TWO MONTREAL STATUES Continued on Page 3

A Reformed Monthly 75th Year of Publication | September 14, 2020 | No. 3116 $5.00

News. Clues. Kingdom Views.

WHEN WOMEN LEAD

In health and politics, women leaders are excelling. What about in our churches? | Meghan Kort

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE PANDEMIC, GOVERNMENTS HAD TO decide: who will speak for us? In 10 key locations across Canada, women serving as public heath officers have taken on those increas- ingly public roles. “The women we’re seeing on the national stage during the pandemic are being celebrated for both their compassion and their calm under pressure,” write Andrea Gunraj and Jessica Howard from the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Their leadership comes, at times, through impartial statistical analysis, at other times through tears, a sense of humour or a motherly sternness. Chrystia Freeland’s recent appointment to Finance Minister after successfully negotiating NAFTA is yet another example of a Canadi- an woman excelling at the forefront of crisis management. Globally, research shows that women have been especially effective in leadership during the pandemic. Countries led by women have tended to shut down more quickly and experience fewer deaths. Of course, there are countless factors affecting a province or countries’ COVID-19 story. Leadership and gender may be a piece of this puzzle, but it’s still too early to tell. What we do know is that in a “The Emergence of the Chief” graces Concordia’s Loyola campus, less than 10km from where Macdonald’s statue was pulled down. world where 90 percent of countries are run by men and here in Can- ada where 88 percent of our deans of medicine are men, this public health emergency is shining a unique spotlight on the powerful ways TWO MONTREAL STATUES Continued on page 3

Discovering a statue that honours Indigenous history just as Sir John A. is toppled. Roland De Vries

WHEN A BRONZE STATUE OF SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD was pulled across the street from me is a down by anti-racism protestors on August 29, it wasn’t the first time statue of James McGill. His name Canada’s first Prime Minister lost his head. Erected in downtown also graces the university itself. Montreal in 1895, the statue has long been a target of vandalism. In But we know that McGill owned 1992 it was decapitated on the anniversary of the hanging of Louis five slaves. Two of them were Riel. Since then it has been defaced with paint and graffiti many times. Indigenous children (each died Now the statue is toppled completely, its head snapped off. The at age 10) and three were adults Mayor of Montreal and other politicians condemned the vandalism, of African descent. The question but it is unlikely that this will resolve the conflict. There is a small arises: Why would we honour the but growing chorus of voices insisting that someone who held racist memory of slave-owning James views, and who was one of the architects of the Indian Residential McGill? Can we dismiss criti- School system, should have no public place of honour. cisms by saying that “he was a Another example of this type of conflict: On the university campus man of his time”? The questions Continued on page 2

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STATUES CONTINUED lows on the nearby plaque: “De- picted is a Mohawk clan mother raised in these two instances, and presenting a two-row wampum replicated in many others, must belt to a newly-elected chief, and be vigorously and carefully de- instructing him in his moral and bated. social responsibilities. The dark rows on the belt, illustrating a sail- WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT? ing ship and a canoe, underline the On April 9, 2003, a motorcycle relationships between European mechanic named Kadhim Sharif settlers and First Nations peoples al-Jabouri picked up a sledge- who sailed the same waters and hammer from his garage and treated each other with respect. went to nearby Firdos Square The chief wears a head-dress in Baghdad. There he began to based on one in the collections of smash the base of a Saddam Hus- the McCord Museum of Canadian sein statue that had been erected History.” a year earlier to mark the Iraqi In our cultural moment we are dictator’s 65th birthday. engaged in a debate over public Although al-Jabouri was a representations of figures from muscled body builder, the 12-me- the past. It strikes me that the pos- ter bronze statue was only top- itive and appreciative response pled with the aid of American to “The Emergence of the Chief” Marines. They were part of the Repair, replace or send to a museum? The city of Montreal hasn’t said yet what it will do with the statue of Canada’s first Prime Minister. represents the kind of reaction that invading force that intended to public monuments should gen- overthrow the Hussein regime. knew very well that Saddam Hus- day in relation to public monu- reactions and 166 appreciative erate. “This represents us. This The Marines tied a chain around sein was an oppressive dictator ments. It turns out that we also comments. These reactions have tells the truth of who we are. This the neck of the Hussein statue (al-Jabouri was himself jailed by have a mixed relationship with come from a diversity of peo- tells the truth of where we are.” and pulled it down with a truck. the regime for a period of time), the statues in our parks and gar- ple, but among them are a con- Embedded in these responses are Those images played across TV he pointed out that those who dens and public squares. We are siderable number of Indigenous important judgments about truth screens in the West almost two came after Hussein were much asking: Does that statue belong in persons and organizations from and justice and aesthetics, and decades ago, and they are still worse. His views of the dictator our community? Who does this across North America. these always need to be named vivid in my mind. have been moderated through sculpture represent? What does Aside from expressions of ap- and discussed and debated. Yet A curious follow-up to this sto- periods of political and cultural it represent? How has our society preciation at its beauty, the most I have been struck by the posi- ry. Fifteen years after the fact, in change. changed since it was first erect- common reaction seems to be tive and even joyful responses to an interview with NPR, al-Ja- In an important way, this Iraqi ed? Who gets to decide whether surprise. Surprise at a public and McGary’s sculpture. “This is a bouri expressed regret at his part motorcycle mechanic expresses this sculpture stays or goes? positive representation of Indig- beautiful representation of who in toppling the statue. While he the tensions we experience to- enous peoples and their heritage. we want to be. Here is something SURPRISED BY A STATUE Surprise at such a beautiful and we can get behind.” In early July, my wife Becky and public acknowledgment that the Might I suggest that this re- I went for a walk and took a dif- land upon which Concordia Uni- sponse represents a good mea- ferent route than usual. Doing so, versity sits is the traditional ter- sure of whether or not a sculp- we wandered through the middle ritory of the Iroquois Confedera- ture belongs in the public square of the Loyola Campus of Con- cy. The common thread of many today? cordia University. There, hidden comments (in the context of our behind the wing of a main build- debates over public sculptures) Roland De Vries ing, was this remarkable bronze seemed to be: “Here is something sculpture (see page 1). It is the we can get behind!” Roland teaches at The Presbyterian College, last monumental, realist work Montreal. He likes to by the American artist Dave Mc- ‘THIS REPRESENTS US’ explore culture and play Gary (1958-2013) and is entitled The sculpture is described as fol- with words. “The Emergence of the Chief.” It stands 16 feet tall and, like many of his bronzes, is distinct for its use of vibrant colour. I was surprised to discover this extraordi- nary piece just 300 meters from our home. We had lived there for more than 10 years, and I had never seen it. In response, I did what many of us do these days. I took a pho- to of the sculpture and shared both the photo and a description of the piece on my Facebook page. The response to the post was more than I expected. Within weeks it was shared 1,500 times and received over 800 positive

2 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News

WOMEN CONTINUED in which women lead in these male-dominated spheres. Perhaps it’s time to turn our attention to our church context. Just as in politics and medicine, male leadership is often the norm in church communities. In the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), women have only been ordained to church office since 1995 and over a quarter of CRCs still do not have any women serving as elder, deacon or pastor. In the Presbyterian Church in Canada, women have been ordained since 1966. There is more gender parity in their leadership, yet larger multi-pastor churches are still more likely to be led by men; even in the last 10 years, women have only moderated the General Assembly twice. How might this global crisis Ad campaign targeted at young people in B.C. create an opportunity to high- featuring Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. light not only women’s leadership in health and politics, but these challenging times as church families. also in our council rooms and Vulnerability in leadership doesn’t always mean speaking it from congregations? the pulpit. Jacqui Foxall pastors 500 families at Knox Presbyterian church in Oakville and she says that the early weeks of the pandem- VULNERABLE LEADERSHIP ic were mostly about providing a strong non-anxious presence and Some women in church leader- speaking words of peace and hope. She called upon imagery of Mo- ship see direct parallels between ses standing over the battle of the Amalekites in Exodus 17. As long their role and those of women as Moses’ arms were raised, the Israelites were winning, so when his in the public health spotlight. “I strength was gone Aaron and Hur stood by his side holding up his find their leadership styles very arms. Pastors Amanda Currie, Jacqui Foxall and Amanda Bakale. inspiring,” says Sharon Band- Foxall remembers leaning on close female friends in those ear- our pastors have led us through. en leaders employ empathy, vul- stra, chair of council at Terrace ly days. “Though my hands were still on the metaphorical staff of Amanda Currie, pastor of First nerability and collaboration in Christian Reformed Church in leadership, and my mouth was uttering the words of reassurance and Presbyterian Church in Regina their approaches to leadership. B.C. “They are knowledgeable faith, it was their strength that held me up. We led the congregation and Moderator of the 2019 Gen- The stories these women shared yet show compassion, especially together.” eral Assembly, says facilitating are not unique to their gender. Dr. Bonnie Henry.” her denomination’s delibera- Yet research from the Canadian Just like public health officials COACHING THE CONGREGATION tions around same-sex marriage Women’s Foundation shows that balancing emotion with infor- The early days of the pandemic also called new leadership language during the assembly was much “women and girls often count mation, women in church lead- out of Amanda Bakale, pastor of Community CRC in Kitchener, On- more challenging. themselves out as leaders be- ership also find themselves bal- tario. Before the pandemic, she saw herself as a spiritual midwife “Preaching during the pandem- cause they don’t see themselves ancing empathy with vision and acknowledging that “the Spirit is at work; I just get to be a joyful ic was not hard,” explains Currie, fitting the stereotype: perfectly vulnerability with bravery. witness in the midst of that.” But now she feels more like a coach though “it was heart wrenching. polished, top-down, all-knowing, “I want to show empathy for all who is taking an active role in directing her congregation’s growth. But I never struggled with what unfeeling.” the challenges,” explains Cara “We can’t just continue to say ‘this is hard’ every week,” laments to say.” She contrasts this with Perhaps seeing how women deHaan, lead pastor at Faith Bakale. She has encouraged her congregation to approach the di- her experience moderating the have led us through this chal- Church in Burlington, Ontario, verse challenges they face as a growing season and – like a good 2019 General Assembly. lenging season will broaden our “yet as a leader I also want to coach – Bakale has set up space for exercising spiritual muscles. Two That “was the hardest thing I’ve perspectives on what makes a keep us clear on what our vision Adirondack chairs sit beneath a tree in the church yard. She calls it ever done in my life,” confess- good leader, so that more girls and mission are as a church.” the Visiting Tree. It’s a welcoming space where the community can es Currie. As she called for uni- and women will begin to imag- “I think my congregation grow in their capacity to reimagine reconnection. ty with diversity throughout last ine themselves in our council would like me to tell them what But perhaps the pandemic isn’t the most significant crisis that year’s assembly, commissioners rooms, behind our pulpits and this new thing is that God is do- created a way for the church to leading our denominations. ing. But I honestly don’t know,” Front page photo: Chief medical officers, hold up two parallel definitions of admits Jane Porter, pastor of top row from left: Dr. Barbara Yaffe (Ont.); marriage (“Redefining Marriage” Meghan Kort Dr. Jennifer Russell (N.B.); Canada’s chief First CRC in Orillia, Ontario, af- July 8, 2019, CC). Theological Meghan is Assistant Edi- ter preaching on a passage from public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam; Dr. challenges in our churches may tor of CC. She is a histori- Isaiah 43. She says it felt vulner- Deena Hinshaw (Alta); Dr. Patricia Daly be the equivalent of public health an by training and loves able to tell her congregation that (Vancouver); Toronto’s Dr. Eileen de Villa; emergencies in our world – call- helping nonprofits and Dr. Heather Morrison (P.E.I.); Dr. Bonnie churches tell their stories. she needs their help to hear God, Henry (B.C.); Dr. Janice Fitzgerald (N.L.); ing forth empathetic, authentic She lives in Terrace B.C. but she believes this is exactly and Dr. Vera Etches (Ottawa). and unwavering leadership. with her husband and how we are called to navigate Of course, both men and wom- one-year-old son.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 3 Guest Editorial

