VOLUME 37/5 JUNE 2010

New Zealand’s early Christian heritage Contents Editorial

New Zealand’s early Christian This month we take a look at some of the high points of our church his- heritage tory in New Zealand. We are all aware of the weakness of the evangelical Mission to the Maori (1814-1840) 3 church in New Zealand today; and it can be discouraging. What we are usually seeing is a decline from former faithfulness – or it could be due to New Zealand’s early Christian serious weaknesses from the beginning. Certainly, many immigrants to these heritage (2) shores were not much interested in the Christian church – and were far less The Otago Free Church settlement – inclined to attend church than were those they left behind in Britain. How- the first fifty years 7 ever, there are some bright spots of faithful, committed Christian service in our history; and here we present two of them. Mr John Haverland focuses World in focus 11 on the Church Missionary Society missionaries who laboured in the Bay of Islands, and Mrs Sally Davey takes us through the first fifty years of the ‘Entertaining devils unawares’ 13 Free Church (Presbyterian) settlement in Otago. We will find that evangelical Anglicans and Presbyterians – both faithful to God’s Word – laid a founda- Focus on home tion of which we can rightly be proud. May you be encouraged by what Gleanings you read – especially if you were not aware of these stories before. Wellington Presbytery Family Camp 2009/10 Report Mr Maurice Roberts, writes on ‘Entertaining devils unawares’ – a com- 16th Hamilton Easter Convention 15 pelling read. Mr Robert Vosslamber writes a review on Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions, by David Vandrunen. Book focus 20 If you’re interested in Christian ethics then read the review. Mr Dirk van Garderen gives us more news about a NDC Meeting with the C.a.r.e team Letter to the Editor 21 at Madurai, India. There is another healthy diet of news articles in World in Focus, Focus NDC Meeting with the C.a.r.e on Home with the Gleanings column, a Presbytery report, a report on the team at Madurai 22 Family Camp of 2009/10 and a letter to the editor. Many thanks to all the contributors. I hope you enjoy this issue.

Cover Photos – The Te Waimate Mission House, in Waimate North; Kerikeri All correspondence regarding editorial content and Mission Station. Mission House/Kemp House 1822. advertising should be sent to: First Church in Dunedin, by Blair Posthuma. The Editor: Walter Walraven 7 Winchester Avenue, Pinehaven Upper Hutt 5019 Ph/Fax: +64 4 527 4379 Email: [email protected] Reformed Churches Home Page http://www.rcnz.org.nz

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 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 New Zealand’s early Christian heritage (1) Mission to the Maori (1814-1840)

John A Haverland the very site where Marsden preached were not always the best examples. The that Christmas Day, now marked with a families were isolated and at times quar- In January 2005 my wife and I went on stone memorial. rels and jealousy arose among them. a holiday from Pukekohe to the Bay of The Church Missionary Society (CMS) Yet the primary reason for the slow Islands. We had two purposes in going had been established in 1799. Although beginning was the will of God. The first there. The first was to have a good look its members were Anglican it remained a fifteen years were a time of sowing the at an area of New Zealand that was voluntary society with no official standing seed and the missionaries had to be renowned for its beauty, and we were in the Church of England. Those belong- patient and trust in the Lord. Their initial not disappointed! We enjoyed beauti- ing to the Society were from the Low work was among the children and the ful sunny weather and wonderful views Church wing of Anglicanism and were slaves of the Maori. In the first five years over the lovely bays, islands, coastline evangelical in outlook. They emphasised there were no converts. William Williams and waters of the region. Our second the necessity of individual conversion and wrote about this time; “Many years of purpose was to follow the footsteps were very interested in missions. That anxious toil were to be passed. The bread of the early missionaries who taught interest took them to the other side of was to be cast upon the waters, but it was and preached the gospel to the Maori the world, to New Zealand. not to be found until after many days.”3 tribes of Northland. I had read William The Maori followed their old ways and Williams’ fascinating book, Christianity A slow start were not ready to exchange their atua Among the New Zealanders,1 and we Initially the mission work did not go well. (god) for the God of the missionaries. were keen to see where those mission- Part of that was due to the European They continued with traditional tribal aries had lived, worked, preached and traders already working in the country. customs of utu (revenge) and cannibal- been buried. We went armed with a Sealers and whalers had left Europe as ism, as well as their cruel treatment of detailed map of the Bay of Islands show- adventurers and, on the whole, were not slaves and captives of war. ing the location of the various mission particularly pious. They did not respond houses, churches and historic sites and well to the appeal of the missionaries to The Williams brothers we spent a couple of weeks exploring set a good example for the Maori people. In 1823 Rev Henry Williams arrived in many of these places. However, the missionaries themselves the Bay of Islands and, two years later, Since then we have been back there twice, most recently in February this year with Harriet’s parents to show them this lovely part of the country. We stayed in Kerikeri and while there I read another account of that early mission work titled Missionary and Maori 2 – I took it with me in further preparation for writing this article! As you keep reading I will tell you more about the places we have visited, but first a little historical background.

The Church Missionary Society New Zealand’s Christian history began in 1814 with the arrival of the first mis- sionaries from the Church Missionary Society of the Church of England. Samuel Marsden arrived in the Bay of Islands from Parramatta, Australia, a few days before Christmas. On Christmas Day he led the first service for the Maori inhabit- ants preaching on Luke 2:10; “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy.” One of the boat cruises taking passengers around the Bay of Islands took us to Kerikeri Mission Station. Mission House/Kemp House 1822.

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010  his younger brother, William, joined is now a private dwelling. The owner (Gisborne) in 1840 and laboured there him. Henry replaced John Butler as the kindly allowed us to tour the grounds for 25 years. Superintendent of the Mission in New and the house and told us what he knew Zealand. Marsden had asked Butler to of Henry and his home. Fruit from the work resign his position because all the other William Williams (1800-1876) was A steady stream of missionaries arrived missionaries disliked him and because his first educated for medicine before he during the 1820s and 30s. They devel- behaviour and unwise leadership gener- turned to study for the ministry. He was oped a generally good relationship with ated many tensions among them; he was ordained to Church of England ministry the Maori who treated them kindly and regarded as “hasty and injudicious, warm in 1824 and shortly after went to New with respect and seemed to appreciate in his temper and unstable.” 4 Zealand. In addition to his preaching, having them live among them. They Henry Williams (1782–1867) was born in Nottingham, England. In 1806 he entered the Navy as a midshipman and served until 1815 when he retired. ❝ The CMS missionaries Three years later he married Marianne Coldham, sister-in-law of Edward Marsh, were cautious in admitting an influential member of the Church Missionary Society, who inspired him persons into the church to become a missionary. From 1823 to 1840 he led the mission work in New and gave converts a long Zealand with energy, courage and ability. He also worked hard to reduce intertribal period of instruction warfare among the Maori people. Many a time he risked his life, putting bimself before baptism. ❞ between forces about to join battle and insisting that he be allowed to act as teaching and travels he became an au- continued to establish schools for Maori mediator. Rejecting Marsden’s view that thority on the Maori language. In 1827 children and these were well attended the Maoris should be educated and civi- a small book was printed containing and had a good effect on the people. lised as a preliminary to conversion he Genesis 1-3, Exodus 20, Matthew 5 and The children learned to read and later held that conversion should come first. John 1. Williams’ work of translation on were able to read the Bible and the He always refused, however, to accept continued and the book was expanded Anglican Prayer Book and Catechism. converts for baptism until fully convinced in 1830. By 1833 half the New Testa- The first baptism of a Maori convert that they were genuine.5 He retired in ment was completed and in 1837 he took place in 1824. An old man, Rangi, Pakaraka. Harriet and I visited his white published a translation of the entire was approaching his death and came to weatherboard retirement home, which New Testament.6 He moved to Turanga a saving faith in Christ. This cheered the drooping spirits of the missionaries who were often discouraged by the lack of response to the gospel. After 15 years of patient work the missionaries began to see the fruit of their work. The Lord blessed their labour and there were many conversions. In 1831, at the beginning of this spiritual harvest, William Williams wrote; “I trust that our children and grandchildren will behold for years to come, with pleasure and admiration, those exquisite pieces of work which our forefathers accomplished in the infant state of things in this land.”7 A year later he reported that “the seed which had been scattered was beginning to vegetate … . At Waimate the chapel was far too small for the congregation … . At Ohaiawai there was an average attendance of from sixty to seventy … . At Kerikeri the desire on the part of the natives to read the Scriptures was increasing. Those who made a profes- sion of faith discovered great earnestness, and the senior baptised natives rendered Henry and Marianne Williams’s grave stones. The two last lines on Henry’s stone state that 8 the stone is a replacement for the original, which became severely weathered, and is currently much assistance in giving instruction.” lying in the grave immediately below the “new” stone. The CMS missionaries were cautious Photo: The Henry and William Williams Memorial Museum Trust. in admitting persons into the church and

 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 gave converts a long period of instruction A few reflections of the authority and power of the Bible before baptism. After nearly 20 years of Reviewing this period of history has and put time and money into translating labour less than 50 native Christians had prompted me to reflect on some of the and printing the Scriptures, and teaching been baptised. The result of this careful lessons we could draw from this for our people to read it. I have already noted teaching was that very few fell away. own mission work today. the work William Williams did in trans- For a long time the work had been It is worth noting that the first mis- lating the New Testament into Maori. confined to the Bay of Islands but in sion work in New Zealand was done This is in striking contrast to the Roman the 1830 the missionaries sought to through preaching, and that the first Catholic mission work in Russel. If you establish mission stations in other parts subject was the good news about the visit that township I can recommend the of the country. A group of them sailed Lord Jesus Christ from the Scriptures. interesting guided tour through Pompal- to Thames and went up the Waihou The CMS missionaries were convinced lier House, the printing house of the River. There they gathered a group of 150 to 200 natives and began to lead a service. They were astounded when the assembly joined in the singing and made responses to the prayer in unison! Later they discovered that these people have received instruction from three youths who had lived with mission families in Paihia and had then moved away as mis- sionaries themselves. Similar stories were told of the work of converted slaves who had returned to their own tribes.9 In 1837 Samuel Marsden made his seventh and final visit to New Zealand. At the age of 73 he was still mentally vigorous but could no longer travel far by foot. The Maori people, whether Christians or not, regarded this old man as a father and a friend and insisted on carrying him in a litter from Hokianga to Waimate. He visited all the mission sta- tions in the Bay of Islands. “This veteran soldier of Christ was permitted to see a large body of Christians in every locality he came to, while the New Testament The Te Waimate Mission House. The first Anglican Bishop of New Zealand, Rt. Rev. George was coming into circulation, and ac- Selwyn, bought the redundant Te Waimate Mission to establish St John’s Theological College in complishing that sure and certain work 1842. But his library was in the Stone Store in Kerikeri. St John’s College didn’t last long, and which God had appointed.”10 Selwyn moved it to Auckland in 1844. In 1839 William Williams described a time of great harvest. “God had poured out his Holy Spirit, and has inclined great numbers to listen to the invitation given to them. At all the old mission stations in the north there was a great increase in the congregations, and in six months two hundred and twenty nine persons were received into the church.”11 Those who were converted witnessed to their rela- tives, seeking to bring them to Christ. By 1840 Williams estimated the total number of attendants at worship to be more than 30,000, not counting those converted through the Wesleyan mission. Today we can look back on this period of mission work as one of the bright spots in the church history of New Zealand. The Holy Spirit used these dedicated and godly men and women to bring many Maori to a saving faith in Jesus and so turn them away from a lifestyle of fighting and revenge to one of love and peace. Kerikeri Mission Station, Stone Store 1835.

