The

MessengerVOLUME 58 NO.10 NOVEMBER 2011 EDITION >> 2 Church News 3 Finding God on the Road to Jericho 6 Are We Losing Our Heritage or Adding to It? 10 Jihad in Flanders - 3 14 Dr. L.W. Bilkes: 40 Years In Ministry 16 The Miracles of Christ - 1 18 Calgary: Installation of Rev. K. Gangar 20 Monarch: Installation of Rev. E. Moerdyk 22 Gleanings from the Churches 23 News Notes & Comments

24 Announcements THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA>>

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 1 CHURCH NEWS >> New Address - Rev. Kuldip and Judy Gangar: NIPISSING PREACHING STATION - Powassan Open Windows 58 Somerset Way, SW, Calgary AB T2Y 3K2. Tel. (south of North Bay, Ontario, off Hwy. 11) NOTE BI-MONTHLY CHILDREN’S 403.201.9859; Email: [email protected] NEW INFORMATION PUBLICATION Services are held every Sunday at 11:00 AM and This Christian full-colour LACOMBE, Alberta 2:00 PM (for the winter season) with a potluck magazine for children ages 4 The Free Reformed Church of Lacombe meets in fellowship lunch in between. When no ministers to 12 is filled with fresh ideas are scheduled to preach, the worship services of the Trinity Lutheran Church, 5227 C & E Trail, La- to open children’s minds for combe, AB. Worship services are held at 9.00 a.m. the Brantford Free Reformed Church are broad- a closer look at the Bible, and 3.00 p.m. cast. For information and location, email info@ nipissingfrc.com, call Albert Wassink (705-724- history, vocations, and the world. Open Windows CALGARY, Alberta 3519) or John Janssen (705 493-0259). Check also contains colouring contests, puzzles, stories, Worship Services are held every Lord’s Day at online: www.nipissingfrc.com for the preaching and book reviews to encourage our children to 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. and are conducted by schedule, detailed directions and other informa- be readers. A magazine for the whole family, Rev. Hans Overduin, the pastor. Sunday school, tion. it is also an excellent tool for neighbourhood Catechism and Adult Sunday school classes are outreach programs, school libraries, and home- held after the morning service. Location: 6167 6th Radio Broadcast (North Bay Area) schooling. Annual Subscription for 2011 is Street SE, Calgary AB T2H 1L9 (northwest corner The Banner of Truth Radio Broadcast can be heard $17.75. Make cheques payable to of Blackfoot and Glenmore Trails). For informa- every Sunday on 103.5 FM at 8.30 AM and cov- FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS. ers a radius of about 40 to 50 kilometres around tion contact: Rev. Hans Overduin, Tel. 403 474- Send cheque with your order to: 5385; email: [email protected] North Bay. Open Windows, 69 Albert Street, SS1, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0 Canada

OXFORD County, Ontario The Free Reformed Preaching Station of Oxford County meets at the Woodstock Seventh-Day Ad- ventist Church, Highway 59, ½ km south of Hwy. 401. Worship services are held at 12.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. every Lord’s Day. For Bible study times or other information, please contact Mr. Peter Kuivenhoven at 519-879-6263 or email: pmkuif@ live.ca (Oxford County includes the city of Wood- stock, the towns of Ingersoll and Tillsonburg, and the townships of Blandford-Blenheim, East SPEAKER EVENING Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford and Hosted by the Sunday School Association of the Free Reformed Churches Zorra) You are invited to a Speaker Evening Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes Pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Dundas, Ontario plans to speak on Here joy enters into “Casting Bread Upon the Waters: Encouragement for Parents and Teachers” the saints; in heaven, Date: Friday, November 11, 2011, Time: 8:00 pm “They enter into joy” Place: Free Reformed Church, Brantford, Ontario, Everyone is heartily welcome, especially parents and teachers. Thomas Watson

2 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 The Messenger NOVEMBER 2011 • VOLUME 58 - NO. 10 Finding God on EDITOR Rev. C. Pronk

655 Park Road North, Unit 29 the Road to Jericho

Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA Tel/Fax: 519 751-4470; Email: [email protected] The Editor reports to the Synodical Publications Committee >>

Assistant Editor ME d i TAT I O N By REV. Ken herfst Dr. G. M. Bilkes Email: [email protected] The parable of theG ood Samaritan is perhaps one of the most commented Committee Members on in Christian literature. Its message remains one of eternal consequence. Rev. D. H. Kranendonk, Secretary The setting is the following: an expert in the law comes to our Lord Jesus 69 Albert Street, SS1, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0 to ask one of the most important questions that a person can ever make: Tel/Fax: 519 348-0436; Email: [email protected] “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is an important Dr. G.M. Bilkes Dr. L.W. Bilkes question, albeit not a common one. Yet, instead of giving a theological Mr. S. Byl answer, our Lord simply returns the question. Evidently, He understands Rev. J. Koopman the motive behind the question and is not interested in taking the route Rev. J. Overduin of theological discussion for discussion’s sake. Mr. H. VanDoodewaard Rev. J. Lewis The Dialogue SUBSCRIPTION RATE Christ redirects the question in a way that places the question in the Canada & U.S.A. - $30.00 annually path of everyday life. At the end of the discussion, He does not ask if for individually mailed subscriptions. the questioner has understood. Neither does He say: “Never forget this The Messenger is published 11 times per year. lesson!” He says: “Go and do likewise.” The scribe came to discuss, to debate. Christ, however, insists that he move his legs, not his tongue. It SUBSCRIPTIONS/REMITTANCES is the heart that needs to respond. Requests for subscriptions, all payments and inquiries regarding rates, invoices, and all remittances should be addressed to: To Christ’s question, “what does it say in the law? How do you understand?” the expert easily responds: “You shall love the Lord your God and your THE MESSENGER neighbour as yourself.” All that is missing is the scriptural reference. c/o Janey Slingerland, Administrator 18 Chapala Crescent S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 “You have answered well” replies Jesus. “Do this and you will live.” Tel. 403-254-6591; Email: [email protected]

All notices for family announcements, obituaries, It seems the expert in the law wasn’t expecting such a simple answer. anniversaries, and non-commercial advertisements Luke remarks, “wanting to justify himself, he asks: ‘and who is my for the December 2011 issue should reach the copy neighbour?’” editor, Frederika Pronk, no later than Thursday, NOVEMBER 11, 2011, and should be sent to: Who Is My Neighbour? THE MESSENGER Interestingly enough, the scribe has no problem with God. He doesn’t 655 Park Road North, Unit 29 ask, “how should I love God?” or “who is God?” He asks: “who is my Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA neighbour?” As a theologian, he has figured out whoG od is. The theologian Telephone/Fax: 519 751-4470 can manage God quite well. He is an expert in the law. He knows all the Email: [email protected] rites for the temple service. He has no problem with the God he cannot see. No, his problem is with the neighbour he can see. For this expert of Read The Messenger on the Free Reformed website: www.frcna.org the law, it is harder to find a neighbour than it is to find God.

The lawyer seeks a definition of “neighbour.” Making a list can quiet

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 3 ME d i TAT I O N CONTINUED... >> the conscience, because we can simply check off the in Jerusalem. He crosses to the other side and keeps names. With list in hand, one can determine the limits going. A Levite arrives some time later. He stops, looks of our obligations. Lists provide indicators that one at him and keeps going as well. A third man arrives on can measure. the scene. He is a foreigner, a despised Samaritan. He stops, attends the immediate needs of the victim and Our Lord, however, avoids giving a definition of brings him to an inn where he secures the services of “neighbour,” He doesn’t even respond by saying: the innkeeper as part of his personal commitment to “anyone who is needy is your neighbour.” Lists tend the nameless victim. In doing so, he risks his own life. to leave people out, often unintentionally. More importantly, a neighbour isn’t a number on a list. He Jesus uses the despised Samaritan to give the expert or she isn’t an object, but a person. And, as Jesus will in the law a master’s class. Although the priest and demonstrate, it is not we who decide who the Levite are religious professionals – is our neighbour. Rather, it is someone else What should shock us representatives of God on the earth – it who chooses us to be their neighbour. is that the religious is futile to follow them in a quest to find eternal life. Even though they think they characters of the To love one’s neighbour requires us to have the answers, they have nothing to story are worse than eliminate distances of the heart, not teach us about God. Instead, Christ turns of kilometres or miles. It requires us to the thieves. to this heretic, this renegade Samaritan. leave our concerns, our questions, and our Had the victim been a Samaritan and the intellectualism and begin to walk another road, a road one who helped a Jew, the story would have been where there are thieves and victims. remarkable enough. To think of a Samaritan helping a victim implied a major adjustment in thinking for The expert in the law had asked: “who is my neighbour?” the expert of the law. Yet, it is the Samaritan who can Jesus, on the other hand, turns the question around: teach us about the path to eternal life. “which of the three was neighbour to the one who fell among thieves?” This isn’t a matter of semantics. This is All Have Worth a radical reordering of perspective. Jesus invites him to It is noteworthy that Jesus mentions absolutely see, to judge and to define reality from the standpoint nothing about the victim. From beginning to end, of the “one who had fallen among thieves.” he is “one who fell into hands of thieves.” Of the others we learn religious profession (priest, Levite), Facing The Challenge occupation (thieves) or nationality (Samaritan). The Jesus encourages him to view life from a different victim is simply a man: without name, without family perspective. The expert in laws is not the centre of connections, without documents. He is a man; that is the story, rather, the victim sprawled half dead in the enough. He is a victim; he has need; that is enough. If middle of the road is the focus. The expert cannot we want to do a socio-economic study to determine quiet his conscience simply by “being nice” or “doing if he is a “worthy poor” or if he is partly responsible the good deed of the day.” Neither is it sufficient to for his situation, we have not learned the lesson of the answer correctly. Our Lord requires a radical change of parable. lifestyle. The challenge that the expert faces is learning to conjugate the verb “to do” in the first person What should shock us is that the religious characters singular. of the story are worse than the thieves. The thieves robbed him of his possession; they left him half dead. Jesus, as a wise teacher, tells a story that forces the The guardians of the sacred, on the other hand, robbed expert in the law to come to the right conclusion – a him of much more: his dignity, his worth as a person. conclusion that will not allow him to simply return They leave him to die. By crossing the road and walking to his routines. A traveller is robbed and beaten by away, they effectively say: “to us, you don’t mean a thugs on a dangerous road between Jerusalem and thing, you don’t exist. There are more important things Jericho. While lying on the road, a priest arrives on to do in life. You don’t merit a second of our time.” the scene after finishing his religious responsibilities To deny our neighbour the necessary attention is to