the world remember, as he ob- Today a “Cather Country” sign THE HARDSCRABBLE viously didn’t want to forget, that marks his suicide, crooked, as if he was “Born in Norway,” as was windblown. Around it stands tall HISTORY OF A PROUD his bride, a fact more important, weeds along the side of the road. Founded in 1945 it seems, than their names. An independent monthly that seeks to I’m way out in Willa Cather FROM MILES AWAY engage creatively in critical Christian PRAIRIE CHURCH country, far southern Nebraska, Back then, St. Stephenie’s refusal journalism, connecting Christians with a stone’s throw from Kansas, would not have been horrifying. a network of culturally savvy partners James C. Schaap in faith for the purpose of inspiring all where this old church – or its Taking one’s life meant having to participate in God’s renewing work James is a retired Professor of English and the author of more than predecessor – once played a role fallen into a despair so hopeless within his fallen creation. in Cather’s famous prairie saga, that people assumed its victims 40 books, most recently Looking for Dawn (2018). EDITORIAL TEAM & My Antonia. had willfully abandoned faith in PRODUCTION STAFF The cemetery across the grav- the Lord. Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick el road from St. Stephanie may They were wrong, of course, [email protected] Assistant Editor: Meghan Kort well have been the one that re- but as humans generally do, they [email protected] fused burial to Antonia father’s meant well. Features Editor: Amy MacLachlan family when they asked if his Still, you can imagine the hurt. [email protected] Reviews Editor: Brian Bork body could be buried just be- Today, clothed in alabaster, St. [email protected] yond its gates. Antonia’s father Stephenie Church is not a church. Contributing Editor: Michael Buma was Roman Catholic and he was It’s a storage shed whose shape [email protected] Contributing Editor: Peter Schuurman Czech, not Danish and Lutheran; and proud silhouette high above [email protected] but Cather claims the man’s eth- the land of people it once served Circulation: Sarah Smith nic or religious origins were not still feels like a blessing when [email protected] Admin: Heather Snippe at issue when the church refused you spot it a mile away. [email protected] the family’s request. For decades, its bell must have Development: Jennifer Neutel In Willa Cather’s life, Mr. rung out every Sunday morning [email protected] Website & Social Media: Shimerda’s prototype, Francis and tolled out the years for the Meghan Kort [email protected] Sadilek, who lived just up the deaths of its people. The church Layout and design: Kevin Tamming road, shot himself dead in his is way up on the shoulder of [email protected] Layout and Ad design: Naomi Francois own barn. For him, America a big, strong land that’s never collidemedia.ca didn’t fulfill the wonders of its been easy on anyone or anything, promises. In the old country, he’d save bison. For years, that bell Christian Courier is published by the Board of Reformed Faith Witness: been a weaver and a musician, had to have been heard out here James Dekker (Chair), Peter Elgersma, not a farmer; but he’d believed, for miles and miles around. For Sylvan Gerritsma, Ron Rupke, Emma all the way over on the ship, that years, St. Stephenie Church cre- Winter, Jaime Spyksma, Noah Van Brenk and Sarah van der Ende St. Stephenie Scandinavian Church. he could farm: you put seeds in ated community. the ground and then, when the And, more than once probably, The publication of comments, THE ENDLESS PRAIRIE ALL AROUND IS SO BEREFT of people and harvest is ready, you take out broke it in pieces too. opinions or advertising does not imply agreement or endorsement by buildings today that coming up on St. Stephenie Scandinavian Church food – you eat potatoes or carrots Once upon a time St. Stephe- Christian Courier or the publisher. from any direction is a resounding joy, even though the old church is or kale, and put up what’s left of nie had windows and an altar, a but a shell of its former self. It’s hard to imagine the neighborhood the bounty in jars for winter. You baptismal font and a communion The paper is published on the second teeming with Danes and Bohemians and Virginians, a Great Plains chase chickens, milk a cow or table, plus lectern or pulpit. With Monday of each month. melting pot, each family – eleventy-seven kids too – trying to make a two, get yourself a pair of good windows and a front door, years CANADA MAIL go of it on 80 acres. There had to be a time out here, maybe early June horses. Seemed a sure thing. ago it must have seemed even Publications Mail Agreement No. 40009999 evenings, when a person could stand beside the old church and hear But when he got to out in Neb- more like a place of hope and Return undeliverable addresses to: the music of children’s voices rising from homesteads miles around. raska, what he’d imagined turned grace. Christian Courier Nothing stops sound on an inland sea. out not to be the way things went. But it was also a place of div- PO Box 20022 Grantham The armor St. Stephenie wears these days – all metal sides and roof In deep despair, 133 years ago he ision, as are all of our St. Stephe- St Catharines ON L2M 7W7 – preserves the place at minimum cost right here; it stands on the prop- ended his own life and was bur- nies, and as we are ourselves, (ISSN 1192-3415) erty where the church has stood since 1927, the year a tornado blew ied on his own farm when the forever in need of grace. SUBSCRIPTIONS: away its predecessor. If, these days, there’s anything at all inside the church turned the family down. To subscribe, old church, you’d have to ask some local rancher, because St. Stephe- email [email protected] nie’s steel wardrobe appears not to have left a door. Its testimony as a or call 1-800-275-9185. One year (12 issues): $60. Six months (6 house of worship is little more than a telling silhouette against a broad issues): $30. Two years (24 issues): $110 sky just as wide as the horizon. Please contact circulation if you cannot No one gets inside anymore. Worship’s been silenced long, long afford the subscription price but would ago. What few agribusiness men and women remain on the land raise like to receive Christian Courier. much smaller families on thousands and thousands of acres. But the CHRISTIAN COURIER Dane Church, as it’s still called, stays where it’s been, suited up duti- PO Box 20022 Grantham fully against the elements, just across the road from its own cemetery. St Catharines ON L2M 7W7 1-800-275-9185 TRANSPLANTED christiancourier.ca St. Stephenie’s was a Lutheran congregation, built on land owned We acknowledge the financial by Yance Sorensen, whose big, square-shouldered stone stands up support of the Government of front proudly, the most prominent monument in the cemetery. When I stepped out of the car and saw that stone, I couldn’t help thinking I was being watched. I meant no harm. Printed in Canada Sorensen insisted, even though he would be “AT REST” here, that

4 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Letters

fellow whites who embrace such A LAMENT, PLEA attitudes: First, read two articles published in the August 10, 2020 AND HOPE Christian Courier. “Why I Wor- ship Whiteness” by Pastor Joshua James Dekker Damir Basuric of Edmonton’s Mosaic CRC is a stirring confes- RECENTLY, SHIAO CHONG, EDITOR OF THE BANNER, the Christian Re- sion of his own racism as a per- formed Church’s (CRC) official magazine, published two impassioned son of colour, who was humiliated articles. In his editorial “Speak Out Against Racism” (June 29), he de- while young, adopting his own scribed a time when he was called a racist epithet on an elevator in idolatry of seeing whiteness as an Hamilton, Ontario. As well, he referred hopefully to the CRC’s recent impossible goal. And “A Time To statement on racism signed by many agency leaders and later endorsed Speak” by Pastor Sandra Scarlett by the Council of Delegates, though he noted there was “dissent.” Dis- of Chateauguay, Quebec covers sent indeed; eight delegates voted against approving the statement, six some of Chong’s points from a registering their names. Soon eight persons wrote online comments re- needed thoughts. He has always CRCs hosted missionaries to Af- Black woman’s perspective in sponding to Chong’s editorial. Three strongly disagreed with his opin- modelled wise, patient leadership, rica, Japan, and Latin America, Canada. ion; one dismissed the use of his personal experience as a valid way to even in instances and with issues but we were lily white. We would Secondly, please, simply be address the issue. with which I have not agreed. He enter Black neighbourhoods north quiet in our largely safe, isolated, The second article was much longer, a personal opinion column has kept The Banner’s pages open of 95th Street only at Christmas, insulated, wealthy communities. called “7 Thoughts in the Wake of George Floyd” (July 10). Saying to genuine queries of serious de- because families there decorat- Listen. Try to meet people of it was the hardest article he’d written and that he was weary, Chong nominational, theological and ed their homes lavishly, unlike other races who are NOT safe and also realized it would engender anger and argument. Soon 21 people social issues. As well, he has pub- us, where a Christmas tree was wealthy. Learn from and about wrote responses, nearly half disagreeing, one alleging it was one of the lished articles I would not have in extravagant. Meanwhile, Black other cultures and races by invit- poorest articles ever published in The Banner, another challenging him his vulnerable and public position. people would hardly dare venture ing refugees into our homes and to a debate. The CRC has been the better for into our community to shop for churches. And ponder Revelation As a dual Canadian-U.S. citizen, I welcomed Chong’s articles be- that editorial expansiveness. Now, fear of being harassed or thrown 7’s vision of God’s benevolent, in- cause they raised again issues in both nations’ CRCs that have long though, our ugly undersides of out of stores. clusive universe. been muffled or, when published, have harvested anger, denial or of- dismissiveness and prejudice are When Black people began And more: I repent. I have to fended “Yes, but” letters and calls. Sadly, little has changed. What dis- showing up very publicly. moving into Roseland in the late do that every day, because I grew turbed me was not merely that Chong knew his writing would evoke 1960s, it took two years for all up knowing and using regularly at disagreements, detractions, cavils, and outright denial of his points. READ, LISTEN, REPENT four CRCs and two of the three least two dozen wicked words for Worse, I was not surprised, but bewildered and deeply chagrined since I say this from my own youth in RCAs to head south and west to Black people and those of other several letters were written by fellow CRC pastors. Their thoughts, a kind, gentle, yet deeply racist the suburbs. Those are just two races. I pray for forgiveness daily, words, argumentativeness, defensiveness and virtual blindness to sys- community in Roseland, Chica- examples of systemic racism, not because I don’t believe God temic racism betrayed an almost willful ignorance of the current horrors go, with four CRCs, three RCAs, which cuts through not only all forgives that sin of attitude that and deeply rooted racism in North American society. two Roman Catholic parishes and human hearts, but Christian com- still is my default position, but As Banner editor, Chong has always welcomed feedback and until one each of Presbyterian, Bap- munities as well. rather because I always conscious- now never felt called upon to publish a continuation of his most valid and tist and Lutheran congregations. When educated, sheltered pas- ly must suppress those wicked tors and members of my denomin- words and thoughts whenever I ation dismiss such experiences as see another person who does not TIL WE MEET AGAIN BONDING OVER BOOKS Shiao Chong’s, and the events he look something like me. Re: “Speak Moistly to Me” (Aug. 10) by Ross Re: “7 Tickets to Scotland Just Before the World cited as mere personalized snap- James Dekker Lockhart” Shut Down” (August 10) by Angela Reitsma shots and not as examples of deep Bick. racist patterns in our white-dom- Jim is a semi-retired Chris- “I have been so blessed by the Zoom services inated society; when they mini- tian Reformed pastor at my church. But I do look forward to a time “What a fantastic idea for a holiday. The way mize or deny white supremacy’s living in St. Catharines, hoping someday soon to when we can worship freely in person and be able this is written and the contrast to what was to evil against other races and con- be able to visit children to hug each other.” come is so well done. Books have always been tinue with immediate defensive and grandchildren living Elly Krygsman-VanAlten cherished friends. Thank you for sharing your ex- responses and deafness, I beg in the U.S. perience. I am sharing this article with my fellow SINGING TOGETHER IN SUMMER book lovers.” Henry de Jong’s article “Summer Sessions” (Au- Deborah Groom gust 10) describing the first ICS Niagara Summer Family conference 50 years ago received a lot of ‘WE ARE ALL COUNSELORS’ attention online. If you have stories or photos to Enjoyed reading your August 10 issue, as usual, share, they can still be posted at square-inch.net. piecemeal. I savored a couple of contributions, then gave myself time to digest contents, leaving “In the 1980s, the August long weekend camp- the rest for later. ing at the ICS conference was the place to be. The This time I found myself returning to Maaike weekend demonstrated community to me and a VanderMeer’s incredible poem time and time time of fun and fellowship for this single mom.” again (“I am not a counselor”). What a timely re- Sharon Davis-Payton minder as we move around mask-like with others in this strange, new universe. “We used to go every year to the ICS Confer- It’s a keeper! ence. Saturday night sing songs were the best!” John Knight, Liz Tiesma-Van Den Tempel Grand Rapids, MI

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 5 CRC Ministries within Canada

interests for their new creation! a history of continuing to flourish out of the entire human race, ‘LET US MAKE MAN IN Community, in action. in community, even after pan- from the beginning of the world Just a few verses later, in the demics are over. I am convinced to its end, gathers, protects, OUR IMAGE’ creation of humanity, the empha- that this time will be no different. and preserves for himself a sis on community continues. God It can’t be different. Humanity is community chosen for eternal Darren Roorda | [email protected] creates two people, in relationship hard-wired for community. life and united in true faith. with him and each other, convers- Indeed, this is not just a Chris- And of this community I am and Darren is the Canadian Ministries Director of the Christian ing as they walk in the cool of tian reality. It is a creational hu- always will be a living member Reformed Church in North America. the garden. Community is in our man reality. Ojibway-Canadian (Lord’s Day 21 Q&A 54). history. It is in our genes, in our author Richard Wagamese in his So, despite an isolating pan- THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS WELLED UP A LARGE INNER FEAR design, and in our tradition. We book Ragged Company writes, demic being the current reality within many Christian leaders in North America. They fear empty have been created to flourish in “Pain, like spirituality, needs across the world, I am not afraid pews, forever. I have heard pastors postulating that the self-isolation, community. community.” This pandemic is for the future. The Bible gives us necessary in our current pandemic, will translate into a self-absorbed Scripture continues with addi- producing a lot of the former, cause for confidence. God creat- “I don’t need the church community” kind of attitude when the pan- tional key emphases on commun- in multiple forms. The latter is ed the church to move us beyond demic is over. The church of tomorrow, they say, will be character- ity as well. From the requirement being tested. Both will demand the self-interested isolation of ized by a hyper-individualism. People will have an, “I can do this to pass on one’s faith to children a community to flourish. That private lives, and beyond super- through my iPad and from my couch” kind of faith – disconnected recorded in Deut. 6:20-21, in community can and should be the ficial social contacts. The biblical from any sense of community. which indiviudal followers are church. ideal and creational thrust move I hear that fear, but believe that scripture provides the antidote for meant to identify with the “we” The timeless creeds and con- us beyond ourselves toward com- the church worldwide. of the community of Israelites set fessions of the Church profess munity to fully experience life God created us in and for community. Faith, motivated from the free from slavery, all the way to this truth. In the Apostles’ Creed, together as the people of God. inner-self, for the inner self, expressed by yourself, is never enough. It Paul’s emphasis on the church Christians have professed that The pews will be full again. goes against God’s very character and design. as the body of Christ made up of they, “believe in the commun- In creation, for example, we are introduced to Yahweh God as a com- many members, the point is clear. ion of saints.” The Heidelberg This reflection was originally munity. The noun is plural. In deciding to make humanity, the voice of The people of God are designed catechism’s commentary on this written as part of a devotion- God says, “Let Us. . . .” In Christianity, we have understood this “us” to to be in community. section affirms this by saying: al series for the Caribbean and be Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the Trinitarian Eternal Counsel. This Whether it is the Black Plague I believe that the Son of God North American Council, of is a divine community, of three persons, discerning together the best or the Spanish flu, the church has through his Spirit and Word, which the CRCNA is a member.

neighbourhood and connect with some of the key stakeholders there explains. “This can seem over- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (eg. business owners, politicians, schools). Know what questions whelming, but churches and dea- to ask to discover the gifts and assets already there as well as any cons don’t need to go it alone.” IN A COVID WORLD needs/gaps. To learn more about this re- 3. Find Ways to Collaborate: As you go, identify who is/will be source and others, visit our web- most impacted by COVID and list current community partners and site: diaconalministries.com/ New resource helps churches get to know their churches you could work with. covid-19-resources or call us at Rachel Vroege, Regional Ministry Developer for Diaconal Minis- 800-730-3490 x4304. community despite the ongoing pandemic. tries, is currently using this new resource with Prince George CRC in B.C. “This new resource will act as a guide, together with coaching, Erin is the Communications Coordin- Erin Knight | [email protected] to mobilize churches to show Jesus’ love to their community,” Vroege ator for Diaconal Ministries Canada.

