calvinistic around its leaders – it can hardly be dis- and considers where it has come from, theology that lies at the heart of it and cussed without reference to John Piper what it has accomplished and where it introduces some of the cast of charac- and Al Mohler and Matt Chandler and may be going in the future. ters – the pastors, theologians and other so many others. It is a fascinating move- While the New Calvinism is primarily leaders. He also writes about some of an American movement, Walker writes the conferences and associations that from the far side of the Atlantic where make this thing a movement, and closes he pastors Maidenbower Baptist Church by suggesting that as a movement the in Crawley, England. This gives him an New Calvinism is already beginning to interesting perspective and one that may broaden and slow. be slightly more objective than if he was Chapter 3 contains his commenda- based in North America. I found myself tions of the movement. He praises the eager to read his assessment and eager New Calvinism for being Christ-orient- to hear his inevitable critiques. ed and God-honoring; for being grace- The first chapter is titled “Compre- soaked; for its emphasis on missional hending the New Calvinism” and here living; for its focus on complementarian Walker explains what he hopes to ac- theology; for being willing to take ad- complish in his book. He explains that he vantage of new opportunities and tech- writes from a personal and pastoral per- nologies; and for its deep commitment spective, which means his understand- to expositional preaching. These com- ing is necessarily subjective and limited. mendations come across as sincere and He seeks to provide a balanced and not the least bit fake or forced. appropriately irenic appreciation which With the commendations in place, means that while he is not breathless in he dedicates chapter 4 to a series of his praise, neither is he overly harsh in cautions and concerns. He warns of:

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 15 the pragmatism and commercialism that a greater awareness for those concerns. dations. And I would have liked a little may lie at the root of this movement; an He says, “[B]e Calvinists. Do not panic more prescription. It is easy enough to unbalanced view of culture that allows blindly. Do not capitulate foolishly. Do identify issues, but far more difficult to people to Christianise what ought to be not strike wildly. Live before God and propose a compelling alternative. rejected outright; a troubling approach be determined to learn of Christ in de- While I am thankful for this move- to holiness displayed in either antinomi- pendence on the Holy Spirit. Love and ment and while I am grateful to have anism or unbiblical views of sanctifica- serve the triune God above all, and be been swept up in it, while I do love tion; a potentially dangerous ecumenism ready to love and serve his saints wher- Reformed theology and while I thank – a pursuit of unity that may eventu- ever you find them, and however your God for all the good he has done, still ally come only at the cost of truth and supreme attachment to the Lord of glory I hold many of Walker’s concerns and doctrinal minimalism; the unresolved demands it.” believe they are well worth considering. tension surrounding the miraculous spir- Overall, I found Walker’s assessment I believe a book like this is a sign itual gifts (Note: this was written before very compelling. If someone had asked of health for a movement; it is when a John MacArthur’s Strange Fire confer- me to sketch out my commendations movement refuses to examine itself, to ence and book!); and finally, a trium- and concerns of the New Calvinism, admit and respond to weaknesses, that it phalism, a brashness, that may come they would have matched his almost is destined to fail. A willingness to read when a movement is young and seem- exactly. I would have liked to see a few and consider such critiques will be an ingly successful. In the same way that more words dedicated to the women even greater proof of health, and for that Walker’s commendations come across who have been involved in the move- reason I commend this book to you. (It as sincere, his criticisms come across as ment and those who have been leaders is currently just US$6.79 at Amazon) genuine and kind. within it. After all, while the New Calvin- The final chapter is given to “Conclu- ism is distinctly complementarian, there Reproduced with permission. sions and Counsels.” Here he tosses aside are women who have played important knee-jerk reactions to both the commen- roles within it. I would have liked to http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/ dations and cautions and urges people to have a little less hedging and qualifying considering-the-new-calvinism continue to embrace the good but with in the section dedicated to commen-