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010  him. In the early stages of the work Rev Thomas Kendal had an affair with his servant girl Tungaroa, and as a result was dismissed from the society. The Rev William Yates was removed as a mission- ary and also dismissed from the society in 1837 on charges of homosexuality. William Williams wrote that Yates had brought “much dishonour on the holy cause of Christ in this land.”15 In mis- sion work it is vital that churches send men and women who have a good reputation and have been tested and approved, especially because they are often working in isolated situations away from the support of their church, family and friends. One more lesson is worth noting is the patience and perseverance of these men and women. They laboured for ten years before the first convert was baptised and for fifteen years before they saw much fruit from their work. Yet they continued on and did not give up. They believed they were doing the Lord’s work and that he would bless their efforts in Kerikeri Mission Station. Mission House/Kemp House 1822, and the Stone Store his time, and so it was. Today we give 1835. thanks to God for the pioneering work done by these faithful and godly men Roman Catholic Mission. On our tour supplies, resources, and suitable accom- and women of the CMS and for his through those premises I asked if the modation so they can concentrate on the rich blessing on their labour. May God Roman Catholic missionaries had printed work they have been sent to do. raise up more workers among the Maori copies of the Bible and was informed Having said this, money directed to people and may we see a similar great they had not; rather they concentrated the mission must be well used. In the work take place in the future. on books of Roman Catholic prayers CMS New Zealand work funds were and writings of the church fathers. The sometimes used on buildings that were Notes CMS missionaries, however, believed that unnecessary to the mission’s task. One 1 William Williams, Christianity Among the New the Holy Spirit would use the Scriptures example of this is the Old Stone Store in Zealanders (First published in 1867; first Banner of Truth edition published in 1989 in to convert unbelievers and teach new Kerikeri, proposed by some of the mis- Edinburgh) believers sound doctrine, and the Spirit sionaries to house mission supplies. Right 2 Nola Easdale, Missionary and Maori, Kerikeri certainly blessed their work of translating, from the start Henry Williams opposed 1819-1860 (Lincoln, Te Waihora Press, 1991) printing and distributing the Bible. this as a waste of time and money. Yet 3 Christianity Among the New Zealanders, p. 30 The early CMS missionaries struggled he was outvoted and the project went 4 ibid., p. 33. 5 R M Burdon, from the Te Ara Encyclopaedia of to survive in a new country far from ahead at considerable expense. By the New Zealand, ed by A H McLintock (1966) England. Marsden followed a policy time it was completed in 1836 the focus 6 In 1844 William Williams also published a of “sow or starve” and did not send of the mission had moved away from Dictionary of the New Zealand Language. adequate supplies from New South Kerikeri and the store became a white 7 Missionary and Maori, p. 10. Wales. The missionaries often felt that elephant. It now has the honour of being 8 Christianity Among the New Zealanders, p.146 9 ibid. p. 171 he ignored their real difficulties. The New Zealand’s oldest stone building. If 10 ibid. p 251 Kerikeri mission was continually short you visit there and go to the first floor 11 ibid. p. 260 of food. Even five years after the work you can read a collection of diaries and 12 Missionary and Maori, p. 42, 60. had begun the missionaries were strug- reports written by the missionaries, who 13 ibid., p. 78 gling to survive after a poor wheat crop. had to send back a monthly report of 14 Letters From the Bay of Islands: The Story of Marianne Williams, edited by Caroline Richard David lamented in a letter to a their activities. A collection of letters Fitzgerald; (Sutton Publishing, 2004) friend; “Mr Marsden is so very neglectful written by Marianne Williams, the wife 15 ibid., p. 77 in supplying the mission.”12 The mission of Henry, have been published and make to New Zealand was an expensive work for very interesting reading.14 financially, as are many mission works Having the wrong people on the field Mr John Haverland is a Minister of the today. In their assessment of the work caused much damage and heartache to Word and Sacraments in the Reformed the CMS said that the New Zealand the CMS work. I have already mentioned Church of Pukekohe. mission had cost more than any other.13 the ungodly character and instability of However, as sending churches we must John Butler, the Superintendent of the provide our missionaries with sufficient mission until Henry Williams replaced

 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 New Zealand’s early Christian heritage (2) The Otago Free Church settlement – the first fifty years

Sally Davey Scotland ministers, including all of the provision of money for educational and Church’s missionaries, walked out of their religious purposes (provided from sales of You probably know that Otago was churches and manses, sacrificing their land) especially appealed to the Church; settled by some faithful Presbyterians stipends and all of their former status and in 1848 the Edinburgh Presbytery from Scotland. To my mind, these peo- as local ministers. New congregations moved to “strongly recommend Otago ple were our spiritual trailblazers. They were established by the faithful who as a most eligible place to which those were every bit as much the descendants joined them, of course; but they lacked proposing to leave their own country of John Calvin as we in the Reformed church buildings and were often quite may emigrate”.1 A major boost to the Churches of New Zealand are. It was financially needy. plans was the decision of minister Tho- these Scottish church-planters who mas Burns, who had taken considerable brought fully-fledged church life as we Beginnings interest in Presbyterians in Canada and know it to these shores. Nevertheless, they were a committed Nova Scotia, to go out to Otago as They were brave, they were resolute; group; eager to establish their new minister. Other key players were John they were pioneers. They were people church upon biblical principle. Given McGlashan, an Edinburgh solicitor, and of conviction born of some tough, self- these circumstances, settlement in the Captain William Cargill, who had served sacrificing decisions. Aware of church colonies of the New World was prov- in the British Army in the Peninsula War history, they recognised their kinship ing increasingly attractive. Free Church against Napoleon. Both were to serve as with those earlier British and Calvinistic leaders found it even more so when they future Dunedin elders, and both were pilgrims, the New England Puritans. Two heard of the opportunity provided by the to be of enormous importance in civil centuries earlier those brave souls had set off to the New World to plant churches where they might worship free from persecution. In 1848 the Free Church ❝ They were brave, they Scots set off for Otago as migrants from a church that had recently separated, over were resolute; they were an issue of principle, from the established Church of Scotland. pioneers. They were During the early 1840s the Church of Scotland was engaged in a fierce struggle people of conviction with the law courts and government of Scotland. It concerned the right of land- born of some tough, self- owners – and in some cases the state – to nominate ministers to local con- sacrificing decisions. ❞ gregations (called “lay patronage”). This was resented by evangelical Presbyterians New Zealand Company. The Company and church life in the new settlement. when a theologically wayward minister had already established settlements in As McGlashan put it: was thrust upon them. There had been Wellington, New Plymouth and Nelson. ‘The surest foundations of a people’s considerable evangelical awakenings However, by the middle 1840s its lead- lasting prosperity are those which are in Scotland over the previous century, ers were of the opinion that settlements laid in the profound reverence of God quickening the souls of many Scottish would work even better if they had some and devout observance of his public Presbyterians and rendering church life cohesive element binding the settlers worship – being persuaded likewise that more faithful, more vibrant, and more together – such as church affiliation. it is incumbent upon them to prefer theologically sound than it had been The Company was encouraged by the God’s honour before their ease and in many places. Such Christians were interest of the Free Church of Scotland; satisfaction’.2 more prepared to take a principled and worked closely with its Colonial Two ships set sail from Britain in 1848, stand against the deadening hand of Committee. In 1845 a lay association bound for Otago with Free Church set- lay patronage. This they finally did in was established in Glasgow, to promote tlers on board. The John Wickliffe carried 1843, during the so-called “Disrup- the idea of emigration to Otago among 70 of these settlers, including Captain tion”, when two-fifths of all Church of Free Church members. The NZ Company Cargill; while the Philip Laing carried a

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010  Left: The first Session of First Church (mentioned in the article). Above: First Church, illustrates the progress made in building and the size of the congregation. (See cover pic) contingent of 234, including 87children wretched, autumn weather; and rained New ministers were requested from the under 14 years of age, and the Rev. almost continuously until they were all Free Church at home; and its Colonial Thomas Burns and the settlement’s first able to move into the large, communal Committee worked hard to find suitable schoolteacher, James Blackie. At the grass hut, 60 feet by 20 feet, on 1 June). men for Otago. From the 1850s on farewell service – the last occasion many Nevertheless, they all met for worship churches were established all over South of these settlers were to see their home the next morning as a new church com- Otago, through Central Otago, and in country – they sang “O God of Bethel” munity. Thomas Burns’s text was Psalm Southland. Country churches ranged in – the same Philip Doddridge hymn we 130:4, “But there is forgiveness with size from 100 to 400 or so members by still sing in our churches today. It was Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.” Burns the end of the century. Larger churches, fitting choice for such an occasion. was a serious, scholarly man, immensely such as First Church in Invercargill, had On board during the four months’ kind and courteous, but deeply aware up to 500. Dunedin itself established voyage the settlers established solid of his own sin, cherishing Christ’s saving 11 more churches, in addition to the patterns of community life. During the work as precious beyond measure. original First Church, by 1890. The larg- week there were two worship services Over the next two decades church est was Knox Church (with its imposing daily, and the children had school les- life was established on a solid, bibli- stone building, still to be seen on the sons with Mr Blackie. On Sundays there cal footing. By March 1849 steps were corner of George and Pitt streets.) For were three worship services. Arriving on taken to elect the first session; and four 34 years they had enjoyed the ministry a Saturday afternoon in March, 1848, the ruling elders, Henry Clarke, a carpenter; of the much-loved Dr Donald Stuart, passengers of the Philip Laing surveyed Captain Cargill, resident agent of the and by the turn of the century had a their new home. The only housing there New Zealand Company; James Blackie, membership of around 1100.3 was built by the passengers of the John schoolmaster; and Alexander Chalmers, Wickliffe, and there was none as yet for a landowner, were duly appointed. As Features of church life the new arrivals. Thus the women and more settlers arrived, as farms were taken What were some of the features of this children had to remain on board ship up in outlying areas such as Taieri, and as church life? For one thing, great care was for several weeks while their men built fishing and port communities prospered, taken to instruct the children in the faith. a rough shelter for them. (It was rather church planting continued unabated. This was done through Sabbath Schools,