WHEN DEACONS ARE INSTALLED INTO OFFICE, the charge given to them reads as follows: “teach us to love God, our neighbours, and the creation with acts of generous sharing, joyful hospitality, thoughtful care, and wise stewardship of all of God’s gifts.” In other words, deacons help the church show and share the love of Christ everywhere and at all times. Engaging with your surrounding community is no simple task. It requires years of building trust, getting to know your neighbourhood, assessing your community’s unique assets and needs and most importantly, seeing where God is at work already! To do this well, Diaconal Ministries has equipped and supported churches with their Community Opportunity Scan (COS) tool. But how does a church get to know their neighbours during a global pandemic when most things are shut down and #StayHome/#StaySafe are our new mantras? As churches began asking this very question, it motivated Diaconal Ministries’ staff to re-think how the COS could be adjusted for the current situation we find ourselves in. The result of that rethinking was a resource entitled Introduction to Community Partnerships. This helpful tool walks churches through three steps:

1. Lay the Groundwork: This includes prayer and learning about helpful, not harmful, ways to reach out to your surrounding community. 2. Explore your Neighbourhood: Prayer walk your designated area/

6 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER This page is made possible through a partnership with CRC Ministries within Canada. News

of continuing to hold it online. WHAT WILL SUNDAY SCHOOL LOOK LIKE? children’s faith on their own. “I know many of the families “That’s what community is for,” with young kids are meeting said Salverda. “We should experi- regularly in parks and their kids Faith formation in uncertain times means finding a new balance between home ence our limitations. We all have are having play times together,” spiritual gifts, but we don’t have says Tolkamp. “If you can do this and church. | Christina Van Starkenburg them all.” This means parents in a park, we can do this outside who are feeling overwhelmed, on the lawn at church.” ungifted at teaching, or uncertain But even though this has had of spiritual truths should rely on its challenges. “Trying to build others in their faith circles. in the same rhythms outside that Friends can recommend dif- I would do with the children on ferent children’s devotionals or a Sunday morning in a room is Bibles; they can share their prac- really challenging with wiggly tices and strategies, and they can three-year-olds. Yet for the par- hold each other accountable for ents, it was just so important to investing the time to practice them. So important to their chil- spiritual disciplines at home. dren – they were so happy. You should have seen them come run- REIMAGINING ning outside the sanctuary.” CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Salverda also took time to Church leadership can also sup- speak to the parents in her con- port parents as they struggle with gregation. She visited each the added burden of guiding their family, asked how things were child’s spiritual growth at home going, dropped off resources during COVID-19. Though this and “reminded the children that support will look different de- they belong to God and that they pending on the specific circum- are an important part of God’s stances of each church. family.” In June, Tolkamp held a Zoom No matter what the fall brings Liz Tolkamp teaches an outdoor Sunday school class for ages 3-5 in Langley, B.C.. meeting with the parents in her in terms of ministry and con- Each family pre-registered and sat on their own designated blanket during the class. congregation to find out what nectivity, churches and parents they were missing about getting can help children grow closer to THE START OF SCHOOL OFTEN push towards faith at home,” said Tolkamp. It can be as simple as together on Sundays, what spirit- God. But, as Tolkamp stressed heralds the return of churches’ Pastor Brittney Salverda of Vic- letting your children pray, asking ual disciplines were currently over and over again, be prepared children’s programs – Sunday toria CRC in B.C. “Research has them what their highs or lows of helping them to grow, and what to pivot. schools, after school clubs and said for a really long time that the day were, or something more would help them the most when youth groups. The pandemic, the influence of a parent or par- structured. As Tolkamp points it comes to their children’s faith Christina Van Starkenburg however, is altering those pre-set ents far surpasses the impact of a out, “There are some families formation. plans. Many churches still aren’t church program or the pastor on where it works to say ‘this is our What she found from this con- Christina is an award-win- meeting in person, and those that the development of the child.” Friday night worship time.’ That versation was a deep sense of ning freelance writer are meeting physically are still In part, this is because parents would never work for mine, but I disconnect among the parents. based in Victoria, B.C. In her free time, she enjoys trying to determine if and how have a greater chance of normal- know it works for some.” And so Tolkamp convinced her reading, dancing, and ex- children’s programs can be done izing spiritual development into For parents in Salverda’s con- church to reopen their Sunday ploring the world with her safely. their everyday lives. “You can gregation who were struggling school program in person instead husband and two boys. Yet we know that no matter integrate the practice of worship with the idea of being the one in the season or challenges, minis- into family life,” explains Liz charge of their children’s spirit- tering to children is not optional. Tolkamp, Children’s Pastor at ual growth, she would tell them RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Jesus instructed his disciples to Willoughby Church in Langley, to “start not where you want to “let the little children come to B.C. “The question is – what are be, but where you are. Don’t set Books and activities worth buying or borrowing: me” (Matt.19:14) and David re- those opportunities that naturally yourself up for failure, this is a minded “each generation [to] tell lend themselves to engaging in growing process – teaching the God’s Big Story Cards by Karen DeBoer and its children of your mighty acts” faith formation? It’s really hard facts of God is more like play- Carol Reinsma (Ps.145:4 NLT). So in this uncer- to separate from all of life, being the piano than having a wish tain time, churches and families cause all of what we do is about come true in the morning.” Everyday Family Faith by Sandy Swatzen- are working to find new ways to faith formation.” “Christian people are filled truber proclaim God’s greatness in their While it can be intimidating to with the Holy Spirit,” continues own communities and homes. think that every decision, action Salverda. “Christian parents are The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd- or thought is a part of a child’s instructed to pass on the faith, Jones NURTURING FAITH AT HOME spiritual growth, it can also be and it’s a fact, the Holy Spirit Some churches are fostering a relief. Parents do not have to will empower us to do the things Everyone A Child Should Know by Clare spiritual growth among the chil- come up with a structured cur- that are required of us that are Heath-Whyte dren in their congregations by riculum like their child might really hard and that feel beyond encouraging parents to build encounter in Children’s Church. us.” 30 Prophecies: One Story, How God’s Word spiritual development into their Spiritual formation can and will Though Salverda acknow- Points to Jesus by Paul Reynolds daily routines. look different in every family. ledges that parents are filled with “In the Christian Reformed “Just build it naturally into the Holy Spirit, she does not ex- Paul Writes (a Letter) by Chris Raschka Church (CRC), there’s this whole the rhythm of your day,” says pect them to do build up their

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 7 News

To choose to wear a mask is not just good for our public health; it’s enfranchised. So many people in COVERED also good for our spiritual health. our world live masked lives. Per- Mask wearing is a sign of humility. It’s a way of visually acknow- haps wearing a mask could help ledging that you’re vulnerable, mortal and susceptible. In a world us to consider listening more and The spiritual discipline of wearing a mask. filled with asymptomatic coronavirus carriers, it is a way of showing speaking less. others that you don’t know everything – that for all you know you Even if you’re not feeling al- John Van Sloten could be infected right now. truistically motivated in any of these ways, wearing a mask can SOLIDARITY still be good for you. MOST WORLD RELIGIONS HAVE THEIR VERSION of the Golden Rule: Mask wearing is also a good way to join together with the human race. Right now, it looks like city- “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s a basic What better way to experience the fact that we’re all in this together wide mask wearing is the only societal norm and a trust upon which we build our communities. than to walk into a grocery store and see everyone wearing a mask? way we’re going to be able to Yet in a city where two-thirds of the population is either Christian, All of us are part of one community, fighting this pandemic. keep our COVID-19 curve flat Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu or Jewish, Calgary had to implement a Perhaps our mask wearing can make us better global citizens, too. and keep our economy going. face-covering bylaw for indoor public areas and public vehicles start- What if every time we felt the restriction of not being able to breathe Think of our city businesses, edu- ing August 1. In July, Quebec was the first province to make masks freely, we took a few seconds to think about those who live in suffo- cational institutions, non-profits mandatory. Similar bylaws have since been passed in Toronto, Ed- cating slums or those whose lives are in a perpetual systemic choke- and your future residential tax monton and many other cities and regions. hold? rates. Mask wearing will be eco- One would think that wearing a mask for the sake of others wouldn’t When your mask limits your ability to communicate clearly, per- nomically good for all of us. be a big problem in our city. haps you could let that moment remind you of the countless souls It’s not so surprising – that And yet it is. whose voices are never heard – the poor, the weak, those with dis- what’s good for others can also For Christians this is especially curious – given the nature of who abilities, those who are discriminated against and those who are dis- be good for you. Jesus was. All it takes is putting a small piece of fabric over your mouth and nose when you’re in a public space (along with some good Masks are not just good physical distancing and hand hy- for our public health; they’re also good giene). We can do that; it’s such a small for our spiritual health. thing for the greater good. John Van Sloten

According to the Christian narrative, Jesus significantly self-limited John is the pastor of Marda Loop Church in for the sake of others. He freely emptied himself of his omniscience Calgary. His sermon on and omnipotence in order to incarnate as a frail and dependent new- “The Spiritual Practice of born. The one who spoke the universe into being took on the limits of Wearing a Mask” can be a human tongue and, in a very real sense, “masked up.” found on the Marda Loop Church YouTube page. Yet many of his followers haven’t been doing the same. This originally appeared It makes no sense. It’s such a small thing to do for the sake of an- in the Calgary Herald other person (even if the science on masks has been evolving). online.

owns. He is told: go home. He is defense. Floyd will never give a preferring to deny even our own TO JUST BE HEARD not given a hearing. Outside the defense. The manner of his death despair. Denial, says author municipal building, in the mid- forced the world to witness again Kathleen O’Connor, “refers to dle of traffic, he lights himself on a man unheard. the refusal, perhaps even the Bearing witness to injustice brings companionship to fire and shouts, “HOW DO YOU Movements followed these psychic and spiritual inability, EXPECT ME TO LIVE?” two geographically and political- to see the horrible, to name it, to those who suffer. | Maaike VanderMeer This was Mohamed Bouazizi’s ly distant deaths of Bouazizi and allow it space in the world. De- death on December 17, 2010, in Floyd. These two are extreme nial means to live knowingly or Tunisia. His question, enacted in examples, not exceptional ones. unknowingly with lies.” BEING HEARD, BEING SEEN, BEING WITNESSED – these are essential to his death, fueled the Arab Spring, Both the Arab Spring and today’s In her book Lamentations and human dignity and survival. which swept through multiple mass protests like the recent the Tears of the World, O’Con- In Genesis, an African slave woman stumbles in the desert, preg- countries and toppled dictators. March in Washington happen be- nor traces the change in the nant, with nowhere to go. God comes to her. She names him “the God Reza Aslan, speaking at The Cen- cause countless individuals find narrator of Lamentations. First who sees.” ter for the Study of Religion and in Bouazizi and Floyd a tangible he stands in denial as accuser In Hosea, the holy city – God’s city – is ravaged. Personified as a Conflict of Arizona State Univer- symbol of their own experience of the city-woman. But as Zion woman, the city cries, “Who will be a witness to my affliction?” God sity, explains, “This wasn’t about of being unheard. This world anguishes over the murder of is utterly silent. Zion holds God to the name Hagar gave: “See, Yah- anger at having something taken is full of Bouazizis, Floyds and her children, the narrator comes weh, I am in anguish!” away from him. This was about a Hagars of every colour and in closer. He speaks to Zion di- Often we prefer to live in denial rather than witness. far more primal need – the need many contexts, all in need of a rectly. He tells her to complain Until, that is, something forces the world to pay attention, like the to just be heard.” witness. Hope is survival. Hope louder to God. The narrator death of Mohamed Bouazizi or the death of George Floyd. I heard a policeman condemn is the curious occupant found asks, “How can I bear witness the killing of George Floyd, say- in houses of despair. And hope for you?” He acknowledges that A PRIMAL NEED ing that above all, police must starves without a witness. her pain is without compare. A 26-year-old man, highly educated yet unemployed, sets up a fruit protect the voice of those they As her witness, he becomes her and vegetable stand. A policewoman confiscates it unfairly. He goes arrest – American law guaran- THE COST OF WITNESSING companion in suffering. This is to the municipal building to request back his weights and scales, all he tees citizens the chance to give a We are afraid of being a witness, Continued on page 9