World in focus

What’s the threat of 30,000 in Iraq. Many of Islamic State’s defined as “forms of political theory and fighters are from the region but, for practice that have as their goal the es- Islamic State to the example, an estimated 11,000 to 12,000 tablishment of an Islamic political order Church worldwide? jihadis are said to have come to Syria in the sense of a state whose govern- from abroad, of which about 3,000 are mental principles, institutions and legal from Western countries, according to system derive directly from the shari’ah.” World leaders feel Islamic State ambi- New York-based Soufan Group and the Violent rejectionists, often referred tions do not stop in the Middle East. London-based International Centre for to as jihadists, are individuals and net- While Islamic State is wreaking havoc the Study of Radicalization. Especially works that, often linked to or inspired in Iraq and Syria, its ambitions do not after the declaration of the Caliphate, by al Qaeda, reject participation in the stop there. Moreover, several world the number of foreign jihadis rose con- democratic system and use violence to leaders are saying it is one of the biggest siderably, they say. advance their goals. threats they are facing. But exactly how The other two expressions of Islam- does Islamic State fit into the global 2. How does Islamic State fit into a ism are the ‘non-violent rejectionists’, picture of Christians under pressure for process of global Islamization? such as Salafists, and the ‘participation- their faith worldwide? Islamic State is not an isolated ‘lonely ists’, such as the Muslim Brotherhood. wolf’. It is an integral part of a well-es- According to Lorenzo Vidino, Senior 1. What is Islamic State? tablished Islamist spectrum. This Islamist Fellow at the Centre for Security Studies Islamic State (IS) is a group of Sunni mili- spectrum bridges into mainstream Islamic ETH Zurich “Non-violent rejectionists are tants who have set up a self-pronounced groups who cherish the same key con- individuals and groups such as Salafists Caliphate at the end of June 2014. The cepts, even though they often do not and Hizb ut-Tahrir which openly reject group stems from radical groups former- actively wish to push them to their ex- the legitimacy of any system of govern- ly affiliated with al-Qaeda and aims at tremes. That is what makes Islamic State ment not based on Islamic law, but do setting up a strict form of Sharia law in its so dangerous. not, at least publicly and openly, ad- state. According to the UK-based Syrian Islamic State is a typical example of vocate the use of violence to further Observatory of Human Rights, Islamic ‘violent rejectionists’, the most radical their goals.” State has 50,000 fighters in Syria and expression of Islamism. Islamism can be He sees “at the bottom of the Islam-

16 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 ist pyramid the numerically most sig- in public and Scripture being read out 5. How might Islamic State advance nificant component of political Islam in loud for Muslims to hear; Christian in the region? Europe: the Muslim Brotherhood and symbols, like crosses, cannot be dis- For the near future, however, it is likely other ‘participationist’ Islamic Move- played openly; churches and monas- that Islamic State will experience difficul- ments. Participationists are individuals teries cannot be repaired or restored ties expanding further south in Iraq, since and groups which adhere to that strand irrespective if damage was collateral this area is majority Shi’ite. The Shi’ite of Islamism that advocates interaction or intentional; and Christians are also population will not accept Sunni Islamic with society at large, both at the micro- not allowed to make offensive remarks State as have done their Sunni counter- level through grassroots activism, and at about Muslims or Islam. The dhimmi parts in the north west of the country. the macro-level through participation in contract also enforces an Islamic dress Moreover, Iran will not allow Islamic State public life and the democratic process,” code, like the veiling for women, and to touch Shi’ites and approach Iran. Fur- explains Vidino. “Unlike rejectionists”, commercial and dietary regulations, in- thermore, the USA and a number of allies he says “such organizations have made cluding a ban on alcohol. have stepped up their interventions to a conscious decision to avoid unnec- Muslims who convert to Christianity, hamper IS after the beheadings of three essary confrontation and have instead though, would undoubtedly be killed. Westerners and the threat of the same opted for a clever and flexible policy fate for a British IS captive. of engagement with the European es- 4. Why is Islamic State so Nevertheless, hindering Islamic State’s tablishment.” successful? advancement in Iraq might actually So while we need to recognize that Currently, Islamic State holds an area trigger it to open up new horizons in Islamic State, as ‘violent rejectionists’, as large as the country of Jordan. The the region, for example in Jordan and are at one end of the Islamist spec- advance of Islamic State through Iraq Lebanon. Already, Islamic State elements trum, that spectrum reaches from there did not come as a big surprise. It was are present in those countries, shown by into the more ‘participationist’ groups a time when the parliament was preoc- the IS murders of two Lebanese soldiers which are much more identifiable cupied with forming a new government and a pro-IS rally held in the Jordanian within European and Western demo- after the elections and when the army city of Ma’an at the end of June. cratic societies. was demoralized due to low salaries and It turns out that Islamic State is not previous Islamic State attacks. In this only holding its ground but also has am- 3. How does Islamic State fit into vacuum, IS seemingly could march to bitions going beyond the Iraqi and Syrian the picture of Christians under Baghdad without real opposition. borders. This was indicated by IS’ previ- pressure for their faith worldwide? Lastly, another factor to take into ous name: ISIL, the Islamic State of Iraq The regime of Islamic State is the strong- account is the lack of affirmative action and the Levant, which covers Syria and est possible expression of Islamic extrem- from the West until now. In the time Iraq but also Jordan, Lebanon and Israel, ism, which is the most global ‘engine’ of it took for Western political leaders to including the Palestinian Territories. This persecution. All people under this regime determine a strategy and take action, region seems to be Islamic State’s first are subjected to an absolute application Islamic State had succeeded in taking priority. Nevertheless, Islamic State is also of shari’ah law. This is done by an ex- over considerable parts of Iraq and making clear that it wants the caliphate cessive use of violence, which adher- Syria and taking root in the region in to reign over the entire globe. This is ents believe is sanctioned by the Koran. a nation building project that seems to expressed by the name change to IS, The evolution of the persecution sketch the outlines of a truly Islamic meaning ‘Islamic State’, which exceeds pattern driven by IS has been typical ‘Reign of Peace’. geographical boundaries. for Islamic extremism, although it devel- oped very fast. Typical are the extremely high levels of pressure for Christians (and other non-Muslims) in all spheres of life, and the extremely high level of violence. Once IS has established itself, the high level of violence should, in theory, drop because Christians will either have been killed, have fled or have conformed to a hard-core ‘dhimmi’ contract, by which they pay a ‘protection tax’ and are treated as second class citizens. The contract is an integral part of tra- ditional Islamic sharia law dating back to medieval times and requiring non- Muslims, in this instance Christians, to pay protection money which only allows them to gather for worship in churches. Under the dhimmi contract, public expressions of Christian faith are not allowed. These prohibitions include: Christian wedding and funeral proces- sions; ringing of church bells; praying World leaders feel Islamic State ambitions do not stop in the Middle East.