4 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 >> erase him from our horizons. Indifference is homicide. Jerusalem to Jericho. Sometimes, we look for Him in A lack of compassion is but another form of violence. all the wrong places! It is a road that Christ Himself It is possible to massacre persons just by “crossing to travels and one that He invites us to walk with Him. the other side of the road” without so much as laying a Some years later, Paul will couch this journey in more finger on them. theological terms, but the message is the same:

The Law of Love Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ And we are talking about religious people. It isn’t Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not hard to imagine the priest in the temple. He follows robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of the prescribed liturgy to the letter. Everything is done no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a according to the book. The Levite knows his role. He, servant…” (Phil.2:5ff). too, has been careful to fulfill his task with care. After all, priest and Levite lead in the They failed to realize Christ was neighbour to us. He showed worship of God. Nevertheless, no one told that sometimes we mercy to us. He now looks to us and says: them that the liturgy wasn’t finished with pursue holiness by “Go and do likewise.” This is the ‘liturgy’ the temple service. Rather, it continued staining our hands after the liturgy. This is the ‘service’ after some kilometres further down, on the with blood. the service. This is genuine godliness. road to Jericho. To be sure: it would be a different kind of liturgy, a different kind of Rev. Ken Herfst is a missionary pastor of service, with different gestures and words that weren’t the Free Reformed Churches and Professor of Theology contemplated in the order of worship at the temple in on loan to the Evangelical Presbyterian Seminary in Jerusalem. Guatemala.

On that fateful afternoon, God Himself was waiting for these religious men at that dangerous, lonely Word & Deed seeks to help people in need by bend in the road. He had gone ahead of them and was bringing aid in the name of Jesus Christ. expecting them for an “open air service.” But… the men This is done through spiritual and physical help. keep walking. They failed to realize that sometimes WORD & DEED PROJECTS EMPHASIZE: we pursue holiness by staining our hands with blood. • A focus on the gospel and discipleship • A reliance on indigenous partnerships They failed to understand that dressing wounds, words (they know the language and culture best) of encouragement and acts of love to our neighbour • A goal of self-suffi ciency (teach them to fi sh) make up part of the worship we offer to God, because Word & Deed supports 5,500 orphans in Malawi, when we do this to one of the least of these, in fact, we child sponsorship in several countries (provid- ing a Christian education, basic medical care, a do this to Christ Himself (Matt. 25). warm meal and a uniform), agricultural projects, an HIV/AIDS hospice, vocational training, a home No one doubts the importance of temple worship. for recovering substance abusers, disaster relief, However, God is not satisfied with the preaching, and much more. the singing or prayer. God also makes requests in There are opportunities to sponsor a child, or a project. As well, business groups are being set up the name of our fellow human beings. This was the to sponsor projects with representatives of those message He gave to Israel centuries before when He groups visiting the projects. Please call toll free to fi nd out more (see below). With your help, we explained what real fasting was all about (Isaiah 58). can make a world of difference in thousands of And so, through this familiar text, Jesus continues to lives. speak to us. In answering the expert’s question, Jesus CANADA OFFICE: Toll Free 877.375.9673 takes him … and us … on a much longer journey, a PO Box 20100, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 journey that calls us to re-evaluate our thoughts email: offi [email protected] about God, eternal life, and our religious practices. It U.S.A. OFFICE: Toll Free 866.391.5728 is a call to conversion. PO Box 157 Hudsonville, MI 49426 email: usoffi [email protected] The road that God walks is the road that passes from Website: www.wordanddeed.org

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 5 Are We Losing Our

Heritage or Adding To It? (1) EDITORIAL >>

The following is an abbreviated version of an address from the pulpit, taught in the catechism classes and delivered by the editor at our annual Seminary Day, held upheld in our families. During the first two decades of on September 17, 2011 in the Free Reformed Church of our existence we were more or less a religious ghetto, Dundas, Ontario. It will appear in two parts, D.V. isolated from Canadian churches and even other Dutch Reformed denominations, the latter because we Our Roots remembered them from the Netherlands as churches When our grandfathers and great-grandfathers came that taught presumptive regeneration, a doctrine we to this country1 from the Netherlands in the late 40s considered wrong and dangerous. and early 50s they came with little money but big dreams. They were seeking a better country and life As time went on, however, we discovered that there for themselves and their children. Yet they were not were also non Dutch Reformed pastors here and there only concerned with the material wellbeing of their in North America whose preaching sounded similar children; they were also concerned with their spiritual to what we were used to hearing - preaching that needs. Would they receive the same spiritual care in stressed God’s sovereign grace in salvation, the need Canada as they had been getting in the Netherlands? to be born again by the Holy Spirit, and godly living. That was the question on the minds of many of these These pastors came mostly from Presbyterian and early pioneers. Baptist backgrounds holding to what we later realized was Puritan theology. At that time, however, few of Most of the original immigrants who later formed us knew anything about the Puritans. This began to the Free Reformed Churches came from their sister change when we heard that Puritan books were being churches in the Netherlands, the Christeliljke reprinted in England by men like Iain Murray and in Gereformeerde Kerken (CGK) while a sizable minority America by Jay Green and others. I remember that had their roots in the conservative wing of the Dutch the first Puritan work I laid hands on was Thomas Reformed (State) Church known as the Reformed Watson’s Body of Divinity, which Rev. Jetse Hamstra Alliance. Another handful of families came from gave out to his catechism students in those days. I also independent Reformed congregations. Despite some remember as a teenager finding a used copy of Bishop variety in backgrounds, however, most of these early Ryle’s Practical Religion in a local bookstore. When I settlers who became part of our FRC denomination saw that the author was a bishop I was ready to put it came from churches known for their experiential back on the shelf because what good could come from emphasis in preaching and pastoral care. They had a bishop? But after reading a few pages in it, I was been taught clearly defined views on the covenant, impressed with the deep spiritual content, so I decided baptism, view of the congregation, the necessity of the to buy it, after all new birth, saving faith, conversion and a Reformed Christian lifestyle The rest is history. I and many others who were looking for sound biblical and Reformed literature In the early years of our churches these convictions purchased more and more Puritan authors as they and principles were faithfully preserved, preached became available. I believe that the Lord blessed the

6 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 >> reading of these godly authors to many lives and not When in the early years of the 16h century King Henry a few can trace their conversion to Puritan literature. VIII severed all ties with Rome and turned England Today, not only our pastors, but also many consistory into a Protestant nation, this brought about significant and other church members have bookshelves graced changes in what the church taught doctrinally; but with the works of Watson, Flavel, Manton, as well as not in how the church was governed. The new Church their more modern disciples, such as Spurgeon, Ryle, continued to be episcopally governed and all English Lloyd-Jones and John Murray. Also, and this is very people were expected to support and attend it at the important too - for a number of years our theological risk of being fined. students have been attending the Puritan Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids and some of our pastors are This was the situation in England when the Puritan graduates from that institution. movement began. It all started with This is not to say, arguments over vestments and other We have come a long way. From the however, that there worship related issues that smacked of early fifties to the present time we have are no differences Roman Catholic ideas and practices. But become more and more familiar with at all between Free soon the focus of the reformers shifted the Puritans and their theology. It is a Reformed and Puritan to the matter of church government. theology that in many respects resembles theology. All agreed that the Church of England the theology our fathers brought with still retained too much that reminded of them from the Netherlands. Certainly, Rome. But there was no agreement on when it comes to the doctrine of salvation or soteriology how the church should be governed. there are many similarities between the FRC and the Puritan understanding of the way in which God saves Some were so convinced that the Church of England was sinners and leads and preserves His people from the beyond repair that they withdrew from the Anglican moment of regeneration to their entrance into glory. Church to form their own alternative independent churches. These were known as the Separatists.O thers This is not to say, however, that there are no differences decided to stay in the Established Church and tried to at all between Free Reformed and Puritan theology. To organize themselves as congregations free to do their mention only a few areas, many Puritans hold different ”own thing” without interference from higher church views from us on the matter of church government, authorities. These are the non-Separatists. In the church membership, the covenant of grace and the end, both groups, especially those who settled in New sacraments, particularly baptism. None of these England, adopted a congregational form of church differences concern the essentials of the Christian government. The main characteristics are that church religion. But they are important enough for us to be membership is voluntary and restricted to those who aware of them, as they do have a bearing on how we can give a credible account of their conversion and view the congregation, present the gospel and deal that the authority of the church resides in the local pastorally with the souls entrusted to our care. church governed by elders who are chosen by the membership. Let us briefly go over the areas just mentioned on which the Free Reformed Churches and Puritans hold Congregational Ecclesiology somewhat divergent views. TheseN ew England congregational churches instituted themselves by making vows like the following. “We Many Puritans are Congregationalists covenant with the Lord and with one another, and To begin, Puritans differ from us in that many of do bind ourselves in the presence of God, to walk them favour a so-called congregational form of church together in all his ways, according as he is pleased to government. What is congregationalism? What are reveal himself unto us in his blessed word of truth.” its main features and how different is it from English The key sentence here is “we covenant with the Lord Anglicanism, Scottish Presbyterianism or Continental and with each other.” Here we have the essence of Calvinism? What led the Puritans to adopt this form congregational ecclesiology. It is the notion of a of government? church covenant understood as an integral part of the

NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 20201111 I THE MESSENGER 7 EDITORIAL >> communion of the saints. in the Anabaptist “pure church” ideal4 and therefore he contends that this represents a development away Congregationalism, particularly its concept of from a Reformed to a Baptistic “gathered church” “covenanting with the Lord and each other,” represents view of the covenant. Although De Jong exaggerates a significant development in covenant theology. the severity of these litmus tests, the very fact that Originally, all Puritans subscribed to federal or applicants for church memberships were subjected to covenant theology as defined later in the Westminster such tests at all is problematic because it shifts the Confession of Faith. But when both separatist and focus from what God has done in Christ to what man non-separatist Puritans migrated to New England to is expected to experience in his soul. escape persecution by the Establishment, they took this standard covenant view and adapted it to the The idea of a church covenant became very controversial situation in which they found themselves in their new in Puritan circles. Some vigorously attacked the New surroundings. As Dr. Peter Y. De Jong England proponents of it, challenging wrote in his book, The Covenant Idea in Thus covenanting them to prove its scripturalness. They New England Theology, “The ambition of with each other as were especially upset with the claim that these early pioneers was to establish in believers or saints church covenanting was the only right the wilderness a holy commonwealth in way to organize true churches of Christ. became an essential which [their] theocratic ideals would be But while Presbyterians in Scotland mark of a true church. realized as never before in the history and even some Reformed ministers of Christ’s church.”2 Being practical in the Netherlands, warned against men, they viewed the covenant not merely from the the practice of church covenants, many Reformed aspect of personal spiritual life but they also made it Christians in England and in continental Europe, came the foundation of their ecclesiastical and even civil under the influence of separatist and independentistic government. John Owen, who was persuaded by John views, with the result that in time many rejected infant Cotton, a leading New England theologian, to change baptism and became credo baptists. from Presbyterianism to a Congregational view of the Church, believed that “since union with Christ is the The Puritan View of Baptism heart of the covenant, and fellowship is based on union, The Puritans observed the sacraments or ordinances, the divine and human covenants belong together, so as they preferred to call them, simply because they that the one is the foundation of the other”3 had been instituted by Christ. Puritan pastors were far more concerned with the work of the Spirit Thus covenanting with each other as believers or saints manifested in the life of faith than with the sacrament became an essential mark of a true church. In fact, it of baptism. To them preaching was the important was seen as the mark of a true gospel church as John thing because it was the means whereby God saves Owen explains in Volume 16 of his collected Works. sinners. William Perkins taught that baptism was not According to classic Reformed ecclesiology, there are necessary to salvation and that one needs to draw a three marks whereby we may distinguish a true from sharp distinction between what he called outward a false church: the pure preaching of the Word of baptism and the inward reality of faith. God, the pure administration of the sacraments and the proper exercise of church discipline (Confession Much of the discussion centred on the question as to of Faith, Article 29). Congregational Puritans added a the meaning of baptism as a seal. What exactly does fourth mark. They firmly believed that the covenant of baptism seal? The early Puritans tended to follow grace manifested itself also through the ecclesiastical Calvin and believed that the sacraments confirmG od’s construct of the church covenant. promises. But as time went on, some began to question the relationship between the invisible decree of God Church Covenant Doctrine in election and the visible sacrament of baptism. If P. Y. De Jong argues that the voluntary church salvation ultimately rests on unconditional election, covenant doctrine with its emphasis on a subjective or how can God in baptism promise salvation to those experiential litmus tests for membership, has its roots who ultimately perish?

8 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 >> Thus baptism became a difficult theological problem It is no coincidence that in England today almost all for the Puritans. Try as they might, they were not able Puritan type churches practice believer’s or credo to combine in a satisfactory way the benefits of the baptism. This should not surprise us. Wherever sacraments with the inscrutable divine decrees. While subjective experience is stressed at the expense of the in the early stages of Puritanism baptism was seen as objective Word and its promises, similar developments an encouragement to faith and a help to assurance, will take place. gradually this function of baptism receded into the background. An exception here is Matthew Henry, Relevance for Today who did emphasize the spiritual benefits of baptism, Why do I mention all this, you may wonder? Because including infant baptism, for spiritual growth and congregationalism and everything that comes with it, comfort. is not part of our Free Reformed spiritual heritage. We will examine this in some detail next time, the Lord Especially the New England Puritans, who wanted a willing, when we take a look at the Secession of 1834 pure church, ran into real difficulties with regard to and its view of the church, covenant, baptism and baptism. To keep the church pure, they felt they had other key doctrines of salvation. to set high standards for membership. Children born of unconverted parents could only be baptized upon To be continued. confession of saving faith, including an account of their conversion experience. Endnotes 1 The emphasis of this topic is on the history of the Free Reformed It is easy to see the implications this “gathered church” Churches in Canada. There are, of course, similarities in what happened to FRC immigrants who settled in the USA after the concept had for infant baptism. As more and more Second World War. emphasis was placed on the necessity of experiencing 2 Peter Y. De Jong, The Covenant idea In New England Theology (Grand the grace of regeneration and conversion, baptism Rapids: Eerdmans, 1945), p. 78. lost its significance because it did not seem to play a 3 sinclair B. Ferguson, John Owen on the Christian Life (Edinburgh: significant role in the believer’s experience. The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987), p.154. 4 Ibid., p. 86. In the background here is a covenant view that was no longer the same as the one held by Calvin. For the reformer of Geneva, the covenant was established between God and believers and their seed. The sacraments of this covenant were signs and seals illustrating and confirming God’s promises to all its recipients, whether elect or reprobate Church Organ Specialist The Puritans developed another view As a Content Representative, according to which the covenant of grace Dealer, Distributor and Importer, we offer excellent Prices! was made between God the Father and Content Organs Christ His Son representing the elect. The One of the leading organ conclusion drawn was that only the elect manufacturers based in the are in the covenant in any real sense and Netherlands & serving Canada for 20 years. 712891 Middletown Line that baptism becomes the seal upon inward, Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 Known for their subjective grace. In this way infant baptism 519-879-9779 lost its objective value as a pleading ground quality, style and performance. and eventually came to be viewed as a mere ceremony. [email protected] www.classicalorgan.ca

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 9 Jihad in Flanders - 3 Guido de Brès

EXPERIENTIAL RELIGION BY REV. G.R. PROCEE

A Sheep Sent Among Wolves had been gained for the Reformation. However, Guido de Brès, raised as a Roman Catholic, embraced the the tide would turn. The cause was not so much the doctrines of the Reformation and became an itinerant government, but concerned the behaviour of members preacher in the southern part of the Netherlands, in what we of the church. Roman Catholic processions were now call Belgium. In 1559, he became minister at Tournai customary and dominant in the city. Several members (Doornik), where he stayed until 1562. The situation was of the church became disenchanted with the fact that most dangerous; the persecutions were severe. Several the Reformed churches were not allowed to have such a members of the congregation had been tortured and burned form of public appearance. Some thought the time was to death. Many others were banished and their possessions ripe for a change. Around eight o’clock in the evening confiscated. De Brès was like a sheep in the midst of of September 29, 1561, a few hundred men and women wolves (Matt. 10:16). He not only laboured in Tournai but assembled for a procession through the city, loudly ministered in many churches in Flanders all the way from singing Psalms. This was the first of several processions, Antwerp to Lille (Rijssel). called chanteries, which were held. His Method The (Belgic) Confession of Faith De Brès had an unusual method of proclaiming the This public provocation caused much damage to the work truth to non-believers. He focused especially upon the of de Brès. No longer could he engage in secret meetings wealthier and more influential people in the city. He to gain influential people for the Reformation. The tried to gain them for the Reformation, subsequently Reformed were now viewed as revolutionaries and this using their homes for secret meetings, where they in would have dire consequences. The central government turn would invite their friends and acquaintances. These in Brussels took control of the situation and chanteries meetings had the appearance of social visits. They would unleashed persecution. Also, a conflict arose between enjoy a meal together, but prior to the meal they would de Brès and a segment of his congregation because de listen to a sermon. De Brès would open and conclude the Brès was totally opposed to the chanteries. Eventually, meal with prayer. During the meal he tried to convince Guido had to flee from the city of Tournai. However, those present of the truth of the Reformed faith. After the chanteries compelled de Brès to write a statement the meal, Guido discussed another portion of Scripture that expounded the contents of the Reformed faith. with them. This method had great success. Various This document would later become known as the Belgic influential people were gained for the Reformation and Confession of Faith. several made a public confession of faith. Guido was known by the name of Jerome and many of his church Another consequence was that de Brès continued his members did not even know his real name (Korteweg, itinerant ministry. On December 1561, while preaching Guido de Bres, p.121). in the city of Amiens, the authorities captured him. Eventually, many in Tournai were gained for the His pulpit was burned and the furniture he used was Reformed principles of faith and the magistrates even confiscated. But because the authorities did not know became tolerant of the Reformed faith. In 1561, de Brès his true identity, after two months he was discharged could say that nearly half the population of Tournai from prison. He was known only as Jerome.