8 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News

statement supporting an appeal of REFUGEE RIGHTS the decision, without addressing the substance of the ruling. That raises questions about whether the Federal Court rules that U.S. ‘not safe’ for asylum Conservative Party supports such seekers. | Kathy Vandergrift basic human rights as freedom from arbitrary imprisonment and torture, as well as questions about IN 2017, NEDIRA MUSTEFA SOUGHT REFUGEE PROTECTION at the its support for the rights of refu- Canadian border and found herself in solitary confinement in a small gees. The New Democratic Party cold cell with no blanket and little food in a U.S. prison, without being expressed support for suspending charged for any crime. Her story is the real-life outcome of something the STCA, a position it also ad- called the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and vanced during earlier parliamen- the United States. Under this agreement Canada sends refugee claim- tary discussions. The Green Party ants back to the U.S., assuming it is a safe country for asylum seekers. has supported ending the STCA Her case, along with seven others, became part of a court challenge of for some time, highlighting U.S. the STCA, with the support of the Canadian Council of Refugees, the discriminatory treatment of some Canadian Council of Churches, and Amnesty International. yers who said that conditions August 21, that the government claimants as one reason to end it. On July 22, 2020, Federal Court Justice Ann McDonald found the have become even worse than the will appeal the decision. Legal The Bloc Quebecois called for evidence to be a “shock to the conscience” and declared that their ba- evidence in this court case. That clarity was given as the reason an end to the STCA in 2019 as a sic human rights were violated. She cited the evidence to show that adds weight to the CCC call to for the appeal, without providing response to the increase in illegal the outcomes contradict the stated purpose of the agreement. For these immediately stop sending refugee any substantive information to crossings into Quebec at Roxham reasons she ruled that the agreement is unconstitutional and gave the claimants back for what the judge the parties involved or the public. Road, and as part of its demand federal government six months to change it. The ruling was welcomed ruled to be inhumane treatment Appeals take a long time to work that Quebec have more control by many churches who sponsor refugees and advocate for the rights of and a violation of their rights as through the courts, putting refu- over immigration policy. refugees as a justice issue. persons, regardless of their life gee claimants back into jeopardy. This is one issue where mem- story. If Canada sends refugee claim- bers of parliament who act on STOP RETURNING CLAIMANTS ants back to the U.S. when the conscience, across party lines, This ruling confirms what refugees, churches and others have been APPEAL IGNORES border opens, it will be, with full could pressure the government saying for some time. The ruling is strong because of the extensive and BASIC RIGHTS knowledge, complicit in arbitrary to do the right thing. When par- compelling evidence brought forward by the legal team, led by highly Initially, Public Safety Minister detention in inhumane conditions liament returns in September, will regarded refugee lawyer Andrew Brouwer. Similar real-life experienc- Bill Blair said the agreement re- and deportation back to coun- they stand up to protect the basic es were shared with federal officials earlier, but they continued to claim mains in effect while they study tries where they are likely to be rights of people like Nedira who that the U.S. treats asylum seekers fairly, in spite of the evidence. The the ruling, citing January 22, 2021 tortured, in violation of Cana- are fleeing persecution and look- judgment is also noteworthy because the Federal Court does not easily as the date the court ruling comes dian law and international laws ing for a safe place to rebuild a over-rule parliamentary decisions. into effect. Right now COVID-19 that Canada supposedly upholds. life? The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC), along with other organi- border closures mean fewer There is a possibility that the re- zations, followed the ruling with a letter asking for two actions. First, claimants at border crossings. sults of the November election in immediately stop turning over refugee claimants to the U.S., given the The judge found no evidence to the U.S. lead to a change in the Kathy Vandergrift documented evidence of what happens to them. support government claims that way the U.S. treats refugee claim- Kathy is a public policy Secondly, the CCC asked the federal government to accept the ruling suspending the agreement would ants. analyst with a Master’s and suspend the STCA rather than appealing the decision to higher overwhelm Canada’s refugee sys- Degree in Public Ethics. CONSCIENCE AND She lives in Ottawa and courts. tem. is Vice-President of the On the other side of the border, a National Public Radio report called It was a surprise when Minister PARLIAMENT Canadian Council of the ruling a harsh rebuke of U.S. policy and quoted U.S. refugee law- Blair stated on a Friday afternoon, The Conservative Party issued a Churches.

BE HEARD CONTINUED urges us to present to God all that which longs toward wholeness. prevents full human flourishing – We cannot simply apply wit- Zion’s only comfort, yet it affects the wounds, despair, hatred, anger ness and lament as band-aids to the narrator so much that he be- and injustices of the world. It is the widening cracks in our soci- comes physically ill – eyes wast- prayer that is born in the deepest eties, made visible when people ed with tears, bowels in ferment, secrets of abandonment and loss. take to the streets in the U.S. and bile poured out on the ground, It expresses hungry, passionate Canada to demand change. This “because of the breaking of the yearning for God’s presence. It is a call to a way of life following daughter of my people, as the is, therefore, enabling prayer that a God who himself laments, wit- child and the infant are fainting leaves no barrier between us and nesses and responds. It requires in the streets of the city.” Witness God.” a change of heart – repentance is costly. Lament can flip the table on – and willingness to follow a denial by demanding truth about wounded Saviour. ESSENTIAL WORK pain – truth which becomes both Maaike VanderMeer Witness is essential work. Wheth- a prayer to God and a voice in er you are an observer (like the the world. Laments have been Maaike is a freelance writer from Ontario and narrator in Lamentations) or a lost in North American churches raised in Africa, where crushed sufferer (as Zion herself), but they still weave through our her heart stayed. Her our Scriptures offer laments. Scriptures, calling us back from degree is in Intercultural Service and World Arts. Laments are acts of faithfulness, denial to offer and receive the She blogs at shoutofjoy. says O’Connor: “Lamentations gift of witness in a broken world wordpress.com

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 9 Reviews EXPLORING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM THREE NEW, WELL-RESEARCHED BOOKS on Christian nation- a journalist’s analysis of who is driving the movement, its funding alism provide useful insights for reflection on our current context in sources, and how it has gained power. Jesus and John Wayne provides North America and how it impacts all of us. Taking the issue serious- a cultural history of how Christian nationalism gained dominance ly, they help to make sense of the one-line references about White within the U.S., with a focus on the centrality of a belief in militarized evangelicals or the “Christian Right” in daily news stories. masculinity to defend God and how the United States is God’s chosen Taking America Back for God offers sociological evidence and an- agent to save Christianity. These books give a path forward for Chris- alysis to better understand what Christian nationalism really is, and tians who are not comfortable with this ideology and concerned about the extent of its influence in society. The Power Worshippers offers its impacts for both Christianity and our society in North America.

boy/soldier defending a certain men to defend God. First was CENTERING THE conception of America for God. communism, replaced by the civil As a celebrity hero for Christians, rights movement, feminism, Viet- STRONGMAN in spite of immoral behaviour nam, Saddam Hussein, Muslims, and racism, he shaped the cul- homosexualism, and now threats Kathy VanderGrift ture more than following Jesus’ to religious freedom. teachings; he serves as a pre-cur- Du Mez also describes the tre- WHAT EXPLAINS THE CONTINUING STRONG SUPPORT by evangelical sor of the current president. The mendous harm done by this ideol- Christians for a president whose actions are the antithesis of following counterpart, of course, is the sub- ogy, harms that are ignored or dis- Jesus? Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez answers that question in her new missive woman, who is God’s gift missed by its leaders. These range book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a to serve man, within a strict social from sexual abuse of women, Faith and Fractured a Nation. It’s more than a pragmatic choice to get order determined by men. including by leaders in the move- certain judges appointed or specific pieces of legislation passed. It’s Central to Christian national- ment, to entrenched racial and JESUS AND JOHN WAYNE: deeper than a grab for power and it won’t automatically disappear if ism, as Du Mez unfolds the hist- economic discrimination, to kill- HOW WHITE EVANGELICALS short-term goals are achieved. ory, is a strong belief that Chris- ing civilians as collateral damage CORRUPTED A FAITH AND Du Mez, an accomplished cultural historian at Calvin University, tian masculinity means patriarch- in global military adventures. FRACTURED A NATION charts the roots of our current context through a 50 year history that al authority at home and a callous I was shaped by this culture in transformed traditional evangelicalism into Christian nationalism, an use of militarized power to de- my formative years. It was much Kristin Kobes Du Mez ideology that fuses love of God and love of the United States, at the ex- fend God and the United States easier to go along with it and be W. W. Norton Publishing Co., 2020. pense of the former. Using her gifts of storytelling and careful attention as God’s chosen country. Key to accepted than to question it and to detail, Du Mez helps her readers connect the dots between familiar the success of the takeover was be accused of disloyalty to God as elements within North American Christianity. While enjoying the story, permeating popular culture with well as family and friends. readers also sense the embedded distortions of the gospel and worship celebrities, music and movies, Reading the story of how this of false gods. gender-specific consumer goods, takeover unfolded, including ori- Billy Graham, Focus on the Family, Mel Gibson, Promise Keeper ral- emotional experiences, and social ginal quotes and familiar events, lies, Duck Dynasty, The Total Woman, Wild at Heart and Tender War- pressure to conform with one paris eye-opening. It is a gift to help rior, Purity Bracelets, Veggie Tales, Hobby Lobby, The Dude’s Guide ticular way of being a Christian Christians understand the spirits to Manhood: these and more familiar symbols of Christian America are American. of our time and find a path - for connected in the story of how Christian nationalism shaped the cultural Another essential element is ward that re-centers Jesus rather Kristen Kobes DuMez choices for many Christians. John Wayne, in the title of the book, cap- fear of a powerful enemy, held up than John Wayne. teaches at Calvin University. tures the influence of strong man icons, the fearless and ruthless cow- as a mortal threat requiring strong

A CAREFUL CRITIQUE stand what lies behind the one- line references in news stories to Kathy VanderGrift evangelicals supporting Trump or the Christian Right. They take Christian nationalism serious- FLAGS AT THE FRONT OF CHURCHES AND BIBLES WAVING at political ly and research it as they would rallies are common place in the United States, and two thirds of Amer- other factors that are shaping so- icans agree with the statement “America is a Christian nation” (accord- ciety. In doing so, they encourage ing to a 2013 poll). That level of fusion between love of God and love readers to think more clearly and of country, however, does not explain why many, in the name of Christ, more critically about the assumed reject non-white immigrants, refuse to recognize racial injustice in spite connection between the Bible and of overwhelming evidence, oppose equality for women, defend gun cul- the U.S. flag. Readers can check Samuel Perry , author. ture, and excuse killing civilians as collateral damage in militarized ad- the data in three detailed appendi- write, to distinguish between TAKING AMERICA BACK ventures to expand U.S. control in other lands. What connects the dots ces. Christian nationalism and evan- FOR GOD: CHRISTIAN between “Christian” and these actions? Whitehead and Perry careful- gelicalism, civil religion, and a NATIONALISM IN THE UNITED That is the question two sociologists, Andrew Whitehead at Clemson ly map out the characteristics of simple belief that the U.S. is a STATES University and Samuel Perry at the University of Oklahoma, set out Christian nationalism, its con- Christian nation in some way. Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry to research. Using empirical evidence and interviews, they present a sequences, and its levels of pub- Their careful descriptions not only Oxford University Press, 2020. full-colour portrait of Christian nationalism that helps readers under- lic support. It is important, they avoid over-generalization and

10 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Reviews

false labelling of people, they put with this one, particular understanding of a fused Christian/American approach current issues, using a spotlight on the impacts of this identity. Curiously missing are Christ-like ways of living or references their own words as well as polls ideology and important issues for to Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God. Love of neighbour, for and surveys to accurately describe the future of society in the US, and example, is not a high priority; that is cited as one of the differences current reality. by extension over the border into between Christian nationalism and other belief systems that also com- Whitehead and Perry move the Canada. bine loyalty to Christ and loyalty to country. At the same time, some discourse beyond easy clichés Christian nationalism is far non-Christians agree with and even strongly advocate for this ideology. about conservatives, liberals, and more than pledging allegiance Clearly understanding it and taking it seriously as a shaping force in evangelicals. I hope this book fos- “under God” and moral living. It society, rather than dismissing it as a variation of conservatism, is a first ters deeper and more careful reflec- is a cultural framework, or world- step, also for Christians who are often equated with it. tion among Christians about a de- view, that includes: preserving Especially helpful is the authors’ description of the range of support ceptive world view that uses Chris- Author Andrew Whitehead teaches a certain kind of stratified social for Christian nationalism, based on levels of agreement with a 24 point tian rhetoric but has little to do with Sociology at Clemson University. order where some are superior scale and divided into four categories. Ambassadors, defined as strong the heart of Jesus’ teaching. and others know their place; using advocates, comprise about 20 percent of the population and share other militarized force and authoritarian social and demographic characteristics. Accommodators are the largest Kathy Vandergrift rule to maintain control if neces- group, about 32 percent of the population. They support some of the Kathy is a public policy sary; setting physical and social values and often go along, but they are not enthusiasts. Resisters, about analyst with a Master’s boundaries to exclude “others” 26 percent, say no to the idea of a Christian nation, but hold diverse Degree in Public Ethics. She lives in Ottawa and perceived as threats to continued Christian beliefs that they consider important. Rejectors, about 21 per- is Vice-President of the dominance; and using the power cent of the population, disagree with all the core elements, with 7 per- Canadian Council of of the state to force compliance cent actively opposing it. Much of the book describes how these groups Churches.