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 17 6. What does this mean for “We offer them three choices: Islam, the are rediscovering what it means to hold Christians in the region and dhimmi contract (involving paying a secu- on to their faith in Christ and to receive worldwide? rity tax called ‘jizya’), and if they refuse God’s peace in their hearts and minds. Where Islamic State has gained power, this they have nothing but the sword.” Also, some Muslims have converted their reign of terror is driving all Chris- Moreover, the IS movement has a because the only people helping them tians and other minorities out. Before strong potential to spread beyond Iraq were Christians; others have become Islamic State began its rampage, about and Syria through the foreign jihadis. disgusted with Islam because of Islamic 3000 Christians had been living in Mosul, Jihadis are returning to their home coun- State’s atrocities. And maybe, the small down from 35,000 after the 2003 war. tries and there are real fears they’ll con- number of completely disillusioned and Now, there are virtually no Christians left. tinue to spread their ideas or actions returning jihadis could be a drop in the The mainly Christian town of Qarakosh there. These fears already came true in ocean, to eventually counterbalance the has been abandoned as well, along with a shooting attack at the Jewish Museum appeal of Islamic State. For instance, one other villages; the last Christians have left in Brussels on May 24, leaving four dead. such man, a Syrian, spoke to the BBC the northern town of Bartella. Tens of The attack was carried out by a French on 16th Sept, and gave insights into how thousands of Christians have become in- jihadist who had returned after spend- Islamic State operates. ternally displaced, fleeing to the Kurdish ing one year in Syria. It is a realistic per- www.worldwatchmonitor.org region, with cities like Erbil and Dohuk spective to expect that more returned Published: September 25, 2014 taking in thousands of them. A Christian jihadis will turn against Christian, Jewish mother voices the feelings many Chris- or Western influences in Europe and tians are sharing: “If we stay, this will worldwide. Additionally, in their efforts happen over and over again. First we to curb the travel of jihadis to Iraq and Arab churches’ key wanted to stay in Iraq, it’s our home, Syria, (as well as their possibly radical- contribution to Iraqi we love this land, but it’s too much. We ized influence in their home countries), can’t live like this anymore.” governments could be in danger of over- relief But what is perhaps even more wor- reacting, thus hindering the freedom of rying is what many of them take with religion or expression of Muslims too As a coalition of Western and Arab coun- them. While fleeing their homes and much. That could create a vicious cycle tries continues military action to try to leaving behind everything but the clothes of frustration and resentment, which defeat Islamic State (IS), it’s timely to hear on their backs, Christians - adults and may fuel further violence against these how the region’s largest Christian minor- children alike - take with them fear. It Christian, Jewish or Western influences. ity – in Egypt – is helping to provide hu- is a fear that haunts their days and fuels In the midst of this chaos, fear and manitarian relief in Northern Iraq. nightmares. Children wake up screaming danger, there are sparks of hope. Con- Coptic Christians themselves faced in the night: ‘IS is coming, IS is coming!” fronted with a large number of refugees, an onslaught from Islamic extremists It is a fear based on reality. In its efforts Christians in northern Iraq have taken on only a year ago, but are now providing to set up and maintain a pure Islamic the task of taking in refugees and setting much-needed practical and psychologi- caliphate, Islamic State is using all means up relief. Church leaders are taking the cal support to other Arab speakers in necessary, including the use of extreme lead to inspire church members to help. ways that Westerners cannot. violence. Affected and targeted are the They try to look to the future and see One of the biggest churches in the majority Muslims, but also non-Sunnis, the importance of caring for the children. Arab world, Kasr el-Dobara church in such as Shia Muslims, Yazidis and Chris- For example, child-friendly spaces are set Cairo, is delivering aid alongside agencies tians. Islamic State itself has made no up in tents and available rooms to give such as the UNHCR, Caritas and many secret of its intentions, as is shown by a children a place to play and have fun. others, thanks to its relatively well-paid statement of IS after conquering regions Even though the recent crisis is the and well-connected membership. where large communities of Christians latest in decades of fighting and war and Revd Fawzi Khalil, director of relief had been living for hundreds of years: people despair, a number of Christians ministries, has just returned from Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, where many of the 1.8 million Iraqis displaced since January, have settled. His church has sent a delegation to Iraq every 10 days for the past two months, trying to stem the humanitarian Persecuted Church tide. Its middle-to-upper class member- Christians in Iraq and Syria are undergoing persecution of a most terri- ship, which worships in a street behind fying nature at the present time. Please pray for our brothers and sisters the flashpoint Tahrir Square, has so far in these countries – that their faith may be strengthened through these donated $180,000 to the effort. A fun- trials, that they might find a place where they can live in peace, and that draising trip to the United States added those who have lost loved ones might find rich comfort from God. Pray an additional $120,000. also for their persecutors, that they might be conquered by the gospel They have distributed 2,500 mat- of grace. You may like to consider supporting agencies that assist perse- tresses, along with pillows and blan- cuted Christians such as Voice of the Martyrs (http://wwxw.persecution. kets, and also 400 portable gas stoves co.nz/) or Barnabas Fund (http://barnabasfund.org/NZ/). that serve four families at a time. Most impressively, the church supports a network of 2,200 families that receive