10 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 201120 11 >> Betrayed and offered reprieve to Reformed refugees in his As soon as de Brès was set free, in February 1562, he left kingdom. Sedan became a centre of Reformed activity. Amiens, but he could not return to Tournai. On January It was here that Guido lived in relative peace with his 10, 1562, government officials had discovered the family until July 1566, when the church of Antwerp residence where Guido stayed in Tournai. It belonged to requested his help. The minister of Valenciennes, a rich citizen, De Moyeulx, one of Guido’s best friends. Peregrin de la Grange, requested Guido to assist him In the backyard was a garden shed, like a small closed- in the preaching of God’s Word. Guido agreed. On his in gazebo, which de Brès used as his study. It was here way to Valenciennes he stopped at Tournai, his beloved that he kept his excellent library, which included works city, where he preached a sermon the next day and was of the reformers: Calvin, Luther, Melanchton, Zwingli, accompanied by his friends when he made his way out Bucer, Brenz, Oecolampadius, and others. Here he also of the city. In the night of August 9, de Brès arrived stored two hundred copies of his Confession in Valenciennes where he was joyfully of Faith. The authorities also found notes De Brès had been received by a large crowd of people. He in Greek and Hebrew written by de Brès, betrayed. As soon as became their minister, but his ministry which showed that he was a learned the members of the would be short-lived. Already after a man and a well-educated theologian. The congregation realized number of months he would be taken authorities also found the membership this, they decided captive and eventually be put to death. list of the Reformed church of Tournai. to burn down the gazebo. Persecution De Brès had been betrayed. As soon as the In 1566 about two-thirds of the population members of the congregation realized this, of Valenciennes had become adherents of they decided to burn down the gazebo. As the flames the Reformation movement. Daily, open air preaching were rising, the magistrates arrived and were able to was conducted outside the city walls during the month douse the flames. The whole library, together with de of August 1566. Then, on August 24, iconoclasms took Brès’ correspondence, was confiscated. Later, it was place in Valenciennes and images in churches were burned at the orders of the government. The owner of smashed. The following day, de Brès and Peregrin de la the property, De Moyeulx, was able to flee, but all his Grange preached in the churches that had been emptied possessions were confiscated.I t became obvious that to of images, which were now filled with Reformed escape the Inquisition de Brès had to stay away from believers. the city. Events now took place rapidly. Initially, the govern- The Reformation Continues ment was willing to permit preaching to the Reformed In the meantime, the harsh measures taken by the believers in the open air outside the city walls on the government seemed to have had success. Already in condition that they would vacate the churches. The 1562 the Roman Catholic churches in Tournai were Reformed were willing to accept this proposal, but again filled to capacity. Yet the Reformed movement king Philip II of Spain vetoed this arrangement. He continued, but now underground, until a year later, on would not give any concessions to the Protestants. May 2, 1563, two thousand people gathered on the city The result was that his government declared the city square for a public chanterie. Magistrates were abused, of Valenciennes to be in rebellion against the king. In Roman Catholic clergy were threatened and preaching January 1567, the city of Tournai had suffered a similar took place outside the city in the open air where there fate and surrendered. were large gatherings of people. Again, the authorities in Brussels took sharp measures. People were put to An army was sent to Valenciennes under the command death and many others were banished from the city. of general Noircarmes to lay siege to the city, which lasted from December 1566 until March 1567. When After the flight from Tournai, de Brès ended up in more than three thousand cannon balls had been the French city of Sedan, which was an independent aimed at the city, its defenses collapsed, the people had kingdom from 1547 until 1642. In 1562 the local duke, become demoralized, and the city surrendered. While Henri Robert de la Marck, had joined the Reformation Noircarmes entered the city as conqueror, the city’s

NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 20201111 I THE MESSENGER 11 >> church bells chimed the tune of Psalm 22: “My God, My excrements and rubbish and drunkards would urinate God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Guido de Brès, Gevangen om het Evangelie, p. 24).

The authorities demanded ministers to be captured, From this prison Guido de Bres wrote two letters to the tortured and killed. But they were nowhere to be found. church of Valenciennes, in which he encouraged them They hid for five days before they escaped from the city not to give up the doctrine or fall away from the truth and then hid in the nearby forests. But due to hunger, as some had done. He writes: “if I would have a hundred after many days, they went to an inn to find food. thousand lives to confirm this doctrine,I would venture There they were recognized, betrayed and captured to give them all into death.” He also wrote a moving (Korteweg, Guido de Bres, p. 233). letter to his wife, stating that he is quite well, but suffers most from the grief she is enduring for him. He Imprisoned encourages her with the words that God led all these De Brès and De la Grange were put in prison in events and He knows how to turn all things to our good. Valenciennes, in an appalling place, where normally Finally, he also wrote a letter to his mother, stating that no prisoners were kept. It was more like a pit and was it is painful for a mother and child to separate but it is called le brunain, the brown one, because it was so dirty. far more painful to be separated from God and eternal At the top were iron bars through which people threw salvation.

On May 31 1567 at 3 a.m. de Brès and De la Grange were told that they would be executed at 6 a.m. in front of the city hall. They were to be hanged.D e la Grange would be hanged first. Before being put training conference on on the gallows, he asked for a brush. Surprised, they asked why he needed depression that. He answered, “To brush my clothes with ED WELCH and polish my boots, as I am attending the wedding feast of the Lamb.” Then de Brès was led to the gallows. He kneeled When: down to pray, but the executioners Friday, November 18 and pulled him up. With the noose around Saturday, November 19, 2011 his neck, he admonished the people who Location: had come to watch, to persevere in the Ancaster Canadian Reformed Church doctrine according to God’s Word. The cost: executioners didn’t allow him to finish. $25 per person if registered by Sept. 15, 2011. Following de Brès’ execution a revolt broke out among the spectators, which $30 per person after Sept. 15, 2011 led to ten of them being killed by soldiers (Korteweg, Guido de Bres, p. 273). Thus Registration: By email to: died this reformer of the Netherlands. [email protected] But it was not the end of the Reformation or call 1-866-833-2741 in that country.

To be continued.

Rev. Gerald R. Procee is the pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Hamilton, Ontario.

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NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 13 Dr. Lawrence W. Bilkes: FORTY YEARS IN THE MINISTRY

June 18, 2011 was a special day for Dr. L.W. Bilkes because Return to Canada: Abbotsford, B.C. it was on that day that he reached his 40th anniversary as During those years in the Netherlands the Bilkes family a minister of the Gospel. On behalf of our Free Reformed remained Canadians at heart and stayed in touch with churches we wish to extend to him and his wife, Jane, our the FRC. In 1988, the Aldergrove congregation, now somewhat belated congratulations with this important Abbotsford, extended an urgent call to Dr. Bilkes and the milestone in his life. We do so with gratitude to our faithful result was that he was given the liberty to reply positively, covenant God for what He has given our denomination in the much to the joy of the vacant congregation and of the person of Dr. L.W. Bilkes. It is our prayer that the Lord may pastor’s wife and her now teenage sons. The installation spare him for years to come and use him for His glory and the took place on July 8, 1988 by Rev. Pieter Vander Meyden, edification of His church. then pastor of the Langley FRC.