reigns of political power as prime LEADING IN THE WAY OF JESUS? minister (1901-1905), he failed to truly appreciate how the deepest principles of the Christian faith Mike Wagenman should have directed him towards a shared vision of the common THE CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN ANDREW PETERSON pro- The situation is uncomfortably good that was negotiated among vocatively laments “the second coming of the Pharisees” when he wit- similar today. Christian national- diverse parties (which is the path nesses Christians behaving contrary to their teacher (Come, Lord Jesus, ists, like the Pharisees of the first that the Scandinavian Lutheran 2000). I heard this song playing repeatedly in my mind as I read Kath- century, pursue political, eco- pietists like P. P. Waldenström erine Stewart’s recent book, The Power Worshippers, on the rise and nomic, and religious power over took). This alone, without even danger of Christian nationalism. others through a distorted version getting into his attitudes towards As a number of recent publications are drawing our attention to these of (Christian) faith. One element race and gender, should be enough days, Christian nationalism is a radical anti-democratic agenda that mis- of this distortion is especially rel- to give one pause. THE POWER WORSHIPPERS: uses scripture and theology to gain broad support among conservative evant for Reformed Christians: Stewart is an insightful guide INSIDE THE DANGEROUS RISE evangelical Christians (along with others). While the spoken goal is the misuse of Kuyper’s under- through the last half century. Her OF RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM securing “religious liberty,” behind the scenes it is the strategic pursuit standing of Christ’s lordship over work provides Christians with an Katherine Stewart of political, economic, and religious power to control others and unfair- all spheres of life – what’s often opportunity to reflect on whether Bloomsbury, 2019. ly privilege a subset of the population and their religion. called a Christian worldview. our efforts, our methods, and our My experience with university students is relevant to this. When I ask Christian nationalism weapon- goals (in the political, econom- non-Christian students about their perceptions of Christianity, they tell izes this element of Kuyper’s ic, and religious spheres of life) stories of how Christians seem breathlessly intent on political manipu- thought. Rather than Christ’s are truly leading us in the way of lation, economic affluence, and religious establishment in law. I then lordship being an encouragement Jesus. If we find the way of the ask them to read Luke 4:1-12 with me. They are astonished to discover to Christian believers to patiently cross too costly, there are always that the three things that Christian nationalists today are most concerned and lovingly use their gifts and those who are happy to step in about are the very things that Jesus explicitly refused prior to launching abilities for serving the common and lead us towards becoming a his public ministry: political, economic, and religious power. good in a diverse society, it is used power worshipper instead. Jesus In Jesus’ ministry and the first decades of the early church (recorded as a justification for dispensing knew that political, economic, and in Acts and Paul’s letters), it is only at Jesus’ temptation in the wil- with the democratic process and, religious power are ever-present derness by Satan when these three elements (political, economic, and instead, imposing Christian mor- temptations. But it is not the path religious power) converge. Jesus immediately rejects them while the ality through political coercion. he would take. And it is not the Christian nationalists, the Pharisees of today, pursue them with gusto. Christian nationalists misuse path his followers are to take, Katherine Stewart The first-century Pharisees were, publicly, the religious leadership Kuyper’s work today by being either. Credit Twitter. who were meticulous about their devotion to God by putting on grand unfairly and narrowly selective. demonstrations of their pious prayers and offerings. Meanwhile, in pri- Taking a wide view of Kuyper’s Mike Wagenman vate, they made underhanded deals with their Roman occupiers which whole life and work, one immedi- secured their sneaky political power, shocking economic affluence, and ately recognizes a reason for why Mike is the Christian Re- coercive religious influence. Their religiosity was only a smokescreen Kuyper’s early work was so fruit- formed campus minister at Western University in for their radical unfaithfulness to God and their abuse of other people. ful but why he was ultimately un- London, Ont., where he is When it became obvious that Jesus saw right through their hypocrisy, successful as a political leader of also a professor of theolo- they knew he had to be eliminated. a diverse society: once he held the gy and culture.

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meet face-to-face. Even though the faculty, administration, students and staff quickly adapted to using Zoom, making webi- nars, and working from home, our community is not the same without being physically together. We are bodies, after all, and our theology and liturgical practices insist on the inextricability of bodies and souls, the physical and the spiritual.”

BEING PASTORS I also wondered how this pandemic experience was shaping their vocation as theological ed- ucators. Topping shared that he had moved from “principal to pastor” with heightened instincts to pay attention to people who have difficulty coping with stress in the best of times. “My vocation has been ‘pastorized’ again,” he said. “The pandemic shows you what great people you have. St. Andrew’s Hall, a Presbyterian College in Vancouver. It doesn’t change people; it does however intensify and reveal who what was the most significant you have. All the trust accumulat- THE ‘NEW’ SCHOOL OF CHRIST challenge their school faced due ed through the years makes your to the impact of COVID-19? leadership matter at a time like this. Expressions of compassion Searching for silver linings during COVID-19. | Ross A. Lockhart TOP CHALLENGES in regular communications for Topping noted the need to re- people who are working from spond with limited information home with children is important.” INNOVATION IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION has always been an es- had a priority for mission and when people wondered what Rigby also noted the emphasis sential part of equipping leaders for Christ’s church in the world. theological education. Knowing would happen and anxiety was upon her vocation as pastor, re- Many of our theological colleges across North America have stories the history of our scrappy and high. “Academics like complete flecting that her sense of calling of hard-scrabble beginnings, quick pivots, and adaptive responses to innovative ancestors in theolog- information,” he said. “I think to pastors has been formed during the context through various twists and turns along the way, before ical education gives me great honesty and clear communica- the pandemic. She had always becoming the more established institutions we take for granted today. encouragement in these crazy tion was really important.” In considered pastors her colleagues I serve as the Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall, the Presbyterian Church in COVID-19 days when so much addition to maintaining a sense and tried to support and learn Canada college in Vancouver, British Columbia. The first Presbyteri- of our lives have been disrupted, of humour, Topping noted, “In- from them, but they have “kind an college on the west coast was called Westminster Hall, established and church and academy have viting the community to prayer of blown me away,” in the last in 1907. In addition to its regular faculty, Westminster Hall welcomed been pressed fully into adaptive and welcoming their thoughts few months, she said, “with their visiting faculty from around the world by holding its classes in the leadership mode. through online gatherings cre- determination to figure out huge summertime. That way, the students were then sent to mission fields As a missiologist, I spend a lot ated a sense of mutual support things like how to have worship in the wintertime. In fact, the year after Westminster Hall opened, the of my time hanging out with lo- and trust for the administration.” online, how to be with a person Presbyterian Church established 15 new mission fields in Vancouver cal pastors of all denominational Rigby reflected on the challenge who is dying when you can’t and the Fraser Valley. I love knowing that from the beginning we’ve stripes, sipping lattes or sampling of disembodiment, saying, “The touch them physically, how to hipster craft beer and listening to most significant challenge we help people who are unemployed where God is at work in their have faced is not being able to Continued on page 13 communities. COVID-19 has both transformed and revealed new ways of being the church. Is that also true for our seminaries? To find out I interviewed two of my colleagues in theological education. Close to home, I asked Richard Topping, Principal of the Vancouver School of Theology, to walk me through his experience of the impact of COVID-19 on theological education. And for a different perspective, I spoke with Cynthia Rigby at Austin Presbyterian Theological Semi- St. Andrew’s Hall Centre. nary in Texas. I asked them both, Cynthia Rigby. Richard Topping.

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The 1911 Westminster Soccer Team. keep food on the table, and how to work for social justice (e.g., Black Lives Matter) even when everyone is feeling depleted. And in the middle of all this they are trying to think theologically and lead their peo- Westminster Hall 1923. ple in asking questions such as, what does God have to do with the coronavirus? As a theological educator, the impact on Rigby has been knows that means we must think trying to create resources to help pastors out, and she believes this seriously about how “an incar- emphasis will be a permanent change in her work from here on out. nate faith matters/intersects/challenges/influences an ‘excarnate’ SILVER LININGS experience of education.” Re- Both Topping and Rigby’s enthusiasm for how they were responding to flecting on this time moving for- this moment led me to ask them what surprising advantages God may ward, Topping says, “we should have revealed to them regarding theological education and the church be looking for the people who amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Rigby noted that being on Zoom all did well in this pivot and recruit the time for teaching has helped them realize both the limits and the them to lead the church; they have possibilities of teaching online. She stresses that education is not only, range and can lead in a ‘wicked’ or even primarily, about the dissemination of information, and spiritual time – when the old rules of en- formation must include bodies. That said, Rigby acknowledged that gagement are suspended and some professors finally broke through “the tech barrier and are now The Vancouver School of Theology held sessions over Zoom during the pandemic. overturned.” To that end, Topping headed to a lot of effective hybrid classes in which we will be able to is pleased that this moment pro- do wonderful pedagogical things we are only beginning to imagine.” vides a huge opportunity for the Topping agrees about the importance of connection, noting that “we church and theological colleges to need each other in the flesh,” but he sees all kinds of advantages in this learn from a younger demograph- time, describing it as “a thin place” for people who might follow up ic; “the very people we’ve tried on a call to ministry. Enrollment is up both for summer school and the to involve with mixed or limited fall term at the Vancouver School of Theology, the highest it has been success in the past.” in 20 years. He has witnessed the advantage of having board members When I think back to those who do crisis management for a living and have shared their gifts. In a who have gone before us in theo- digital age, direct, consistent, calm and kind communication is an ad- logical education, like the mis- vantage for any organization to those who feel uncertain and anxious. sion-minded folks of a century ago who laid the foundations for ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES the Reformed seminary where I Turning towards the return to class in the fall, I asked my colleagues now minister, I know that we are St. Andrew’s Hall Presbyterian students with Moderator in 2019. what best practices they were implementing for this “new normal” of in good company when it comes online education. Topping noted ongoing and enhanced training for and faculty on social media. to adaptive leadership for the professors in best practices of online education. He noted that VST In closing I asked them to prophetically imagine what theological sake of equipping the saints for has had hybrid education for years, “Our professors are already great education might look like beyond COVID-19. Rigby suggested we ministry. This new school year at it. However, online delivery of courses and the requisite pedagogy may not take our gatherings for granted as much as we have in the past. ahead provides an exciting op- is different than peering into a classroom using Zoom.” Rigby agreed, “Maybe we will savour the partaking of the bread and the cup, laugh portunity to partner with the Tri- noting that a “best tech” practice is not necessarily a best teaching more joyously at the splashing of the font,” she noted. “Maybe we will une God in equipping missionary practice. She offered the example of the best practice on Zoom to appreciate bodies more – our own and others, even those different than disciples through our seminaries “mute all” when the presenter is speaking. But she wondered about ex- our own.” Rigby wondered about a more emotional and passionate en- and churches for Christ’s church ercising this level of control over noise and bodies in an environment gagement in the classroom. “How else but with passion can we learn of tomorrow, today. in which we are already severely disembodied. “Maybe we need to to be more compassionate? Only with compassion will we be able to leave the mics on,” she stressed, “and hear each other grunt and sneeze participate in the salvation of this world that God so loves. I think we Ross A. Lockhart and say uh-huh or no way. I’m not sure.” Topping also added best have a fighting chance at compassion if we don’t let it get away in Ross is Dean of St. practices of shorter meetings on Zoom with more telephone meetings, our eagerness to ‘get back to normal.’” For Topping, he imagines a Andrew’s Hall, Vancouver. regular communication to the whole constituency of the school about mixed-economy (online and in-person) theological education becom- chapel, lectures and other opportunities, as well as featuring students ing standard for most schools going forward and thus, like Rigby, he

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allies, tragic mismanagement of the COVID epidemic, exploding ra- THE PASSING OF PAX AMERICANA cial tension, collapsing economy and rampant corruption, and the last 30 years begin to fit the classic Kennedy thesis of decline. THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE And while America can still lob cruise missiles wherever it wants, Lloyd Rang | [email protected] History is a funny thing. You have its ability to rally the world around itself – the soft power of diplomacy Lloyd works in communications and is a member of Rehoboth to wonder if the Romans watch- and influence – is fading fast. To be blunt: the world isn’t going to be CRC in Bowmanville, Ont. ing the Alaric sacking their city lectured on ethics by Donald Trump. He is literally a laughingstock. in 410 AD knew it was the begin- It may seem like the U.S. is finally getting what it deserves. ning of the end. These things are But hold on a sec. Are we really ready for a world without Amer- NO EMPIRE LASTS FOREVER. economy and politics since the always easier to see in hindsight. ican influence? Where oligarchs in Russia and elsewhere can ignore That’s the thesis of The Rise end of WWII, America is most But if we look around critically international law? Where China can continue to bake the globe like a and Fall of the Great Powers by definitely an empire like no oth- today, would we see evidence of briquette with their coal-belching plants and where it can siphon the Paul Kennedy. Kennedy, a histo- er – a country that could project America’s decline? resources out of Africa without a thought to the environment? And rian, says that all empires have its power across the globe and According to Kennedy, decline what about human rights? Do we think other countries will respect this in common: militaries that wrapped global culture around is always relative. One power human rights – and fight for them – like America? make them great and also lead to itself like a coat. falls and another rises – so for Dr. Martin Luther King once wrote that, “One of the great liabilities their downfall. Eventually, the re- And yet it’s hard to imagine America to be in decline there of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through sources needed to keep a military the modern world existing at all would need to be another country great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of sta- powerful become a drain on the without America’s ingenuity, rising. tus quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for nation, and it begins to decline. its passion for freedom, its cul- I’ve often thought that when sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our And because a strong military ture and its influence in global Bill Clinton brought China into ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to outlasts the “soft power” and affairs. The sea lanes, for exam- the World Trade Organization in face the challenge of change.” influence of a nation, it may not ple, that let goods and resources the 90s, that was the beginning I think about this a lot these days. I think there’s little doubt we are even realize it’s declining until flow around the world freely are of the end. After that, American experiencing the end of the American Empire. For all its faults, with- it’s too late. policed by America’s navy. With- manufacturing left for China and out the United States to champion liberal democracy, the world my Because it’s a democratic na- out the Pax Americana we’ve en- never came back. Add to that the children will grow up in will not only be different from this one, but tion that hasn’t invaded and held joyed for 70 years, you wouldn’t Bush administration’s misguid- potentially a lot more dangerous. onto territory, we’re not used to have bananas in your breakfast ed war on Iraq that squandered Today – like every moment of transition in history between great thinking of the United States as cereal and coffee in your cup. global sympathy after 9/11, and powers – we are in an uncertain, in-between time. By being alert to an empire. But in terms of its But what if America is a great the Trump Administration’s sys- the currents around us we can still affect them. We are not helpless. outsized influence in the global power in decline? tematic alienation of traditional But only if we stay awake.