 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 usually conducted by the minister; and standard; and on a number of occasions students were actually being prepared as there was instruction in the Westminster precentors4 were specially brought out early as 1868, and Otago University had Shorter Catechism, and also Bible classes from Scotland to assist. James Adam, the begun in 1869), a small but steady local for both boys and girls. Especial care was First Church precentor, held classes to supply of ministers was on hand. taken in the administration of the sacra- encourage good psalm singing, and did ments. It was Scottish practice to observe all he could in other ways to enhance Missions the Lord’s Supper once every quarter; church members’ knowledge of and ap- We have already noticed that the Free and in Scotland a special “communion preciation for good church music. Church was mission-minded from its season”, usually lasting a week, was ob- As with so many pioneering de- first beginnings in Scotland. Did this served to prepare for the Supper. This nominations, a great debt of gratitude continue in New Zealand? Yes, it did. entailed special preaching meetings, and is owed by the Free Church in Otago There was great interest in the work time for reflection and prayer. However, to its dedicated early ministers. Not all in the New Hebrides (Vanuatu), made in the more scattered settlements of the of them were young, sprightly men who so famous by Scottish missionary, John New World this was not practicable, and found days of riding over the country- Paton. The Otago and Southland Synod so in Otago generally a long weekend side in inclement weather easy. Thomas supported the work of Free Church (Scot- of Friday-Monday sufficed. Church disci- Burns, for instance, was in his early fifties tish) missionaries Peter and Mary Jane pline was also practised, addressing both when he arrived in 1848; and he served Milne there. The 1869 Synod meeting immorality in behaviour and looseness during the next two decades with steady heard addresses from four missionaries of doctrine. commitment, dying in 1871. He and – from John Inglis, working in the New Worship was central to church life; the other ministers were tireless visitors Hebrides; from a Mr McDonald of Vic- with preaching of the Word being its of their flocks, going to isolated homes toria, working on a missionary ship, the high point. The Free Church was an despite dangerous river crossings and the Dayspring; a Mr Blade working in India; exclusive-Psalmody church; and singing need to doss down in rough accommo- and from Abraham Honore, a German was always unaccompanied until later in dation en route. They certainly earned Lutheran the Otago churches had ap- the century, when a serious controversy the great respect they enjoyed. At first pointed to work with the Riverton Maori arose over the introduction of pipe or- almost all the Otago ministers came from in Southland. gans into some churches. However, there Scotland; but after the theological hall When gold was discovered near was concern that the singing be of a good was begun in Dunedin in 1876 (three Lawrence in 1861 a great opportunity

Left: Knox Church Session, 1884. Minister and 22 ruling elders. Below: Old and new Knox Church (in use to the present day) and manse.

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010  presented itself. Gold-diggers were soon Deacons’ Court had looked into what serious signs of decline. Perhaps I can pouring into Otago in enormous num- could be done in the way of financing illustrate this by a personal family sketch. bers. A tent city mushroomed at Tuapeka, a proper church building; and within My grandfather spent his childhood and site of the gold discovery by Gabriel six months of the discovery of gold, teenage years growing up in the First Read. The Church responded right away, the Otago ministers had worked out Church congregation in Dunedin. He and apparently not one Sabbath passed a roster whereby most of them would died when I was twelve years old, but I without a worship service being held provide pulpit supply. They would spend never remember him speaking to me of where the diggers had congregated. The two Sundays at the gold field, and in personal faith in Christ; and he was not first two Sundays, a Tokomairiro elder the intervening week provided what a regular churchgoer. To this day I do not held the services, and on the third, the pastoral help they could to the folk on know whether he believed. His parents, nearest minister, Mr Todd, led worship. the diggings. People of a huge variety my great-grandparents – Ralph and Annie Within a few months the Tokomairiro of church backgrounds came to them; Stephenson – were married in 1896 at and some came to a saving knowledge First Church, and were lifetime members of the gospel. Others were “reclaimed there. Ralph, an Edinburgh-educated from a life of backsliding, and not a few doctor, had grown up in Tasmania, the Christians were quickened and helped son of an evangelical Methodist minis- in their Christian course.”5 A mission- ter. He had met Annie upon arriving in ary was appointed to do this work in Dunedin to practise medicine. Annie was the following year; and as time went the daughter of William and Mary Ew- by there was also a special outreach to ing, a Dunedin business family who had the Chinese miners who arrived on the emigrated (as young single people) from goldfields of Otago. Stirling in Scotland in the early years of ❝ The Otago Free Church drew most of its early ministers from the home church; and as went the home church, so did the daughter church. ❞

Ministers were members of the local the settlement. They had been married Presbyteries, and the entire body met to- by Thomas Burns in 1862, and were also gether in the Synod of Otago and South- lifelong members of First Church. What, land. There were Presbyterian churches spiritually speaking, had happened to a established in many other places in New family who had experienced so much Zealand: those in Auckland and Port of church life? Nicholson (Wellington) preceded those It is an interesting question. The in Otago. However, these churches were answer, I fear, is common to most such of mixed stock, being formed from the situations. The Otago Free Church drew more liberal Church of Scotland, and most of its early ministers from the home many members and ministers had Irish church; and as went the home church, Presbyterian roots as well. Anxious to so did the daughter church. In the latter retain their sound doctrine and more decades of the nineteenth century, the evangelical, distinctive stance on matters effects of German Higher Criticism were such as Sabbath observance, the Otago felt in the New College at Edinburgh, the churches resisted many overtures to join theological school of the Free Church with these other churches to form a New of Scotland. Those trained there were Zealand-wide Presbyterian body. less biblically sound as the years went by; and as theological training began in Theological decline Dunedin, professors sent there from the Top: Mission activity in the New Hebrides These, by any reckoning, were faithful Home Country were bringing the new (Vanuatu). Below: Missionary appointed to Chinese beginnings. And yet there are important – more suspect – theology with them. mission and building for the work in questions to be answered. By the end By the 1880s this was definitely being Dunedin. of the 19th century there were some felt at the theological hall (Knox College)

10 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 in Dunedin. Soon there were questions over an issue of shaky doctrine in his Notes about the nature of the Atonement; preaching. And he was an influential 1 Quoted in Dennis McEldowney, ed., Presbyte- and pressures for a Declaratory Act, as man. Not only was he the minister of a rians in Aoteoroa 1840-1990 (The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, 1990), p. 24 I am had recently been adopted by the Free church of 700-odd members, but when indebted to this book, and to James Chisholm’s, Church of Scotland. This was the result the Otago and Southland Synod finally for the background to this article. of significant doubts entertained by a joined the rest of the New Zealand 2 Breward, Ian. ‘McGlashan, John 1802 – 1864’. number of ministers about the teaching Presbyterians in 1901, James Gibb was Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, updated of the Westminster Confession; and an elected first Moderator of the General 22 June 2007 (web version) 3 These membership figures are taken from attempt by the church to allow them Assembly. My grandfather was two years James Chisholm, Fifty Years Syne: A Jubilee to hold private reservations while still old at the time. Memorial of the Presbyterian Church of Otago subscribing publicly to the Westminster (Dunedin, J. WIlkie & Co., 1898). The author “And there arose another genera- standards. Such an Act was adopted does not indicate whether they are for com- tion after them who did not know by the Otago churches in 1893. The municant members only; or include baptized the LORD or the work that he had members as well. minister of First Church, the man who done for Israel.” 4 In Presbyterian churches that sang the Psalms in married my great-grandparents, Ralph the historical fashion (ie. A Capella) a precentor and Annie, in 1896, openly spoke of his So sad a story, yet so oft-repeated. Let was a man who led the singing, often by means disquiet with the Westminster Confes- us rejoice in its beginnings – but heed of conducting techniques, but sometimes just by sion. He was also taken to task in the the warning of its latter years. singing from amongst the congregation. 5 James Chisholm, p.176 Presbytery by one of his ruling elders

World in focus

Puritan Reformed Theological a homosexual woman was thirty times Sundara Ganapathi Temple. Seminary makes available online more likely to assault a servicewoman The church building was purchased by puritan electronic research tool than was a heterosexual servicewoman the Hindus from the Church of Scotland Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary likely to assault a serviceman. in November 2009, and was mortgaged (PRTS) is in the process of scanning all The FRI concludes that “[m]aking by the South Indian Cultural Centre of 65,000 library volumes for use with the military service easier for those most apt Scotland. Puritan Electronic Research Tool (PERT), to assault doesn’t demonstrate ‘common + Rutherglen Reformer a tool designed at PRTS for use by pas- decency’ or ‘common sense.’” tors, students, and laypeople to help The Southern Poverty Law Center Christian Beijing Olympics find Scripture references and related (SPLC), which describes itself as “dedi- demonstrators arrested twice and commentary that may be buried within cated to fighting hate and bigotry,” lists deported from china to protest visit a book. the FRI among Colorado-based “hate to U.S. of Chinese President PERT is available for use, entirely groups” including the Aryan Nations Two of the three protestors at the 2008 free, at: Revival, the Nation of Islam, the National Beijing Olympics who were twice ar- http://pert.puritanseminary.org/index. Socialist Movement [Nazis], and the rested, then deported from China for aspx. United Northern and Southern Knights unfurling in Tiananmen Square a banner + Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary of the Ku Klux Klan. reading “Jesus Christ is King,” on 12 The SPLC additionally designates as April 2010 demonstrated in front of the Family Research Institute asks why hate groups Americans for Truth About White House in Washington DC on the “don’t ask, don’t tell” regulation Homosexuality, the Massachusetts citi- occasion of the visit of Chinese President is being relaxed when ten percent zen’s group Mass Resistance, the Illinois Hu Jintao to the United States. of military-on-military assaults are Family Institute, and the Traditional Christian Defense Coalition Director committed by homosexuals Values Coalition. and Reformed Presbyterian pastor the A 25 March 2010 news release by the + Family Research Institute Rev. Pat Mahoney and Michael McMona- Family Research Institute (FRI) titled gle prayed and spoke out against China’s “Relax Enforcement When Gays Com- Former Church of Scotland in repression of human rights and religious mit Ten Percent of Military-on-Military Rutherglen becoming Hindu Temple liberty, calling attention to the “moral Assaults?” references U.S. Department of A 7 April 2010 article in the Ruther- and national disgrace” that President Defense reports showing that ten percent glen Reformer by Will Henshaw titled Barack Hussein Obama has not been a of military-on-military assaults are com- “Rutherglen Church to be Transformed more vocal and outspoken critic of the mitted by homosexuals, meaning that into Hindu Temple” reports that after human rights abuses by the Chinese in 2009, a homosexual male was eight UK£10,000 of renovations, former government while at the same time the times more likely to assault a serviceman Church of Scotland Wardlawhill Church Obama Administration is giving billions of than was a heterosexual serviceman in Rutherglen, Scotland, is reopening at dollars to the Chinese government to pay likely to assault a servicewoman, and the end of April 2010 as the Hindu Sri off the U.S. debt while China continues