Early Years As it turned out, Abbotsford became the congregation For the benefit of our younger generation a brief where the Bilkes’ family spent the longest period of their biographical sketch is in order. Dr. Bilkes was born lives: sixteen years. They were also the most blessed on December 2, 1943 in Zwolle, the Netherlands and years in many ways. As in St. Thomas, also here a new immigrated to Canada with his parents in church and parsonage could be built in the 1961. They settled in St. Thomas, Ontario new location at Abbotsford. In 1991 a new where his father, the late Rev. G. Bilkes, congregation was instituted in Chilliwack had become minister in the Free Reformed under the supervision of Abbotsford. Church. Early in his life, young Lawrence felt drawn to the ministry and in 1966 he Grand Rapids, Michigan was accepted as a student and moved to Then, after many blessed and fruitful years Grand Rapids where he studied at Calvin came the call to Grand Rapids, Michigan. College and Seminary, graduating in 1971. Dr. & Mrs. Bilkes. Dr. Bilkes felt he had to accept this call. This Prior to graduation he had married Jane meant immigrating to another country. Westerveld with whom he was to have three children, all Unexpectedly, it took almost two years before the permit boys, of whom two, Lawrence J. and Gerald M. became was issued to move. This was quite a trial, but also that ministers in our Free Reformed Churches (FRC). period came to an end and on August 25, 2004, the installation took place. St. Thomas, Ontario Upon sustaining his synodical examination, he was Trials presented to the churches as a candidate and after Although Americans speak the same language, the receiving several calls he felt led to accept the one from adjustment to a new country, congregation and culture St. Thomas, his home church. The ordination service took were not easy. Shortly after settling in their new place on June 18, 1971, with his father, then pastor of surroundings a new affliction came their way. Jane the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk (CGK) in Zaandam, contracted cancer of a most serious kind. Surgery became the Netherlands, officiating. necessary. Her life hung in the balance but the Lord mercifully spared her. Slowly, she recovered and today Ermelo, The Netherlands she may again feel reasonably healthy. After serving the St. Thomas congregation for nine years, he received a call from the CGK at Ermelo, the Netherlands, Then it was her husband’s turn. A slight stroke laid Dr. which call he accepted, much to the surprise and dismay Bilkes low, but he recovered quite well. This was followed of many, including his wife. He laboured in Ermelo for by a fall due to osteoporosis. Again, he was prevented almost eight years. In addition to his many ministerial from preaching and doing pastoral work. Although our duties he found time to pursue doctoral studies at the brother also recovered from this affliction reasonably Theological University in Apeldoorn. These studies were well, his over-all condition remained weakened, making crowned with God’ blessing, so that after much hard work it unlikely that he would be able to stay in full-time he was granted his Doctor of Theology degree or Ph.D. ministry. For this and other reasons it was decided to

14 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 201120 11 apply for emeritation to Synod 2010, which request was granted in a “most honourable way.”

His Unique Place Dr. Bilkes has occupied a unique place in the FRC. But are we not all unique? It is part of the manifold wisdom of God to create all His people different from each other, so that not two of them are alike in every respect. This is also true of His ministers. What are some of the unique qualities of Dr. Bilkes? As one who has known him for many years, I can say that in addition to being a faithful preacher, he excels as a caring pastor and he is a hard worker. Until recently and before his stroke and hip fracture, he was on duty 24/7 and got by with less sleep than most of us. The MarTin Mans ForMaTion His dedication to the ministry and consistent walk with Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 8 pm his Lord is evident to all who know him, especially to the Church of the Epiphany, congregations he has served. 560 Dundas St, Woodstock

Dr. Bilkes has always taken an active part in denominational g work, serving on a number of synodical committees, Musica sacra chorus and chairing many Synod meetings and writing articles for the The MarTin Mans ForMaTion denominational publication, The Messenger. In short, our esteemed colleague has served the churches faithfully and Friday , November 25, 2011, 8 pm with great zeal. Like all of us, he has his weaknesses; no Knox Presbyterian Church, one is perfect. The Lord takes those whom He calls and He 59 Riddell St, Woodstock moulds them into instruments fit for the Master’s use. g Our colleague has not been spared the stresses and strains Musica sacra chorus and that come with the ministry. Perhaps it is true to say he The MarTin Mans ForMaTion has endured more hardships and disappointments than most of us, but that too is all by God’s design and part of Thursday, November 24, 2011, 8 pm his over-all plan. Especially in his later years, his afflictions Mountainview Christian Ref. Church, and those of his dear wife, Jane, have been severe, not only 290 Main St W, Grimsby in connection with their health but due to other causes as well. But they are able to testify that the Lord has been g with them in all their trials and tribulations, comforting Musica sacra chorus and and assuring them of His abiding presence and help in The MarTin Mans ForMaTion time of need. They know they are sinners saved by grace Saturday, November 26, 2011, 8 pm and may live by the Word of God and the promises of the Gospel. The Sanderson Centre for the Arts, 88 Dalhousie St, Brantford And so we commend our brother and his wife to the Lord g and His grace. May He continue to use you, dear colleague and friend, also in your retirement years, as a channel of blessing to many, to preach the unsearchable riches of Tickets $20 Christ to poor and needy sinners while offering pastoral per performance ~ available at: care to the sick and wounded sheep of His flock. www.musicasacrachorus.com or contact [email protected] May all who know this servant of the Lord, especially those who have sat under his ministry, heed these words of the apostle: “Remember them which have [or had] the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation making Music to God's glory [conduct]” (Hebrews 13:7).

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 15 The MIRACLES of CHRIST -1

Introduction BIBLE STUDY BY DR. G.M. BILKES scripture READing: luke 7:19-23 >>

This is the first installment of a series on the miracles of of miracles, and means those events that distinguish Christ as they are recorded for us by the Gospel writers themselves from normal and expected processes. Matthew, Mark, and Luke.1 The Bible contains the The Bible uses three main words for miracles.2 Each word record of many miracles. We are given detailed accounts emphasizes a certain aspect of the miraculous character in the Old Testament, especially in the narratives of of an event. In many instances, only one of the three Moses, Elijah, and Elisha. The opening pages of the words is used in a narrative. But in Acts 2:22 (cited New Testament also record miracles, such as the birth above), as Peter describes the miracles of Christ, we find of John the Baptist and the conception of Jesus Christ. all three of the words in the same verse. And after Christ’s ascension, many notable miracles were performed by His disciples. But the miracles performed The first word is “dunamis,” or “powerful deed.” This word by Christ Himself, while He walked this earth, are perhaps stresses the might or power required in order to perform the most well-known and beloved by Christians. the miracle. For example, Christ used this word when He said, “If the mighty works had been done in Tyre and I do not want us to study these miracles only because Sidon had been done in you, they had a great while ago they are loved. They are valuable also because of what repented” (Luke 10:13). they teach us about Christ. Peter put it this way on the day of Pentecost: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved The second word is “teras,” or “wonder.” This word of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, emphasizes the response required by or expected from which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves the miracle. A person witnessing the event or hearing also know” (Acts 2:22). The miracles magnify the glory about it ought to be amazed. This word is used in John of Christ, pointing to Him as one approved by God. If 4:48: “Unless you see signs and wonders, ye will not Christ is approved by His Father, then who can resist His believe.” claims? The third word is “semeion,” or “sign.” In other words, Defining Miracles the miracle serves as a signal or signpost, pointing the The miracles of Christ were special signs that He person who sees it or hears of it to something else. This performed during His public ministry. He did things that word is used in John 20:30: “And many other signs truly others could not do – things that proved that God was did Jesus in the presence of his disciples.” with Him, as Nicodemus noted (John 3:2). These events The Kinds of Miracles ran counter to expected natural processes. Students of the Bible have sought to classify the miracles Now, in a certain sense, everything God does is a miracle. into groups. One common method divides them There were many miracles involved in God’s creation of according to who or what is involved, as follows: heaven and earth in six days. The fact that God upholds 1. The miracles involving human beings: This is the most everything by His providence is a miracle. The sunshine common kind of miracle in the gospels. Christ cured and rain, the springtime and harvest, and many other people with diseases and even brought the dead back natural phenomena point to the might and power of to life again. Some were healed with a touch, others God, who works in ways we cannot trace (Eccl. 11:5). from a distance. In each case, it was clear that Christ Yet, as we will see, the Bible itself specifically speaks was the source of healing. Miracles involving demon-

16 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 B I B L E S T U D Y BY DR. G.M. BILKES >>

possessed people could be mentioned as a special that he or she does not believe that Christ performed class within this group of miracles. miracles. 2. The miracles involving creation or nature: The well- known miracles in which there is a calming of the The Christ of the Miracles sea, walking on water, or division of loaves and fishes Is it any wonder that Christ performed miracles, when would be included in this group. He is Himself such an extraordinary Something within the created person? He was both perfectly order was being acted upon, QUESTIONS: human and perfectly divine. While and became subservient to its 1. Which one of Christ’s miracles is your favou- on earth, He was entirely unique Creator in a new and incredible rite? Why? from any other human being. way. 2. It seems that people are either obsessed with looking for miracles where God is not doing When we study the miracles, we The Purpose of the Miracles them, or else easily dismissive of the miracles should never lose sight of the Why did Christ perform miracles God did in the Bible. Have you encountered glorious and magnificent Christ who on earth? Luke 9:19–23 helps us this, and how would you explain and address performed them. He still performs answer this question. While in these reactions? miracles in hearts and lives today. If prison, John the Baptist sent his 3. Take a look at the four purposes of the we have been brought from darkness disciples to ask Jesus whether miracles listed above. To go along with each to light, He has done such a miracle of them, suggest an appropriate response on He was the promised Messiah or Go to now, ye that say, Today in our hearts. He has regenerated us, whether people had to wait for our part. justified us, and reconciled us unto someone else. In answer to his 4. Does Satan perform “miracles” (2 Thess. 2:9)? God. These things should astound question, Christ sent the disciples If so, how are they different from Christ’s us no less than the miracles He did miracles? back to John with reports of the when He was on earth. miracles He was performing. This response is key in helping us understand why Christ Let’s not only regard the power displayed in Christ’s performed miracles. We can identify the following four miracles, but also other divine attributes. They are main purposes: harmoniously displayed in the miracles, though one or 1. To announce the arrival of the kingdom of grace in other of them seems to shine more than the others. For Christ’s coming, in accordance with prophecy (see example, Christ’s wisdom, omniscience, love, mercy, for example Isaiah 35:3–6); and longsuffering are readily apparent in many of His 2. To illustrate Christ’s teaching of redemption by miracles. grace and the turning back of the consequences of the fall into sin; Ultimately, all the miracles should lead us to Calvary and 3. To foreshadow the benefits Christ would accomplish the empty tomb, where we see the fullest display of all the in His work of redemption on the cross; miracles of a Triune God. On the cross and in the empty 4. To show forth Christ’s glory as the Son of God. grave, we see how God brought life and immortality to light in the gospel through the death of a sinless Surety. As we study the miracles, we will see these points again In each of our studies, we hope to travel the journey and again. from the miracle itself to the cross and the empty tomb. Believing the Miracles Our aim should not be on the miracle itself, but on the In the past as well as in the present day, some have Triune God, who purposed the miracles, performed denied that the miracles actually took place. If time and them, and applies their truth to the hearts of those who space allowed, we could go on at length about some of are spiritually blind, lame, leprous, and dead. the arguments people use and how to refute them. But suffice it to say that a person who decides that Christ’s Endnotes miracles couldn’t actually have taken place is simply 1. The miracles of Christ in John have been recently treated by Anthony T. Selvaggio, The Seven Signs: Seeing the Glory of Christ in the Gospel of forcing his or her own view of reality on the Scriptures. John (Grand Rapids: RHB, 2010). Since no one can prove that the miracles did not really 2. A helpful resource in the Dutch language is G. Wielenga, De Wonderen happen, this viewpoint is not a statement of fact, but of van den Zaligmaker (Kampen: Kok, 1911). I am indebted to this book for faith, or rather, unbelief. Such a person is simply saying a number of important insights.