a police line-up than a white per- DOES SEEING = BELIEVING? son, even when other evidence clearly indicates that a white person committed the crime. Bob Bruinsma | [email protected] I recall how, after taking a uni- Bob strongly believes that the Jesus of the Bible provides the truest way versity course in glacial geology, of seeing what really matters in the world. I “saw” the mountains in Banff and Jasper national parks entirely differently than before. What “Seeing is not believing, it is only seeing.” used to be just mountains with George MacDonald, The Princess and the Goblin, 1872. ice on them now presented as a marvelous landscape of cirques, “DOUBTING THOMAS,” THAT PRACTICAL, NO-NONSENSE DISCIPLE of moraines and U-shaped valleys Jesus, would fit well in our modern world’s philosophy that “seeing is carved by flowing ice. believing.” Thomas would have nothing to do with fantastical stories A blind man healed by Jesus of a risen Jesus. No, Thomas wanted empirical proof – the proof of his reported “seeing” trees walking senses. He wanted to see the wound in Jesus’ side and touch the scars around (Mark 8:24) when he in his pierced hands. was actually looking at people. Current cognitive psychology, however, doesn’t hold much truck Clearly, we must learn to see. with a Thomas-like naïve trust in our senses to provide us with a The Pharisees were blind guides “true” representation of the way the world is. More-and-more we are whose eyes worked fine but Banff National Park. coming to realize that the opposite is most often the case, that is, “be- whose hearts were blind to who lieving is seeing.” first one. Why? It’s because they know these phrases well and because Jesus was. The modern, material- Quickly read the following and report what you just saw. both spoken and printed English seldom have two THEs in a row. ist skeptic sees only molecules in So, because we believe that two THEs in a row don’t make sense in motion; the Christian sees a cre- A A PARIS English we don’t “see” them, or at least our brains don’t register them. ation filled with the grandeur of BIRD MATTER IN THE God. IN THE OF THE THE SPRING LEARNING TO SEE Seeing/believing; believing/ THE HAND THE MIND This is a very simple example of how preconceived understandings or seeing. Such tricky concepts. Be- beliefs have a powerful influence of what we (think) we see. This ac- fore you’re really sure of what Did you notice the second THE in each of these phrases? When counts, for example, for the widely divergent reports of what witness- you’re seeing, check out your be- familiar phrases like the above are flashed on a screen for an instant, es of the same accident claimed to have seen. If, for whatever reason, liefs. Before you think you real- almost all respondents fail to report seeing the additional THE even a person has a belief that Black people are more prone to violence than ly believe something, check out though this second THE falls on their retina just as assuredly as the white people, he or she is more likely to pick out a Black person in what you see.

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This unmapped project is on- KNITTING NEW CIRCLES going and involves a lot of backwards and forwards. I’ve un- Katie Munnik | [email protected] ravelled so many stitches, learning where best to widen circles Katie is an Ottawa writer living in Cardiff with her spouse and three growing and where to keep them tight. Fit- children. You can also find Katie on twitter @messy_table. ting work in these days. I’ve written here before about walking in TEN YEARS AGO, WE WERE GOING THROUGH A HUGE FAMILY change. circles and this project is helping Job loss, relocation, back to school, small kids in tow – the whole me work through the frustration shebang. Part madness, part adventure and a heap of faith in a pilgrim of new limits. In my circling life. And with that upheaval, I picked up the knitting needles. stitches, I’m feeling a calming I’d first learned to knit as a teenager and knit myself a huge blue and Psalm 139 is persistent in my shawl-collared cocoon to hide in, then moved on to smaller things like heart. The God who knit us each mittens for boyfriends. After high school, I didn’t knit much; I was together calls us each into our ongoing places, studying, exploring life. I did not want to sit still. going work. We’ve been given so But jump ahead to our great disruption and things changed. We much that we might put to good moved in with my parents for a few struggling months and my mom Katie’s cross-Canada road trip and knitting project. suggested a project might help. She hauled out a heavy suitcase and let little brother after him. And I kept on knitting. Scarves, more mittens, me rummage through her yarn collection. Take anything you like, she sweaters, hats, whatever the family needed or I dreamed up as neces- We’ve been given generously offered. I chose a vest’s worth of muted pink rustic wool sary. After finishing a pair of socks for my husband earlier this sum- from New Brunswick. One skein would do, but she gave me all she mer, I wanted a larger project – maybe a vast scarf to wrap about my so much that had – seven heavy skeins. She couldn’t remember what she’d planned shoulders. I pulled out the bag where I keep my own wool collection we might put to when she bought it but if I liked it, I might as well have it. Put it to and there was that pink wool, all those extra skeins, still waiting for good use, she said. its good use. good use. That vest knit up quickly and I packed it to take to B.C. that sum- A sweater’s worth. And more – greens and a darker pink, all the mer, when we’d be living with the other set of parents, still waiting same weight, randomly added to my collection over time, but they’d use. And the world needs every for our next step to start. With a long road trip ahead, I’d need an- fit well together. generous and gentle gift we can other knitting project. This time, I’d make a cardigan for my toddler My plan was a little mad. I’d make a thick, yoked, multi-colour muster. son with the alphabet knitted in rainbow colours. The pattern was a pullover, something ideal for cross-country skiing or hunkering down “For it was you who formed complicated thing with symbolled charts and new-to-me techniques, at my desk on a frigid morning. And I decided I wouldn’t use a pat- my inward parts; you knit me but I had plenty of time on my hands. I loved how the colour-work tern; I’d just make it up as I went along. I wanted to see if I could learn together in my mother’s womb. I took shape and the wool felt soft in my hands, comforting to hold as how to do this – to make something entirely new and wearable from praise you, for I am fearfully and I worked. just an idea. I got out graph paper and coloured pencils, and doodled, wonderfully made. Wonderful counted and calculated. I looked at traditional colourwork patterning are your works; that I know very BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS and found some holiday photos of brick work in Italy that looked knit- well” (Ps. 139: 13-14). Wool lasts and my son wore that bright sweater for years, as did his table. I sketched and counted again and then eventually cast on.

a sign that the batteries were just Arches. THE PLAN about finished. We turned them Never have Big Macs tasted so off and carried on without any good. The young woman behind Heidi VanderSlikke | [email protected] way of communicating with each the counter recharged our radios other. Somehow we ended up on while we ate and consulted the Heidi lives in Mapleton Township, Ont. Her life and writing centre a busy highway. Signs indicated map. Jack developed a Plan B to on faith, family and farm life. that Hull lay to the south of us. get us back into Ontario. No worries, I thought, Jack has In our hotel room that evening THE YEAR I GOT MY MOTORCYCLE LICENCE, our first long distance a plan. There’s no way he would we laughed at the excursion be- ride was to Quebec. Jack and I spent one night in Algonquin Park, drag me into Hull on a Friday af- hind us. “I kept thinking you had then traveled happily along the ruggedly beautiful back roads of On- ternoon. a plan,” I said. tario. Crossing over to Quebec we toured through more landscapes of The sun grew hot and the traf- “I did!” said Jack. “I was forests and rock, and often alongside rivers and lakes too numerous fic heavy. We kept passing signs watching for our exit, but it nev- to count. We had no GPS. It took a paper map, several stops en route marking the distance to Hull, but er came up and the next thing I Heidi on her bike. and a reasonable sense of direction to find our way. The scenery was Jack rode on, apparently uncon- knew we were riding downtown magnificent. The weather was perfect. Friendly people accommodated cerned. Relax. Just follow Jack. in rush hour.” than the best GPS. He leads me us at cafes and gas stations, despite the language barrier. He knows what he’s doing. Any All these years later I’m still ever onward, past distractions and At last we arrived at our destination – a quaint resort in Maniwaki. minute now we’re going to exit following Jack most of the time. safely through hazards and diffi- Rustic as it was, fine linen tablecloths graced the dining room and the the highway and get back into the Having been to Hull and back, culties. I’m bound to make some waiters wore bow ties and satin vests. I worried that my one pair of country. Sure. I understand that missed exits wrong turns along the way, but white capris and a dressier blouse might not measure up, but I soon and wrong turns are par for the my destination is sure. He calls relaxed thanks to the hospitable staff. PAR FOR THE COURSE course. me steadily into the future – to a After a couple of wonderful days we left for home on Friday morn- Turns out that Hull was intense- More than a memory now, that place he designed and where he ing, with a plan to meander through the Gatineau hills and avoid all ly busy on that sweltering after- trip has become metaphorical. abides already. As ill prepared as major cities. The first part of the trip was everything a novice rider noon. A plethora of signs greet- Life is the journey ordained for I am for its grandeur, I know he could ask for – stunning surroundings and quiet roads. We headed in ed us, but all in French. At last me, but I’m not navigating on will welcome me there. the general direction of Ottawa, taking our sweet time along the way. something familiar appeared on my own. I’m following an infal- I’ll bet the scenery is amaz- Gradually traffic increased. Our radios began to crackle and squawk, the horizon – the iconic Golden lible leader who’s more accurate ing.

16 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns GIVE ME A BREAK

A Sabbath for the Land. | Curt Gesch

Curt’s late summer garden: peas, raspberries and one sunflower peeking through. When I was a child, sometimes haying weather didn’t come until July. This allowed pheas- ants, grey partridges, bobolinks, Curt’s purple poppies. ducks, meadow larks and various sparrows to lay eggs, incubate WHAT DOES SABBATH MEAN WHEN WE CAN’T WORSHIP TOGETHER and rear their young before the physically because of the dangers to physical health? Do we take a field was cut. Now, with early break, essentially “fasting” from celebrating the Sabbath? Are we in harvesting methods, which give “a time of eucharistic fasting, in which we join with the whole com- much better protein values in the munion of saints in longing for the bread of new life and the wine silage, such birds often suffer of the age to come,” as the Anglican Church of Canada’s website nest destruction. If the female suggests? During COVID-19, do we take a break from Holy Com- survives, she may re-nest, just munion? in time for the second cutting: Tillage radishes showing how to help reduce compaction and let the soil breathe. Whatever the theological argument for how to celebrate the Sab- apocalypse next. bath during normal or abnormal times, virtually all the discussions David Heidel knows this: he They are planting radishes in need to harvest this plot, al- centre around what people do or don’t do. We almost never hear is a dairy farmer who needs high their corn fields. Really. This though picking the odd vegetable about how to give the rest of creation a rest. quality hay and pasture. But he is not driven by an attempt to out of the mix is a pleasure. This In a recent article in Christian Courier, Jessica Banninga reminded also knows the needs of bobo- squeeze another second com- jungle of growth stays standing readers about the Torah’s requirements about giving the land a rest, links. So he waits to harvest his modity crop from a field but to while the rest of the garden is and animals too (“Eco Sabbath,” July 13, 2020). I’d like to suggest Bobolink Field until August, help the soil recuperate. Dai- weeded, cultivated, mulched and some ways that various people have responded to the Sabbath prin- giving a poorer hay product for kon-type radishes punch holes harvested. ciple for all of creation, written in creation for its good, for our good. those five acres, but safety for through compacted ground to In our region, this means that the birds. It’s a sort of Sabbath improve drainage, “grab” excess the Sabbath garden is favoured THE BOBOLINK FIELD for the birds. nitrogen and tie it up so it doesn’t by Lincolns and song sparrows, David Heidel of Random Lake, Wisconsin, is a dairy farmer who sets wash away during the winter, white-crowned and white-throat- aside one portion of his hay land – about five acres – each year so that PASTURES NEED REST, TOO and aerate the soil. By spring the ed sparrows, and the occasional ground-nesting birds can raise their young there. Generally speaking, Ranchers and livestock farmers soil is able to give a sort of sigh ruffed grouse. My Sabbath- gar in dairy country, hay crops are harvested early for the best quality, all over the world are (re)dis- of relief, having been enabled to den this year is only about eight something that improvements in bunker silos, plastic wrap and other covering that continuous graz- take a good, deep breath. Like a feet on a side and is calvinistical- means make possible during weather unsuitable for drying forages to ing may exhaust pasture plants. winter trip to Hawaii, perhaps. ly square. Some years it may be the desired level for baling hay. This means they often make bigger and often is irregular, cur- smaller paddocks and rotate the IN THE GARDEN vilinear – charismatically free in cows through them. The key Not everyone has a yard, a gar- shape, one might say. to good grazing is whether the den or a big lot in which to grow When it comes to gardening, grass is tall enough, as much as things, but for those of us who there is more to life than order, whether the pasture plants have do, we can set aside a certain more to life than productivity. had enough times to rejuvenate portion of our garden for a rest One needn’t “work” the soil any energy reserves. Grazing expert each year. In my garden I throw more than six years out of seven. Victor Shelton puts it this way: all sorts of left-over seeds like Even the land says, “Give me a “How productive would you be peas, godetia and cosmos, kohl- break.” if you worked 24/7 with no rest?” rabi, hemp, beans, corn, mari- golds and turnips onto the piece Curt Gesch COVER CROPS and stand back. I also include a Curt is a farmer and Farmers across North America legume like crimson clover (an writer living in Quick, B.C. are doing something that they annual with gorgeous blooms), Crimson clover with phacelia to feed the soil, the bees, the microorganisms. never dreamed of 50 years ago. which fixes nitrogen. I don’t

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a poem, “Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani” (My God, My God, Why THEODORE KOYZIS (1928-2020) Have You Forsaken Me?) in the Greek newspaper Elevtheria, express- ing his anguish over the bloodshed. After a close brush with death David T. Koyzis | [email protected] – he had many throughout his life – he decided to leave for Nigeria, David is a global scholar with Global Scholars Canada. He is the where he worked for a Greek businessman for two years. He started author of the award-winning Political Visions and Illusions and out in Benin City, moving to Lagos, and finally to Kano, in the Muslim We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God. north, where he quickly learned the Hausa language.