18 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 Khalil’s team has a wealth of stories Kharrat, a former MP in the Egyptian collected from their visit. They spoke Parliament, thinks the next most fortunate to dozens of individuals with similar group of refugees are those taken in by stories, but names and faces begin to Kurdish families, followed by those in un- blend together. finished buildings but under the sponsor- A 60-year-old blind man from Nineveh ship of church groups. Kasr el-Dobara’s told Khalil how he couldn’t return to his efforts are toward this group, primarily. home. ‘I don’t want to go back to the same neighbors who betrayed me,’ he Underfunded UN campsites said. ‘They surrendered me to the ter- But thousands of Iraqis remain on the Dinner served to refugees at Mar Elia church rorists.’ streets and in underfunded UN camp- in Erbil in August. Soha is 22. She graduated from uni- sites in the desert. Kharrat noticed most World Watch Monitor versity and was looking forward to her tents were recycled from an earlier new job in Mosul before the IS onslaught. Syrian refugee camp, and of deteriorat- Now she must care for her brother’s ing quality. three children who have been separated After speaking to Kurdish officials, from their mother. he related their complaint that under the Maliki government, Baghdad failed ‘The end of my youth.’ to send Erbil its constitutionally guar- ‘Now, all I have is a mattress, a donated anteed share of the budget. The new plate of food, and two pairs of cloth- government, formed on 8 September, ing,’ she told Eva Boutros. ‘This is the has promised to do so but not yet de- end of my youth.’ livered, he said. Boutros is the director of volunteer This has left the Kurdish regional gov- Thousands who slept in the church yard in ministry for Kasr el-Dobara, but accom- ernment in a bind, the officials say. The Erbil in August will be more vulnerable when panied a joint churches team organized UNHCR is a refugee agency, but those winter temperatures arrive. by the Chaldean Church in Heliopolis, fleeing are technically considered In- World Watch Monitor Cairo. ternally Displaced People (IDPs). With This team brought cash as well as no agency possessing a clear mandate, a food basket every two weeks. tents, medical supplies, blankets, and the UN looks to the local government This network is run in coordination children’s underwear that were donated to lead. with churches of Ankawa, a largely Chris- by Egyptian companies. Even so, the UN documents detail tian neighborhood in Erbil. Around 90 But Boutros recognized many of the over 346,000 people who have been per cent of recipients, however, are non- refugees needed something more, and reached to some degree. Christian, either Muslims also fleeing IS took 280 young women, including Soha, According to Boutros, however, the militants, or from the Yazidi minority. shopping at the local mall. fact that Egyptian Christians have been Khalil explained that the majority present has made an impression on Chaldean Catholic Church of Ankawa Moment of happiness many. has done an excellent job of caring for ‘It was fun for us, and fun for them,’ she ‘Muslims and Yazidis appreciate very Christian refugees. Erbil’s population said, describing a moment of happiness much that they are cared for,’ she said. includes roughly 160,000 Christians, amid a desperate situation. ‘They know it is the church that is doing and many have taken in their religious Perhaps her woman’s touch gives her this in Iraq.’ brethren. greater memory for personal detail. But But no one is able to do enough. If she praises a different source. by December families are still living on Churches are packed ‘I remember each person, their face the streets, the already tragic situation As a consequence Erbil’s churches are and their story,’ she said. ‘The Lord will turn catastrophic. packed. The refugee centre in the Mar sent us to tell them “we are suffering Hundreds of thousands are unpre- Elia church grounds is home to 700 with you”’ . pared for winter,’ Kharrat said, antici- families. World Watch Monitor report- ‘They need you to hug them, stay with pating average lows of three degrees ed recently that the onsite kindergarten them, and listen, listen, listen.’ Celsius. ‘conditions are horrible. was managing to give schooling to all Kasr el-Dobara’s team included a pro- ‘They survived the summer – the the camp’s infants. fessional psychiatrist, who spent hours heat did not kill them – but the freez- Nearby Mar Yousef camp is in a counseling women and children through ing snow might. church itself, and hosts mostly Muslims their trauma. Childcare specialists did and Yazidis. Erbil has a permanent popu- their best to entertain the children each www.worldwatchmonitor.org lation of 1.5 million people. But accord- evening. Published: October 01, 2014 ing to UN-Iraq, the three established The empathy given to refugees in UN camps can host only eight percent the churches is just one aspect of the of the refugees. care they receive. According to another The rest are taken in by local fami- member of Kasr el-Dobara in Erbil, Ehab lies and churches, but thousands sleep el-Kharrat: ‘despite their difficult condi- on the streets, under bridges, or in par- tions these refugees have it better than tially completed buildings, said Khalil. anyone else’.