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 17 CALGARY: INSTALLATION AND INAUGURAL SERVICE OF REV. KULDIP GANGAR

by Mark du Dupré, Elder of the Calgary Free Reformed Church, Alberta

Background on September 28, 2011 and the installation service On Friday, September 30, 2011 Rev. Gangar was was held on September 30, 2011 at the Woodgreen installed as Missionary to the Punjabi people. This Presbyterian Church. will be a ministry under the direction of the Free Reformed Churches of North America’s (FRCNA) Installation Service Outreach Committee. The aim is to bring the blessed Rev. Overduin of the Calgary congregation was the and only gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Punjabi installing minister and preached on Acts 10: 20, people, both in North America and around the world. emphasizing the words, “Arise therefore … doubting The installation and inauguration service marked nothing.“ This was part of the Lord’s instruction to a progression of providences whereby the Lord has Peter to preach the gospel, also to the Gentiles. Pastor led the FRCNA and particularly Rev. Gangar to the Overduin pointed out that it was God’s plan from the establishment of this mission work. In the culmination beginning to bring the gospel to all nations and he of these providences it became clear that the Calgary highlighted three watershed events in the unveiling of congregation should be the calling church for this work. this plan. First, in Acts 2 with the events of Pentecost; This call was given approval second in Acts 9 with the by the Synod held in surprising conversion of Brantford in June 2011 Paul; and third in Acts 10 and extended on July 10, with Peter and Cornelius. 2011. Three areas were high- Ministry lighted as main thoughts After much thought and from the text, appropriate prayer and consultation for the occasion of the with the Calgary consistory, installation of Rev. K. Rev. Gangar accepted Gangar in this ministry. the call to this work. It The first was the parallel will focus on a writing in the calling to minister ministry as foundational to the Punjabi people to the outreach. There (like Peter’s to Gentile is a desperate need for good Christian literature in Cornelius), a somewhat unique “outside-the-box the Punjabi language. The immediate task will be to ministry,” so to speak, and yet undoubtedly the calling produce sound Reformed literature in the Punjabi of God. Secondly, as Acts 10:34ff demonstrates, the language, in which there is presently virtually none primary focus continues to be to preach Christ, the available. The intent is to begin with a series of booklets crucified and exalted Jesus as the only Saviour of on the basics of the gospel to be followed by a layman’s sinners. manual of theology (similar to Louis Berkhof’s Manual of Christian doctrine.) The ministry for Rev. Gangar will be different, but the message and the work of proclaiming the gospel of This ministry will be supplemented in due course, Jesus Christ remains the same! As Peter was blessed God willing, by a Punjabi language radio broadcast, in bringing that gospel to the household of Cornelius, an internet ministry, and speaking at conferences in so thirdly, God’s promise of prospering His Word North America as well as India, along with teaching continues. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out and preaching occasions in India. of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall Rev. Kuldip Gangar and his wife Judy arrived in Calgary prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isa. 55:11).

18 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 201120 11 Who knows how the Triune God in His sovereign grace, almighty power and love, may crown this Invitation to Young Persons focused gospel ministry to the Punjabi people? in The Workforce, College, and University Just consider what happened in the household of To Attend Speaker Evening Cornelius! And so the encouragement given is: Saturday December 3, 2011, “Arise therefore … doubting nothing…” Dr. Joel Hamstra plans to speak on

Inaugural Sermon Medical Ethics: A Reformed Perspective Dr. Joel Hamstra is Assistant Clinical Professor of Rev. Gangar brought the invocation from Acts Anesthesia at McMaster University and Director 11: 1 – 18. Here Peter recounts his vision and of Obstetrical Anesthesia at St. Joseph’s Health- the blessing with the presence and power of the care Hamilton. He is a graduate of the medical Holy Spirit on the preaching of the gospel to the program at McMaster University in Hamilton. Gentiles. The context of the passage was used to TIME: 7:30 p.m. each date listed above explain that the church of God has no division. PLACE: Dundas Free Reformed meeting room The gospel is for all nations and a healthy church 253 Weir’s Lane, Dundas, Ontario. has a healthy respect for the great principle that Hosted by the Free Reformed Student Society all are welcome in the house of the Lord. This will A collection to defray the costs of the meeting will be taken. ultimately be reflected in the perfect arrangement in heaven. Rev. Ganger also expressed something of TEACHER NEEDED his personal wrestling with the nature of the calling as it differed from the conventional pastorate and Oxford Reformed Christian School invites applications for Grade 2 teacher beginning in January, 2012 he gave glory to God in His sovereign dealings. O.R.C.S. is currently located in a rural setting 20 minutes south of Credentials Woodstock in south-western Ontario. We are a parent-run school Various addresses were given from within and serving the needs of several local Reformed communities and are in our seventh year of operation. our present enrolment is 218 without the FRCNA, encouraging Pastor Gangar students and we offer Kindergarten to Grade 12. (For information in his new charge. Pastor Gangar is uniquely about our school, please visit our website: orcschool.ca). Since our equipped and prepared by God for the ministry to grade 2 teacher is expecting a child early in the new year, a teacher is the Punjabi people. In serving the Bellevue Free needed for this class of 18 students. We encourage qualified teachers who submit to God’s Word and the Reformed Confessions, who are Reformed church from 1991 to 2010 he has become passionate about teaching, and are committed to integrating the an experienced minister of the gospel. Since last Reformed perspective into their teaching to apply. Experience is preferred. year, he has been working on his Punjabi language skills and has also subsequently completed his Please send your resume, references, statement of faith, and D.Min. philosophy of education before November 30th to: Oxford Reformed Christian School Rev. Gangar was born in India and after residing c/o Mr. W. Van Brugge (Principal) some years in England, he came to North America. 308 Church St., P.O. Box 68, Springford, ON, N0J 1X0 Since his conversion and call to the ministry, by E-mail: [email protected] God’s grace, he retains a passion for the faithful Rehoboth Christian School proclamation of God’s Word to all people, every COPETOWN, ONTARIO tribe, tongue and nation of this world. Over We invite applications for the position of Principal for a K-12 school the past several years, he has had increasing (400 students) beginning in September, 2012. opportunities for outreach to the Punjabi people Please submit applications by December 23, 2011. and various resources and audio files have For more information about Rehoboth Christian School been prepared and are available on a website: visit our website @ www.rehoboth.on.ca truepathtogod.org. Please send a cover letter, resume, statement of belief and references to the attention of: Pastor Gangar is now in a position to dedicate his Paul Vandenberg – Education Committee Chairman full-time energies to this work. May God bless c/o RCS Board Secretary these efforts in the building up of His Church and 198 Inksetter Road, Box 70, Copetown, ON L0R 1J0 Tel. 905-627-5977; Fax 905-628-4422 Kingdom. [email protected]

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 19 MONARCH, ALBERTA: INSTALLATION AND INAUGURATION SERVICE OF REV. ERIC MOERDYK

BY René Barendregt, Elder OF THE Monarch Free Reformed Church.