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 11 to brutalize their own people. recently posted on The BioLogos Foun- $24 billion a year, claiming this would For background information, please dation website showing the professor dramatically reduce maternal and child see article “[10] Missionary Team Ar- defending theistic evolution, saying: deaths and solve a host of social ills. rested in China Back in USA” in the 13 “If the data is overwhelmingly in favor + Susan Yoshihara, Ph.D. August 2008 Presbyterians Week, http:// of evolution, to deny that reality will presweek.blogspot.com/2008/08/13-au- make us a cult ... some odd group that New global study shows maternal gust-2008.html is not really interacting with the world. morality significantly lower than + Christian News Wire And rightly so, because we are not using previously thought/policy implications our gifts and trusting God’s Providence worry abortion advocates Western nations continue to pressure that brought us to this point of our (NEW YORK – C-FAM) A new study out Nicaragua on abortion laws awareness.” this week by the leading British medical (NEW YORK – C-FAM) At the recently After the video generated an uproar journal shows maternal mortality rates concluded session of the United Na- among the RTS administration, Waltke have been significantly overestimated tions Human Rights Council, Nicaragua subsequently asked The BioLogos by United Nations (UN) agencies. The came up against intense and concerted Foundation to remove the video from Lancet reports that maternal deaths international pressure from fellow United its website, and Waltke submitted his worldwide in 2008 totalled 342,900 Nations (UN) member states over the resignation, which was accepted by the rather than the 500,000+ used by the abortion ban the Latin American coun- seminary. World Bank, World Health Organization try’s National Assembly adopted unani- Justin Taylor, Editorial Director at (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund mously into law four years ago. Crossway Books, reported 9 April 2010 (UNICEF) in recent years. Despite promising initial evidence that on his Between Two Worlds blog that + Austin Ruse and Susan Yoshihara, Ph.D. the prohibition on abortion has helped Waltke has been hired to teach the lower maternal mortality rates, Nicara- upcoming winter and spring terms at PCA Standing Judicial Commission gua has been the target of international Knox Theological Seminary. issues final ruling against Pacific pressure and scrutiny from UN agencies, + Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando Northwest Presbytery’s conclusions donor governments and non-governmen- about the theological views of tal organizations. Australia rescinds special status for Teaching Elder Peter Leithart Last month, Nicaragua underwent the “non-specific” sex The Presbyterian Church in America Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which (NEW YORK – C-FAM) Last month, the (PCA) Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) is an opportunity for the UN Human Australian government made international on 11 March 2010 issued its final deci- Rights Council – an inter-governmen- headlines for being the first to officially sion in the complaint against the PCA’s tal UN body made up of 47 States recognize a third gender on a state-issued Pacific Northwest Presbytery (PNW) for responsible for addressing situations document. Just days after conferring the its earlier majority decision that Teaching of human rights violations and making new “sex not specified” status, the gov- Elder Peter Leithart’s theological views recommendations on them – to examine ernment rescinded the certificate, leaving were not out of accord with the PCA the human rights record of all member a raging controversy over the definition system of doctrine. states. Each country is reviewed every of “gender” in its wake. The SJC found that “the views of four years with the aim of ensuring The “sex not specified” status legally TE Leithart touching fundamentals of compliance with international human recognized Norrie May-Welby as neither the system of doctrine (for example rights obligations. male nor female. May-Welby was born in on baptism, the bi-covenantal nature + Samantha Singson Scotland and registered as male at birth, of Scripture, and imputation) set out but underwent sex change surgery 20 in the Record (in PNW’s own Reports) New report by American law firm years ago. The government of Australia suggest a strong presumption of guilt pushes for abortion in Kenya then issued May-Welby a female recogni- that these views represent offenses that (NEW YORK – C-FAM) The Center tion certificate. May-Welby subsequently could properly be the subject of a judicial for Reproductive Rights (CRR), a New ceased lifelong hormone treatment and process. ([Book of Church Order] BCO York-based public interest law firm that adopted a “neuter identity” which is 31-2, 29-1&2)” seeks to expand abortion access globally, neither male nor female. According to The SJC decision says “the PNW released a report titled, “In Harm’s news reports, doctors recently said be- may counsel TE Leithart that [Leithart’s Way: The Impact of Kenya’s Restrictive cause Norrie had stopped taking female Federal Vision-type theological views] Abortion Law.” The report and a related hormones several years ago, they were constitute error that is injurious to peace video (which was highlighted on CNN unable to determine gender. and purity of the church and offer him this week) were first made public at a + Samantha Singson pastoral advice on how he might recant CRR side event at the Beijing +15 UN and make reparations for those views, or Commission on the Status of Women. UN report calls for doubling if he is unwilling or unable in conscience + Terrence McKeegan, J.D. investment on “modern family to do so, that he is free to take timely planning” including abortion steps to affiliate with some other branch RTS Orlando, Florida, OT Professor (NEW YORK – C-FAM) A just-released that is consistent with his views;” or else resigns after video surfaces showing United Nations (UN) report backed by the PNW at its fall meeting is to take endorsement of theistic evolution the world’s top population organiza- action against Leithart under the provi- A video of Reformed Theological Semi- tions argues that nations should double sions of BCO 31-2. nary (RTS) Orlando, Florida, Old Testa- their investment in family planning and On a Presbyterian and Reformed-ori- ment professor Bruce K. Waltke was abortion in poor countries for a total of ented Internet email discussion group, a

12 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 PCA ruling elder responded to the SJC raised as a Christian. Last month the the Christian lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, decision by asking: “Would someone, house of another underground church still remains in prison. please, explain to me where in Scrip- member was set on fire by members of WEA Religious Liberty – April 2010 ture they get the idea that “transfer his another Islamic group in the outskirts ministerial credentials” is part of church of Mogadishu. More than 500 Christians murdered discipline? ... . If Leithart fails to recant, WEA Religious Liberty – April 2010 in Nigeria he should be removed from office and The process of mobilization of the na- excommunicated. He should not be al- Pro-democratic advocate released in tions for the Global Day of Prayer 2010 lowed to change membership to escape Vietnam has helped to realize that during the the judgment of the court.” Attorney Le Thi Cong Nhan, the so called last year or so the persecution against + Presbyterian Church in Americ “protestant prisoner of conscience” was Christians has increased worldwide, released on 6th March 2010 after serving due to continuous coming disturbing Murder and persecutions against a three-year sentence for “propagandiz- reports. One of these reports come from Christians in Somalia ing to destroy the Socialist Republic of Nigeria, Jos, Northern province, where Report of the VOM alarms about in- Vietnam.” Attorney Le’s sentence has in the early hours of Sunday, 7th March creasing persecution against Christians been reduced as a result of an inter- 2010, Muslim herdsmen slaughtered in Somalia and growing number of national outcry and expressed concern. hundred of Christians. The WIN (Win- murdered Christians by Islamic militias. While in prison the 31-year-old Cong dow International Network) reports that Madobe Abdi, an underground church Nhan received a Vietnamese Bible from currently estimated death toll exceeds leader, was tracked down and killed a visiting US delegation, which helped 500. WIN quotes an aid worker, who by Islamic al-Shabaab rebels on 15th her faith and trust in God be confirmed, witnessed the devastation saying, “We March 2010 in Mahaday village after as she herself confesses: “In prison the saw mainly those who are helpless, like kidnapping attempt against him on Lord became my closest friend, my small children and then the older men, March 2. The VOM report points out teacher, and the one who carried my who cannot run, these were the ones with disturbance that he was not a con- burdens with me.” that were slaughtered.” vert from Islam, as he was an orphan Unforunately, Attorney Le’s colleague, WEA Religious Liberty – April 2010

‘Entertaining devils unawares’

Maurice Roberts of faith and religion. We are allowed in Lord holds it up to the light so that all the current climate to say what things may learn to abhor and shun it. No Christian must ever allow himself to are true and right but not to condemn This same denunciation of error comes affirm what is true without also denying anything at all as false. The end result of to the fore in a passage where our Lord what is false. To say that a thing is true this process will be that everything must challenges head‑on the question of tra- is to imply that its opposite is not true. be held true and nothing false. Or rather, dition v. Scripture in Matthew 15: ‘Ye have It is an evasion to affirm a thing to be that we must not be so discourteous as made the commandment of God of none true but to hold it an open question as to call anything false. effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well to whether the opposite is false. This is It is refreshing in this postmodernist did Esaias prophesy of you . . .’ (15:6‑7). to play games with truth and to trivialise climate to turn again to the positiveness of It was open to Christ to have praised the it. The claims of truth are of the highest the New Testament and to ponder again Pharisees up to a point. They did have possible order. They ought to bind our the clear‑cut attitude to error which marks a respect for Scripture and were diligent minds and our consciences. Truth belongs the preaching of Christ and the writings students of it. But they also added tra- to God and is therefore a sacred thing. of the apostles. dition to the Word of God and so ruined This is all the more so when the truths As early as the Sermon on the Mount, religion in the process. Our Lord gives in question are the great and central facts Christ announced what must have grated them no praise, either here or elsewhere. of divine revelation. on all unregenerate ears at the time: Their false principle of determining truth A kind of criminal courtesy or politeness ‘Except your righteousness shall exceed by appeal to tradition was so vicious that has gripped large parts of the Christian the righteousness of the scribes and Phari- he deemed it necessary to condemn it church today. Professed evangelical sees, ye shall in no case enter into the and them in the strongest terms. To do preachers and scholars, among others, kingdom of heaven’ (Matt. 5:20). Why less, he clearly indicates, would be to are ready to affirm the doctrines and was it necessary for Christ to single out confuse God’s people. practices of the Bible, but they are the Pharisees in this way? He could have The disciples of Christ were over‑sen- hesitant about condemning what clearly made the point without mentioning and sitive to the reaction of the Pharisees. contradicts them. The result is widespread offending them. But our Lord deliberately The disciples had watched the faces of uncertainty and confusion among God’s sets up the Pharisees as examples of a these learned and revered scholars of the people. The reason for this confusion flawed religious character. Bible. It was plain to them that they had needs to be addressed. It appears to He affirms what is true and, with equal taken Christ’s rebuke badly when he had arise very largely from an unwillingness force, exposes what is false. The whole branded them as ‘hypocrites’ (Matt. 17:7). to be negative about anything in matters Pharisaic religion was hollow, and our Peter, John and the others clustered round