IT IS NEVER EASY TO LOSE A LOVED ed the English-language Amer- BELOVED FATHER one. It is especially difficult when ican Academy in Larnaca, an On the advice of American missionaries he met there, he travelled to the loved one is such an extraor- institution operated by the Re- Chicago in 1951 to attend the Moody Bible Institute, sharing a plane dinarily loving and gifted man as formed Presbyterian Church in with and seated next to Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision and Sa- was my father. North America, often known as maritan’s Purse. At Moody he chafed under the rules to which students Theodoros Antoniou – his giv- the Covenanters. Here he was were subjected at the time, but nevertheless won the affection of the en name – was born in the village expected to have a first, middle Dean of Men, Frank Broman, who became a mentor. At Moody he of Koma tou Yialou, in a part of and last name. So the patronymic met my mother, Jane Marie Korpinen, from Milan, Michigan. They Cyprus now under Turkish oc- with which he was born became David’s father, Theodore, as a young man. were married in 1954, and six children would follow in the succeed- cupation, to Antonios Georgiou his middle name, and he add- ing years, beginning with yours truly. Theodore (“Ted”) was an inde- and Pezouna Theodorou. He was ed Koyzis, one of the names his tian-built walls. My grandfather pendent businessman over the next decades, working with my mother one of seven children, a middle grandfather had gone by. Here hoped that Hitler and Mussolini from his home office at our long-time home in Wheaton, Illinois – child. An unusually bright boy, my father came into contact with would be reluctant to bomb an- some 40 km west of Chicago. Our family were members first of Beth- he was a genius at mathematics Reformed Christianity, which he tiquities. When the bombing did el Orthodox Presbyterian Church and then of Evangel Baptist Church. and began writing poetry in two embraced enthusiastically while come, the family would take ref- My father’s prayers echoed the cadences of both the Orthodox liturgy languages at age nine. His poems never completely giving up on uge inside those walls, as my late and the King James Bible. were published in the Greek-lan- his Orthodox roots. uncle reported. Throughout his 92 years he experienced vivid signs of God’s work. guage Ethnos (Nation) and the In 1948 Theodore left Cy- Ten years ago, he survived a lightning strike on the car he was driving, English-language Cyprus Mail, POET & REPORTER prus and took a job with a Brit- and five years ago he and my mother miraculously walked away un- which still publishes more than When the Second World War be- ish newspaper reporting on the scathed from a serious automobile accident. So many times did such eight decades later. He continued gan in 1939, his parents moved ground during the first Arab-Is- events happen to him that we sometimes thought him immortal. He to write poetry into his nineties. him and his siblings into a house raeli conflict. Disillusioned by was not, of course. But when God saw fit to draw his years to a close After completing elementary in the old city of Famagusta, sur- the atrocities he witnessed there last month, we were thankful for a life well lived, confident that we school in Famagusta, he attend- rounded by 16th-century Vene- during his brief stay, he published will meet him again at the resurrection of the righteous.

studying online from our basement. Our second is enrolled in the THE BLESSING OF ROUTINE LEARNING CURVES local public school system, and we’ve yet to learn more about what It’s late at night as I type these days she’ll attend and for how many hours. Needless to say, neither words. The larger night feeds are excited about the forecasted plans. (12 hours) have been set up in Sara Pot | [email protected] the feed pumps, and the girls The Pot family story includes daughters Rachel and Janneke DO WE OR DON’T WE? have been prepped for bed. who are severely disabled but radiate joy and grace. In conversation with families of children who are disabled, medic- Medications will be adminis- ally complex or dealing with significant needs, I sense incredible tered soon, and the next check-in anxiety with deciding about school. From my perspective, it would will be four hours later. So much “MOM, DO WE HAVE ANY CLEAN start of a new year is now part seem the decision regarding school truly sits at the very personal and of what I do for the girls is timed masks? Soph and I are headed of this covid blur, a time where complex intersection of trust and fear. or scheduled. I love routine. out.” it’s easy to lose track of the days At this point, we are going to send Rachel and Janneke to their re- Hence, I am keenly aware The times they are a-changin’. and weeks. spective schools. Though I can’t believe she’s so grown up, Rachel is and fight off the anxiety of how We are now required to wear a Truthfully, the summer of starting secondary school at the local Catholic high school. Janneke much is not predictable when I mask to go to the bank, and a 2020 doesn’t exactly feel like is entering Grade 6 at Beacon Christian, and her dad has been busy look ahead. My mind has a hard grocery store’s recent radio ad popsicles-and-lawn-sprinklers. all summer as Beacon’s principal, getting her school ready. More time “shutting off” at night, and boasts a delivery service that Life changed for so many of us than ever, we will take each day as it comes. sleep is more elusive than ever. features food picked from a on March 17; it’s as if we are warehouse and packed by ro- still in the second half of a long BEGIN AGAIN bots. March Break. In fact, beginning Though I feel as if I am often in mid-March, over 80 percent slogging through the days, I am SCHOOL DAZE VS. of children worldwide remained trying to remember that time, COVID CRAZE home, and 188 countries chose though it may be changing, is a I’m writing this a few weeks to close schools as a way to limit gift. I am also reminded of how away from September, and I infection. much living in this world means can’t recall a month that has With both my husband and I leaning into our Creator God and been more anticipated, feared involved in educational leader- letting go of what we so desper- and discussed. Many of us who ship and our four girls enrolled ately desire to control. are involved with education or in four different school systems, So we’ve ordered some fun have children typically enrolled imagining school in a pandemic masks and have stocked up on in a mainstream classroom has been foremost of mind these toilet paper and yeast. We yearn would agree September 2020 last few months. Our oldest to live carefully – and not fear- holds tremendous uncertainty. is entering her second year at fully. Time to begin again. What used to feel like the fresh Humber College, and she will be

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Sponsored Content: The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the authors and do not ruling. Every year, millions in operations will continue full necessarily represent the editorial perspective of Christian Courier. of Canadian Roman Cath- steam ahead. Synod 2021 may olics send donations which have a chance to review the deci- end up in part at the Vatican: sion, but by then the train will be BETTER TOGETHER no one is suggesting that their a year and a half out of the station. tax returns will be reassessed. 6. Neither Canada Corporation LET’S MAKE SURE SYNOD An open letter to the Canadian Churches of the Christian Reformed Church nor Grand Rapids can explain 2021 HAS A SAY what it means for a church to It is our hope that the Canadian have utterly separate opera- classes of the CRC will instruct Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: opinion from a single charity tions while engaged in shared Canada Corporation and the This past year, the directors of Canada Corporation of the Christian law firm. “ecclesiastical functions.” Council of Delegates to hit pause Reformed Church (CRC) voted to separate Canadian “church oper- 4. To date, the legal opinion has A committee is looking into and to allow Synod 2021 to do its ations” completely from American operations while maintaining the not been made public. Can- that. This is classic cart be- job. Failing that, it is our prayer unity of “ecclesiastical functions.” The Council of Delegates, which ada Corporation has not al- fore horse and is, frankly, not that Synod 2021 will intervene of manages the church between Synods, then ratified this move. With oth- lowed a lawyer retained by us a responsible way to engage its own accord. er concerned CRC members, we believe that if you sever operations to receive, analyze and com- in reformed church polity. We are not organized. We are and governance, it is only a step away from a formal split of the de- ment in any detailed or mean- 7. What we can predict is that two small town lawyers with nomination. ingful way on the legal opin- this will lead to wasteful du- roots in the CRC. We have deep The decision did not involve theology. A Canadian classis raised ion. In other words, we have plication and bureaucracy on and abiding affection for the CRC concerns that it might be offside Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to is- been unable to review the both sides of the border. as the nurturer of our faith and do sue charitable receipts for donations which in part fund activities south very logic on which the deci- not want to see its institutional in- of the border. We respectfully question both this conclusion and the sion was premised. It is a rare OVERTURES DENIED tegrity threatened. process which led to it. tax or legal opinion which is Community CRC from Kitchen- If you share this hope, please Over the years, some have called for a separate denomination north 100% certain and which does er, Ontario and First CRC from call or email both us and the stat- of the 49th parallel. That is fair game for debate. But there has been no not permit a workaround. Owen Sound, Ontario formally ed clerk of your classis. real debate this year, and certainly not a full and informed one. 5. CRA has not challenged overtured the Council of Dele- Cordially, This is no way to conduct church polity. whether the denomination gates to freeze the status quo un- John A. Tamming, can issue receipts under the til Synod could properly debate Classis Huron, Delegate to the OUR CONCERNS current system; the church the issue. After all, COVID had Cancelled Synod of 2020, 1. The decision was rushed, made over a period of just six months. acted solely on the basis of closed off our access to classical [email protected] 2. Most of the decision making was conducted in closed sessions. fears that it might. In fact, meetings and Synod 2020, all Frank De Walle, 3. Though other non-specialist church lawyers may have endorsed there is no CRA letter, no of which were cancelled. These Classis Southern Alberta, the opinion, decisions were made on the basis of a single legal warning and certainly no tax overtures were rejected. The split [email protected]

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teacher. I’ll never forget one sec- matters including the annual com- EDIFIDE IS NOW VOCATE retary at the time, beloved and pensation report. The workplace respected by students. For two community assistance services decades she unofficially served include workplace policy devel- ‘Supporting Employees and Building Healthy Workplaces’ | Jonathan Schat as school social worker, mental opment, workplace legislation health counsellor and general life consultation, Contract Partnership advisor. Similar stories could be Committee assistance, workplace THE START OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS AN IMPORTANT TRANSITION Previously, Edifide primarily told about education assistants, relationship facilitation and resto- for students, teachers and parents. Edifide has chosen this key moment represented teachers. The mem- bus drivers and other school em- ration, mental health workshops in the school calendar to make a transition of its own. Edifide has re- bership of Vocate will include all ployees who go above and beyond and workplace health surveys. branded to become Vocate, the Christian School Employees Associa- employees of Christian schools, their official job descriptions and The training and certification ser- tion. This new name reflects an expanded new vision and range of ser- from teachers to caretakers; from take on authentic relational roles. vices include workplace-related vices to support all Christian school employees and their workplaces. principals to finance managers to Recognizing the inherent value training and other workshops. Vocate combines “advocate” and “vocation,” in recognition of both teacher assistants. This inclusive and impact of all employees work- Vocate is also the certifying body our main service (advocacy) and the area in which we do our work view recognizes the importance ing at Christian schools is the driv- for the Christian School Teachers (employment at a Christian school). The name also symbolizes that of each and every employee and ing force behind the new vision of Certificate (CSTC), which pro- our members have a calling from the Lord in their chosen vocation, in the important part they play in the Vocate. We exist to provide expert vides training for and recognition service to Him and His children. success of its educational vision and professional employment ser- of what it means to be a teacher in Up until late 2018, Christian schools in Eastern Canada were sup- for supporting the growth of our vices to all employees in order to a Christian school. ported by three different professional organizations: the Ontario Alli- children into Christ-followers. build and foster healthy workplac- Whatever your role, Vocate is ance of Christian Schools (OACS), the Ontario Christian School Ad- When I was a Christian School es in Christian schools in Ontar- here to assist you and your work- ministrators Association (OCSAA) and Edifide, previously the Ontario student, I had many wonderful io and beyond. Our services are place. We are driven by justice Christian School Teachers Association (OCSTA). The OACS provided teachers who each made an impact arranged in three specific areas: and fairness as we continue to live advice and assistance to school boards. OCSAA provided leadership on my life. Yet I also learned a lot employee advocacy, workplace into our vision of supported em- and assistance to the principals. Edifide provided employment services from a custodian, who taught my community assistance, and train- ployees and healthy workplaces and professional development primarily for teachers. In late 2018, these friends and I about what it meant ing and certification. The employ- in Christian schools in the prov- three organizations merged and two new organizations were born: Ed- to be responsible. He taught us ee advocacy services include indi- ince of Ontario and beyond. vance Christian School Association and Edifide. the value of hard work, scolded vidual contract and employment Jonathan Schat Edifide has until now provided services in two areas: employment us when we were out of line, and rights advice, conflict resolution and professional development. This work was done, primarily, on be- showed us that respect extends not and facilitation services, legal Jonathan Schat is the half of the teachers in Christian schools in Ontario. With Edvance now only to people but also to the phys- support for employment-related Executive Director of Vo- cate (formerly Edifide). overseeing professional development, Vocate has focused its services ical world our Lord created, in- matters including a mediation and He lives in Copetown, on employment, while also expanding our vision for the workplace cluding the school building itself. arbitration process, and other em- Ontario, with his wife community of the Christian schools. Some years later, I became a ployment contract and schedule and four children.