On July 22, 2011, the congregation of Bethel Free Re- Preach the way, the truth, and the life. Preach the face of formed Church at Monarch, Alberta witnessed the installa- Christ, shining as the sun! He is the Son of Righteousness, tion of their new pastor, Eric Moerdyk. Pastor Moerdyk be- Who has appeared throughout history with healing in His came the fourth pastor to serve the congregation since its wings. In your charge you will hear many other voices, and inception in 1988. Pastor Overduin of the Calgary Free Re- you will need to listen to them, but it is Christ you must formed Church led the installation service. After pronounc- listen to above all. Faithfully, earnestly and carefully preach ing the votum and the singing of Psalter 135, public confes- Christ, based on His Holy Word. Pray often for the flock, sion of faith was made based on the First Head of Doctrine, praying for the substance, the manner and the purpose of Articles 1-3 of the Canons of Dort, where we note in article the gospel. Congregation and consistory, this call comes to 3 that God sends messengers of good tidings by means, and you as well, as Romans 10 and 1 Corinthians 1 teach. Listen at a time that is pleasing to Him, and by whose ministry earnestly to the call for repentance and to the necessity hearers are called to repentance and faith in Christ (Rom. and beauty of Christ, as it is sincerely proclaimed to you by 10:14-15). This was followed by singing Psalter 298:3, after your new pastor, who is a heaven-sent ambassador. Be not which Pastor Overduin opened in prayer, asking that God just hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word—hear would use Pastor Moerdyk as ye Him! Children, youth, and an instrument in His hands, young adults and those of preaching Christ as the Sav- middle-age and older ones, iour of sinners. hear ye Him! Saints and sinners, tempted and tried, Installation Service guilty and vile, hear ye Him! Pastor Overduin chose as Thirdly, as you reflect on this text, Matthew 17: 5b, “… charge, Pastor Moerdyk, will This is my beloved Son, in you show in your messages, whom I am well pleased; each week, and in your life, hear ye him,” focusing on that you are not trusting in the last three words, “hear yourself, but calling upon ye him.” He outlined three the Holy Spirit--preaching tasks included this charge: in season and out of season, (1) emphasizing the charge; praying God to bring the (2) applying the charge; and (3) reflecting on the charge. increase? Divide your time wisely. Congregation, pray for First, God the Father spoke these words on the Mount of God’s anointing as your pastor spends time in his study and Transfiguration to reveal something of Christ’s inner glory give him that time. Be regular and faithful in attendance at a time when Jesus was still in His state of humiliation. on the Lord’s Day and be “all ears” to the ministry of the Was He not the suffering Saviour, Who would lay down His Word. Remember that the calling of the church in this world life for His sheep, being sent by the Father, and anointed is to trumpet the gospel. Let that Word shine and hide it by the Holy Spirit! Dear Pastor Moerdyk and congregation not under a bushel. I close with words based on Revelation of Monarch, “Hear ye Him,” is the well-meaning appeal 1:3: blessed is he that hears and heeds the words of this of the gospel! Are you hearing the Saviour’s word, and prophecy… for the time is at hand. Amen. following Him? Vows Secondly, in applying the charge, you, Pastor Moerdyk, are After singing Psalter 420, Pastor Overduin read the Form for called time and again to study God’s Word and to proclaim it the installation of Ministers of God’s Word. Pastor Moerdyk amongst the congregation, lovingly emphasizing our need rose and answered the questions in the affirmative with: for Christ and the unsearchable riches found in Christ. “Yes, truly, with all my heart.” Pastor Overduin concluded

20 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 with words of encouragement on behalf of the churches in all three of these are found is in the face of Jesus Christ. our federation. “I encourage you, Pastor Moerdyk, to be a “Jehovah’s kindly face, gives happiness and grace.” Receive faithful servant of the Lord in preaching and in pastoral Him, believe Him! work, not just in Monarch, but also in other congregations in Alberta, and elsewhere. May God give you His Spirit to Pastor Moerdyk closed in prayer, and the congregation carry out this work in a Christ-like manner. I would like sang Psalter 94. to leave you with the words of Psalm 60:12a: ‘through God we shall do valiantly.’” After signing the Formula of Well Wishes Subscription, Psalter 421: 5, 6 was sung, standing. Delegates from various member churches of our federation of churches, as well as representatives of other Inaugural Sermon denominations were present and addressed our new pastor Pastor Moerdyk opened his inaugural sermon with and the congregation. Elder Mark Dupré of the Calgary prayer, thanking God for His kind providence in bringing Free Reformed Church noted that all of Alberta is blessed together pastor and congregation. It is not in receiving another minister of the gospel an act of human preference, but an act of May the light of the (Ps. 36). It is only God’s blessings that we are God’s direction. May the light of the gospel gospel pierce every heart sustained as a congregation and federation. pierce every heart of this congregation, and of this congregation, We may continue to expect the fatness may even this service lead to conversion of and may even this of the Lord if we depend upon Him for all sinners, so that the kingdom of Christ may service lead to things, and do so prayerfully. Elder Brian come. After singing Psalter 31:3, 4, Pastor conversion of sinners, Harbers of the Monarch Reformed Church, Moerdyk preached and based his sermon on encouraged us, on the basis of Ecclesiastes so that the kingdom of 2 Corinthians 4: 5,6. Preaching Christ from 12:11 and Matthew 13:52, and expressed the Word of God will ever remain the power Christ may come. the hope that God would continue to work of God unto salvation! From our text we in our midst. Pastor Poppe of the Coaldale see how glorious the preaching of God’s Word is. I have Canadian Reformed Church likewise expressed the hope entitled the message, “Preaching the face of Christ,” and that God would bless the faithful preaching (Isa. 55:1-13). focus briefly on three aspects: (1) preaching as a servant, God calls us to come to Him, to the waters, and to buy (2) powerful preaching, and (3) intimate preaching. without money (v. 1). Seek ye the Lord while He may be found (v. 6). As the rain cometh down, so shall my word be First, Paul, while preaching at Corinth, defends the right that goeth forth out of my mouth (vv. 10, 11). gospel ministry (v. 5), “for we preach not ourselves…” for I am a sinner. Pastors have the same struggles as you; Elder Hank Van Rhee of the Monarch Free Reformed they are not a category apart in this regard. I will need to Church expressed our thankfulness, in the first instance humble myself as I study, needing to live from the same to the Lord for being our Ebenezer, our stone of help gospel as I will preach to you. I am your servant (slave) for during our period of vacancy. Congregation, continue to Jesus’ sake. Christ Jesus is my master. He has sent me to pray for our pastor. Pastor Overduin, we are most thankful serve you and to present the Christ of the gospel. I cannot for the faithful service you have provided during the time give you faith or understanding, but there is One who can, of vacancy, through preaching as well as teaching the and I will preach Him. confession of faith classes. Pastor Moerdyk, we pray that your work will be richly blessed here for many years to Secondly, preaching is powerful, because in faithful come. May we storm the throne of grace continually and preaching, it is the power of God that blesses the receive all we need from God’s gracious hand. proclamation of the Word. Sin brings us into darkness, and we cannot turn on the lights. But God commands After thanking the speakers for their words of comfort light to shine out of darkness into this heart and that and blessing, and the congregation of Monarch for their heart. I pray that God will turn on the lights in the hearts kindness in helping the family settle into their new home, that are yet in darkness. When Christ is preached, you and his wife for faithfully following him from Holland are seeing the face of God (spiritually). The light of His to Ontario to B.C. and now to Alberta. Pastor Moerdyk goodness and kindness shines. Three things are involved asked the congregation to sing Psalter 375: 1, 5. He then in this shining: light, knowledge, and glory. Light is the pronounced the benediction. The service concluded with truth as it is revealed in God’s Word. The only one in whom singing the doxology from Psalter 423:7.

NOVEMBER 2011 I THE MESSENGER 21 Gleanings FROM THE CHURCHES BY REV. J. OVERDUIN “Practice” Preaching note was in a recent bulletin: “We thank God that, inside and The following note from Dr. Beeke was in a recent Grand Rapids out, construction of our new church building continues to go bulletin. “Dear FRC congregation: Two times most weeks--on smoothly and safely. On the exterior, we can see stucco on some Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:05 p.m.--a student of the gables, and during the last week most of the windows at Puritan Reformed Seminary speaks a practice sermon. The and doors were installed. Brick-laying has begun at the back, speaking students would deeply appreciate it if more people stone to be used for accent on the front of the building has also would attend the sermon practice so that it would feel more arrived on site, so soon it will be visible to all what this building like a real “preaching” event. You can help our students by will look like! In the interior, the last few weeks have seen the attending, and your own soul may benefit in the process. Please framing completed, and the decorative beams started, some join us, if you are able for these 30-35 insulation installed and the drywall minute sermons at 12:30 p.m. on the phase begun. Behind the scenes, following dates: October 12, 14, 19; the committees remain busy. most November 2, 9, 16, 18.” recently they have been involved with choices for cabinets, kitchen I well remember those “practice” design, light fixtures, flooring, and preaching sessions, also the ones furniture and fixtures – a lot of work with Rev. Schouls. They could be for the Decorating committee.” tough times, but they were good times. One of the challenges was Meanwhile, the Vineland congre- getting past the sense that it was gation continues on the path simply a “practice” session and that towards beginning construction. for all our practice, we still were There are always many issues to work seeking to proclaim the Word of through and resolve. For instance, the the Lord. But it could feel artificial, congregation met recently to decide and that didn’t help. Hopefully, the to tear down the old building once presence of more listeners will be the new one is up. That’s one issue St. a blessing and a help to simulating George did not have to face. “live preaching situations.” For sure, anytime the Word is opened, the With all the planning and work Spirit is at liberty to work. for a new building and with the excitement that brings, it’s always Let’s continue to pray for the good to remember that ultimately seminary students, especially those the church and “household of God” whom we support, that God would is “built upon the foundation of the bless all their “practicing” so that at apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ the appointed time they may go himself being the chief cornerstone.” forth and be as Paul, preaching “in The apostle Paul goes on to describe demonstration of the Spirit and this eternal church building work power” (1 Cor. 2:4). May it be for with these words: “In whom [i.e. the conversion of sinners, for the Jesus Christ] all the building fitly building up of the church and for framed together groweth unto an the glory of the Triune God, the great holy temple in the Lord: in whom God of our salvation! ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” Progress Reports on New Church (Eph. 2:19-22). Let us pray for God’s Buildings continued blessing on the building The St. George congregation is no projects that are underway or in the doubt looking forward to worship works, and may all our facilities be soon in its new facility. On Saturday, mightily used by God for the building October 8, the steeple was set in work of His eternal church! place. You can see pictures of the work at providencefrc.blogspot. Rev. Joel Overduin is the pastor of the Free com or providencefrc.org. The work Reformed Church of Mitchell, Ontario. is coming along well. The following St. George FRC Construction Site.