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 13 Christ and said to him: ‘Knowest thou not hearers, into hell at last. that nation whose religious leaders are that the Pharisees were offended, after All this is strong doctrine today. We no better than the scribes and Pharisees they heard this saying?’ (Matt. 15:12). are so acclimatised to the religious con- whom Christ describes in this chapter! The disciples would not have spoken so ventions of ‘courtesy’ and ‘charity’ that Woe to that generation whose preach- forthrightly of those devout Jewish teach- we find it hard to believe in forthright ers, whatever their scholarship or their ers. It troubled them to think that the denunciation altogether. ‘Such‑and‑such high office, are really only aiming at their feelings of the Pharisees were upset by a minister cannot accept the virgin birth own benefit and their own comfort and Christ’s bold exposure of them. of Christ or the physical resurrection of who play about with the souls of men! Christ’s reply is of the utmost signifi- our Saviour, but he is a fine man for all Woe to those church‑goers who hear no cance. He corrects the wrong reaction that.’ ‘He is a bit of a liberal in his view other preaching but what the scribes and of the disciples with the words: ‘Every of the Bible, but he has some helpful Pharisees of Christ’s day could have given plant, which my heavenly Father hath insights.’ ‘He is a convert to Catholicism, them! Not without cause did Christ say not Planted, shall be rooted up. Let them but his books on theology are refreshingly that their ‘house would be left desolate’ alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. edifying.’ ‘He cannot accept the doctrine (v.38). The best way to drive God from And if the blind lead the blind, both shall of Christ’s atonement, but we can learn any nation is to give honour to false fall into the ditch’ (Matt. 15:13‑14). By a lot from his scholarly insights.’ religious teachers. It draws down God’s these words our Lord shows that teachers All such ‘charitable’ comments need to wrath as with a cart‑rope on society as of error are like weeds in God’s garden. be judged in the full light of the practice a whole. The Jewish people found it so They are not planted by the heavenly of Jesus Christ. Did our Saviour ever praise in A.D. 70, and many other nations have found it so since that fateful year. The attitude of Christ to error and errorists is found equally in his apostles. ❝ By entertaining of The Apostle Paul does not scruple to de- nounce some preachers as ‘false apostles, strange doctrines, many deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ’ (2 Cor. 11:13). have entertained devils This apostle clearly knew nothing of the ‘charity’ that speaks well of all religious unawares. ❞ leaders. He goes so far as to expose and denounce them as Satan’s ministers, Father’s hand and shall all be rooted out those who, however learned, taught seri- whose ‘end shall be according to their in the end. Again, he compares them to ous error? If a religious teacher or scholar works’ (v.15). This dark phrase means would‑be leaders of blind persons who holds a false view of Scripture, or of the that they will be cast into hell‑fire for offer their services to escort them on a virgin birth, or of the resurrection of Christ, their false teaching. Paul actually rebukes journey. But their offer of help is worth- or of tradition, or of some other cardinal the Corinthian Christians for their soft less. Both they and those whom they truth, dare we speak approvingly of his and tolerant attitude to such men: ‘Ye escort fall into the ditch. ministry? Ought we not rather to treat him suffer fools gladly’ (v.19). Bad preachers False teachers, whoever they are and as a ‘blind leader of the blind?’ are ‘fools’, and those who listen to them however learned they seem to be, can There is one passage which, above all are guilty of a foolish failure and criminal only do harm to men’s souls. It is a false others perhaps in the Gospels, reveals lack of discernment. It is amazing how and foolish sentimentality that spares their Christ’s passion for truth and his bold flabby people’s attitude to false teachers feelings. They ought rather to be treated exposure of falsehood. It is Matthew 23. can be: ‘Ye suffer, if a man bring you into as outsiders: ‘Let them alone’ (v.14). They Here is a chapter which all ministerial bondage, if a man devour you, if a man do not belong to God. They are not students, preachers and scholars ought to take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a shepherds of Christ’s flock. They have no study, memorise and attempt to exemplify man smite you on the face’ (v.20). business to be teaching in God’s name in this confused age. Let every allowance Could any ‘charity’ be more uncharita- since they are false to the Scriptures and be made for the fact that our Saviour is ble than a ’charity’ which welcomes the darken their true meaning by reference uniquely able to read men’s hearts and influence into our churches of men who to human tradition. that he alone can judge men’s secret treat us as the apostle here describes? This episode is full of instruction for thoughts. Even so, the impression remains What do they do? They ‘bring us into us as the people of God. Let us give full that Christ is in this chapter setting us bondage’ to human traditions, man-made honour to those preachers who preach an example of how we all should abhor doctrines, spurious sacraments. They ‘de- the truth. Let us show respect to those religious falsehood and seek to expose it vour’ us by obliging us to pay for their who may have only modest talent. If to the view of others. good offices when they hear our confes- they preach the truth and are faithful to What is it that calls forth such strong sions, say masses for us at a price and God’s Word, they are to be given their denunciation from the lips of Christ lay claim to our souls even after death due meed of honour. But if they preach in this too‑little studied chapter? The in purgatory. They ‘exalt themselves’ into error, or mix tradition with Scripture, great faults are insincerity, pretence, mediators with God himself, claiming to or deny what the Bible clearly teaches, hair‑splitting, play‑acting in the things be God’s agents on earth and authorised our duty is to treat them as outsiders: of God, fishing for man’s admiration, by Christ to change laws and interpret ‘Let them alone.’ They are not sent by self‑interest, double‑mindedness, hatred the Bible by their own tradition. They God. They cannot lead men’s souls to of true heart‑religion and persecution ‘smite us on the face’ when they insult heaven but will fall, both they and their of the genuine people of God. Woe to our God-given right to search the Scrip-

14 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 tures for ourselves and when they deny tempest; to whom the mist of darkness the Birth of Protestantism, James Atkinson, us freedom of conscience to obey God is reserved for ever’ (v.17). Such errorists pp.196‑7). only. Instead of protesting vehemently may be eloquent, but their words are Luther’s forthrightness was seen in all against such impostures many do nothing. poisonous: ‘They speak great swelling the Reformers. We may take John Calvin They ‘suffer’ it with scarcely a whimper words’ but the content of these wonderful as representative of them all: ‘To assert of protestation! sermons is ‘vanity’ (v.18). All the while the truth is only one‑half of the office This apostolic forthrightness in calling ‘they allure through the lusts of the flesh, of teaching ... except all the fallacies of evil men by their proper name is found through much wantonness’ (v.18). the devil be also dissipated’ (Jeremiah, throughout the whole New Testament. Such bold speaking should not be con- vol 111, p.423). ‘Errors arise ... when Those who bring a different gospel are fined to the first century of the Christian a loose rein is given to false teachers’ to be deemed ‘accursed’. (Gal. 1:8‑9). era. It is language put into the Bible by (Zechariah‑Malachi, p.380). ‘When one It is not just that we are to regard their the Holy Spirit to forewarn and forearm [scholar] has gone astray, others, lacking falsehoods as ‘accursed’. We are to re- the people of God in all ages, whenever judgement, follow in droves’ (Thessalo- gard their very persons as accursed: ‘Let they are confronted with corruption in nians, p.399). him be accursed’ (twice over, in case we doctrine or practice. The absence of such The Word of God does not call on were not paying due attention the first plain speaking about error and errorists men to use strong language for its own time!). Evil and corrupt teachings do not today is either because our age is quite sake. Still less does it exhort us to be come to us on the wings of the wind free from such influences(!), or else for discourteous. But it everywhere obliges or on telegraph wires. They come to us a reason which reflects discredit on our us to praise truth and to abhor error. It out of the corrupt hearts and mouths of love of truth. is not enough to commend what is true. men. The promoters of them may bear The great revival which occurred at We have the duty also to be ‘negative’. the elegant titles of ‘Reverend’, ‘Pastor’, the Reformation brought back to the Falsehood in doctrine or practice is ‘Bishop’ or ‘Professor’. But if they bring church the same passion for truth which damnable and devilish. John Flavel, the another gospel, we are not at liberty to the apostles of Christ had had. Luther’s Puritan, puts it well: ‘By entertaining of praise them. Our duty is to call them ‘offence’ for which he was excomniuni- strange doctrines, many have entertained accursed’, unless we wish to contradict cated by the pope in 1520 was just this, devils unawares.’ the Apostle Paul. if we may believe Erasmus: ‘He had hit There is today far too much of this Our example in this too is Christ the pope on his crown, and the monks practice of ‘entertaining devils una- himself, who put erring Peter in his in the belly.’ ‘A thrill went through all wares. place on one occasion with the warning Germany’, wrote a biographer of Luther, words: ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matt. ‘when it learned that an obscure monk ... Mr Maurice Roberts was the editor of 16:23). To turn Christ from the cross, had burned a papal bull.’ The Reforma- the monthly magazine The Banner of as Peter sought to do, is to destroy the tion began, says the same writer, ‘on this Truth. Reprinted with permission The gospel and to damn mankind. No lighter very day: 10 December 1520 – at nine Banner of Truth, Issue 448 (January, language would do to put Peter’s error in o’clock that morning’ (Martin Luther and 2001), pp.1-6 its proper light. O true and faithful Jesus, whose love of our souls stirred him to such holy vehemence – even against his own disciple Peter! The lesson was not lost on Peter. Later in life his own holy soul burned fiercely Focus on home against all doctrinal and moral corrup- Andrew Reinders tion. Let anyone who has picked up the modern habit of speaking well of false strength to both families. teachers go back to the second chapter Gleanings of his Second Epistle. The chapter is Wedding Bells. Marc Bylsma and Marike devoted to the theme of ‘false prophets’ from our Breytenbach are proud to announce and ‘false teachers’ (v.1). They bring, their wedding, which will take place on not ‘alternative insights’ or ‘legitimate bulletins… Saturday 10th of April at 1.30pm, at the scholarly interpretations’ but ‘damnable St James Presbyterian Church 30 West heresies’ (v.1). They follow ‘pernicious Street Pukekohe. All are invited to attend, ways’ (v.2), speak ‘feigned words’ (v.3) and with an afternoon tea after the service. ‘make merchandise’ of men’s souls. ‘Their Avondale judgement now of a long time lingereth Pastoral. On Wednesday, Br. Stan Utatao Bishopdale not, and their damnation slumbereth died peacefully, in the knowledge he Pastoral Notices. It has been a traumatic not’ (v.3). ‘Spots they are and blemishes, would meet his Saviour. The funeral serv- week for Dave and Simone Jochem and sporting themselves with their own deceiv- ice was held yesterday (Saturday). Ear- their families. Last Sunday, Ella Michelle ings’ (v.13). They ‘beguile unstable souls’ lier this week, Mrs Cynthia O’Gorman, Jochem died in the womb, and yester- (v.14), are ‘cursed children’ (v.14) and are mother and mother-in-law of Sandra & day we laid her little body to rest. We no better than Balaam. Robert Heeringa passed away after a time grieve, yet not without hope, because we Words cannot adequately express their of illness. She gave her heart to the Lord believe that death is not the end. Ella’s wickedness or their doom: ‘Wells with- just a few months ago, for which we can death makes this Easter Sunday more out water, clouds that are carried with a praise God. May God grant comfort and poignant. Having tasted the bitterness of