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 19 Focus on home Harriet Haverland

Rev Bruce Hoyt will retire from fulltime tion and retirement provisions could be Gleanings pastoral ministry. Please remember the simplified. Oamaru congregation in your prayers as • After a few final tweaks, the revised THE GLEANINGS they continue the search for a minister forms and confessions were approved to replace the Rev Hoyt. TEAM: and will soon be published in a book. RCNZ Churches. There are a number • Thanks were also given to the Hymnody of churches in our federation that are Odette De Kock – Committee for their unstinting work in Auckland Presbytery presently seeking pastors. Please pray producing Sing to the Lord. that our Lord would sustain and continue Yvonne Walraven – to provide for the Wellington, Foxton, Wellington Presbytery MISSIONS Palmerston North, Hastings and Buck- Frances Watson – lands Beach Congregations. Oamaru is Hamilton: ECM (European Christian South Island Presbytery likely to be added to the list of vacant Mission) speakers Phil Jolley and Ray Busuttil explained why Europe needs Collated and edited by churches in the near future, as the time Harriet Haverland of the Rev. Hoyt’s ‘retirement’ from full- the gospel. For centuries, Europe has time ministry is drawing near. Let us pray been the centre of Christendom, and is that the Lord of the harvest would send today the only continent where Christi- out more workers into his field. anity is in decline. However, God con-

MINISTERS AND CHURCH CHURCH BUILDINGS WORKERS North Shore: We finally received council The Rev. Andre Holtslag announced that consent to build and have build-con- he has declined the call to Hastings in tracts signed (between the builder, the “God uses chronic pain order to continue to serve in Dovedale architect and the church). All the rain and weakness, along with (Christchurch) we had in September has meant it is The Rev. John Haverland of Pukekohe just too wet to try to dig into. We are other afflictions, as his received the wonderful news there was looking at a reviewed start date towards chisel for sculpting our no evidence of his kidney cancer having the end of October. spread and that while he would receive lives. Felt weakness deepens ongoing follow-up, there was no need for DENOMINATIONAL dependence on Christ for any further treatment. He is grateful to Decisions from the recent synod – strength each day. The God for his steady recovery and for the At the recent synod, there was a fair lessons he had learnt during this time. “It amount of “business as usual” – various weaker we feel, the harder was good for me to be afflicted so that committees reporting on their ongoing we lean. And the harder I might learn your decrees” (Ps 119:71). work – however there were also some Vicar Julian Dykman of Bishopdale decisions worth noting: we lean, the stronger we underwent his preliminary examination • Guidelines for helping sessions to deal grow spiritually, even while on Friday evening. The sermon portion with allegations of child sexual abuse of this examination was not sustained. our bodies waste away. were adopted. There were many positive elements of To live with your ‘thorn’ the sermon which were noted, but there • Both the English Standard Version were some areas of weakness which Pres- (ESV) and the New King James Version uncomplainingly – that is, bytery considered needed some further (NKJV) were declared suitable for pulpit sweet, patient, and free use. Synod did not support the overture work. A subsequent exam is scheduled in heart to love and help for 13 December 2014 at which time for a study committee to assess the suit- Julian will preach again. Please pray for ability of the 2011 review of the New others, even though every International Version (NIV) for pulpit use. Julian and Melinda as they work through day you feel weak – is this process. It was a great encourage- • The Overseas Mission Board was re- ment to have a large number join us on constituted as a national board with the true sanctification. It is true Friday night. Let us continue to encour- executive moving to the South Island healing for the spirit. It is a age Julian as he prepares for ministry in Presbytery. Approval was also given, the church of Jesus Christ. pending finance, to employ a compound supreme victory of grace.” The Rev. Bruce Hoyt and his wife Lois manager in PNG. J.I. Packer are trying to find a house to purchase • Synod supported the overtures to in- in Christchurch. Once this is done the vestigate whether ministers’ remunera-