22 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 2011 news notes & comments By Rev. H. A. Bergsma (Pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Fenwick, ON) THE MUSLIM “OVERTAKING” OF FRANCE: In France there are more Islamic mosques being built, more frequently than Catholic churches, and there are more practic- A “PAGE” FROM THE CALGARY FREE REFORMED CHURCH: ing Muslims than practicing Catholics in the country. Nearly As my wife and I vacationed in Calgary this past August we had the privilege of meeting Brooke 150 new mosques are currently being built in France, home to de Waal, a grade 12 student from the Foothills Composite High School, and her parents Daryl and the largest Islamic community in Europe. The projects are in Sylvie de Waal, members of the Calgary Free Reformed Church. The consistory asked for special various stages of completion, according to Mohammed Mous- prayer for the de Waal family as the family would be travelling to Ottawa to settle Brooke in Ot- saoui, President of the Muslim Council of France, who provid- tawa, not only to start her studies at Each the yearUniversity 40 young of Ottawa, people butare alsoselected to serve to fulfil as a Page“Page” duties in ed this data in an interview on August 2. The total number of the Canadian House of Commons. mosques in France has already doubled to exceed 2,000 in which include 15 hours per week on duty in the House of Commons. A Page’s job description in- the last ten years, according to a research entitled: “Building cludes collecting and distributing official documents, delivering important messages to Members mosques: the government of Islam in France and Holland.” of Parliament or even the Prime Minister, answering phone calls, guiding tours and performing The best known French Islamic leader, Dalil Boubakeur, Rec- any other errands needed. Students accepted into the program receive a scholarship and will tor of Great Mosque of Paris recently suggested that the be paid to work in the House of Commons four to five times a week. The job corresponds with total number of mosques should double to 4,000, to meet students’ education, therefore, classes are scheduled around the Page job so students don’t have the growing demand. Instead, the Catholic Church in France to miss school. In order to be accepted into the program, Brooke had to meet several require- has only twenty new churches built in the last ten years, ments, such as being a top student, being able to speak English and French fluently, and have and formally closed more than 60 churches, many of which the ability to identify all 308 Members of Parliament by name and party affiliation. When we met could become mosques, according to research conducted Brooke she was busily memorizing all the names. Brooke is majoring in political science with a minor in criminal justice and said she has been interested in politics and social justice since a by the French Catholic daily, La Croix. Of the approximately young age. She said after attaining a Bachelor’s degree she hopes to go to law school to work in 6 million Muslims of North Africa and sub-Sahara Africa international law and be involved with social justice issues, especially against human trafficking. France who are identified as “believers,” 41% (about 2.5 We wish Brooke the Lord’s richest blessing as she is given this exciting opportunity, trusting that million) claim to be “practitioners,” according to a re- this will be a time of learning and development, but also one in which she may be able to provide port posted on Islam in France by the IFOP on August 1 a Christian witness to those around her. of last year. Research shows that more than 70% of French Muslims claimed to have observed Ramadan in 2011. Putting these elements side by side furnishes empirical evidence of CHRISTIAN STUDENTS WHO THINK FOR the claim that Islam is on its way to overtaking Roman Catholi- THEMSELVES STAY CHRISTIANS: cism as the dominant religion in France. As the numbers grow, the Muslims in France are becoming more assertive than ever A fascinating study by Fuller Theological Seminary identified the major factors before. Every Friday, thousands of Muslims in Paris and other whether teens from Christian homes lose or retain their convictions when they French towns close roads and sidewalks (and consequently, go to college. Surprisingly, the most significant factor is not whether the stu- dents join a church or campus Bible study. It is whether they work through their block local trade, and trap the non-Muslim residents in homes doubts and questions. In other words, the students who survive are those who and offices) to accommodate the faithful to enter the mosque develop independent thinking. The researchers concluded, “Students who had for Friday prayers. Some mosques have started to broadcast the opportunity to struggle with tough questions and pain during high school sermons and chants of “Allahu Akbar” in the streets. These ac- seemed to have a healthier transition into college life.” Powell pointed out a sig- tions have caused anger and reactions, but despite many of- nificant finding from the initial study. “One of the most interesting findings from ficial complaints, authorities, in fear of igniting incidents, have that pilot project was the importance of doubt in a student’s faith maturity. The not intervened. The issue of illegal street prayers reached the more college students felt that they had the opportunity to express their doubt top of the French political agenda in December 2010 when Ma- while they were in high school, the higher levels of faith maturity and spiritual rine Le Pen, the new charismatic leader of the National Front, maturity [they had].” “Whether it was with the youth group overall or with a denounced the occurrence as “an occupation without troops or specific adult leader, students who had the opportunity to struggle with tough tanks.” Some statements by Muslim leaders seem intended to questions and pain during high school seemed to have a healthier transition assuage the concerns of the French (and not just the French). into college life,” stated the study by Powell and Krista Kubiak, youth worker The Turkish Premier Erdogan Tayyp, for example, made clear and graduate of the Marriage and Family program at Fuller. (From Uncommon that the construction of mosques and emigration are part of Descent) a strategy for the Islamization of Europe. He publicly repeated Agreed that the students who think for themselves (rather than swallow ev- the words of a Turkish poem, written in 1912 by the Turkish erything a professor wants to spoon-feed) will be more stable in their (Christian) nationalist poet Ziya Gökalp: “The mosques are our barracks, convictions. Christian homes, faithful church attendance, faithful attendance to the minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers.” The Catechism classes enjoyed prior to college, are major factors. But even though Archbishop emeritus of Smirne, Giuseppe Germano Bernardini, the study claims that Christians thinking for themselves stay Christians, I would recounts a conversation he had with a Muslim leader: “Thanks still strongly encourage joining a Bible-faithful church and if possible, on cam- to your democratic laws, we will invade you. Thanks to our pus, or off campus Reformed Bible study. Above all, let there be constant prayer religious laws, we will dominate you.” (From Vatican Insider) from the home and the church family for our students that the Lord would hold This should be an eye-opener for the western “democratic” on to them and make them faithful, witnessing Christians. May our great cov- world! enant God hold on to all our college and university students!

NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 20201111 I THE MESSENGER 23 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

OBITUARY ANNIVERSARY “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that October 3, 1986-2011 I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life Jack and Anita Hoek to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to of the Brantford Free Reformed Church, inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4 would like to acknowledge the Lord for His goodness to our family in the ALICE (PIETJE) LANGBROEK celebration of our is seeking a qualified individual (or 25th Wedding Anniversary. individuals) who can assist with public entered the presence of her Saviour and relations functions in various regions Lord on August 26, 2011 in her 86th year During these years, we were given of the U.S., particularly CA, NJ, and five children and two daughters-in-law IA/IL. The successful candidate(s) Born in Wormer, the Netherlands, to love: will be expected to establish and April 27, 1925, she was predeceased maintain relationships with churches, by her daughter Audrey (1990) and Jacob & Alison Hoek individuals, and businesses to further husband George (2002) Jordan & Stephanie Hoek the objectives of the organization. Samantha Hoek A love for and understanding Dear mother and grandmother to Amy Hoek of missions, an ability to work Jesse Hoek independently, a willingness to Alida Hansma (Chilliwack, B.C.) travel, and excellent interpersonal Evelyn, Oliver, Greta, Alice Our parents: and communication skills are Jacob Hoek, Sr. requirements. The number of hours Casey and Jane Langbroek Peter and Audrey Hamstra worked per week would (Chilliwack, B.C.) be negotiable. David, Kristine, Kerianne Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Please send resume and a letter For the LORD is good; his mercy is of recommendation from your Gerald and Lydia Langbroek (Sardis, B.C.) everlasting; and his truth endures to all pastor or council to: Christiana, Janessa, Sarah generations. Psalm 100 Word & Deed – U.S.A. Emily VanReuwyk (Chilliwack, B.C.) P.O. Box 157, Hudsonville Derek, Chantal MI 49426, U.S.A.

Martha Schinkel (Chilliwack, B.C.) Melissa, Christopher

Peter and Caroline Langbroek (Abbotsford, B.C.) Caleb, Hannah

Great-grandmother to 14 great-grandchildren.

Our comfort in sorrow are the words of the apostle Peter, which apply to our mother: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23

The funeral took place on September 1, 2011, at the Chilliwack Free Reformed Church, with Rev. J. Koopman officiating

24 THE MESSENGER I NOVEMBER 20 11