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 15 death, we long for eternal life! We are worshipping with us for some months. husbands and wives. We plan to start all the more thankful that Jesus died for In Korea they were members of the with the studies from the Fireproof us so that we might live forever! Presbyterian church. Welcome to sr Tinda movie and then to continue from there. Pastoral Notes. Robert van Wichen is Sentono and her two children Sophia and If you are interested in being a part of preaching in Oamaru this weekend. Once Gavin. Tinda was previously a member of this group, please let me know. Michael a year, the ministers in Christchurch go the Reformed Baptist church here in East Willemse. Auckland. It’s wonderful and a privilege to Dunedin, Nelson and Oamaru; this Hastings has been a longstanding arrangement in to welcome and embrace you as part of Profession of Faith. Session is pleased the Presbytery and helps promote unity Christ’s body here in Bucklands Beach. to announce Cees Majoor’s desire to and good working relationships Session Report. We would like to an- publicly profess his faith on the 11th nounce that Mrs Sheila Hunter, who April 2010, if there are no lawful ob- Bucklands Beach has been worshipping with us for quite jections. A call to attend to attending to one an- some time, has requested membership other. God’s word calls and encourages of our fellowship. She was formerly a Wedding Invitation. The congregation is us to keep on keeping on (persevere) as member of the Otahuhu Baptist church warmly invited to witness the wedding his people. True, that isn’t always easy. and comes to us with their blessing and of Cees Majoor and Anneke de Vries All kinds of things within and around warm commendation. Welcome sister on Saturday 17th of April, 11am at the us distract and make us lose heart. One – and also thank you for the great work Reformed Church of Hastings (D.V.), of the important ways to strengthen you have been doing in the church’s followed by refreshments in the fellow- each other and be strengthened is by garden! ship hall. continually encouraging one another. Pastoral. This morning we delight and Nothing does that more effectively than Hukanui share in the baptism of Tinda Sentono’s Congratulations. The church family re- doing exactly what God commands us two children Sophia Lin and Gavin Lin. joices with the Van Woerden family in to – worshipping together faithfully and These children too will receive the spe- acknowledging God’s grace and mercy, regularly. It is striking that when the cial sign and seal of God’s gospel prom- with Simon and Janny’s 50th Wedding believing community addressed by the ises. They too, with their mum, belong Anniversary on 30th March 2010 D.V. writer to the Hebrews was feeling down, to the kingdom of God. Therefore they weak and vulnerable, he writes “Let us too are heirs of promises of the triune Ten for Ten. Prayer meeting at 10am hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, God: adoption, forgiveness and new, for 10 minutes before the morning for he who promised is faithful. Let us Holy Spirit powered life. May God’s church service. I encourage all mem- consider how we may spur one another faithfulness and mercy forever be great bers to come as often as you can for a on towards love and good deeds. Let us in the lives of this family. time of intercession for our church. Let not give up meeting together ... but let us make true what Jesus said at the tem- us encouraging one another – and all the Christchurch ple “My house will be a house of prayer”. more as you see the Day approaching. Pastoral. At the time of writing, I am (Luke 19:46). Also, let us not forget (Hebrews 10.23-25)” Sunday worship is looking forward to celebrating with Sr. the words of Charles H. Spurgeon: “It fundamental to your personal and our Corrie Prins her 80th birthday. I am sure is no statement of mine, suggested by corporate well-being. It is and remains a good time was had yesterday with all unreasonable zeal, but it is the result a priority. Once only? Well, if we elders those present. We are thankful to the of long-continued observation when I believed that, we would call for only one Lord for His continued care for our sister, assert that the condition of a Church service on the Lord’s Day! But, we, the despite the difficulties over the past year. may be very accurately gauged by its elders, as those who, with your bless- She continues to bear testimony of His Prayer Meetings.” ing and encouragement, have spiritual love and care for her. Professions of Faith. Session is grateful to our Lord to advise the congregation oversight, are calling us to worship twice Dovedale on the Lord’s Day! Shouldn’t we all be that Nicolas Willemse and Willeke Wisse Youth Club. Perambulate peacefully heeding this as much as is possible? have requested to publicly profess their around while pertinently popping pam- faith. If no lawful objection is received, Membership. On behalf of the eldership, phlets in postboxes. Parley at precisely this will take place D.V. on Sunday 18th it is my privilege to introduce a number 10:00am on 1st May at 8 Athelstan St, April during the morning service and will of new members to our fellowship. In Spreydon. We presume personal pres- be led by Rev. Andre Scheepers. welcoming you we promise to embrace ence so please plan on participating! you as our brothers and sisters, our The Committee. Nelson family in Christ. We would also ask you From Session: Today we will witness Hamilton to embrace us so that together we may the baptism of Alita Huyser, this is a From the Pastor: We note with thanks serve and honour Jesus for the praise of wonderful and momentous occasion and that Simon and Janny van Woerden (who his glory. Welcome to br and sr Brian it is a blessing that both Grandmothers have recently transferred their member- and Anne Bartlett. The Bartletts are well from South Africa are able to be here ship to Hukanui) will celebrate their 50th known to us and were previously very for the baptism. much involved in the life and fellowship wedding anniversary this Tuesday. of the Reformed Church of Mangere. Marriage Bible Study – We are consid- North Shore We also welcome br and sr Paul (Young ering starting a new fortnightly study News & Announcements. This morn- Ju) and Seria Park and their two sons group considering the Bible’s teaching ing we have the privilege of placing Michael and James. They too have been on marriage and how we may grow as the sign and seal of God’s covenant

16 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 on Sarah-Anne Borger, daughter of Bert Short Report of Presbytery from one of the parties was & Rebecca. May the Lord give you both likely to be forthcoming. much wisdom Bert & Rebecca, as you the Wellington Discussion was held regarding the seek to bring up your children in “the Presbytery Meeting intention of the Palmerston North Ses- discipline and instruction of the Lord” sion to appeal some of the rulings made (Ephesians 6:4). And as all parents seek held in Foxton on at the Special Presbytery meeting held to do this, let us never forget that, be 27th March 2010 last year. we ever so diligent, wise and faithful, The Rev Paul. Archbald read from salvation is a gift of God effected by Psalm 89, and the Rev A Nugteren closed The Rev. Peter Kloosterman opened the the new birth by the Holy Spirit in the the meeting in prayer at 4:30p.m. meeting by reading from Psalm 67 and heart of the believer. So never cease to leading in prayer. The Rev. Paul Archbald pray for the salvation of our children; was elected as Moderator to substitute per the old motto, ora et labora, pray for the Rev. Peter Kloosterman in matters and work. A special welcome to all relating to a series of special presbytery 16th Hamilton members of the Borger family who are meetings which were held at the end of with us this morning. They have been Easter Convention last year. Good reports were heard from together this weekend celebrating Alies’ both the Hastings and the Masterton 70th birthday. That is a milestone, so Mr Simon Manchester, Rector of St Tho- congregations in response to questions our congratulations also, but especially mas Church (Anglican) in North Sydney from Church Order article 47. thankfulness to God for His grace and very helpfully opened II Cor 2:-7:4 to us A number of items of individual cor- goodness over all those years. in a series of four addresses. Between respondence had been emailed from the third and fourth we were honoured Congratulations to Jackson & Frieda Flinn. various church members directly to the On Wednesday evening little Madeline with the remembrance of Charles Simeon Clerk of Presbytery. It was unanimously (1759-1834), the late rector of Holy Elizabeth was born, all 7lb of her, and decided that these items would not all are well, including Jack. Trinity Church, Cambridge. be received as incoming correspond- The Lord uses means. Deep work- Palmerston North ence as they had not been received or ers in a Shallow World (the conference considered first by the respective local From the Pastor. Congratulations to Henk theme) will be found when God works sessions. and Maria van de Waardt on your 55th in His labourers’ souls. Simeon, a man Encouraging church visitation reports wedding anniversary today! We had a from a privileged background with many were heard regarding the Silverstream scare with Maria being admitted to hos- personal challenges, and converted in and Wellington congregations. Points pital this past week with severe internal his late teens through reading the Word, of interest from other presbyteries and bleeding, but thankfully, her condition used his education and calling quite CRCA classes were heard. has stabilised and she is improving. prodigiously in the face of persecution, A discussion was held to consider discouraging circumstances and he was Pukekohe the appointment of an evangelist/church considerably self-sacrificial. For the first Wedding: It is with joy that we announce planter by the Presbytery, in response 10-14 years of his ministry the church the wedding of Marike Breytenbach and to a request from Foxton. Reservations wardens locked the pews. They didn’t Marc Bylsma. If there are no lawful were expressed regarding potential want Simeon and they exhibited their objections their wedding will take place compromising of the authority of the rude distaste in rather cruel and ugly at 1:30pm on Saturday 10 April at the local sessions and it was decided not ways. For worship, parishioners had to St James Presbyterian Church, 30 West to pursue the appointment of an evan- stand in the aisles for the first few years. Street, Pukekohe. An afternoon tea will gelist who would be semi-mobile and Though often met with students’ missiles be served after the wedding service. All serve a number of congregations in the in the form of eggs and flour as he came are welcome to attend. Presbytery. It was noted that elders have out of the church, Simeon laboured on. a responsibility for local evangelism as He learned and cultivated the practice Wellington per the church order. of expository preaching; and after many From the Pastor ... As many of you have A discussion regarding the church visi- years his toil began to yield wonderful already heard, the Lord blessed Lydia tation roster was held and an amended fruit. Manchester engagingly outlined and I with another son, Dominic John version was approved. It was agreed Simeon’s life and retold interesting stories Nugteren, born early on Wednesday that planning would commence for to illustrate the manifold ways in which morning weighing a few healthy 5.3kg! a Presbytery Diaconal Conference in the Lord used him for profound good. Thank you for your prayers for us dur- Palmerston North. In depth Simeon was as the ocean. ing this time. The role of the Presbytery in an on- Paul loved the church in Corinth, as Our sister Nel Boere passed away early going dispute between parties in one you know, even though it was plagued on Saturday morning, trusting in the Lord of the congregations was discussed. It with all sorts of sins. Some had faltered and in the hope of His resurrection. was decided that the Presbytery would from loving Christ as they ought through You are invited to join with the family appoint two Ministers (the Revs. Nug- the influence of false teachers. Mr tomorrow, Wednesday, at 1pm for the teren and Waldron) to meet with the Manchester took us to the passage he interment at the Akatarawa Cemetery, local session and the parties involved exposited as a sort of parenthetical rab- and to the service which will be held in order to strive for reconciliation. It bit trail between the message of Chapter at 2.30pm at the Silverstream Reformed was accepted that if such reconciliation 2:12 and that of Chapter 7:4 and fol- Church. were not forthcoming, an appeal to the lowing. Paul found the necessity, in this

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 17 second letter to the church that has been the DVD or CD recordings to you clesiastical/theological “traditions” were recorded in the Canon of Scripture, to – whether you are an office bearer or evident. Because our traditions, (like the defend his ministry and restore their un- a church member. There is plenty of Sydney Anglicans’ ones!), are able to be derstanding of his apostolic task, so that interest and profit for you in them. Mr improved, we need these challenges. they would hear properly the rest of his Manchester did a fine job. (Mr Pieter van Manchester’s exhortation for expository instruction to them. In Mr Manchester’s der Wel of the Hamilton congregation preachers, in the Dick Lucas/Charles four addresses we were instructed on is sure to handle any recording requests Simeon mould addressed the means to how and where one can be sidetracked; that you have). I’m also grateful to the improvement when he rightly asserted the consequences; some causes for dis- churches which organised the confer- that “The system [of doctrine – and couragement and their remedies; and ence, and suggest that you should con- thus practise] must not drive the text [of among other things, the reasons why we sider attending subsequent ones – they’re Scripture]”. Scripture alone is the infal- ought to walk with Christ contentedly held on Good Friday and Easter Saturday lible Word of God to us – sufficient and and fruitfully – this side of heaven, and annually. Lest anyone think that my com- full. Appreciatively, I say, Mr Manchester in the face of quite some challenges. It mendation of this conference are without exposited the Bible for us. is, after all, the Saviour’s desire and His qualification, please allow me to add Paul Davey work in and through us. in the briefest of terms that there were Member, Reformed Church of This privileged conferee commends occasional times when our different ec- Dovedale

in the lake. The person having a turn The Kids Club were the decorators for Report on Family had to wear a helmet and life jacket. the Banquet. Everyone had to make a They would sit at the end of the blow poster for the hall. At the end of the Camp 2009-2010 up and two or three people would jump evening all the kids got a bag of lollies on the other end and the person would and a balloon. This year at family camp there were 170 go flying high up into the air and into Holly van Seventer people. There was even one family from the water. At each activity there were the South Island and one man all the people watching or supervising. Mr Neal and Mr van der Werff organised way from Canada. I liked meeting lots of The dairy is cool and quite cheap. five sports at Family camp. Some friends new people that were at camp for the There is a swimming pool which was and I made a volleyball team and won a first time. I made a lot of new friends, open every day. There were also kayaks trophy for being the only girl team even Emma, Riva, Aidene and Kelsey. to hire and two glow worm trips. though we were the worst team. There There were a lot of activities. The Every year we have a banquet. was also soccer, T ball, table tennis and most fun activities were the water slide This year the theme was ‘Running the a fishing competition. There were a lot and the blow up in the water. The water Race – the Olympics’ (from the stud- of people playing sport because they slide was fun but it hurt a bit when you ies). It was held in the hall where we enjoyed it so much. The winning teams skid along in the water. It was very fast eat. Everyone looked so cool. People would get a trophy. and when I slide down I am speechless. were mostly swimmers and runners. I There was also a basketball fund raiser Some people scream or say ‘weeee’, but dressed up as a fencer with my sister for Papua New Guinea and two teams I can’t, it’s too fast! Sophie. Mr Kamphuis looked really had to shoot hoops. When they missed The blow up was an enormous air bag funny, he dressed up as a Gladiator. the other team would squirt them with