20 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 tinues to shine His light in Europe and Bible’s teaching on the character and evening and are not part of a team, we build His church. attributes of God. will make teams on the night also. Our challenge to you is to team up with other COMMUNITY OUTREACH and FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES congregation members that you do not EVANGELISM The Avondale Cadets and Gems held a know so well :) So please do come along Pukekohe hosted a Creation Ministries car wash, cake sale and sausage sizzle for an evening of fun and fellowship! evening with Mr Mark James, who gave in October to raise funds to purchase Palmerston North: Please join us for a presentation about God the Creator new tents for their camps. our upcoming English Country Dance! and his amazing creation. The meeting Hukanui hosted the Love is Louder It will be held here at the Reformed was well attended by members of the Fundraising Concert and Market in Church. The entry fee is $5 per family Pukekohe congregation, members of October. The event was part of LOUDER or a gold coin donation per individual. other surrounding churches and people NZ Social Justice Arts Week, so all pro- The dress code is period costume, semi- from the community. ceeds went to Hagar International. formal, or formal attire – dressing up is Avondale: Street Evangelism and Dis- Hagar restores to wholeness the lives half the fun! Please also bring a plate cipleship – A fantastic street evange- of women and children in Afghani- of finger food for supper. lism opportunity occurs at your house; stan, Cambodia and Vietnam that have it’s called Halloween. Hundreds of been torn apart by human rights abuse. kids across Auckland hit the streets The evening of music featured artists Report of South delivering tricks and desiring treats. Breony Bearman, van der Wel, Hana Island Presbytery Many of you may want to avoid in- and Cameron Munroe. An array of arts, volvement in a celebration with dark crafts and baked goods was also avail- South Island Presbytery gathered on undertones. We’d like to encourage able for purchase. Friday 3 October at 7pm at the Bish- everyone to treat your door-knocking Wainuiomata Cadets and Gems are opdale Reformed Church for the pre- neighbours to a real treat – your testi- holding a carwash to raise further funds liminary examination of Vicar Julian mony of the grace of God in your life! for their upcoming National Camp in Dykman, beginning with the preaching To help you in this effort, why not be Nelson. Please come along with your of a sermon based on 1 Samuel 12. prepared with: – a ‘trick’ (like a fake car, van or other vehicle for us to wash While there was much to be thankful dollar note with a gospel answer to any time between 9.30am and 12.30pm. for in the presentation and content of the million dollar question: “Are you Your support is greatly appreciated. the sermon, there were nevertheless a going to heaven?”) and – a ‘treat’ (a number of areas of concern that were dvd docu-movie on the life of Noah). ACTIVITIES of sufficient weight for the sermon not Halloween could be a real Harvest Palmerston North: This is a night to Festival… for the Lord! enjoy one another’s company. There will be a variety of topics in the quiz CLASSES and COURSES and we will have teams of 4-6 people. LADIES Avondale’s adult education class for Feel free to make teams before the night this last term of the year focuses on the and if you decide to come along to the PRESBYTERIAL — ADVANCE NOTICE —

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” When: Prov 1:7 Saturday, 21 March 2015, 9.30 – 3.00 pm

Teacher Vacancy Where: Silverstream Christian School is seeking the services of a Reformed Church of Wainui- Reformed Primary/Intermediate School Teacher for the 2015 omata school year. Silverstream Christian School is a school set up to provide Christian education to our covenant children. Our Topic: aim is to develop a biblically consistent world and life view in “Bound – Now Free” our students based on the Reformed Faith. Applicants must be committed to the Reformed Faith and Reformed Christian New Life in Christ Education. This is an opportunity to be a part of a vibrant covenant community. Mark your calendars for a day of fun and fellowship with other la- If you have any questions or wish to apply please email: dies of the Wellington Presbytery. [email protected] or phone Koen van der Werff on (04) 5297 558 More details to follow.