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LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE. YOUR SITUATION CAN CHANGE QUICKLY. FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Has the COVID-19 disruption got you thinking about what your legacy might be? Has it made you rethink whether your financial arrangements effectively reflect your faith commitment? Might it Tony Kamphuis be at “such a time as this” that you want to step forward to put things in place that will strengthen a robust Kingdom vision? Christian School Foundation | With member schools in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Christian schools are also facing a situation that is unpredictable and changing quickly. Gifts that were left in the Wills of supporters have played an important role as schools meet the current challenges. What a blessing for these schools, even though these supporters had never heard of COVID-19! Christian schools are a powerful means for undertaking the important work of influencing our culture for Christ. Seeing God’s love, His reconciliation, His justice and His mercy spread into every square inch of this world is noble and inspiring work. In this season of challenge perhaps you might help. You could make a real difference! Would you consider a gift that goes into action right now? We can make that easy for you. Contact us at 1-800-340-9555 or e-mail Meghan at [email protected]. Or, you could update your financial arrangements and leave a gift for Christian education in your Will. That will be the kind of gift that is right there to strengthen Christian schools as they face challenges and opportunities as yet unknown. In either case, the Christian School Foundation can help you “express the hope that lives within you” as you support Christian schools and help influence our culture in the name of Christ. And what could be more satisfying than that? Call Henry Koornneef (905-641-5114) or Tony Kamphuis (905- 929-1445) at the Christian School Foundation or email office@ christianschoolfoundation.ca and you can be part of this important work.

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OBITUARIES ANNIVERSARY KRUYSSE, Eugene DYKSTRA, Victoria (nee Kootstra) REGNERUS, Louie & Jane (nee Westerhuis) Passed away peacefully into the The ever-gracious, loving, faithful, God-fearing Victoria Jarvis, ON - Grimsby, ON presence of his Lord and Sav- Dykstra went to be with her Lord and Saviour July 31st “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will make iour Jesus Christ at Parkview at 10:05 p.m. Born on October 27, 1943 in Wijhe, The straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 Meadows Christian Retirement Netherlands, Vicky was married for 55 years to Bruce

Village in Townsend Ontario Dykstra with whom she resided in Caledonia. early in the morning on June 22, Vicky was the proud Mom of five children: Sandra, 2020 at the age of 89. Brenda (Bennett Bratt), Mark (Kirstie van der Spuy), Loving father of Richard Ronald (Stephanie Buchanan) and Jason (Anne Nguy- Kruysse, David Kruysse en). She was a loving Beppe to four grandchildren: Ari- (Cathy), Carol Ann Ogle, Sandra Potvin (John) ana, Jordan, Mats and Soren. Michael Kruysse (predeceased 1997). Much loved She is survived by older brother Richard (Rachel) and predeceased by her by his grandchildren Joseph Potvin, Edward Pot- parents Robert and Johanna, older brother Wesley (Pat) and younger sister vin, Zackary Kruysse, Alyssa Chou (Dan), Rachel Henny (Gary). Tante Vicky was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins Ogle, Sarah Ogle, David Ogle and his great-grand- and their children. children Lily Potvin, Marcus Potvin, Noah Potvin. Vicky was a graduate of Redeemer University, taught high school English A great father, Eugene gave gifts easily and vol- and ESL at HDCH, and taught elementary school in her early teaching ca- unteered his time to the church, Christian Educa- reer. Vicky was active in her church, Ancaster CRC, and contributed time, tion and worked as a treasurer for many Christian energy and leadership to various charities, notably Hamilton Right to Life. schools and the Institute for Christian Studies in Vicky was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017 and received chemo for 3+ Louie and Jane celebrate their 55th wedding anniver- Toronto. Eugene was a faithful member of the years. The family wishes to thank the ODS nurses at Juravinski Hospital sary on August 28. Christian Reformed Church most recently Jarvis who made her treatment bearable. Special thanks to NP Margaret Forbes Congratulations Mom and Dad, Beppe and Pake! and Hope. who always took time to visit with Vicky when she was receiving treatment. We are grateful for God’s faithfulness. We are In his retirement years, Eugene’s life was enriched In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated for International thankful for Mom and Dad’s love for their family, by his association and friendships with members of Needs Canada at internationalneeds.ca, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society who celebrate with them: his Bible study group and the choir Men of Praise. at llscanada.org, or Hamilton Right to Life at hamiltonrighttolife.org. Retired accountant of the Canada Revenue Agency Andrew and Melinda, Cassandra, Peter and Violet of 13 years, Eugene enjoyed singing, gardening, Visitation and Service was held at Ancaster CRC, 70 Garner Rd. E., Ancast- McCombie; AJ and Coriander Regnerus; reading, socializing and a good game of tennis. er on Thursday, August 6, 2020. Roger and Elma, Marita and Chris Bosch, Amanda The funeral service was held at Hope Christian Re- 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I and Matt Boverhof, Quin (Laura), Natasha; formed Church, 64 Buchanan Crescent, Brantford, have kept the faith.” Marlene Regnerus; skillfully officiated by Pastor Ralph Koops. Con- We take comfort in the knowledge that our beloved Vicky is at rest in the Lloyd Regnerus. tact the church for the archived live stream. Intern- arms of our Lord. Home address: 18 Geddes St, Grimsby ON L3M 1J4 ment followed at Saint George Cemetery. COVID rules, such as masks, made for some diffi- culties for the service. The family plans to have a JOB POSTING celebration service when possible. Gift Planning FULL-TIME PASTOR “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Inglewood Christian Re- . . . simplified formed Church in Edmon- NANNINGA, Derk ton, Alberta is actively seek- GUARANTEED LIFETIME INCOME AND GREAT GIFTS TO YOUR CHARITIES October 1st, 1922 - August 16th, 2020 ing a full-time pastor who is passionate Link Charity has issued $7 million in new Charitable Gift Annuity agreements in the last 22 Gerda (Dave Repol) (Whitby), in preaching God’s word, in pastoral months. With a dramatic drop in interest rates recently, these life income guaranteed rates John (Karen) Nanninga care and in leading and equipping us in are looking better than ever! Link Charity is now the leading issuer of the Charitable Gift (Brampton) and Rick (Elizabeth) community outreach. Annuity in Canada. Nanninga (Ottawa) want to inform For more information go to our web- you that Dad, in his 98th year, site: inglewoodcrc.org or email pastor- HERE ARE SOME SAMPLE RATES OF CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES: passed away peacefully in his [email protected]. Based on a single life $100,000.00 and payable quarterly. Smaller agreements in the $20,000.00 range are available also, but Canada Revenue Agency builds in some extra ex- sleep. God granted him a sound pense and requires Link Charity to reduce the payment a little. mind and a loving, caring heart for VACATIONS all these years. We are so thankful EXACT RATES SEPTEMBER 8 - 15 IN THE CHART for his kind and compassionate faith-filled life with Holiday accommodation in Hol- Joint Life agreements would pay less but would pay as long as either of the two people are living. us and so many others, including his church family land with vehicle rentals and tours. at Hebron Christian Reformed Church, Whitby. Website: chestnutlane.nl You can estimate a payment rate if your age is between the samples listed. An accurate quota- Rie, his wife of 67 years, went ahead to Glory close tion is available for you, confidentially, and without obligation.Call Harry Houtman today! to 8 years ago. From these two came a family total- House for rent in Holland ling 41 children, grandchildren and great grandchil- (Friesland) available Oct. 2020 MALE FEMALE dren. God is so good. May his children’s children until Apr. 2021. walk in his way and follow the Lord Jesus faithfully Email: [email protected] Donor Age 87 8.89% 8.67% always. Age means a birthday anytime during Donor Age 82 7.68% 7.24% the calendar year for that age. Funeral took place in Whitby on Monday, August CLASSIFIEDS 24th with just the family. Officiated by Pastor Ber- For information and to submit an Donor Age 78 6.69% 6.19% All payments are completely tax free. nie Bakker. Scripture Meditation: 2 Corinthians 5: ad, email [email protected] 1-10. Donor Age 72 5.42% 4.96% or submit online at christiancourier. Dad’s life verse and wedding text: Proverbs 3:5-6 ca. Job postings can be found on our “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not website by using the classified link. on your own understanding but in all your ways Next issue date: October 12 VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.LINKCHARITY.CA acknowledge him and he will make your paths Deadlines: September 23 OR CALL 1-800-387-8146 FOR MORE INFORMATION. straight.”

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Dr. Chibanda “published the re- GRANDMOTHERS HELP sults of a randomized control “Grandmother trial,” Rachel Nuwer wrote in + a BBC article, that evaluated wooden park bench TREAT DEPRESSION the project’s efficacy. “The re- + searchers split 600 people with empathy As anxiety escalates, Zimbabwe shows us a way symptoms of depression into two + groups. They found that after six moderate dose of CBT forward. | Sandy Mayle months, the group that had seen = the grandmothers had significant- space for healing & ly lower symptoms of depression nurturing resilience.” compared to the group that un- derwent conventional treatment.” – Dr. Chibanda on Twitter. “Our results show that six months after receiving treatment,” Dr. Chibanda reported in are overloaded with counseling cruit and equip grandmothers for his TED talk, “people were still requests, and sometimes we just Friendship Benches? Could you symptom-free – no depression, don’t know who to ask for help. adapt the idea to fit your commu- suicidal ideation completely re- One effective solution might be nity in some way? duced. In fact, a clinical trial the grandmothers among us. Not Those benches – or phones – showed that grandmothers were just literal grandmas but all of the could be places of ministry for more effective at treating depres- older, wise and willing women in priceless grandmothers. Altars sion than doctors.” our congregations. These wom- on which hearts open up to the Other countries are adopting en have a lot to offer. They’ve healing work of the Holy Spirit. Zimbabwe’s innovative program walked with the Lord a long time Sites of emotional and spiritual Active listening positively impacts mental health in Zimbabwe. for themselves, and not only in and weathered quite a few storms victories for brothers and sisters Africa. New York City has adapt- already; COVID-19 is not their in Christ. DIXON CHIBANDA IS A PSYCHIATRIST IN ZIMBABWE, one of only 12 ed the concept and it’s also been first crisis. Yes, in each congregation’s such doctors for a population of more than 14 million people. Mental modified for use in Canadian Paul wrote to Titus, overseer crises of kufungisisa, there just health problems in that destitute country are rampant, and a significant schools. of the church at Crete, charging might be room for the wise percentage of them can be summed up in one word: kufungisisa. In him to encourage the older wom- grandmothers to lend a listen- Shona, Zimbabwe’s official language, the word covers brooding, anx- WHAT ABOUT COVID-19? en “to give good counsel and be ing ear. Bench-mentoring of im- iety, depression and panic attacks, and its literal meaning is “thinking Since the onset of the pandemic, teachers of what is right and no- measurable benefit to your local too much.” the Friendship Bench program ble, so that they will wisely train church and beyond. When a patient of Dr. Chibanda’s committed suicide in 2005 – lack- has been needed more than ever. the young women to be sane and Sandy Mayle ing $15, her mother said later, for bus fare to travel to Chibanda’s clin- Under the Zimbabwe lockdown, sober of mind and to love their ic – the doctor was motivated to find a solution to the critical dearth as in many countries, wom- husbands and their children” (Ti- Sandy is a freelance writer. She and her husband, of mental health workers. With little funding available, the city health en have struggled with partner tus 2:3-4 AMP). Dave, have three adult department offered him a group of grandmothers and he came up with abuse, isolation and loss of in- What if a church – your sons and four grandchil- a creative solution. come. church? – were to identify, re- dren. Nearly every village already has these respected elderly women Chibanda realized, however, who, despite minimal education, are time-tested, life-wise and – most that his elderly grandmothers importantly – often excellent listeners. Why not tap into this resource were particularly vulnerable to HOW TO START to help the many people suffering from kufungisisa? coronavirus and encouraged them With funding from a non-profit called Grand Challenges Canada, to switch to phone conversations. If the Holy Spirit is prompting you, here’s how you can start a Chibanda began the Friendship Bench program. The concept is sim- “If we can’t have the physical Friendship Bench program in your church or ministry. ple: build benches, train elderly women in talk therapy, and invite Friendship Bench,” he told BBC, 1. Gather a team to pray about the idea. If all sense the Spir- troubled villagers to come. Each grandmother receives several weeks “at least we want to make it avail- it’s leading, prayerfully adapt this concept to your own of training and then offers six sessions per client. Clients are “encour- able by phone.” situation. aged to open their minds to identify their problems, choose one to When the pandemic is over, 2. Appoint leaders and establish a framework. Will it be work on, identify a feasible solution, and agree on an action plan” Chibanda added, the digital ap- geared to younger women or open to anyone? Who will with the guidance of the grandmothers. proach will continue to prove oversee the program? How and when will it take place? useful particularly when dealing To whom will the grandmothers report? Could a local PASSING THE TEST with young people, who like that healthcare worker provide basic mental health training, Has the Friendship Bench approach been effective? method. “When we go back to including when and where to refer a client needing more normal, they will have the option comprehensive help? How will it be temporarily adapted of having their first session on the to any pandemic restrictions? Cover the bases but keep bench and subsequent sessions it as simple as possible. by phone.” 3. Identify several potential grandmothers and approach them about participation in the Friendship Bench. GRANDMOTHERS IN 4. Provide training and resources agreed. THE CHURCH 5. Build or adapt Friendship Benches. What about the Body of Christ? 6. Set a startup date and begin appropriate advertisement, Do believers suffer from ku- whether within your women’s ministry, church-wide, or fungisisa? Do our congregations throughout the community. deal with depression, and has 7. Finally, pray over your grandmothers, pray for those Never underestimate grandmothers, Chibanda says of these woman, who have COVID-19 intensified anxieties? they’ll minister to, and begin! switched to tablets during the pandemic. Yes, almost certainly. Pastors

24 SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 | CHRISTIAN COURIER