18 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 a water gun. The two ministers got re- ally wet. The Kids Club theme was 'The Race is On – The Hare and the Tortoise'. Mrs de Vries was the leader and there were also helpers, Mrs Hemmes, Mrs de Ruiter and Mrs de Vos. They had groups called ducks, beavers, ants, and foxes. Mrs de Ruiter was the craft teacher. There were different crafts every time, photos frames, cards, and other cool things. We had morning tea time with a drink and a biscuit. Then we would play sport; pop the balloon, bull rush or soccer and other games. The little kids, the ducks and ants, would play games for their age. Mrs de Vries led us in singing and I learned a lot of new songs and more about God. The Kids Club sang two songs at the concert evening, they sounded really good. The morning studies were led by Rev Haverland on Ephesians chapters 4-6. The evening devotions were led by Rev de Vos on Noah – Walking with God. The adults really enjoyed it. During Kids Club, the morning studies were on, and the evening devotions were for the adults and older kids. I went to a few evening devotions and I loved the singing, it was really beautiful. Grace van Seventer

This year the cooks were Mr Saunders and Mr Wharekawa and they had two helpers Shane and Isaac and Mrs Saun- ders helped with desserts. One of my favourite meals was macaroni cheese and I also liked the porridge. For lunch we had buns, sausages, macaroni cheese, and much more. There were apricots and plums as well. Dinner was shepherds pie, roast with

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 19 potatoes, peas and carrots, a BBQ and pretended to be my Dad and it was try dance in the big open hall outside. salads, beef casserole. Breakfast was por- funny. People did jokes, singing, skits, etc Charmagne led us in country dancing, it ridge, peaches, cornflakes, ricies, toast, and the Choir sung. We did a funny skit was really cool! A country dance is when weetbix, and yoghurt. Some desserts with our friends Grace, Holly, Aidene, you have to dress like an old fashioned were apple crumble, jelly and icecream, Riva, Bronwyn, Samantha, and Helena person and dance in a big group or lines. milk tart pudding, ambrosia. It all tasted and I. Mrs van der Werff taught it to us. Some people dressed so well with big really good! The funniest skit was Mr de Ruiter's one hoop skirts and beautiful dresses. Every year at Family camp we have a with Goldilocks and the Three bears. Sophie van Seventer concert. Mr Leenders was the MC and On New Years eve we had a coun-

Book focus

Bioethics and the Christian Life: bioethics in accord with our distinctive efforts and resources in seeking a cure, A Guide to Making Difficult theological convictions. motivated by love for her children and a Decisions Vandrunen grounds his discussion in desire to keep serving God here on earth. David Vandrunen (2009) the context of certain key theological While one childless couple might choose (Wheaton, IL: Crossway), 256pp. doctrines, which he discusses in the to remain so, another might adopt, and Reviewed by Rob Vosslamber, second chapter. The sovereignty of God a third might attempt to conceive using Christchurch and divine providence provide the great- assisted reproductive techniques, each est encouragement to believers facing basing their decision on good Biblical The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that death or illness. God’s faithfulness may grounds. When facing ethical problems the term “bioethics” was coined in 1971; not eliminate our responsibility to make for which there is no clear Biblical rule, however ethical questions relating to life moral decisions, but it significantly alters how then should Christians evaluate their issues have been with us since death the context within which we must make options? How can it be that similar situ- began. In his book entitled Bioethics and those decisions. Further, our being cre- ations evoke a variety of responses from the Christian David Vandrunen, profes- ated in the image Christians with similar theological sor of systematic theology and ethics of God suggests commitments? The third chapter at Westminster Seminary in California that we were des- provides a helpful discussion of ably addresses such issues. He focuses tined for life, both the role of Christian virtues. particularly on those issues that are the in body and soul; Vandrunen argues that if Chris- bread and butter of bioethical concern: but sin introduced tians are lacking in Christian vir- questions relating to the beginning and death. A Christian tues when a particular bioethical to the end of life. can never con- dilemma confronts them, they Vandrunen divides his book into three sider death apart are much less likely to respond sections. In Part 1 he discusses the foun- from resurrection: well to the situation. After all it dations of bioethics, and commences by since Christ has is people that perform moral ac- asking what the relationship is between both died and tions, and what kind of person an Christian bioethics and secular bioethics. risen, death has individual is has a great bearing He argues that the most theologically lost its sting; this upon what sort of actions he or sound and balanced approach is not a life is not all there she will perform. Vandrunen pro- divorce between the two, but rather to is. While we live ceeds to discuss several Christian regard both secular bioethics and Chris- life on earth we virtues which affect our ethical tian bioethics as distinct but legitimate. face not only our own suffering but decision making: faith, hope, and love, Since the practice of medicine and the also that of others, and at times must but also courage, contentment, and protection of human life is a common make difficult and painful life and death wisdom. This discussion bridges the gap cultural task given to all human beings decisions. between our theology and our practice: to pursue together, Christians may par- Theology offers a basis for Christian Christian virtue should guide our moral ticipate freely in the secular healthcare bioethical thought; but it does not answer decision-making. system. Indeed, we all do: to my knowl- specific bioethical cases. Although we The remaining two parts of the book edge there is no “Christian” healthcare may agree that Scripture teaches many apply the foundations laid in Part 1 to system in New Zealand. However, this things that are relevant to bioethics, we issues concerning the beginning of life common cultural task is not morally cannot find specific injunctions in the and the end of life respectively. The neutral; Christians have a distinct voice Bible about such matters as IVF, stem- three chapters of Part 2 address mat- to add to bioethical discussions. While cells, ventilators, and feeding tubes. One ters pertaining to the beginning of life. secular bioethics concerns all people Christian facing a terminal disease might Vandrunen firmly roots the bioethics of (including Christians) in their common choose to forego treatment, resting in the the start of life within marriage, but aptly life, as Christians must also shape our providence of God and content to be notes that while Christians should pro- individual and communal views of with him. Another might expend all her mote the good of marriage, they should

20 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 also be most eager to uphold the good recognise that death is the last great shrink from discussing such tragic sce- of not marrying and having children. enemy, death has also been overcome narios as the otherwise terminal illness He then goes on to discuss how many by Christ. Drawing on the tradition of that is curable with a long-shot treatment children to have, including whether it the literature on the ‘art of dying’ (ars (is a Christian obliged to undergo that might be acceptable to decide not to moriendi), Vandrunen draws out the treatment?); the chronic illness with a have children at all, before discussing implications of Psalm 90 which counsels burdensome treatment; and whether birth control in principle. us to number our days so that we might treatment may be withdrawn from a The next chapter shifts focus from get a heart of wisdom. As we grow in person in a persistent vegetative state. those considering how many children the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and I would recommend this book highly. to have, to those unable to have any. love, we may not only prepare for death Although written by an expert in ethics Again the discussion proceeds on the but allow our inevitable death to be a and theology, it is far from difficult to basis laid in Part 1, and pleasingly avoids source of growth in grace. Besides this, read. Indeed, it reflects a pastor’s heart overly simplistic solutions to the painful he also recommends making temporal (Vandrunen is an ordained minister in the and fraught issues of childlessness and preparations for death by means of wills, Orthodox Presbyterian Church), and does assisted reproductive techniques while including living wills for the event that not shrink from applying Biblical teaching clearly addressing a range of these issues. we are incapacitated, and discusses the to tough real-life questions. God calls us Chapter 6 considers the human embryo, question of organ donation. to walk wisely, and to seek wisdom in and discusses not only abortion and the Chapter 8 discusses suicide and eu- the abundance of counselors. Vandrunen question of when life begins, but also thanasia, before drawing out the helpful provides helpful counsel that can prepare the topical matter of embryonic stem- distinction between killing and letting us as Christians to make such decisions, cell research. die. The final chapter continues by con- or to negotiate our way through troublous Part 3 considers bioethical issues re- sidering the difficult matter of whether life and death issues. This counsel can also lated to the end of life. Chapter 7 sets to accept or forego treatment. Here assist us as believers who, while being the scene by asking what the proper Vandrunen draws on the basis outlined citizens of the kingdom of God, seek to Christian attitude to death is. While we at the start of the book, and does not be salt and light in this world.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir snuck into our services. projector, organ, additional instruments, Thank you for the work you and your I am not suggesting for a moment that the colour of the minister’s tie enhance team do in putting together Faith in Focus the church has to use the latest gadgetry the worship of our risen, victorious every month. It is appreciated. in its worship services. But let’s not put Lord? And then how does the use of Given the recent views expressed our head in the sand and say it is all these modern aids benefit, encourage, about the use of the data projector in bad. There are some good things. challenge, edify and convict those who worship services, satirical or otherwise, Furthermore, the data projector can worship with us, believers and unbeliev- perhaps it’s time to add an alternative be a helpful tool for reaching out to ers alike.” For me, these are the weighty view. the lost. Whether we like it or not, the matters that deserve careful and prayerful Although I am sympathetic to some world, and even our own children are consideration. 1 Corinthians 10:23 states of the concerns that have been ex- growing up in an environment where this “Everything is permissible”—but not pressed, I am not convinced that the technology is normal. Iphones, Bluetooth, everything is beneficial. “Everything points made are equally valid across all E-mail, Wi-Fi, Facebook, Twitter, You- is permissible”—but not everything worship services. Tube, TXTing, it’s all out there. is constructive.” And it shouldn’t just I for one have found the data projec- Perhaps it’s time fthat the church, be confined to the worship service tor helpful for singing, also for when the rather than always finding things to (1 Corinthians 10:31), so perhaps that leader in worship uses a geographical criticise, explores ways to reach out to is the real and deeper challenge to be map or some other graphic to highlight a world now in darkness, using these acknowledged. a location or particular structure, also modern means to bring the message of Blessings, for sermon notes and confessions on salvation to the masses. Thankfully, some Graeme Zuidema the screen, particularly in the teaching churches are already doing so. service at night. So my point is rather simple – there Letters to the editor are most welcome. They The analogy used by one writer to are many good things that can become should refer to an issue the magazine has suggest that things will be ‘sneakily’ in- part of our worship service. There are recently published. Their language should be cluded on the data projector as various also some things we need to be wary temperate, and they may not charge anyone musical instruments have sneaked into of, but not necessarily paranoid about. with an offence. They should be brief, and our services, is really without founda- The data projector can be and has been they may be condensed by the editor. The tion. A quick search in my NIV Bible a useful aid / tool. opinions expressed are those of the writer, and not necessarily of the editorial team of concordance makes no mention of an We need to be discerning and ask Faith in Focus. organ, so I am left wondering where that ourselves, “How does the use of the data-