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 21 to be sustained. Prayer is requested for Business for the remainder of the Churches of Bishopdale, Dovedale and Julian as he prepares to resit this exami- meeting was largely routine. The Rev. Dunedin. Bishopdale intends to hold a nation, on 13 December, DV. Erik Stolte presented a pithy review congregational meeting with a view to On the Saturday morning, the Rev. of minutes from the other presbyteries placing a fulltime worker in their preach- Daniel Wilson opened with a reading bringing the highlights to the attention ing post at Rangiora. There is much from Psalm 30, reflecting on how the of the meeting. evidence God’s blessing and grace to Lord’s anger is but momentary while his The Rev. Robert van Wichen reported the sessions and congregations of these favour lasts for a lifetime. on the prospective changeover of the three churches. Synodical examiners, the Rev.s Peter Overseas Mission Board, now nationally While the business may appear to Kloosterman and Michael Willemse, who constituted, previously drawn exclusively be a little predictable, churches do were present for the examination were from the Wellington Presbytery to a new very much benefit from their delegates by now returning home thus bringing to mix of current members and new ap- rubbing shoulders at these gatherings, an end, according to some keen ecclesi- pointees in our own presbytery. both in working through the formal ologists, a reunion of the former synodi- Church visitation reports were re- agenda and in the informal interactions cal moderamen. ceived in respect of the Reformed that occur during breaks.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir, More importantly though, while I days. This is also the only reasonable welcome an introduction to a man who understanding of Westminster Confes- I write concerning the article in the Oct has served the church well in many re- sion Chapter 4, Article 1’s reference to 2014 issue, concerning the legacy of spects (I have a copy of his Reformed God creating all things “in the space of Herman Bavinck. Dogmatics), I was disappointed to see six days.” Thus, in a time when this un- My first point is a factual correction. space given to Bavinck’s response to derstanding of creation is being eroded The byline says that Nelson Kloosterman attempts to “harmonize the results of and mocked from all quarters, it is my is professor of ethics at Mid-America Re- modern science and the biblical account belief that we are not helped when our formed Seminary. He was at the time of of creation” in Faith in Focus. The repeat- denominational magazine gives space to writing, but he is no longer. He left the ed pattern of “evening and morning” that the kind of hermeneutic suggested by post in 2009, I believe. And permit me is found in Genesis 1 and the connec- Herman Bavinck. a personal note - Dr. Kloosterman was tion between the ordinary work week of The article concludes with a call to one of my professors while I studied the Lord’s people and the creation week “biblical erudition and courage in our at M.A.R.S. and I am thankful to the (Exodus 20:11), ought to be sufficient for generation.” And I concur with this call, Lord for the great privilege of learning us to understand that the Lord created wholeheartedly! However, in seeking to from him. all things in the space of six, ordinary defend “the historical reliability of the creation account” by understanding the days as “time periods” or “extraordinary days,” Bavinck becomes guilty of what Tyndale Park Christian School he was arguing against - “attempts to harmonize the results of modern science and the biblical account of creation.” In Co-educational Y1-Y13 Independent Christian School. addition, I am not sure that it takes much courage to take the days of creation as Our school is growing! We now need two suitably qualified, full time “time periods” or “extraordinary days,” Teachers, for positions in our Primary school [ Years 2-8 ] commencing so as to find more time in Genesis in 2nd February, 2015. As a Christian School we are seeking people with order to better fit with the popular claims a deep personal commitment to Christ and a passion for Christian of modern science. It takes courage to education, as a condition of appointment. say that the Lord created all things in six ordinary days because He has told Applicants must be committed to the school’s special character and us that He created all things in six ordi- to being part of a dedicated team involved in the teaching of our nary days. And it takes courage to chal- curriculum which emphasises Biblical principles in all aspects of lenge the popular claims of modern day education and school life. science with science that accords per- fectly with a recent creation. May the Lord give us that courage. For further information, or to submit an application Yours in the name of He by whom supported by suitable references, please contact; all things were created (Col. 1:16), our admin@tyndale park.school.nz Lord Jesus Christ. Andre Holtslag

22 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 Three ways to know you are a missionary too?

H David Schuringa moves His church forward with the tithes for helping ministries. Other people are and offerings of His people. It’s just how able to get involved in full-time missions: “But how can I get involved in mis- He set it up for His church to flourish serving as a pastor, working for a non- sions?” is a question any serious Chris- and learn from His example of self-sac- profit or teaching in a school, to name tian asks at some point. Christians who rifice. After all, it was Jesus Himself who just a few. love the Lord want to be a part of the famously said that it is more blessed to As a worldview guy, I think you can mission of the church. However, they’re give than to receive. be a mission play-er in a wide range not always sure exactly how to engage Ah, you say, but I’m on a fixed of activities. After all, a businessperson this question. income! Even so, God can use a widow’s provides jobs so people don’t have to This month, as we celebrate CBI mite to move mountains and He can use go homeless. A farmer provides food office volunteers from around the world, you to be a missions pay-er. And, if you to feed the world’s hungry. A doctor I thought it would be a good time to are at the other end of the spectrum, or dentist relieves and prevents suffer- review the three ways to participate in consider tithing a double amount and ing. If you are a fully committed play-er missions and know that you are a mis- see what God can do. Whether your wherever God has called you, there is sionary too! gift is a few dollar bills in the church no doubt you will find yourself on the plate or a big check to an international mission field every single day. Pray-ers ministry, God is always pleased if your When I think about missions from this This way is probably the most obvious, heart is one of a cheerful pay-er. perspective, I am reminded that Cross- but clearly the most important. Prayer road Bible Institute is truly a one-stop changes things, and this world needs Play-ers mission agency: here you can be a pray- changing. In my first congregation, there While it is a thrill to pray, pay and watch er, a pay-er and a play-er. I’m so thank- was a shut-in I visited on a regular basis. others do the work, you’re missing out if ful for each one of you volunteers who On the desk in her tiny room, there was you’re not also, in some way, a play-er. help in the office, you who are Instruc- a list of missionaries. “I pray for each one Does being a play-er mean packing tor-missionaries from your own homes, every day, Pastor,” she would tell me. up and moving to a foreign country? you who support with a widow’s mite Where would missions in prisons Sometimes, but not always. The Bible or out of your bounty, you who pray. around the world be today without is very clear that the body of Christ is the saints praying for the spread of the made up of many parts, and being a This article was originally published in Gospel? Remember that mission always mission play-er takes on many forms. the Spring 2014 Crossroad Network begins with heartfelt pray-ers! Targeted volunteering is one way to News. To learn more about Crossroad take action. Some people correct lessons Bible Institute’s prison ministry, visit Pay-ers of prisoners, visit the sick, volunteer in www.cbi.tv . This point may sound crass, but Christ homeless shelters or even raise money

Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014 23 The RTC Distance Education Programme

Have you ever thought about partici- cant portion of their studies online before it will be possible to undertake your pating in theological education but dis- transitioning to more traditional modes studies while maintaining your current missed the very idea because your life of delivery. As we believe that certain work and family commitments. If you stage or location would make it impossi- subjects (especially those involving min- are involved in some kind of Christian ble? Then the RTC distance programme istry skills) are better taught face-to-face ministry you will be able to apply what (also known as Refstudy) may be exactly we do not envision that our full degree you are learning as you are learning it. what you are looking for. The RTC was programme will be made available for All the units offered through our one of the pioneers of online education online delivery. It should, however, be online programme are fully accredited within the Australian College of Theology clear from the above that we offer a by the ACT and are pitched at the same (ACT) and over the years our programme significant number of units through this level as our on-campus units. Units that has grown from strength to strength. delivery mode. are successfully completed can, there- We currently have 12 units (in Old So what are some of the possible fore, be seamlessly included in ACT Testament, New Testament, Theolo- benefits associated with studying online accredited qualifications offered by the gy, Ethics, Worldview, Evangelism and with the RTC? RTC or other ACT colleges. Mission and Church History) available You will be able to study at your own We make use of a very user friend- online. This means that prospective pace and at times that suit you. All that ly system called Moodle to deliver our students can complete a full Graduate is required is an internet connection and online units. This does not mean that Diploma of Divinity online. Students who access to a theological library. everything is automated however. Online would like to progress to an RTC M.Div. Since you would not have to relo- units are taught by RTC lecturers and or B.Th. are able to complete a signifi- cate to participate in the programme you will have the opportunity to regu- larly interact with them on the online forums or through email. When classes are very large we make use of experi- enced online assistants to help facilitate discussion. This means that there will always be another human on the other side of the computer screen to help guide your learning. While you will be physically separat- ONLINE SUBJECTS ed from your fellow students you will Semester 1 - 2015 not be studying on your own. Online forums, where you will get the chance www.refstudy.org to discuss what you are learning with other students, form an integral part of Jesus and the Gospels all our distance units. (NT301/501) The following units are scheduled to be taught online during the 1st se- The Doctrines of Grace mester of 2015: Jesus and the Gospels and Eschatology (NT301/501), The Doctrines of Grace and (TH403/603) Eschatology (TH403/603), The Church The Church from 1550 from 1550 to Modern Times (CH301/501) to modern times and Christian Worldview (PE301/510) (CH302/502) If you would like to have a look at the RTC distance site please head over Christian Worldview to: www.refstudy.org. For any enquir- (PE310/510) ies please contact Phillip Scheepers at [email protected]. We are con- units are accredited by the Australian College of Theology vinced that our online units can be of

FEE-HELP and Austudy Enrol Now! great benefit to those seeking to be may apply equipped to serve the Lord Jesus, wher- further information: ever they may be and we hope to ‘vir- www.rtc.edu.au [email protected] tually see’ many of those reading this (03) 5244 2955 on the Refstudy site soon!

24 Faith in Focus Volume 41/11 December 2014