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 21 Meeting with the C.a.r.e team at Madurai on March 5th 2010

For some years our denomination’s Na- regular work because of weakness and felt decidedly shaky. We were given an tional Diaconate Committee has been regular bouts of illness that confine them opportunity to ask questions and see involved in a special ministry to HIV(+) to bed. how C.A.R.E.’s ministry works. and AIDS sufferers and their families in The C.A.R.E. programme has re- The programme helps this young various parts of Tamil Nadu (South In- sponded accordingly. In Madurai (one widow in a number of significant ways. dia). In March 2010, the Rev Dirk van of three regional centres operated by First and foremost, there is the spiritual, Garderen (NDC), along with the Rev Bert this programme), nutritional supplements emotional and physical support that her Kuipers of the World Diaconate Relief are still supplied, as is medication for counsellor offers in the monthly visits. (CRCA) and his brother Klaas, revisited many of the frequent illnesses their The comfort of the gospel, prayer and the work in Madurai, went on a number 2,000 clients present when they come to friendship is the very heart of this work. of home visits and then met with 23 of the clinic or are visited in their homes. Secondly, C.A.R.E. is providing for the the staff members, including the founder, However, above all else, the focus is on education of this widow’s 15-year-old Mr Paulus Samuel. ongoing counselling and support. Most of daughter. The daughter proudly de- The C.A.R.E. (Centre for AIDS Re- the counsellors are themselves HIV (+) scribed her academic achievements and habilitation and Education) facilities are and widows. Moreover, although many plans to enrol in a nursing course as adjacent to the huge public hospital in have a Hindu background, they are now soon as she graduates from high school. Madurai. For many years people who firmly committed Christians and counsel C.A.R.E.’s commitment to paying for her are diagnosed as being HIV(+) are told accordingly. The message of salvation, education will continue until she gradu- by the hospital that they can receive spiritual wholeness and hope in Christ is ates. Thirdly, care has provided a (rice) additional medication, nutritional sup- the heart of the counsel they share. flour making machine. This becomes a port and, above all, counselling at the ‘cottage industry’ that generates a small C.A.R.E. centre, next door. Two home visits income of about 350 rupees in a good HIV is and remains a condition for After braving the chaotic road and traffic week ($(NZ)11.00). After sharing the which no cure is in sight. There are conditions, we arrived at the house of hope that even the hopeless receive regular reports of new directions that a 35-year-old widow, her school-aged in and through Christ, we prayed and medical researchers are exploring, but no daughter and an elderly, dependent moved on to the next visit. more. Nowadays, with proper medica- father. House? Well, yes, at least in that Imagine, at 16, marrying a truck- tion, the disease rarely leads to a quick part of the world where one (windowless) driver, and finding yourself pregnant death. Those infected often live for quite room (2.5m square) with a lean-to and almost immediately. A visit to the doctor a number of years. However, tiredness, a ‘yard’ is just that! Three of us went to confirm this great news included a test stiffness, sore joints, headaches, nausea inside and were seated on a bed-base. for HIV. “I’m afraid you’re HIV(+)”, she and, viral infections etc., are frequent When a large rat suddenly scurried was told. Within a year your truck-driver and many of the victims cannot find between my feet to find safer haven, I husband, who had the disease before he married you and never told you, is dead. Later on you will hear that his brother has full-blown AIDS as well, and will die soon after. Your in-laws hate you because they blame you for the death of their son. After all, didn’t the doctors diagnose you when you were pregnant? No sup- port there. It must come from your own family – your parents and, above all, a young brother whose chances of mar- riage will become extremely slim because of your condition. Your ‘reputation’ has seen to that! If he does marry, you’re on your own. He is the breadwinner of the family. No ACC or State support is available. We met this 24 year old widow and her little son who, praise God, is not HIV(+)! Many such children are. This widow, who looked more like a girl, This is a picture of the mother and daughter we visited. Mother is a HIV(+). She receives monthly visits from the C.A.R.E. counsellor. Her daughter is completing her education and expects to be invited us into her home where we able to follow a nursing course. C.A.R.E. funds provide both secondary and tertiary education. met her mother and brother. Her dad

22 Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 was minding the ‘shop’ – in front of the • Counsellors were adamant that the • However, counsellors asserted that house selling sweets. need to maintain their monthly visit- counselling is ‘absolutely’ at the heart C.A.R.E. again has brought hope into ing schedules is vital. HIV victims of this ministry. As one said, ‘God this family. Christ now reigns in their and their families continue to need alone can do what we cannot do.’ hearts. They have become part of a support, encouragement and an op- The necessary focus is on forgiveness, small church community in that mostly portunity to share their ongoing battles repentance and the refocusing of life Hindu village. What really struck me and concerns. HIV and the problems in and with the Lord Jesus. was the genuine friendship between the associated with it, do not go away • Counsellors report the increasingly counsellor and this family. C.A.R.E. has over time. close relationship with local churches and continues to provide a real life-line • With the children in these families and strive to connect their patients that is first and foremost spiritual and growing up, new kinds of issues with them. Once a local church be- then practical. This is ‘Word and Deed’ arise for them. Their own situation comes involved with the family, things ministry in action. or condition needs to be addressed, start to happen. although by no means all children Meeting with the staff at the clinic of HIV(+) parents are themselves 5. Is there a greater acceptance of this It seems that whatever we did in India, infected. However, the social stigma condition today? we were always rushing around in top is real and lasting. It needs to be ad- • This question provoked some very gear and invariably late! Not surpris- dressed. animated discussion and examples. ingly the staff in Madurai waited a Generally speaking, it is still the good hour and a half before we finally 3. Has the ‘peak’ passed as far as this women who are blamed. After all, in got there. (We had been on a visit to disease is concerned? many instances, women are first diag- see a remote village where Mr Paulus • New patients continue to come to nosed as being HIV(+) via pregnancy Samuel is seeking to develop a nucleus the centres. (Some 222 new cases tests. In-laws tend to blame daughter- of ‘Tuition Centres’. More on that in presented themselves at Madurai in in-law (or the other way round) with another article!) 2009.) all kinds of repercussions. There were Most of the 23 staff members we met • The counsellors did not believe that many stories of the subsequent, often that morning were counsellors. Most of the need to counsel those suffering long-lasting, tensions. The desire to these counsellors are themselves HIV(+) from this disease has decreased at lay the blame on another’s doorstep widows and converts from Hinduism. all. remains real and can, ultimately, only Watching them, listening to their testi- be addressed in and through Jesus. monies and discovering what they are 4. What role does counselling have in • The support of local churches as an doing was deeply moving. this ministry? indicator of greater acceptance was After introducing ourselves to each • The C.A.R.E. centre provides free also raised. Yes, as indicated previ- other, it was suggested that we might nutritional supplements to help suf- ously, there is increasing understand- like to ask some questions. A great op- ferers in a physical sense. They also ing and support, but this remains a portunity! The three of us were able provide free medical advice for the slow process. to ask whatever we wanted about this many sicknesses and periods of illness ministry. This turned out to be a real those with HIV(+) suffer again and 6. How are you counsellors coping, espe- eye-opener. again. Headaches, fatigue, joint pains, cially since many of you are yourselves etc., are some of the more common HIV(+)? Here is a sample: problems. • Supervision, the need to maintain 1. What are some of the changes you have observed in your ministry over the years? • Those who are diagnosed HIV(+) live a lot longer than they used to. • There is a greater awareness of this disease and its causes among young people. • Truck drivers – the most ‘at risk’ population a decade ago – are more cautious nowadays. • Nowadays the focus is on the de- velopment of a real, caring relation- ship/friendship between the counsellor and the clients and their families. This has become increasingly central to this ministry. • Families being visited are increasingly open to the gospel .

2. Is there is a real or even a growing need for this kind of ministry today? The whiteboard shows some of the current statistics of the C.A.R.E. centre monthly programme.

Faith in Focus Volume 37/5 June 2010 23 schedules, do the follow-up work is hope in Jesus as their Lord. This Lord is what has kept us going.’ always important. commitment needs to be reinforced • Most of the counsellors, when continually. Therefore the counsel- 7. Is your counsel and advice often first diagnosed, were Hindu (at lors get together at least monthly rejected? least nominally!) but, as part of for a time of prayer, fasting and • There are some villages/communities the process, came to know, find sharing together. As one expressed that still have the attitude ‘don’t need forgiveness, salvation, new life and it, ‘Knowing and walking with the you!’ but that is not common. • Initial rejection and even hostility breaks down after a while and people change their minds. • Hostility, helplessness, anger, etc., is real when a person is first diagnosed. But it is here that the counsellors are most able to step in. Given that they themselves are HIV(+) they under- stand and are able to address these powerful feelings very well indeed.

8. Why are most of you female rather than male counsellors? • Women, being at home, were at first more available to do counselling and, as mentioned, were often informed of their (and their husband’s) condi- tion via pregnancy tests. In Hindu One of the counsellors working with a client at the C.A.R.E. clinic in Madurai. culture, men addressing this with women is, to say the least, diffi- cult! • Furthermore, generally speaking, at first men were less able/willing to face the facts than were women! • There is an increasing role for male counsellors as the focus shifts towards couples.

Summing up At present there is no need for financial support for C.A.R.E. by our churches. The work continues, but sufficient fund- ing for this project is available without our input. That’s great news. Nevertheless C.A.R.E. has been and remains very important both in India and for us here in New Zealand. The Centre: The young widow with her mother and brother (right). Two counsellor on the left. ongoing need for this ministry is real. Above all, this work demonstrates and proves that Word and Deed ministry go hand-in-hand. C.A.R.E. began in the wards of the Madurai public hospital when Paulus Samuel, a psychologist, and a doctor friend saw that no real help or aftercare was available for AIDS victims and their families at that time. As C.A.R.E.’s work and vision developed, the gospel as the good news of the ultimate healer and healing became increasingly central. Through C.A.R.E. many came to know Christ and those new converts became the counsellors who now minister to others. That is the lesson and challenge of C.A.R.E. also for us in New Zealand. Some of the counsellors at the C.A.R.E. clinic at Madurai. Most are widows who are Thank God for it. themselves HIV(+). They uniformly love the Lord and see the Gospel as being at the very Dirk J van Garderen heart of their work.